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Course Descriptions
1020 EMC/JOUR/RIM 1020 Understanding Mass Media (3 hrs). Analysis of the content and context of the American mass media to understand how they affect individuals and society. Emphasis on practical knowlege of the workings of the media from a general perspective.
1230 Musicianship for Engineers (Same as MUSI 1230) (3 hrs). A variety of music subjects are explored within the context of commercial music as related to audio recording and production. Specific topics include music fundamentals, commercial music theory, commercial form and styles, and basic aural and keyboard skills. Students who have passed MUSI 1110 with a grade of C or better may not enroll in RIM 1230 for credit.
3000 History of the Recording Industry (3 hrs). Traces the development of the technology, business, major record labels, and the music recorded as well as significant individuals in these areas.
3010 Audio for Media (Same as EMC 3010.) (3 hrs). Examines the theories and technology used in audio production for music, radio, TV, and film. Provides the management-oriented student with a useful vocabulary covering the area of audio production and provides the production-oriented student with the basic theory upon which production skills can be built.
3020 Commercial Songwriting (Same as MUSI 3020) (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 1230 or MUSI 1110 or permission of instructor; others - permission of instructor. Organization of ideas, words, and music into the writing of popular songs. Analysis of songwriting trends. Students are expected to play guitar or piano and sing.
3100 Music as Popular Culture (Same as JOUR 3100) (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, others - permission of instructor. Designed to introduce students to a range of scholarly approaches to the study of popular music. Encourages perspectives other than those of "producer" or "consumer." Requires application of analytic and critical methods in research paper assignments. Writing intensive.
3200 History of Country Music (3 hrs). Prerequisite: admission to candidacy. History and culture of American country music. Explores the historical progression of the genre and analyzes topics such as race and gender relations, material culture, generational conflict, and the role of "authenticity" in the creation and commodification of the music. Reading, writing, and listening intensive.
3450 Advanced Musicianship for Engineers (3 hrs). Prerequisite: RIM 1230 or MUS 1110. (This course is not available to students who are enrolled in or who have completed MUS 1120.) This course is a continuation of RIM 1230 Musicianship for Engineers. Classes will consist of furthering the application of musical concepts previously learned to popular music. New topics will include syncopation, modulation, two-handed accompaniment patterns, and selected secondary chords. A special segment will include an introduction to music notation software and the preparation of a lead sheet.
3500 Lecture Series (1 hrs). Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; RI Major. Major executives, producers, and others in the recording industry will speak to students about contemporary topics in the music busniess. May be taken only once for credit toward the major. Pass/Fail.
3580 RIM Practicum (1 to 3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and approval of instructor prior to enrollment. On-campus experiences in and related to the recording industry. Course may be repeated up to three times, but no more than six total credits toward the major allowed for RIM practicum and internships. Pass/Fail.
3600 Survey of the Recording Industry (3 hrs). Examination of the industry including, but not limited to, artist development, songwriting, publishing, record companies, record marketing and promotion, copyright, performance rights, and careers.
3650 Free Expression, Mass Media and the American Public (Same as JOUR/EMC 3650) (3 hrs). A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship with mass media in contemporary America. A comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
3700 Copyright Law (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600. Examination of copyright law with particular reference to the music industry. Emphasis on understanding and applying the law to work in the industry.
3720 Artist Management (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600. Examination of the role of recording artists' representatives. Topics include personal appearances, touring, unions, and contractual considerations.
3770 Publicity in the Recording Industry (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and JOUR 2710; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Experience in creating publicity materials and developing media relations, press releases, press kits, and publicity campaigns.
3780 Entertainment Reporting and Writing (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and JOUR 2710; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Theory and proactice of the fundamentals of entertainment journalism, including music industry writing, feature stories, and CD and concert reviews.
3890 International Recording Industry (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600. Study of the cultural, media, business, and legal aspects of making and selling records on a worldwide basis. Specific studies in foreign record company operations, i.e., production, distribution, marketing, promotion, and licensing. Immigration, union and tax implications of artists recording abroad.
3900 Music Publishing (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 3700; others - RIM 3600 and RIM 3700. The operations and functions of the music publishing Industry including songwriter-publisher relations. The primary thrust is popular music publishing, but art, religious, and educational music are also discussed.
4000 Recording Industry Internship: Business (1 to 3 hrs). Prerequisites: Senior standing (90 hours), Music Business sub-core, and approved internship application. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional recording industry setting. This course may be repeated for additional credit. No more than six hours toward the major are allowed for RIM 3580, RIM 4000 and RIM 4010. Pass/Fail.
