COURSES

The Urban Music Academy course covers the entire scope of what an urban music producer needs to know in order to compete in the new generation. The UMA course topics are divided into two levels:

The first topics are geared to raise your Technical Intelligence Level. Classes include topics such as Computer Setup, Midi/USB/Fire wire implementation, Sequencing Software, Audio Recording, Digital Sampling, Synthesis, Software Instruments, Effect, Mixing Board use and Signal Flow, Mixing, Mastering, and the basics of the Music Biz.

The second category will raise your Musical Intelligence Level. These topics include Analyzing Music, Song Decomposition, Samples, Song Composition, working with Vocalists, Vocal Editing and some Deeper Knowledge about the effects of sound and vibration on matter and water.

Technical Intelligence Level 1

Computer Setup

We will show you what basic computer requirements you will need for PC or Mac in order to meet software specifications. You will learn the ideal way to setup and optimize your computer for music production and how to maintain it for maximum performance.

Midi/USB/Fire wire

You will learn the theory and practice of setting up and interconnecting various devices through MIDI, USB and Fire wire. Gain an understanding of the difference between bits and sample rates.

Sequencing Software

The main sequencer lessons will be taught on Cubase, though the concepts learned will be applicable to all major sequencers, including Logic, Live, Digital Performer and Protools.

Audio Recording

Learn how to record and edit audio within the digital audio environment using software such as Sound forge, Recycle and Cubase. You will learn the best formats for specific projects and optimal points in your project to convert between formats.

Digital Sampling

We will teach you the art of sampling with software products such as Kontakt 2, Battery 3, and Stylus RMX. Lessons will include: recording formats, levels, editing, looping, time- stretching, warping and converting sounds. Time stretching and warping techniques will be shown in Acid Pro and Melodyne.

Synthesis & Software Instruments

Learn the basics of analog and digital synthesis. We show you what the difference is between sine, square, and saw tooth waves. Learn how to use LFOs, filters and other modulators to sculpt your perfect sound. You will learn a variety of instruments including FM8, Massive, Elektrik and Akoustik Piano, Spectrasonics Atmosphere, Spectrasonics Trilogy and Korg Legacy Cell. We will also show you the ins and outs of a hardware sampler - the Kurzweil K2500.

Effects

Learn how and when to add effects to your multi track project mix or your final mastered product. Learn appropriate uses of reverb, delay, compression, gating, distortion, saturation and tube simulation.

Mix desk and Signal Flow

We will show you on both a large studio format mixer and a more common 16 track Mackie mixer, basic setup and connection. Starting with cabling and signal flow theory. Learn the the proper implementation of busses, send, returns, auxes, outboard gear, and phantom power. We will also teach you one of the most important concepts of audio production - gain staging. This constitutes the art of how to level different devices in a signal chain to optimize the final output.

Mastering and Mixing

Learn how to perform a basic mix and the desired output format. We will also show you how to perform a basic master, again taking into consideration the final output whether it be to CD, DVD or internet format.

The Biz

Gain an understanding of the basics of the ever changing music industry. Learn the role of record companies, managers, agents, royalties and contracts. As part of the final project we will complete a song as a group. The participants will then be shown how to register their creation with SOCAN, ASCAP and BMI. Students will then be shown how to approach radio stations to have their song played, from which they will receive royalties for the number of times their song is played on the air.

Music Intelligence Level 1

Analyzing Music

Learn the difference between listening and critical listening. We will show you how to identify the various parts and elements of a song. Learn how to count beats and determine tempos and syncopation styles.

Song Decomposition

You will learn the UMA system of how to decompose any tune. Using your ears and editing software you will be shown how to break down a song piece by piece, along the way creating a template from which you will then have the necessary tools to make quality tracks.

Samples

We will teach you the various resources for obtaining samples and audio materials. Then we will show you how to convert samples into the appropriate formats and create a working library for each song.

Song Composition

When you combine the template you discovered with the UMA system and replace with various elements with the new samples you have sourced, we will get into the other aspects of building a song. This will include use of choruses, verses, bridges, drops, time signatures and tempos for specific genres.

Vocalists

Learn how to work with a vocalist and make them feel comfortable in the studio. Topics such as 'setting the mood', proper terminology, prioritizing takes, proper mic technique and setup, basic vocal coaching and how to control the studio environment to obtain optimal results.

Vocal Editing

Learn how to 'comp' vocals to create the best take, editing vocals for content and timing and learn how to quickly create 'clean' radio mixes from 'dirty' album cuts.

The Deeper Knowledge

Learn about the true power of music and vibration. Learn the secrets of our number system and how music is essentially 'numbers frozen in time'. We will show you some of the amazing effects that sound has on matter and water.