Digital Music Production

Please note that this program is being discontinued.
  • Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
  • Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.

Schedule

Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.

Program Summary

Credential

College-Approved Certificate (See overview for details)

Program Code

1814X02PWO

Area of Interest

Media and Communications

Although this program is normally delivered on campus, due to COVID-19 restrictions all courses will be delivery remotely until further notice.

Overview

Please note that this program is being discontinued. Some courses will continue to be offered as the program is phased-out over the upcoming year. Students are still welcome to register for individual courses of interest as shown in the Program Plan ; BUT new students will NOT have a path to earn a full College certificate. For more information about this program and related courses, please contact cedesign@algonquincollege.com or (613) 727-4723 ext. 5473.

Although this program is normally delivered on campus, due to COVID-19 restrictions all courses will be delivery remotely until further notice.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Registration Note:

This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.

Courses

Course
Number		HoursCourse Name
MSC010036.0Digital Audio Recording

MSC0100 Digital Audio Recording

Using current modestly-priced hardware and software, students learn the fundamentals of how to record (multi-track), edit, arrange, and mix high-quality music, songs and sounds. With a focus on audio recording, students explore microphone types and miking techniques, qualities of a good performance and a good recording, recording audio tracks to create music and/or song 'layers', basic audio/wave editing, virtual instruments, arranging and mixing, and rendering multiple audio tracks to a stereo WAV file. Cubase software is used.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MSC002336.0Digital Audio Production

MSC0023 Digital Audio Production

Students explore editing, arranging and production of songs and music to take production skills to the next level. Building on experience with Cubase or similar audio/sequencing software, students learn automation and mixing techniques, advanced equalization, grouping channels, sound effects and processing. Emphasis is placed on listening skills, which are vital for success in the audio production industry.

Pre-requisites: MSC0100

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MSC007742.0Home Based Music Production

MSC0077 Home Based Music Production

Setting up a professional home-based music production studio has never been easier. Students are guided through the steps of selecting and preparing a room and equipping it with the right equipment to create professional - sounding music. Tips and tricks on how to plan and execute a recording session are also provided. Using professional software programs, students learn how to arrange and mix beats and loops to create exciting musical tracks for singers and videos.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MSC003914.0The Audio Mastering Process

MSC0039 The Audio Mastering Process

Mastering is the process of preparing an audio product for delivery to radio, film, television, CD mass production and the Internet. Students learn how to master projects in a step-by-step hands-on approach using audio/sequencing software. Students also learn how to evolve a final mix to sound more professional. Topics include equalization, compression, relative levels, monitoring, acoustics, metering and much more. In-class exercises focus on listening and analyzing audio for making critical decisions.

Pre-requisites: MSC0100 or MSC0023

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MSC007636.0Video and Sound Production Basics

MSC0076 Video and Sound Production Basics

With advances in video recording and editing technology, hobbyists to self-employed producers now have the ability to shoot, edit and publish high quality video. Students learn how to plan, shoot and edit a video project using affordable hardware and software. They also learn the proper use of tripods, dollys, jibs, stabilizers, microphones, backdrops and lighting systems to make the project look and sound professional.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MSC008024.0Digital Music Composition

MSC0080 Digital Music Composition

One of the many features of current audio production software is the ability to create original musical arrangements by inputting notes with a keyboard or drawing on the extensive sound library within the software package. In this course, students go beyond the recording and production techniques to focus on music theory such as how to use and optimize melody, harmony, backing chords and arrangements. Students practice using and combining a variety of instruments available to the digital music composer while creating arrangements that convey different emotions and energy levels for different audiences through songs, movie scores, corporate videos, TV shows and more. By the end of this course, students are able to take a simple melody and expand it to a full arrangement, using a variety of instruments for different musical applications.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MSC006045.0Music Business Management

MSC0060 Music Business Management

An understanding of how the music industry works is essential for getting your music out to the world as an independent music creator/producer. Students identify opportunities to market and distribute their music by covering practical aspects of digital distribution, promotion, agents, royalties, contracts, legal aspects and other music business practices.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MSC0100 Digital Audio Recording

Using current modestly-priced hardware and software, students learn the fundamentals of how to record (multi-track), edit, arrange, and mix high-quality music, songs and sounds. With a focus on audio recording, students explore microphone types and miking techniques, qualities of a good performance and a good recording, recording audio tracks to create music and/or song "layers", basic audio/wave editing, virtual instruments, arranging and mixing, and rendering multiple audio tracks to a stereo WAV file. Cubase software is used.

