Audio Production Training in NJ / NYC area

Itec Audio Studios LLC, Clifton:
We are a New Jersey based Music and Audio Production School, Our Mission is to empower and prepare our students for hopeful futures in the Music Industry. We accomplish this by utilizing industry standard tools, small class sizes and a NJ State Approved CTE (Career and Technical Education) Curriculum.

Fundamentals of Music Production

Length: 5 Weeks
Course Description
This hands-on course introduces students to the primary features and basic user interface of Logic Pro. Students learn how to generate a customized audio and midi configuration that will seamlessly integrate with their own personal production studio. Students also create their own song using Logic Pro's comprehensive array of software instruments, Apple Loops and DSP effects. In-depth lessons will cover MIDI and audio recording, streamlined editing and arrangement techniques, user defined key commands, automation, scoring to picture and surround mixing.

Who Should Attend?
This class is designed for those who want to learn music production and composition using Logic Pro or Logic Express.
What You Will Learn
  • Working with Plug-ins
  • Using audio instruments
  • Understanding workflow techniques
  • Editing audio regions
  • Using the Sample Editor
  • Working with Apple Loops

Prerequisites
Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:
  • Basic knowledge of Mac OS X
  • Basic knowledge of audio terminology is recommended
Course Outline
Note: The curricula below comprise activities typically covered in a class at this skill level. The instructor may, at his/her discretion, adjust the lesson plan to meet the needs of the class.

Lesson 1: Make Music with Logic
Launching Logic, Exploring the interface, Navigating the Song, Zooming, Previewing and using Loops, Buildingan arrangement, Mixing, and Exporting the mix
Lesson 2: Recording Audio
Digital Audio Recording Settings, Recording a Single Instrument, Recording Additional Takes, Recording Takes in Cycle Mode, Recording Multiple Tracks, Recording Additional Takes on Multiple Tracks, Punching in and out (Auto and On the Fly), Adjusting Recording settings and Adjusting Metronome Settings
Lesson 3: Editing Audio
Deleting Unused Audio Files, Importing Audio Files with the Browser, Comping Takes, Flatten Take Folder, Using Fades and Crossfades, Resizing an Audio Region, Moving an Edit Point, Cleaning a Noisy take, and Using the Sample Editor
Lesson 4: Recording MIDI
Using Software Instruments, Quantizing a Recording, Using External MIDI Hardware, Merging New Recordings, Recording AdditionalTakes, Layering Instruments, and Splitting a Keyboard to Control Two Instruments
Lesson 5: Editing and Programming MIDI
Importing MIDI Files, Editing in the Piano Roll Editor, Editing in the Score Editor, Editing in the Hyper Editor, Editing MIDI Continuous Controller Events, and Cleaning a MIDI Recording
Lesson 6: Programming Drums
Programming a Drum Beat, Editing Velocity and Accents, Humanizing a Pattern and Creating a Snare Roll
Lesson 7: Manipulating Tempo and Time Stretching
Adjusting a Song's Tempo to a Loop, Adjusting a Loop's Tempo to a Song, Tempo Changes and Curves, Time-stretching Audio, Time-stretching MIDI, Using Apple Loops, Creating Blue and Green Apple Loops, Adding Apple Loops to a Lop Browser and Using the Follow Tempo Function
Lesson 8: Arranging the Song
Using the Grid, Inserting Time Signature Changes, Using the Catch Function, Using the Skip Cycle Mode, Cutting Regions, Repeating Sections, and Using Aliases to Build an Arrangement
Lesson 9: Mixing
Preparing for Mixing, Using the Mixer, Individual Channel Strips for Ultra beat, Using the Library, Using Plug-ins, Using Buses, Reading the Meters, Exporting your Mix, Burning a CD and Exporting Individual Tracks
Lesson 10: Automating the Mix and Using Control Surfaces
Region- vs. Track-based Automation, Writing and Editing Offline Automation, Recording Online Automation, and Using External Controllers
Lesson 11: Scoring Movies
Basic Settings, Importing a Movie File, Detecting Scene Cuts, Manipulating the Grid, and Exporting your Movie Soundtrack
Lesson 12: Troubleshooting and Optimization
Getting Sound Out and In, Getting MIDI Out and In, Recovering Deleted Audio or MIDI Regions, Reading the System Performance Meter, Basic Computer Maintenance Steps, and Adding Third Party Plug-ins

