Syllabus
Recording Studio Techniques
Recording Studio Techniques I - MUSC 1053 301_
Instructor: Jeff Markley
Office Hour: By Appt.
Office PACE 6154
Phone 595.8625
email:jmarkley@tulsacc.edu
Class 6:00-8:50PM
SE VanTrease PACE 6168
Spring, 2014
Division Office
Performing Arts
Kelly Clark, Dean
Rm: 6267
Phone: 595.7752
Diane Cunningham, Director
SE Campus ACS
Rm: 2202
Phone: 595.7673
Course Description:
Designed to acquaint students with modern, professional music and sound recording
techniques. Provides for parallels involved in live sound mixing or “sound
reinforcement.” Open to anyone with an interest in sound or music. No background in
either music or engineering is required.
Prerequisites:
There are NO prerequisites for this course. An understanding of the mechanics of music
is helpful. Familiarity with instruments is a true bonus.
Next Course in Sequence:
MUS 2223 Advanced Recording Techniques
Textbook:
Bartlett, Bruce and Jenny. Practical Recording Techniques: A step by step
approach to Professional Audio Recording. 6th ed. Focal Press
Suggested Resources-Advanced:
Davis, Gary and Ralph Jones. Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook. Milwaukee: Hal
Leonard Publishing, 1989 ISBN 0-88188-900-8
Ballou, Glen M.. Handbook for Sound Engineers. Carmel. IN: SAMS, 1991
ISBN 0-672-22752-5
General Education Goal Statement
The General Education Goals are designed to ensure that graduates of Tulsa Community
College have the skills, knowledge and attitudes to carry them successfully through their
work and personal lives. General Education Goals relevant to this course include Critical
Thinking, Effective Communication, and Computer Proficiency.
Course Objectives: The successful student will gain a basic working knowledge of
techniques commonly employed in sound recording. These include, but are not limited to,
learning to listen, establishing a vocabulary for communication, proper choice of
microphones, proper microphone placement, use of a mixing console, use of recording
systems, use of processing equipment. Both studio and field recording will be discussed.
Teaching Methods:
The class will be taught using lecture, demonstration, hands-on lab experience. Outside
projects may be assigned as necessary.
Evaluation Criteria:
2 unit tests @ 100pts. ea…...200 points possible
4 pop quizzes @ 50 ea…....200 points possible
Mid term…………………200 points possible
Final test or project……….200 points possible
Classroom Participation…..200 points possibles
Total Possible Points………1000
Grading Scale:
90.5% - 100% = A
81.5% - 90.4% = B
71.5% - 81.4% = C
61.5% - 71.4% = D
Below 61.5% = F
Lab Projects & Demos
Projects may be assigned that require you to solve a particular recording related problem
using what you have learned in class. This will be related to topics in class and will
usually be assigned on a partner or group basis. Following completion, lab projects will
be demonstrated and discussed in class.
Outside Projects
Projects may be attended to obtain extra credit if necessary. This entails attending any of
the designated events in the PACE and providing a written synopsis of the experience
that discusses principles learned in class to the experience. The reports should be
thorough and related directly to information from class. General reviews of an event will
not be accepted. Each report will be worth up to 20 points. A total of 5 reports may be
written. A schedule will be provided separately from this syllabus.
Make-Up and Late Assignments Policy
There will be no make up tests. Assignments will not be accepted late. No exceptions.
Attendance
Class attendance is expected. There are only approximately 16 classes. After two
absences, each additional absence will result in a 25 point reduction from your overall
semester point total. If you are absent more than 4 class periods you will receive a final
grade of “F” if you do not withdraw. NO EXCEPTIONS
Course Withdrawal: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the
duration of any class. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for the deadline that
applies to the course(s). Begin the process with a discussion with the faculty member
assigned to the course. Contact the Advisement Office at any TCC campus to initiate
withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Withdrawal
and/or change to an audit from a course after the drop/add period can alter the
financial aid award for the current and future semesters. Students may receive an
outstanding bill from TCC if the recalculation leaves a balance due to TCC. Students
who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade
of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.
Failure to Withdraw Policy
Failure to withdraw from this class before the deadline listed in the TCC Class Bulletin
may result in the student’s receiving a regular grade of “F” at the end of a semester.
Tardiness
Tardiness to class is not tolerated. It is disruptive and disrespectful. Quizzes are given at
the beginning of class. If you are more than 10 mins late you will not be allowed to take
the quiz. If you are 20 minutes or more late you will be counted absent for that class
period. For every minute you are late to class 5 points will be deducted from your
overall semester total.
Institutional Statement
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC
Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy, and semester
information listed in the Class Schedule.
Learning Support Services
SE Campus LRC
Operating Hours during Spring semester:
Monday - Friday.......7:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday.................8:30am - 5:30 pm
Sunday.....................closed
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism claiming, indicating, or implying that the ideas, sentences, or words of another
writer are your own; it includes having another writer do work claimed to be your own,
copying the work of another and presenting it as your own, or following the work of
another as a guide to ideas and expression that are presented as your own. The student
should review the relevant sections of the TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy
Handbook. Any work deemed by the instructor as plagiarism will automatically receive a
failing grade…no exceptions. The work may also be submitted to TCC administration for
consideration of further disciplinary action.
Computer Services Acceptable Use Policy
Access to computing resources is a privilege granted to all TCC faculty, staff, and
students. Use of TCC computing resources is limited to purposes related to the college’s
mission of education, research, and community service. Student use of technology is
governed by the Computing Services Acceptable Use Statement/Standards found in the
TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook. These handbooks may be obtained by
contacting any Student Activities or Dean of Student Services office.
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
Classroom Etiquette School: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied
opinions, beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the
free exchange of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from
each other. Use of any electronic device is at the discretion of the instructor.
Students with Disabilities: TCC provides accommodations for qualifying students in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For information, students may
contact the disabled Student Resource Center, 918-595-7115, or the Resource Center for
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 918-595-7428V, 918-595-7434TTY.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of
others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or
misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community
College system. Tulsa Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of
authority for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the
faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students
from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:
require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test; Record a “zero” for the assignment or test in question;
Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class; Record a grade of “F” for the student at the end of
the semester.
Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the
administrative level by submitting such request to the Dean of Student Services.
Institutional Statement: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies & Resources Handbook, and
semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the
TCC website: www.tulsacc.edu
Key to doing well in this class
This class should be fun. You are, however, expected to learn as well. Here are my
suggestions to do both simultaneously.