MSC0023 Digital Audio Production

Students explore editing, arranging and production of songs and music to take production skills to the next level. Building on experience with Cubase or similar audio/sequencing software, students learn automation and mixing techniques, advanced equalization, grouping channels, sound effects and processing. Emphasis is placed on listening skills, which are vital for success in the audio production industry.

Pre-requisites: MSC0100

MSC0077 Home Based Music Production

Setting up a professional home-based music production studio has never been easier. Students are guided through the steps of selecting and preparing a room and equipping it with the right equipment to create professional - sounding music. Tips and tricks on how to plan and execute a recording session are also provided. Using professional software programs, students learn how to arrange and mix beats and loops to create exciting musical tracks for singers and videos.

MSC0039 The Audio Mastering Process

Mastering is the process of preparing an audio product for delivery to radio, film, television, CD mass production and the Internet. Students learn how to master projects in a step-by-step hands-on approach using audio/sequencing software. Students also learn how to evolve a final mix to sound more professional. Topics include equalization, compression, relative levels, monitoring, acoustics, metering and much more. In-class exercises focus on listening and analyzing audio for making critical decisions.

Pre-requisites: MSC0100 or MSC0023

MSC0076 Video and Sound Production Basics

With advances in video recording and editing technology, hobbyists to self-employed producers now have the ability to shoot, edit and publish high quality video. Students learn how to plan, shoot and edit a video project using affordable hardware and software. They also learn the proper use of tripods, dollys, jibs, stabilizers, microphones, backdrops and lighting systems to make the project look and sound professional.

MSC0080 Digital Music Composition

One of the many features of current audio production software is the ability to create original musical arrangements by inputting notes with a keyboard or drawing on the extensive sound library within the software package. In this course, students go beyond the recording and production techniques to focus on music theory such as how to use and optimize melody, harmony, backing chords and arrangements. Students practice using and combining a variety of instruments available to the digital music composer while creating arrangements that convey different emotions and energy levels for different audiences through songs, movie scores, corporate videos, TV shows and more. By the end of this course, students are able to take a simple melody and expand it to a full arrangement, using a variety of instruments for different musical applications.

MSC0060 Music Business Management

An understanding of how the music industry works is essential for getting your music out to the world as an independent music creator/producer. Students identify opportunities to market and distribute their music by covering practical aspects of digital distribution, promotion, agents, royalties, contracts, legal aspects and other music business practices.

MSC0023 - Digital Audio Production

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Students explore editing, arranging and production of songs and music to take production skills to the next level. Building on experience with Cubase or similar audio/sequencing software, students learn automation and mixing techniques, advanced equalization, grouping channels, sound effects and processing. Emphasis is placed on listening skills, which are vital for success in the audio production industry.

Notes

Students are required to bring their own laptop (Windows or Mac) with the latest version of Cubase software. Cubase Elements, Artist or Pro are all acceptable. Cubase can be purchased from Steve's Music. Cubase Artist is recommended ($430). Cubase Elements ($130) can be downloaded from Steinberg. Headphones and a USB memory stick (minimum 4GB) are also required.

PreRequisite(s)

MSC0100

MSC0100 - Digital Audio Recording

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Using current modestly-priced hardware and software, students learn the fundamentals of how to record (multi-track), edit, arrange, and mix high-quality music, songs and sounds. With a focus on audio recording, students explore microphone types and miking techniques, qualities of a good performance and a good recording, recording audio tracks to create music and/or song "layers", basic audio/wave editing, virtual instruments, arranging and mixing, and rendering multiple audio tracks to a stereo WAV file. Cubase software is used.

Notes

Students are required to bring their own laptop (Windows or Mac) with the latest version of Cubase software. Cubase Elements, Artist or Pro are all acceptable. Cubase can be purchased from Steve's Music. Cubase Artist is recommended ($430). Cubase Elements ($130) can be downloaded from Steinberg. Headphones and a USB memory stick (minimum 4GB) are also required.

MSC0080 - Digital Music Composition

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

One of the many features of current audio production software is the ability to create original musical arrangements by inputting notes with a keyboard or drawing on the extensive sound library within the software package. In this course, students go beyond the recording and production techniques to focus on music theory such as how to use and optimize melody, harmony, backing chords and arrangements. Students practice using and combining a variety of instruments available to the digital music composer while creating arrangements that convey different emotions and energy levels for different audiences through songs, movie scores, corporate videos, TV shows and more. By the end of this course, students are able to take a simple melody and expand it to a full arrangement, using a variety of instruments for different musical applications.