Advanced Techniques in Music Production
Length: 5 Weeks
Course Description
This three-day course takes you through Logic's powerful advanced features, covering everything from production, editing, and mixing, to notation and scoring to picture. Throughout the class professional secrets are revealed regarding how to streamline production workflow, accelerate editing tasks, effectively manage takes, and construct a mix that will meet the most exacting standards. You'll discover powerful techniques for multi-track recording and explore the limitless potential of Logic's audio instruments, including the revolutionary Sculpture.
Who Should Attend?
This class is designed for those who want to learn music production and composition using Logic Pro or Logic Express. The course is best suited for those who prefer hands-on and interactive instruction to explore the full functionality of Logic Pro.
What You Will Learn
  • Customizing the Interface and using Key Commands
  • Managing I/O Setups and creating and Managing Takes
  • Working with Software Instruments
  • Creating and Using Markers
  • Scoring to Picture
  • Working with Notation
Prerequisites
Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:
  • Basic knowledge of Mac OS X
  • Ideally, students will have attended the Fundamentals to Music Production Course.
Course Outline
Note: The curricula below comprise activities typically covered in a class at this skill level. The instructor may, at his/her discretion, adjust the lesson plan to meet the needs of the class.
Lesson 1: Speeding Up Your Workflow
Using Project Templates, Creating Your Own Template, Customizing the Interface, Using Key Commands, Accessing the Tool Menu, Saving a Project Template, Opening and Creating Projects Automatically

Lesson 2: Managing Projects and Takes
Using Project Folders, Working with Assets, Quickly Accessing Additional Tracks, Recording Multiple Tracks Simultaneously, and Deleting Unused Tracks

Lesson 3: Matching Tempo and Pitch
Working with Apple Loops, Using the Time and Pitch Machine, Performing Time Stretching and Compression in the Arrange Area, and Working with Rubato Passages

Lesson 4: Working with Software Instruments
Getting Familiar with the Instruments, Understanding the User Interface, Using Ultrabeat, Using the EXS24 mkII Software Sampler, Using the EVP88 Vintage Electric Piano, Using the EVD6 Vintage Clavinet, Using the EFM 1 FM Synthesizer, Using the ES1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer, Using the ES2 Synthesizer, Using Global Tracks to Create a Quick Arrangement, Sound Design with Sculpture, and Treating Your MIDI Hardware as Software

Lesson 5: Working with the Arrangement
Creating and Using Markers, Navigating the Arrangement, Navigating with Markers, Isolating Material with Cycle Mode, Using Zooming, and Editing the Arrangement

Lesson 6: Advanced Audio Editing
Using Edits to Create Parts, Comping Tracks, and Fixing Problems Using the Sample Editor


Lesson 7: Advanced MIDI Editing
Using Loops, Copies, and Aliases, Demixing MIDI Regions, Working with Region Parameters, Working with MIDI Note Events, and Using Transform Functions

Lesson 8: Working with Mixer Channels
Using the Mixer, Using Insert Effects, Using Send Effects, Panning Stereo Tracks, Switching the Contents of the Plug-in Window, Changing Plug-inLocations, and Using Channel Strip Settings

Lesson 9: Controlling Signal Flow
Using Aux Channels as Submixes, Applying Send Effects to Submixes, Using Mixer Groups, and Incorporating External Effects Processors

Lesson 10: Automating the Mix
Automating the Mix Working with Offline Automation and Performing Real-Time Automation

Lesson 11: MIDI Processing in the Environment
Navigating Within the Environment, Creating Environment Objects, Creating Signal Chains, Using Touch Tracks Objects

Lesson 12: Working with Notation
Creating Notation, Entering Notes Using Graphic Input, Entering Notes Using Step Input, Using Staff Styles, Working with Text, Transcribing a Performance, Working with Drum Notation, Creating Scores and Parts

Lesson 13: Working with Surround
Configuring Logic for Surround, Mixing in Surround, Using Surround Effects, Checking the Surround Mix, Down Mixing, Encoding Surround Projects

Lesson 14: Scoring the Picture
Setting Up Synchronization, Importing Media, Spotting the Movie, Positioning Events in the Timeline


Introduction to Melodyne Software
Length: 5 Weeks
Overview
Celemony Melodyne Studio 3 is an industry standard audio manipulation software music program. It incorporates amazing pitch and time stretching algorithms that are able to sonically adjust audio to extremes, without gaining distracting artifacts. With the release of the updated Melodyne Editor, audio manipulation is widened to enable the musical adjustment of polyphonic audio files in addition to the traditional melodic or single note files. In this course, you will learn the fundamental concepts of the software and how to incorporate them in your workflow to get the most out of the application.
Melodyne studio demo
Looking for Melodyne studio?Here is your demo version.
 

