To those of you who did a sound engineering (or similar program): was your program a 'hard' engineering program (which classes in physics, math,
etc), or was it geared toward a more
practical education (how to use gear)?
The program @ MTSU (Recording Industry Production and Technology) was a good mix of both disciplines (number crunching & hands-on). Calculations could be in-depth, but typically required no more than intermediate-level algebra/trig/geometry. For those with little love for math, I will say that using it to accomplish something you are truly interested in (audio pursuits in this case) makes all the difference in making it quite tolerable - perhaps even enjoyable...
Math/physics work came into
play in classes such as
acoustics, electronics, maintenance, and such.
Some of the hands-on work in this particular program included:
Sound Reinforcement gig work with local (Nashville area) SR companies
Analog & digital recording/mastering (You, Neumann, Studor & friends at all hours of the night and early morning)
Maintenance (troubleshooting,
circuit tracing/repair, soldering, electronic project building,
etc.)
Acoustic analysis of performance spaces (both on paper with calculator and/or with test equipment)
Audio engineering for television
Audio engineering for remote television truck productions (they had a killer remote TV truck – great fun)
Electronic music production (
MIDI rigs/Synthesis/Sequencing,
etc.)
Music physics projects
Critical listening
and more…
There was also
practical business instruction as well addressing concert promotion/event planning, studio management, contracts/legal issues,
etc.
We had a very active
AES chapter which involved many interesting side-trips, seminars & guest lectures.
Though there is no replacement for actual work in the industry, I have repeatedly used many of the skills I learned and/or practiced during this schooling.
In addition to the above, perhaps some of the most beneficial education (most bang for the buck)I have received has been from Syn-Aud-Con sound design workshops (pioneered by Don Davis, whom
Brad spoke, of and now taught by gifted instructor Pat Brown) and a number of seminars held by prominent industry figures at various
NSCA Expos and the like.
Regards,
Mark