The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

Computer Music - Pro Tools 101/102

Faculty: Angela Taylor

As accessibility to personal home studios has increased, the Prep Computer Music Department is pleased to offer Pro Tools recording classes. Group classes are designed to guide students from an introduction to MIDI, to an understanding of the techniques required for recording studio production.

Classes will be taught using on a Mac computer running Pro Tools LE. Students will be required to purchase their own Pro Tools software for their home computers. Students will complete their assignments using their own home computers. Academic-priced software is available (see links below).

Prerequisites

• Comfortable using your computer, installing software, creating/playing mp3 files.
• Comfortable playing singlehanded on a MIDI (piano) keyboard (nothing virtuoso).
• A strong interest in music.
• Patience to work through various technical problems you will inevitably encounter in your studio.
• (Internet access is highly recommended so you can search internet forums for tech support when needed.)

Supplies needed in your home studio:

• Computer of recent vintage (Mac or PC)
• Pro Tools Software (see below)
• MIDI-capable (piano style) Keyboard (hopefully with USB input)
• (If your keyboard is old, may also need MIDI cables)
• Blank CDs and/or Flash Drive to bring in homework
• Later in Semester: Mic, Cable, and Headphones. Decent Speakers.

If you don't own some of these items, consider coming to the first class to get advice before you go out and purchase lots of gear. Keep all your receipts and original packaging so you can return mis-purchased items!

Curriculum

MIDI, basic mic techniques, plug-ins (i.e. compressors, EQ, delay, reverb), and home studio setup. Initially, Ms. Taylor will bring in session files of songs for students to take home and mix. Later in the semester, students will create/record their own songs. Depending upon skill level/interest, we may use the book Pro Tools 101 Official Courseware.

Homework

Each week students will be asked to mix a provided session file, or assemble a new song. The only way to get better at using your home studio is to spend time in there - lots of it. It is up students how much time to spend/how elaborate you want your songs to be.
 

Computer Music Spring 2012

Pro Tools 101

Pro Tools 102

Enrollment disclaimer:

• Four students need to register for the class to successfully run at one hour.
• If only three students register, class will be 45 minutes long.
• If only two students register, class will be 30 minutes long. Minimum of two students.

For more info contact instructor Angela Taylor at ataylor@peabody.jhu.edu

Q: I am interested in the Pro Tools 101; however there are numerous supplies required and I am not sure if it is financially feasible. I own a MAC BOOK PRO but do not own any of the other items.  Can you give me a range of what it would cost to purchase?

A: I am never sure if enough people will sign up for the class to run each semester (2 people minimum) so I would suggest you sign up, and come to the first class before buying anything. Peabody will refund all your tuition money if it doesn’t run.

Now, onto your question: Your computer is fine.

• Pro Tools 9 - academic pricing is $295, or $125 if crossgrading from an older version of ProTools. Visit Avid's academic pricing webpage, or studica.com
• MIDI-capable (piano style) Keyboard the cheapest thing you can buy is fine. Try Goodwill. Or Craig's List. Or eBay. Try to buy something modern enough that it has a USB connection on the back.
• (If your MIDI keyboard is really old, and lacks a USB connection, you may need MIDI cables/MIDI interface. No big deal, just be forewarned.)
• Blank CDs and/or Flash Drive to bring in homework
• Later in Semester: Mic, Cable, and Headphones. Decent Speakers. (Not junky $20 computer speakers.)
Sometimes you can get nice equipment bundles on starter packages. For example, try audioMIDI.com, or sweetwater.

Q: What is the 102 course?

A: The Level II course is run like an advanced-level seminar, and is for students who have already competed the 101 course. Students are encouraged to bring in their session files from whatever projects they are working on in their home studios. Also we will discuss advanced topics like Digi plugins vs. Waves plugins vs. McDSP plugins, mixing techniques, miking techniques, mastering, production techniques, etc. Students can take this course more than once as new topics will be discussed each week and each semester.