Introduction to Mixing & Mastering
Length: 5 Weeks
Overview
This Course is organized to cover such topics as preparation for mixing, the mixing environment, vocal tuning, the proper use of EQ, Compression, Reverb and Delay during the mixing process.  Students will learn the basics of Audio Mastering, preparation for mastering, the use of standalone applications for mastering and final export for online & CD delivery mediums.  This course is designed for any individual who is looking to take the sonic quality of their music to the professional level.

Audience
This course is designed for the audio enthusiast with little to no experience.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of recording techniques, processes, and equipment.
Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
  • Session management
  • Arrange Audio for Mixing
  • Import media into your session
  • Proper use of Native Plugins
  • Audio Frequencies
  • Apply basic and mixed editing techniques
  • Finish your work
  • Mix a song from start to finish

Pro Tools 101: Introduction to Pro Tools
Length: 5 WeeksOverview
This course covers basic Pro Tools principles. It provides everything you need to complete a Pro Tools project-from initial set up to final mixdown. The course focuses on Pro Tools software and covers a multitude of new functions and feature enhancements. Whether your project involves recording live instruments, MIDI sequencing of software synthesizers, or audio editing or region looping, this course will give you the basic skills to succeed.
Audience
This course is designed for the audio enthusiast with little to no Pro Tools experience.

Prerequisites
Basic understanding of recording techniques, processes, and equipment.
Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Create your first session
  • Make your first audio recording
  • Import media into your session
  • Make your first MIDI recording
  • Select and navigate
  • Apply basic and mixed editing techniques
  • Finish your work
  • Create Music and Post hands-on projects

Pro Tools 110: Pro Tools Production I
Length: 5 Weeks
Overview
This course provides a more detailed look at the Pro Tools system above and beyond the knowledge you gained in the Pro Tools 101 course. It covers all the key concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools system at the User level. This course, along with the Pro Tools 101: An Introduction to Pro Tools, provides the foundation to Pro Tools User Certification and for the later 200-series of courses on Pro Tools music and post production.

Audience
  • Musicians
  • Audio Engineers
  • Sound Editors for Flim or Television
Prerequisites
  • Pro Tools 101: Introduction to Pro Tools
Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
  • Configure your studio and session
  • Control Pro Tools using external controllers
  • Manage session data and media files
  • Record MIDI and audio, using loop recording and advanced techniques
  • Work with time scales and virtual instruments
  • Work with Avid Elastic Audio
  • Edit and quantize MIDI and audio
  • Use audio editing and file management techniques
  • Apply editing techniques such as the use of Clip Loops
  • Enable, play, view, and edit automation data
  • Mix using sends, returns, plug-ins, Master Faders, and groups

Pro Tools 130 for Game Audio
Length: 5 weeks
Overview
This course provides students with exposure to the core skills, workflow, and concepts involved in creating and implementing game audio using Pro Tools systems. It covers basic sound design techniques along with example workflows. Session time is divided between demonstration and hands-on practice, with ample time to experiment with sample material.
Audience
This course is designed for end-users with basic Pro Tools skills, including:
  • Musicians
  • Sound Editors
  • Multimedia Producers, or anyone wishing to become involved in sound for games and
     interactive media.
Prerequisites
  • Pro Tools 101: Introduction to Pro Tools (required)
  • Pro Tools 110: Pro Tools Production I (recommended)
Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
  • Understand game audio workflow
  • Work with dialog
  • Incorporate Foley
  • Add sound effects
  • Work with background (ambient) sounds
  • Create an interactive music score
  • Incorporate realistic vehicle sounds
  • Create dynamic cinematics

Pro Tools: User Certification Program
The Avid Pro Tools Certified User Exam is the first of several certification exams that allow you to become Avid Certified.  The combined certifications offer an established and recognized goal for both academic users and industry professionals as shown in the graphic below. The graphic below illustrates your pathway to certification.

The Avid Pro Tools User Certification requires that you display a firm grasp of the core skills, workflows, and concepts of digital audio editing on an Avid Pro Tools system.

