sound engineering courses

Luka · Post by **Luka** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:18 pm

i did the RMIT cert IV in 2002 and praise it highly.
it cost around 300 per semester
(with the youth allowance / health care card discount)

there were around 700 applicants for 60 positions.

I wanted to learn how to run sound systems and build some production skills. I went into the interview and pleaded with them to let me in. Even said please a few times. i had no real background other than running events and dj'ing. No substancial music background or studio experience.

i reccommend everyone does it but unless you have some killer learning styles i would reccommend spending some time in someone's studio and sussing out the basics.

i went into the coarse knowing zilch and came out with a good knoweldge of most things however i didnt have the base skills to build from. Lock down some basic concepts and get some experience on some gear then go into the coarse and you'll come out really highly trained.

TheBrains · Post by **TheBrains** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 8:11 pm

I think alot of people need to shift focus from production to song writing.

Most tunes I hear on this forum sound tight but lack the basis of a good song or have weak arrangements. Its arguable that good songs with strong arrangements practically mix themselves. Yet how many posts on various production forums ask about snares, kicks, basses, compression, EQ, whatever without a single reference to song writing.

IMO, schools like SAE are just a way to generate money from the misconception that sound production is a dark and mystical art to which few are initiated. In truth, it's not rocket science. Think seriously for a moment, do you really need to go to school to learn how to use a compressor? I don't think so. Its more often the song and arrangement that needs the attention.

a1studmuffin · Post by **a1studmuffin** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 12:10 am

I hear what you're saying, although I think they're equally important.

Xelpmok · Post by **Xelpmok** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 9:05 am

TheBrains wrote:I think alot of people need to shift focus from production to song writing.

Most tunes I hear on this forum sound tight but lack the basis of a good song or have weak arrangements. Its arguable that good songs with strong arrangements practically mix themselves. Yet how many posts on various production forums ask about snares, kicks, basses, compression, EQ, whatever without a single reference to song writing.

IMO, schools like SAE are just a way to generate money from the misconception that sound production is a dark and mystical art to which few are initiated. In truth, it's not rocket science. Think seriously for a moment, do you really need to go to school to learn how to use a compressor? I don't think so. Its more often the song and arrangement that needs the attention.

100% agreed!

Lephrenic · Post by **Lephrenic** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:42 pm

I agree that strong musical knowledge is often lacking. That's why I started learning piano this year. (28, never too late)

But as far as audio goes, I say "Stay in school, kids." For one thing, more producers need to learn when NOT to use a compressor.

It also depends on your level of ambition. Personally I'm tired of people telling me "you don't need to do a course, you can figure it out yourself." If you're happy to sound like every other bedroom producer who never gets anything released, then fine, but I think my standards have always been much higher.

Unless you're the kind of person who can quickly learn heaps all on their own. I'm certainly not one of those. Without structure, focus and deadlines, I never seem to get anything done.

All about individual needs, innit.

Lephrenic · Post by **Lephrenic** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 3:18 pm

I take it all back. Looks like I didn't get into RMIT, so it's the snail's pace again for me.

FoundationStepper · Post by **FoundationStepper** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 3:22 pm

buck up chap

remember, the focus on these courses is pretty disparate. you learn a little about a lot of things, and wouldnt necessarily have heaps of quality time on specific production techniques...

flippo · Post by **flippo** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:33 pm

Hegg your tunes are wicked. Production is def up there, compositions expecially are mint. You just need to churn out more I recon

unsoundbwoy · Post by **unsoundbwoy** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:36 pm

dun worry lee
just be more disciplined and you'll pick it up no problems

Lephrenic · Post by **Lephrenic** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 1:59 am

Cheers guys. I did wanna learn about recording and live sound as well, but I guess that'll have to wait.

Spherix · Post by **Spherix** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:46 am

TheBrains wrote:I think alot of people need to shift focus from production to song writing.

Most tunes I hear on this forum sound tight but lack the basis of a good song or have weak arrangements. Its arguable that good songs with strong arrangements practically mix themselves. Yet how many posts on various production forums ask about snares, kicks, basses, compression, EQ, whatever without a single reference to song writing.

IMO, schools like SAE are just a way to generate money from the misconception that sound production is a dark and mystical art to which few are initiated. In truth, it's not rocket science. Think seriously for a moment, do you really need to go to school to learn how to use a compressor? I don't think so. Its more often the song and arrangement that needs the attention.

imo the arrangement and songwriting is from the artist within, the production is the science of getting the ideas to work that needs teaching. ideas should be ones own, thats why they call musicians "artists"
i agree a lot of concepts for tunes are fucking weak, however.
you probably shouldnt be producing if u dont have any decent ideas