WINDSOR LOCKS HIGH SCHOOL

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course #                       Title: Audio and Sound Engineering                       Credit: ½

The overall course objective for Audio Engineering and Sound is to expose and enlighten students to various sound reinforcement and recording technology/ equipment.  If scheduling permits, students will have the opportunity to attend a field trip to a recording studio in the greater Hartford area.

Course Objectives/ Expectations:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify sound wave forms
• Identify microphone pick-up patterns and usages
• Identify and use proper cables and connectors
• Connect basic components of a sound reinforcement system
• Identify, label and control mixer channels
• Utilize equalizers
• Connect and control amplifiers
• Connect and control speakers
• Utilize various sound recording programs (i.e. Audacity, Garage Band)

Grading Policy/ Course Assessments:

Student’s summative term grades will be comprised of the following percentages:

Classwork – 40%

Various Summative Assessments – 40%

Projects/ Presentations – 20%

 Habits of Work:

     Students will be assessed on their Habits of Work in the following areas:

            Completes Homework/Prepared for Class

            Participates in class discussions and rehearsals

            Conducts self in appropriate manner

            Maximizes time on task

Course Texts:  Live Sound Mixing by D. R. Fry; Audio Made Easy by Ira White

Pacing Guide:

Unit 1-Week 1&2:  Basics of Sound Waves (Introduction to Wave Forms, Amplitude,    Timbre, Hertz Scale)

Unit 2-Week 2-4:  Microphone Technology

Unit 3-Week 4:  Cables and Connectors

Unit 4-Week 4&5:  Basic Components of a Sound System

Unit 5-Week 5-7:  Mixing Consoles

Unit 6-Week 7&8:  Equalizers

Unit 7-Week 8:  Balanced and Unbalanced Cables

Unit 8-Week 8&9:  Proper Microphone Placement (Regarding Recording Applications)

Unit 9-Week 9:  Recording Keyboards, Guitars and Basses

Unit 10-Week 9&10:  Effects (Reverb, Echo, Delay)

Unit 11-Week 10&11:  Signal Processors

Unit 12-Week 11-13:  Amplifiers

Unit 13-Week13&14:  Crossovers

Unit 14-Week15&16:  Speakers

Unit 15-Week16:  Monitors (Systems and Speakers)

Unit 16-Week 16-END:  MIDI and Sequencers
 

Student Classroom Behavioral Expectations:

Students are expected to arrive to class on time prepared for class.

Students are expected to participate actively in each class.

Students will participate in small group activities and with the whole class activities.

Students are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Students will demonstrate respect for their peers and the instructor.

Students are expected to remove all distractions and focus on the lesson. 

Students are not to work on homework or assignments for any other class during class.  In addition, no cell phones or other electronic devices shall be permitted in class without permission from the instructor.

Students should not leave class for any reason without the instructor’s permission.