Benefits
An Avid Certified User credential allows you to:
  • Demonstrate your fundamental competency in digital audio editing with the current version of Avid  Pro Tools
  • Differentiate yourself from competitors and make your résumé stand out
  • Leverage the power of the Avid brand by using your entitlement of Avid Pro Tools Certified User logos on your     • digital correspondence and business cards
Confirm your credentials on Avid's Find a Certified Professional online listing and with a Certificate of Achievement

FAQ
Q-01:  What is the Pro Tools Certified User exam?
A-01:  The Pro Tools Certified User exam is designed to assess a candidate's core skills for working with Avid Pro Tools, including fundamental concepts and workflow. The Pro Tools User Certification requires that you display a firm grasp of the core skills, workflows, and concepts of recording, editing, and mixing on an Avid Pro Tools system. The exam covers content from the Introduction to Pro Tools 2-day course and the Pro Tools Production I 3-day course (or equivalent real-world product experience).  Read More

Q-02:  Why should I obtain this certification?
A-02: As a professional, an Avid Certified credential allows you to:

  • Differentiate yourself from competitors
  • Make your résumé stand out
  • Attract and win new business
  • Gain recognition from your employer and peers
  • Leverage the power of the Avid brand by using your entitlement of Avid Pro Tools Certified User logos   •   on your digital correspondence and business cards

As an employer, use the Avid Certified credential as a benchmark so you can:
  • Find the right person for the job
  • Quickly assess candidate skill level
  • Invest in and promote your most promising employees

Q-03:  Who should take the Pro Tools Certified User exam?
A-03:  The Pro Tools Certified User exam is designed for individuals who possess:

  • Thorough knowledge of the audio engineering process through experience as an engineer,
     assistant engineer, producer, or other experience that has provided knowledge of the editing
     process for digital audio


  • Familiarity with Macintosh or Windows operating systems and software applications on
  • those platforms, including experience with their user interfaces and navigational tools

  • Fundamental understanding of, and the capability to use Avid Pro Tools to engineer a
  • project through completion, with all of the fundamental operational skills to record, edit, mix,
  • and output the finished session

Q-04:  What topics are covered on the Pro Tools Certified User exam?
A-04:  The content areas covered and their relative proportions on the exam are as follows:

Content Area

Percentage of Exam

Session Management

10%

Recording

15%

Editing

20%

Mixing

20%

Finishing

10%

Video

5%

Elastic Audio

10%

Virtual Instruments

10%

Q-05:  What happens if I take the exam and do not pass?
A-05:  Exam results are shown immediately when an exam is completed and submitted for evaluation. Unless a candidate is banned from retaking the exams for reasons of fraud or rule violations, the following retake policy applies:

  • If a candidate does not pass an exam the first time, he/she may retake it after at least
  • 24 hours have passed
  • Once a candidate has passed an exam, it may not be taken again

Q-06:  What should I bring with me to take the exam?
A-06:  You must bring personal identification with you to the exam testing center.

Reference materials, laptops, backpacks, notepads, pens, or other personal equipment are not allowed in the testing area.

Q-07:  Can I refer to study materials during the exam?
A-07:  No. Candidates are not allowed to reference any documentation or study materials during the exam.

Q-08:  What is the format of the exam?
A-08:  The Pro Tools Certified User exam is composed of 50 questions and is directly tied to the Introduction to Pro Tools and Pro Tools Production  Icourse content. The time allotted to complete the exam is 60 minutes.

Test items are presented in the following formats:
  • Multiple Choice: Select the single option that best answers the question
  • Illustration Review: Refer to the illustration (e.g. Pro Tools user interface, etc.) prior to answering the   •   multiple choice question

Q-9:  What will I receive if I successfully pass the exam?
A-9:  Along with becoming a part of an elite group of Pro Tools users, you will receive:
  • Official certificate emailed to you, proving your Pro Tools User status
  • Logos electronically delivered to you, for use in your business marketing materials such as business     •   cards and websites
  • (Optional with your express consent) Listing of your credentials on Avid's
     Find a Certified Professional online listing

Preparing for the Exam
It is recommended that all candidates complete the Introduction to Pro Tools and Pro Tools Production I courses prior to taking the exam, as the exam content is directly tied to the course content.

Enrolling in a Certification Exam
The Pro Tools certified User exam is delivered exclusively by Avid and its worldwide network of Avid Learning Partners (ALPs). Visit Avid's Learning Partner Finder to find an ALP in your region.