4010 Recording Industry Internship: Technology (1 to 3 hrs). Prerequisites: Senior standing (90 hours), Production and Technology sub-core, and approved internship application. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional recording industry setting. This course may be repeated for additional credit. No more than six hours toward the major are allowed for RIM 3580, RIM 4000 and RIM 4010. Pass/Fail.
4190 Principles and Practices of Electronic Music (Same as MUSI 4190) (3 hrs). Prerequisite: RI majors -admission to candidacy and RIM/MUSI 1230 or MUSI 1110. All others: RIM 3010, RIM/MUSI 1230 or MUSI 1110 or permission of instructor. History and techniques of electronic music including analog and digital sound generation and manipulation, control systems, MIDI, Macintosh basics, and an introduction to sequencer and editor/librarian software. Laboratory required.
4200 Applied Digital Audio (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - permission of instructor. Course presents an overview of digital audio technology. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual design of analog to digital and digital to analog converters. Current trends in digital audio technology are discussed. Extensive hands-on experience in a digital audio workstation environment. Laboratory required.
4290 Electronic Music II (same as MUSI 4290) (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM/MUSI 4190; others: RIM/MUSI 4190. Advanced techniques of sound manipulation and introduction to digital sampling, alternate controllers and MIDI control of effects devices. Advanced sequencing including modular composition, remote controls and MIDI automation. Laboratory required.
4300 Digital Audio Workstation Theory and Techniques (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4200; others - permission of instructor. A detailed examination of digital audio workstation (DAW) theory in close conjunction with DAW practical techniques. Emphasis on the structure, capablities, tools and command-sets of the DAW.
4320 Concert Promotion and Touring (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. An in-depth study of the theoretical and practical aspects of presenting contemporary arts and entertainment performances. Topics include talent acquisition, contracts and riders, production, venues, budgeting, ticket services and promotion.
4400 Techniques of Recording (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM/MUSI 1230; others - permission of instructor. Course develops an understanding of the techniques and technology involved in modern multi-track recording and mixing. Extensive hands-on experience. Laboratory required.
4440 Critical Listening (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM 4400, and permission of instructor; others - permission of instructor. Ear-training and asthetics for recording engineers. Class activities involve listening and analysis of master tape and disk formats. Sources include a wide variety of music genres as well as specialized ear-training materials. Development of a vocabulary for communication of aural impressions. Introduction to "higi-end" audio.
4480 Mastering (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4200 and RIM 4400; others - permission of instructor. An advanced hands-on approach to the principles and practices of mastering. Focused on the use of digital audio workstations specially designed for audio mastering and related outboard equipment. Additional focus on surround mastering and DVD authoring. Laboratory required.
4560 Concepts and Development of Multichannel Audio (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - permission of instructor. Course presents an overview of multichannel audio technology. The history and development of multichannel audio systems both for film soundtracks and music production are presented. Mathematical conceptualizations of these systems are discussed. Current trends in multichannel digital audio technology are developed.
4570 The Art of Soundtrack Design (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others RIM3010/3030 or EMC 3120 or ENGL 4650. Examines the creative use of sound in film and theatre through critical listening to various soundtracks. The theory and practice of sound design analyzed and discussed in a lecture-oriented class.
4580 Disk-Based Audio Post-Production (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - RIM/MUSI 4190, RIM 4200, RIM 4400. EMC majors - RIM 3010, EMC 3120 and EMC 3130. All others - permission of instructor. An advanced, hands-on approach to the principles of tapeless digital recording on a variety of digital workstation platforms. In-depth discussions of disk-based digital audio, synchronization, audio for video and film, and multichannel sound mixing techniques. The course focuses upon the use of digital audio workstations in an audio post-production environment. Laboratory required.
4590 MIDI Studio Techniques (Same as MUSI 4590.) (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM/MUSI 4290 and RIM 4400; others - RIM/MUSI 4290, and RIM 4400 or permission of instructor. MIDI systems design and the total integration of all MIDI-controllable devices. SMPTE and MIDI Time Code and their application to tape synchronization. A continuation of advanced techniques for digital sampling, sequencing, sound manipulation and use of alternate controllers. Other topics include sound effects and music scoring for film and video, and the MIDI Machine Control and MIDI Show Control specifications. Laboratory required.
4620 Marketing of Recordings (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Special emphasis on the particular structures and problems involved in the movement of recordings from manufacturer to the buying public. Topics include product marketing, promotion and distribution.