READ YOUR SYLLABUS! Hold it close; protect it. It is the road map to
the class. There is no need for many, many questions because the syllabus
contains all of that information. I do try to be thorough so that you will
know exactly where we are and what we are doing for any given class. If
you do ask such questions I will refer you to the syllabus. (Probably
should skip down to the last warning in this section, read it, and then skip
back up to here.) Now, if you actually did that, please continue on. If you
didn’t go back and do it, please.

Complete your assigned reading before every class. The syllabus
conveniently tells you what to read…so do it. Can’t stress this enough. I
am not going to lecture you about reading the assignments after this
warning. If you do not read you will fail quizzes. This leads to lack of quiz
points, which leads to lower overall score, etc. Quizzes comprise 20% of
your overall score. Result: lower grade.

Participate in class. Sitting in the corner saying nothing is bad.
Surprisingly, people learn more when they discuss things. It is even, in
fact, a hallmark of superior learning skills. All subject oriented questions
are answered to the best of my ability…i.e.: there are no stupid questions.
Besides, it will not rack you up any class participation points if you don’t
join in. See previous quiz warning above.

TAKE NOTES! Any classroom discussion is fair game for testing.
Information tends to emerge in discussions. Any of it may appear on a
test. See previous quiz warning above.

I will not supply more than 1 copy of any handout…don’t lose them. This
is adult learning; your carelessness is not my problem. If you lose
something, get it from someone in class. If you ask me I will refer you to
your syllabus. If this is the first time you are reading this warning, go back
to the syllabus warning found at the beginning of this list.
That being said: relax. I prefer an informal atmosphere for class. Better learning results
from familiarity. This is also a nearly 50% hands-on class. We have to work in close
proximity; no much room to be formal. We do usually have fun as long as everyone plays
by the rules. Since this class has such a relaxed atmosphere, students sometimes develop
a lax attitude regarding attendance, reading assignments, etc. Do not fall into this trap.
While the atmosphere is casual, we are very serious about learning. Your grade will
reflect such attitudes.
Classroom Etiquette- Jeff
You are expected to conduct yourselves as courteous adults. If it is yours, take care of it.
If it is not yours, leave it alone. Please turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other
electronic devices prior to the start of each class period. Violators of this policy will
be asked to leave the classroom and receive an absence for that day. Repeat offenders
will receive additional absences which will be reflected in your overall semester grade.
(see attendance policy)
We have a great deal of expensive equipment here. If it is yours, take care of it. If it is not
yours, leave it alone. We will all be much happier this way. Should you decide to ignore
this warning, you will be reminded immediately.
Any and all theft will be treated as a criminal offense. We are a state institution and will
prosecute to the full extent of the law.
Communications: Email communications: All TCC students receive a designated
“MyTCC” email address (ex: jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you
about TCC and course assignments will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you
must use MyTCC email to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding
this course.
Schedule of Classroom activities
.
Unit 1
- Get acquainted, tour, listening, etc.
Talk, Listen, Learn.
- Technical Stuff. Read Ch. 1,3, 12. why we hear what we hear, How we
record what we are hearing. Listening, Hearing , Describing. Mix/music.
LAB: Record acoustic/electric guitar.
Technical Stuff. Ch. 2,3.
LAB: Record piano or keys .
Digital Recording Specifics Ch. 13
Lab…maybe if we learn the previous Chapters!
- Planning and Executing Read Ch. 15
Take Unit 1 Test: 30 min. time limit.
