Computer Music
Angela Taylor, Instructor
ataylor@peabody.jhu.edu
Pro Tools 101/102
As accessibility to personal home studios has increased, the Peabody Preparatory Computer Music Department is pleased to offer Pro Tools recording classes. Group classes are designed to guide students through basic recording and editing, an introduction to MIDI, and 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 personal 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.
- Internet access so you can search internet forums for tech support when needed.
- Patience to work through various technical problems you will inevitably encounter in your studio.
Supplies needed in your personal home studio
- Laptop Computer of recent vintage (Mac highly recommended - PC may work but will be much harder)
- Pro Tools Software and an iLok (see below)
- MIDI-capable (piano style) Keyboard (hopefully with USB input)
- (If your keyboard is old, may also need MIDI cables)
- 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 can 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 2013 (new semester starts Thursday, Jan 24, 2013)
Pro Tools 101
| PP.400.010 02 | THU, 6:15-7:15 | 314C | Taylor | Spring $465 |
Pro Tools 102
| PP.400.011 02 | THU, 7:15-8:15 | 314C | Taylor | Spring $465 |
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.