4630 Recording Industry Research (3 hrs). Prerequisities: Admission to candidacy, RIM 4620 or MKT 3820, computer literacy, and permission of instructor. Provides hands-on experiences in research in the recording industry. Involvement in group projects to provide music and consumer research services to various clients in the industry. Class is workshop oriented.
4650 Advanced Technology of Analog Recording (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4400; others - permission of instructor. Further study of technology, equipment and techniques of contemporary multitrack recording. Lecture and lab sessions focus upon specific studio hardware and software as well as preparation for professional work as an assistant (second) engineer. Laboratory required.
4651 Advanced Technology of Digital Recording (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4400; others - permission of instructor. Further study of technology, equipment and techniques of contemporary multitrack recording. Lecture and lab sessions focus upon specific studio hardware and software as well as preparation for professional work as an assistant (second) engineer. Laboratory required.
4660 Advanced Music Engineering (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - RIM 4650; others - permission of instructor. Project-based class emphasizing creative and aesthetic aspects of multitrack music recording. Possible topics include: microphone techniques, session protocols, incorporation of MIDI elements, sample replacement and augmentation, rough mixing, console automation techniques, signal processing and ear-training for recording engineers. Laboratory required
4670 Studio Production (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4650; others - permission of instructor. Laboratory experience and lectures in music, recording techniques, and business designed to develop the abilities needed in becoming an independent producer of contemporary commercial recordings. Laboratory required.
4680 Disk-Based Music Production (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4200 and RIM 4400; others - permission of instructor. An advanced, project-oriented, hands-on approach to multitrack music recording focusing on the use of digital audio workstation rechnology and techniques. Topics include system configurations and concepts and techniques specific to music recording, editing, and manipulation. Also focuses on advantages and problems associated with hard-disk music recording. Laboratory required.
4690 Internet for the Music Business (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RIM 4620 or permission of the instructor. This course will teach the student applied theory on promoting the services and products of the recording industry through the Internet, and will teach the student how to create interactive websites for companies associated with the recording industry.
4700 Legal Problems of the Recording Industry (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 3700; others - RIM 3600 and RIM 3700. An overview of legal problems encountered in the recording industry with specific attention to contractual considerations in recording and producing.
4720 Record Retail Operations (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and MKT 3820; others RIM 3600, MKT 3820. Problems and practices of recording industry retailers, including pricing, inventory control, advertising, operations and retail locations for audio and video recordings and printed music.
4730 The A & R Function (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - completion of Music Business or Production and Technology sub-core. Designed to familiarize the student with the role and responsibilities of a record company's Artist and Repertoire department. Emphasis is placed upon finding an artist and guiding that artist through the administration of the production and marketing of a project.
4740 Studio Administration (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others permission of the instructor. An applications course involving the administrative functions of recording studio operations, including accounting, marketing, personnel, planning and computer applications.
4800 Nashville Music Business (3 hrs). Prerequisites: Concurrent with or subsequent to RIM 4000 or RIM 4010. Acquaints interns and students working in the Nashville music industry with industry practices through an historic perspective and through conducting a research project.
4810 Topics in Recording Industry (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy. Examination and critical evaluation of current issues related to the operation and function of various aspects of the recording industry. Subject matter varies. Course may be repeated one time for additional credit.
4820 Record Label Operations (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4620 or MKT 3820; RIM 4620. Day-to-day marketing tasks conducted onsite for a record label offer students training on the practical application of the latest marketing software. Must be able to travel to Music Row and commit to 10 hours per week at a record label.
4830 Recording Studio Maintenance (3 hrs). Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM 4400, IS 3610, MATH 1410. Focuses on studio maintenance and trouble-shooting techniques. Includes soldering, wiring standards, machine alignment and system architecture.
4900 Individual Problems in Recording Industry (1 to 3 hrs). Prerequisites: admission to candidacy and permission of department. Advanced project in production or music business. Students submit applications to faculty technical or music business committees. Once approved, a determination is made as to credit to be awarded. The project is reviewed by a panel consisting of three faculty members to determine grade. No more than three credits toward the major are allowed.
4910 Advanced Production Seminar (same as EMC 4910) Three credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor only. The conceptualization, management and production of a specific program format integrating theory and skills from other RATV/RIM courses. Sports, music and drama are probable topics. Topics will vary by offering.
MRAT 6010 Recording In Cultural Context. 3 Hrs. Recording In Cultural Context is designed to acquaint learners with the evolution of this complex of technologies and provide tools for cultural analysis and critique of recorded artifacts. An interdisciplinary mosaic of scholarly approaches to the examination of contemporary recorded culture will be engaged.
