Description

Introduction to Audio Recording is a Level 2–3 course designed for beginner and intermediate students who want to develop their knowledge and practical skills in audio recording. Over 12 weeks, students will learn the essential concepts and hands-on techniques required to produce professional-quality audio for music and other media.

This course is ideal for musicians, aspiring audio engineers, and creators interested in recording, editing, and producing high-quality audio files. Students will learn microphone theory, mono and stereo recording techniques, microphone types and polar patterns, and how microphones interact with acoustic environments.
All sessions are taught through real-world recording scenarios with local musicians. Throughout the course, students will record a variety of setups—from solo singer-songwriters and duos to small ensembles, a full live band, and even classical music in a real concert hall. Studio-style recording with layers and overdubs is also covered.
No prerequisites are required. By the end of the course, beginner students are expected to reach an intermediate skill level, and intermediate students are expected to reach an advanced level.
Course Schedule:
Week 1 – Course Introduction Critical listening, DAW walkthrough, cable/stand/microphone management.
Week 2 – Recording 1 (Solo Instrument – Mono) Direct vs. indirect sound.
Week 3 – Recording 2 (Solo Instrument – Mono) Microphone types and characteristics.
Week 4 – Recording 3 (Duo – Mono)Microphone polar patterns. Guest Artist 1 (TBD)
Week 5 – Recording 4 (Duo – Stereo) Stereo recording technique #1. Guest Artist 2 (TBD)
Week 6 – Recording 5 (Classical Music - Stereo) Classical music recording and stereo recording technique #2. Guest Artist 3 (TBD)
Week 7 – Signal Flow & Studio Essentials Analog lines, interconnections, headphone mixes, band-recording workflow.
Week 8 – Recording 6 (Small Group – Live Multi-Mic) Multi-microphone live recording. Guest Artist 4 (TBD)
Week 9 – Recording 7 (Full Band – Overdubs Part 1) Multi-microphone overdub techniques. Guest Artist 5 (TBD)
Week 10 – Recording 8 (Full Band – Overdubs Part 2) Continuing overdub recording. Guest Artist 5 (TBD)
Week 11 – Editing & Comping DAW editing, comping, workflows, AES and additional resources.
Week 12 – Mixing, Mastering & Final Listening Session

Activity Sub-Category

Music Tech & Creativity - Tech

Location

Music Tech Lab 319 at Downtown - Victoria Conservatory of Music

Instructor

Matheus Leite-Terra