Notes

Students will be expected to purchase a textbook ($25.99, available at the campus bookstore) for this course. Students are also asked to bring the following equipment/software:

• A Windows or Mac laptop with a current operating system.
• Headphones (not ear buds)
• USB memory stick (4 GB+).
• Cubase music composition software – acceptable versions are: Cubase Elements $130, Cubase Artist $430 or Cubase Pro $580 (available through Steve’s Music Store)
• Portable, USB-powered, MIDI controller keyboard; with at least 2 octaves (available from Steve’s Music Store).
 

MSC0077 - Home Based Music Production

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Setting up a professional home-based music production studio has never been easier. Students are guided through the steps of selecting and preparing a room and equipping it with the right equipment to create professional - sounding music. Tips and tricks on how to plan and execute a recording session are also provided. Using professional software programs, students learn how to arrange and mix beats and loops to create exciting musical tracks for singers and videos.

Notes

Students are required to bring their own laptop (Windows or Mac) with the latest version of Cubase software. Cubase Elements, Artist or Pro are all acceptable. Cubase can be purchased from Steve's Music. Cubase Artist is recommended ($430). Cubase Elements ($130) can be downloaded from Steinberg. Closed-back headphones and a USB memory stick (minimum 8GB) are also required.

 

MSC0060 - Music Business Management

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

An understanding of how the music industry works is essential for getting your music out to the world as an independent music creator/producer. Students identify opportunities to market and distribute their music by covering practical aspects of digital distribution, promotion, agents, royalties, contracts, legal aspects and other music business practices.

MSC0039 - The Audio Mastering Process

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Mastering is the process of preparing an audio product for delivery to radio, film, television, CD mass production and the Internet. Students learn how to master projects in a step-by-step hands-on approach using audio/sequencing software. Students also learn how to evolve a final mix to sound more professional. Topics include equalization, compression, relative levels, monitoring, acoustics, metering and much more. In-class exercises focus on listening and analyzing audio for making critical decisions.

Notes

Students must bring a USB stick (minimum 4GB) and headphones. A small USB connected MIDI controller keyboard is recommended.

PreRequisite(s)

MSC0100 or MSC0023

MSC0076 - Video and Sound Production Basics

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

With advances in video recording and editing technology, hobbyists to self-employed producers now have the ability to shoot, edit and publish high quality video. Students learn how to plan, shoot and edit a video project using affordable hardware and software. They also learn the proper use of tripods, dollys, jibs, stabilizers, microphones, backdrops and lighting systems to make the project look and sound professional.

Notes

Students are required to bring their own laptop (Windows or Mac) with Adobe Premiere Pro installed which can be purchased through Adobe Creative Cloud. Closed-back headphones and a USB memory stick (minimum 8 GB) are also required.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may pursue self-employment opportunities to produce and record music for singers, videos, bands, podcasts, training materials, commercials, multimedia, film, games and other applications. Graduates may also wish to pursue further educational opportunities in music and multimedia production.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2021/2022 Academic Year

Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.

Graduation Fee

Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the Registrar's Office to obtain a certificate/diploma application. A graduation fee of $22 will be charged when the application is submitted. When your certificate/diploma application has been approved, you will be invited to Spring or Fall Convocation.

Students are to bring their own mobile computing device, with Adobe software, as well as a MIDI controller and head phones. Check each course web page for specific requirements for each course.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Please note that this program is being discontinued. Some courses will continue to be offered as the program is phased-out over the upcoming year. Students are still welcome to register for individual courses of interest as shown in the Program Plan ; BUT new students will NOT have a path to earn a full College certificate. For more information about this program and related courses, please contact cedesign@algonquincollege.com or (613) 727-4723 ext. 5473.

Application Information

Registration Note:

This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.

Additional Information

Program Resources

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) RequirementsArchived Program Information Academic Calendar

Please note that this program is being discontinued. Some courses will continue to be offered as the program is phased-out over the upcoming year. Students are still welcome to register for individual courses of interest as shown in the Program Plan ; BUT new students will NOT have a path to earn a full College certificate. For more information about this program and related courses, please contact cedesign@algonquincollege.com or (613) 727-4723 ext. 5473.

Get Started

Ready to Apply?

Get More Information