MRAT 6030 MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar. 3 Hrs. MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar provides the student with the technical skills and conceptual foundation necessary to undertake advance creative projects. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of hardware and software platforms used for MIDI and hard-disk based digital audio.
MRAT 6050. Multitrack Recording Seminar. 3 Hrs. Multitrack Recording Seminar is a systematic examination of the technology used in the modern recording studio. Techniques for using this technology in the creative recording and mixing process will be examined.
MRAT 6070. Visual Aesthetics and Technology I. 3 Hrs. Visual Aesthetics and Technology I is designed to assist the beginning graduate student with the skills to effectively communicate an idea visually.
MRAT 6090. Visual Aesthetics and Technology II. 3 Hrs. Continuation of MRAT 6070, with introduction to the visual elements and technology used in the entertainment industry. Introduction to creative conceptualization, elements of composition, how the production process works and demonstration of basic and advanced visual technology, as a foundation for more advanced courses in the graduate program. Focus on concepts rather than completed media projects.
MRAT 6110. Production Seminar I. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: MRAT 6030 MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar, MRAT 6050 Multitrack Recording Seminar, and MRAT 6070 Visual Aesthetics and Technology I. This is an applications course where students utilize skills and theory obtained in previous courses and work in a cooperative environment toward the completion of an audio or multimedia production. Laboratory required.
MRAT 6120. Disk-Based Audio Post-Production. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: MRAT 6030 MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar and MRAT 6050 Multitrack Recording Seminar. Advanced practitioner-oriented approach to the principles of tapeless digital audio recording on a variety of digital workstation platforms. In-depth discussion of the principles of digital audio, synchronization, and audio-for-video. Focuses on the use of digital audio workstations in an audio post-production environment. Laboratory required.
MRAT 6130. Production Seminar II. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: MRAT 6110 Production Seminar I. This is the second semester of an applications course where students utilize skills and theory obtained in previous courses and work in a cooperative group environment toward the completion of an audio or multimedia production. Laboratory required.
MRAT 6140. Graduate Seminar in Audio Recording. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: MRAT 6030 MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar and MRAT 6050 Multitrack Recording Seminar. Advanced application of recording and mixing techniques in a digital multitrack setting. Additional topics: console automation, machine synchronization, digital audio editing, and tape machine alignment. Laboratory required.
MRAT 6150. Legal Rights of the Creative Individual. 3 Hrs. This course acquaints creative individuals with their legal rights as creators and their legal duties when using the works of others. Students apply concepts from copyright, trademark, trade secrets, privacy, publicity, defamation, and other branches of the law to media productions.
MRAT 6160. Composition for Contemporary Media. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: Four semesters of Theory/Sight Singing/Ear Training, MRAT 6030, MRAT 6050. Composition for Contemporary Media provides the student with the conceptual foundation necessary to undertake advanced creative projects involving the creation and manipulation of the materials of popular music. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of the structure and style elements of contemporary popular music. Laboratory required.
MRAT 6180. Introduction to Film Scoring. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: Four semesters of Theory/Sight Singing/Ear Training, MRAT 6030, MRAT 6050. Overview of the film scoring process. Discussion of the aesthetic relationship between music and film. Thematic analyses of representative film scores. Composition exercises demonstrating traditional film scoring techniques. Application of compositional techniques through laboratory assignments utilizing computers, synthesizers, and digital samplers. SMPTE time code, MIDI time code, and film time formats and their application to tape synchronization. Major project will consist of scoring a short scene from a film and synchronizing the music with the visual. Laboratory required.
MRAT 6210. Production Seminar III. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: MRAT 6120 Production Seminar II. This is the third semester of an applications course where students utilize skills and theory obtained in previous courses and work in a cooperative group environment toward the completion of an audio or multimedia production. Laboratory required.
MRAT 6320. Directed Research. 3 Hrs. Prerequisite: permission of department. Research in recording techniques and related topics.
MRAT 6340. Directed Production. 3 Hrs. Permission of department. Independent advanced audio productions.
MRAT 6360. Graduate Internship. 1 - 3 Hrs. Prerequisite: permission of department. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional recording industry setting.
MRAT 6650. Final Project. 1 - 9 Hrs. Prerequisite: permission of department
This course is designed to be a directed production project of substantial size and scope proposed, developed, and realized under the guidance of the major faculty advisor in consultation with the Final Project faculty committee. 6650 Final Project is the culminating experience in the M.F.A. program.
