Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Audio Recording I (Online)

MUSC 6323-B70

Course: MUSC 6323-B70
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: MUSC
CRN: 11982

Course Description

A practical introduction to the use of the Pro Tools digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording and editing music. Topics include studio electronics, signal flow, computer-based digital recording and editing, recording operations, simple mic placement, and the role of the audio engineer. (As Needed) [Graded Letter] Registration Restriction(s): Music Technology majors only

Required Texts

  • Pro Tools Access:

    • Students must have an active account with Avid and iLok. 

  • Textbooks (3)

    • The Recording Engineer’s Handbook (5th Edition) by Bobby Owsinski (physical or digital copy required).
    • Current AVID Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II (two textbooks)

  • Software:

    • Pro Tools 2025 version or newer required.

    • Earlier versions are not supported for this course.

  • Hardware:

    • Audio interface with minimum two mic preamp inputs.

    • Two small diaphragm condenser microphones of the same model (not necessarily factory-matched, but same type for stereo recording techniques).

    • One Large diaphragm condenser
    • One Dynamic microphone (Sm57/58) - optional
    • MIDI controller or MIDI input device.

    • Studio-quality monitoring headphones or studio monitors.

    • Internet access sufficient for ALC coursework and session file uploads.


Learning Outcomes


By the end of this course, students will:

  • Build, record, edit, and manage professional Pro Tools sessions at commercial standards.

  • Apply microphone theory, placement strategies, and tracking techniques for both simple and complex recording environments.

  • Construct MIDI-driven arrangements and integrate virtual instruments into full productions.

  • Develop advanced mixing workflows, including effects chains, bus routing, and early surround/immersive audio planning.

  • Complete the Avid Pro Tools 110 Certification Exam.

  • Deliver production-ready, fully engineered audio sessions that meet professional recording, editing, and mixing standards.

Course Requirements


Weekly Assignments:

Each module includes:

  • Reading assignments from PT101, PT110, and Owsinski

  • Avid lessons and exercises tied directly to Pro Tools certification standards

  • Hands-on Pro Tools recording and mixing assignments

  • Occasional quizzes or concept reviews

  • A final recording project demonstrating session building, tracking, editing, mixing, and delivery at professional level


All assignments are graded individually, worth 100% each.

There are no weighted categories.

If it's assigned, it's important.
If you turn it in, it gets graded on its own merits.

Certification:
Successful completion of this course includes sitting for and passing the Pro Tools 110 Avid Specialist Certification Exam.


Passing this exam grants students an official industry credential recognized across commercial studios, post-production houses, gaming companies, and educational institutions globally.

Course Outline


The course is divided into 7 modules, each building on the last.
Every module combines critical reading, hands-on Pro Tools work, real-world engineering assignments, and preparation for final certification.

ModuleFocus
Module 1 | Core Concepts of Sound, Digital Recording, and Pro Tools Fundamentals
Module 2 | Professional Session Building and Audio Capture
Module 3 | Multitrack Editing, Early Mixing, and Recording Instruments
Module 4 | Advanced Session Management and Overdubs
Module 5 | Overdubbing, MIDI Integration, and Advanced Mixing Organization
Module 6 | Effects Processing, Immersive Recording, and Spatial Audio Concepts
Module 7 | Final Certification Preparati

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  • No late assignments will be accepted unless you have received explicit permission directly from me before the due date.

  • Simply contacting me is not enough. You must reach me, communicate the situation, and receive confirmation that late work will be accepted.

  • You are expected to contact me well in advance of any deadline if an issue arises.

    • You may call or text me directly at 310-871-3604(call or text preferred).

    • If you do not receive a direct reply from me granting permission, your assignment is still due on time.

  • No incompletes will be given for any reason in this course.


This is a professional-level course.
Professional communication, advance planning, and responsibility are minimum expectations.

Attendance Policy

This course is delivered fully online and does not include required synchronous class meetings. Students are not expected to attend live lectures or scheduled class sessions on a weekly basis.

That said, the course does include a required synchronous component related to the Pro Tools certification exam. It is the student’s responsibility to coordinate with the instructor to schedule and complete the Pro Tools certification exam session before the end of the term. Failure to schedule or complete this requirement by the deadline may result in an incomplete or reduced course credit, depending on university policy and instructor discretion.

While there are no mandatory live meetings, one-on-one and small group live sessions with the instructor are strongly encouraged. These sessions may be used for questions, clarification of course concepts, Pro Tools support, exam preparation, or general guidance. Students are welcome to initiate these sessions at any point during the term.

Communication with the instructor to schedule live sessions should be done via text message or telephone. Students are expected to communicate professionally and proactively, especially when scheduling certification exams or requesting additional support.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.