Choose “The Demo Band”
The Planning Phase BEFORE you are ready to record.
Drums, percussion, winds or brass, let’s see what we’ve got.
Unit 2
-The Primary Tools – Digi Sheets (handed out)
Digidesign Pro Tools (www.digi.com)
Look at sessions: How they are built. Standards and conventions with open
frontiers
-Microphones & Read Ch. 6, 7, 8
Microphones: Long ones, Short ones, Fat ones, Skinny ones, Silver ones,
Black ones! Which do you use for what?
LAB: Prepare Demo Session
-Editing, Mixing, Processors, Effects, Etc. Read Ch. 9,10,11
Unit 2 Test. - Protools Basics and mics
Unit 3
Session #1 Tracking
Record the basic foundations: Guitar, bass, drums, keys
Tracking Session #2
Record everything else: Leads, vocals, etc.
Editing Session #1
Put things in order: Cut, paste, align, duplicate, etc.
Editing/Rough Mix Session #2
Final touches and listens. Is everything ready to mix?
Unit 4
Mixing Session
Make ‘em sound good! It’s your grade!
Mixing Session
Make ‘em sound Better! It’s your grade!
Mixing/Mastering Session
Make ‘em sound good and ready to print! It’s your grade!
Final -IN CLASS evaluation and listen to Trunk Monkey® mix if
applicable,
The FinalProject Band
Students will be assigned by the instructor to be “The FinalProject
Band.”
The purpose of this project is to evaluate your acquired knowledge of
the recording process. It is not to evaluate musical talents.
You will be evaluated on how well the entire recording process is
dealt with from start to finish. Remember: the finished product is only
ONE OF THREE areas upon which you will be graded.
1. The planning stage: Did you participate and contribute? Did you do
your paperwork?
2. Tracking/Editing/Mixing: Where you physically and mentally
present and paying attention? Did you take notes?
3. Mastering/Completed Song Project: Where you physically and
mentally present and paying attention? Did you take notes?
The parameters, besides being non-negotiable, are:
Group Rules:
1. ALL group members will be chosen by the instructor. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
2. All composing, rehearsing, etc. will be done outside of class.
*Room 6168 is available for rehearsal. It must be scheduled
through the Performing Arts Division Office on the 3rd floor of this
building. Contact Lisa S. @ 595-7753
3. The instructor will act as Producer for all projects.
4. Engineers will be assigned from the group on a rotating basis.
5. You may ask me questions at anytime that I will attempt to answer.
However, I will not make open suggestions. Follow your
paperwork. This is your project! Use what you have learned in
class.
6. ALL Members from Class must attend ALL final project
recording sessions. If you are not PRESENT, PAYING
ATTENTION and PARTICIPATING during the final
project/editing phase, your grade will be lowered ONE
LETTER GRADE FOR EACH Absence/Incident!
6. All class members will be present to assist “The Final Project
Band” during load-in, set-up, and load-out. (Really...I mean it.) The
consequences from the above rule will apply here also.
7. Instructor will not play/sing on any project so don’t ask.
Project suggestions:
1. Don’t panic, apply what you have learned. This should be fun.
2. Plan your entire project, on paper, from start to finish…not the time
for jam sessions and improv. wars or to impress your peers.
3. Keep it simple. This is not the time to explore your musical
boundaries. You will have enough on your hands.
Completed Project Rules:
(Pay close attention to these BEFORE your project.)
1. Recording must be at least 2 minutes and no more than 6 minutes
in length.
2. The final mix down must be 16 tracks or less. (Does not include
Master or Auxes)
3. You may use samples and/or beats in your songs. HOWEVER, any
sampling/beat programming must be done in class. These may not
comprise the only non-vocal elements of your project. You have to
record live instruments/sounds as well as vocals.
4. All recording paperwork must be presented to me at last edit
session. No paperwork will result in 1 letter grade reduction for the
project team..
5. The project should be CD ready when complete. Over the
semester, you will learn what that means.