Digital Audio Processing & Production
About This Block
Students explore the world of audio creation, learning to record, edit, mix, and produce professional audio content. The block covers recording techniques, audio effects, sound design, podcasting, music beds, soundtracks, and voiceovers. Students create a short audio commercial or podcast clip as their mini-project.
Program Summary
Sound is half the experience in any media production, yet it's often the most overlooked skill. Block 4 gives students a complete education in digital audio -- from recording and editing to mixing, sound design, and production. Students work with professional digital audio workstations (DAWs) and learn the same workflows used in music studios, podcast production houses, and film post-production facilities.
The first two weeks cover recording fundamentals (microphone setup, audio interfaces, file formats) and editing techniques (cutting, trimming, fades, noise removal, and multi-track arrangement). Week 3 introduces mixing -- EQ, compression, reverb, sends, and buses -- teaching students how to create professional-sounding audio with depth and clarity. Week 4 is dedicated to sound design and foley, where students create sound effects from scratch and build immersive soundscapes.
Week 5 explores podcasting, voiceover recording, and working with music beds and soundtracks. The mini-project challenges each student to produce a polished audio commercial or podcast clip, applying recording, editing, mixing, sound design, and music skills. Audio production skills are essential for video editing, game development, animation, and any form of multimedia creation -- making this block a critical bridge between visual and auditory storytelling.
Mini-Project
Create a short audio commercial or podcast clip
Class Schedule
- Monday & Wednesday: 2 hours per day
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Optional Overflow Days (If Needed): Tuesday & Thursday
Maximum of 20 students per class for quality instruction
At the end of each 6-week block, students receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing the skills they have learned.
6-Week Curriculum
A structured, hands-on program from fundamentals to final project.
Week 1
Introduction to Audio & Recording
- Understanding sound: frequency, amplitude, and waveforms
- Introduction to digital audio workstations (DAWs)
- Setting up microphones and audio interfaces
- Recording your first audio clip
- File formats: WAV, MP3, AIFF, and sample rates
Week 2
Audio Editing Fundamentals
- Cutting, trimming, and arranging audio clips
- Fades, crossfades, and volume automation
- Removing noise, pops, and unwanted sounds
- