Grossman Recording Studio

The focal point of the control room is our new analog mixing console. The Trident 68-16 is a modern analog recording console typically found in world class studios. It offers a hands-on tactical experience and integration to the digital world of modern recording. The console is augmented by state of the art studio speakers (Focal, Yamaha, Auratone), audio interfaces (RME UFX+, Allen & Heath, Black Lion Audio), a Grace control room monitoring system, Ferrofish analog to digital convertor, and more. The control room has  a quadratic sound diffuser and acoustic materials to enhance the room acoustics, as well as a new Yamaha digital piano. The control room computer has dual Apple monitors and industry standard Digital Audio Workstations, such as Avid Pro Tools, Apple Logic Pro, and Ableton Live. Students learn and explore music production through industry-standard software. Each DAW has a vast library of plugins, such as Waves, Soundtoys, Antares,  FabFilter and more, to enhance and refine the sound they envision.

The Editing and Production Suite features an Apple iMac, JBL studio monitor speakers, multi-channel Presonus interface, and midi keyboard controller. This space is used for midi production and editing, as well as music composition with software instruments. Students have created soundtracks for video, and do production work in Avid Protools, Apple LogicPro, and Ableton Live. 

The Grossman Studio Live Room features a vintage Fender Rhodes electric piano and Hammond A100 organ and Leslie speaker. Students use the Yamaha acoustic piano and our vintage keyboards to create the unparalleled sounds that only this equipment can produce! We also have both rock and jazz drum kits, Fender and Ampeg guitar and bass amps, and an extensive collection of microphones (Neuman, AKG, Shure, Warm Audio, Neve DI, and more). We have installed an ethernet headphone network with a control station at each instrument position. Students can dial in their headphone mix to maximize their recording experience.

The recording classes have also evolved with the studio facilities. The courses are taught in our large media classroom (ELM) in the Zankel Music Center. We have created a rolling rack studio system that has an iMac,, digital mixing console interface, and JBL speakers. Eighteen students are divided into six teams of 3 students for their work in the Grossman studio. All of the course content is delivered in ELM, with the rolling rack projected onto the large screen for easy viewing and demonstration. The academic components of classes are taught to the entire group in ELM. The students are then divided into teams of 3 students who work together for their assigned studio projects in the Grossman studio,  We have trained 6 paid student teaching assistants who assist the student teams while they are in the main studio. Each team has assigned studio times in the Grossman studio with their TA to work collectively on their projects. Additionally, a TA attends each class meeting to assist me during the academic teaching and demonstrations. The TA system has allowed the classwork to transition into the studio seamlessly, with the TAs monitoring and assisting the teams as needed.

Music Technology I - Introduction to Electronic Music, Composition, and Recording Studio Techniques

Credits: 3  

Introduction to basic music technology, electronic music, and professional recording studio techniques and equipment. Study of elementary acoustics, MIDI, synthesizers, microphones, analog and digital multitrack recording, sound mixing, and processing. Introduction to works in various styles by established electronic composers.

Professional Internship in Music  

Credits: 1-4  

Internship opportunity for students whose curricular foundations and cocurricular experience have prepared them for professional work related to the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as arts administration, recording, and archival work.

Music Technology II: Advanced Electronic Music, Composition, and Recording Studio Techniques  

Credits: 3  

Development of original compositions using advanced studio techniques. Areas of study include advanced MIDI projects, computer algorithms for composition and sound synthesis, synthesizer programming, audio (SMPTE) and video (VITC) time code synchronization, digital sampling, digital multitrack recording, automated digital mixing, digital mastering for compact disk, and audio for video. Study of works in various styles by established electronic composers.

Film Scoring  

Credits: 3  

Music composition and audio production techniques for film, television and documentaries.  Students will learn to compose and record original compositions using either computer virtual synthesizers or a music notation program to accompany and enhance video sequences from short films/videos, feature film excerpts and television and documentary films and videos. From romantic background music to exciting action sequences, students will learn the most effective ways of creating original music that enhances the images on the screen. Commercial shorts, feature films and documentaries will be studied and analyzed for musical content and production techniques which may be applicable to student projects in this course.  

Topics in Recording Engineering and Computer Music Technology  

Credits: 3  

The study and practical application of advanced music technology topics chosen at the discretion of the instructor. Topics may include advanced MIDI applications; recording engineering, production, and marketing; digital synthesis, recording, and editing; intelligent synchronization; programming languages for synthesis and studies in psychoacoustics.

Independent Study in Music  

Credits: 1-4  

An opportunity for qualified students to pursue independent study, under the supervision of a member of the department, in any field of music.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of the department.   

Note(s): This course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the department.  

Senior Project In Music Technology  

Credits: 3  

Independent project culminating in a substantial product in an appropriate medium and format, and an oral symposium presentation. Project proposal must be submitted to the chair for departmental approval by November 15 of the senior year.

Professional Internship in Music  

Credits: 1-4  

Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as arts administration, recording, and archival work.