Citrus Recording Arts - The Recording Program

Recording Technology Program

This is a one year audio recording program intended to teach you the basics of how to engineer any kind of music, from hip-hop to classical to movie scores. After successful completion of the prerequisites, there is an interview process for evaluation of each applicant. The program itself is 18 units per semester, a total of 27 hours of lecture and lab with multiple projects each semester.

There are many recording, editing and mixing projects to emphasize and improve specific skills in both semesters. The main projects in the second semester are a Record Production project which takes a band from the talent search stage all the way through mixing. The other project is an audio for video project where the student gets a 5 minute video clip and has to put in all of the audio, dialog, music and sound effects.

Upon completion on the program, assistance in finding employment is available. We have about 40% of our graduates placed in major studios in Los Angeles including Cello Studios, Cherokee Studios, Martinsound Studios, Sony Pictures, Enterprise Studios, Studio 56 and at NARAS (the Grammy's).

For more information about the program, call 626.852.8061 or email with your questions.
For more information about Citrus College, admissions and student aid, see the main Citrus College website.

See Citrus Recording Arts in Mix Magazines “Audio Education's Finest.”

* Recording Technology Program FAQ - Includes information about fees, class start times and other Citrus College information and links.

Downloadable Information:

Recording Program Flier

Prerequisites

REC100 Survey of Entertainment Technology – 4 Units – 4 Lecture
A survey of current technology used in the entertainment industry for the production of audio/video products: mixing boards, special effects processors, computer programs and related devices.

ELEC100 Introduction to Technology – 3 Units – 2 Lecture / 3 Lab
An introductory course in technology covering computer technology, CADD, electronic technology and recording arts technology. This course is ideally suited for people who wish to explore the variety of classes and job opportunities available in the technology field.

MUS112 Music Fundamentals - 3 Units, 3 Lecture / 1 Lab
This course emphasizes basic music skills. Recommended for all students desiring a foundation in beginning theory, notation, ear training and composition.

ELEC120 Introduction to Computer Technology – 3 Units, 2 Lect / 2 Lab
This course is designed to expose the student to the basic principles of computers and networking. Topics covered: basic parts of computer, differences between MAC’s and PC’s, file compression, streaming, zip drives, basic maintenance of computers and basic network theories.
*Not required but strongly recommended.

SPCH100 Interpersonal Communications – 3 Units, 3 Lecture
Introduction to interpersonal communication: verbal and non-verbal face-to-face interactions; understanding messages sent and received; awareness and resolutions of communication barriers.
*Not required but strongly recommended.

First Semester Classes

REC 105 Fundamentals of Audio Technology – 4 Units, 3 Lecture / 4 Lab
This course is an introduction to audio technology. Units include sound characteristics signaled flow, basic recording console functions, microphone types and techniques, signal processing, equalization and mixing techniques.

REC 115 Recording Studio Workshop I – 4 Units, 3 Lecture / 4 Lab
This applied workshop for audio engineers provides the student with an in-depth introduction to audio equipment and techniques. Topics include basic studio procedures, equipment design and proper use and multi-track recording techniques. This highly specialized and accelerated course is designed to meet industry demands in the recording arts and should only be considered by those with a strong musical background.

REC 125 Computers and Music – 3 Units, 3 Lecture
The study of implementation of MIDI and digital sampling technology in the audio recording industry. Included is the examination of propriety music software/hardware and its application in current use within the recording industry.

REC 135 Live Sound Reinforcement – 4 Units, 3 Lecture / 4 Lab
This course focuses on the basic elements of sound reinforcement, acoustics, equalization, microphone placement and mixing techniques. The major emphasis is on the acoustics, speaker and microphone placement and the effects on the final sonic product. 3 hours lecture, 4 hours lab arranged per week.

REC 145 Critical Listening Skills for Engineers – 3 Units, 3 Lecture
A fundamental course in aural skills development for the recording arts majors. Topics include musical styles, acoustic and electronic timbres, general instrument ranges, ensemble instrumentation and color from classical traditions to popular/cultural types. This highly specialized and accelerated course is designed to meet industry demands in the recording arts and should only be considered by those with a strong musical background.

Second Semester Classes

REC 205 Advanced Audio Technology – 4 Units, 3 Lecture / 4 Lab
This course is an advanced study of new technologies and techniques, both analog and digital. Includes advanced multi-track recording, editing and mixing techniques and surround mixing techniques for audio post-production.

REC 215 Recording Studio Workshop II – 4 Units, 3 Lecture / 4 Lab
This is a project based course. Projects will include audio for picture, surround mixing, CD and DVD-A mastering techniques and studio/equipment maintenance. 3 hours lecture, 4 hours lab arranged per week.

REC 225 Digital Audio Technology – 4 Units, 3 Lecture / 4 Lab
This course focuses on the detailed workings of digital audio as a whole and specifically on the ProTools platform. This is a detailed class in all aspects of digital audio inclusive of tracking, mixing, repair techniques and plug-ins.

REC 235 Acoustics for Engineers – 3 Units, 3 Lecture
The course will study the physics of acoustics and studio design. Includes information on the reaction of sound to surfaces, materials, objects, time delays and the study of psychoacoustics.

REC 245 Music Business/Audio Careers – 3 Units, 3 Lecture
This is a survey focusing on the practices and procedures of record companies, publishing companies, performing rights societies and unions. This course will also study the processes of record and film production as well as career opportunities in these fields. Also includes an introduction to further courses of study in a targeted audio field.