COURSE INDEX - LaGuardia Community College

Humanities Department
acoustics typical of a project studio environment. This class
emphasizes critical listening skills, a fundamental tool of the audio
engineer and music producer. Students receive blank CDs and
headphones and burn their own set of IAR audio listening samples
for ongoing ear training development.
HUX104 The Business of Music
1 credit; 5.5 hours
This course focuses on the structure of the music business and the
process by which an artistic creation is brought to market. It
examines the roles of the record label, artist, writer, producer,
manager and attorney. Topics also include royalties, recording and
producing contracts, publishing and protecting music, the Internet,
and other legal issues and business considerations.
Prerequisite: HUX101, HUC102, HUC103
HUX105 Audio Processing and Storage
3 credits; 11 hours
This course introduces students to the tools engineers and producers
use to shape and store sound. Topics include gain structure,
compression, expansion, equalization, delay, reverb, mixing console
operations, analog and digital tape machine operations and
alignment techniques. In the hands-on lab, students operate audio
processors and learn the parameters of each device. Working with
the audio patchbay, students learn proper equipment interfacing
technique using analog and digital equipment.
Prerequisite: HUX101, HUX102, HUX103
HUX106 Digital Music Production
2 credits; 8.5 hours
This course focuses on the underlying principles and actual
operation of the digital audio workstation (DAW). Students learn
about quantization, aliasing, analog-to-digital and digital-toanalog
conversions, digital delays, AC-3, DTS and MPEG compression
algorithms. Working on individual DAWs, students run
software exploring basic music production applications, including
mixing techniques, non-destructive editing, virtual patchbays,
plug-ins and CD burning.
Prerequisite: HUX101, HUX102, HUX103
HUX107 Microphones Amplifiers and Speakers
2 credits; 6.5 hours
This class introduces students to the specifications and uses of
microphones, power amps and loudspeakers. Students learn the
techniques of microphone placement. They also learn about the
selection and setup of power amplifiers and match speakers for
ideal system performance in studios and sound reinforcement.
Prerequisite: HUX104, HUX105, HUX106
HUX108 Mixing Music I
2 credits; 8.5 hours
Students gain valuable insight into analog mixing methodology
and technique, blending both technical and creative skills. Working
on multi-track workstations, students practice the skills
required to complete a complex music mix, such as sound quality,
balance, spatial placement and overall dynamic range and level.
Student mixes are played in class, allowing for further development
of critical listening and evaluation skills.
Prerequisite: HUX104, HUX105, HUX106
HUX109 MIDI Applications
3 credits; 10 hours
This class introduces the fundamentals of MIDI sequencer and
sound module operations. Students learn about synthesis, synchronization,
and SMPTE/MIDI time code conversion. Working
at individual computer stations using a MIDI sequencer and digital
audio programs, students write sequenced programs, control
sounds from the program to the sound modules, and mix a MIDIsequenced
track.
Prerequisite: HUX104, HUX105, HUX106
HUX110 Recording Workshop
1 credit; 5 hours
This studio course applies principles and techniques learned in lectures
and labs to actual digital multitrack recording sessions with
live musicians. Musicians are recorded by the student engineers
starting with recording initial tracks and ending with the final
mix. Students rotate through the job assignments of engineer,
assistant engineer, digital audio workstation operator, session setup
and breakdown.
Prerequisite: HUX107, HUX108, HUX109
HUX111 Mixing Music 2
3 credits; 9.5 hours
This class focuses on techniques of mixing in the digital environment.
Issues of analog mixing are re-examined in the digital realm.
Topics include gain structure through a signal path from input to
stereo mix bus, direct signal path design, virtual patchbays, plugins
effects, issues related to A-D/D-A conversions and metering.
Working at digital audio workstations, students complete complex
digital mixes and burn them to CD.
Prerequisite: HUX107, HUX108, HUX109
HUX112 Post Production Audio
3 credits; 9.5 hours
This course introduces students to the production of an audio
soundtrack synchronized to video. Topics include location audio
sound production, SMPTE time code, dialogue replacement,
sound effects design and final mixing. Using the DAW, students
build a sound rack to enhance the visual experience. They use
Quicktime video imported into the audio DAW and prepare sub
mix stems of music, effects and dialogue prior to doing a stereo
mix.
Prerequisite: HUX107, HUX108, HUX109
HUX114 Industry Practicum
0 credit; 1 hour
This course takes students through resume writing, interview techniques,
networking, job search strategies, and on-the-job etiquette
to prepare students for the workplace. Helpful tips on the current
job market are discussed. One-on-one time is available to students
to polish their resumes and help steer them towards suitable
employment.
Prerequisite: HUX107, HUX108, HUX109
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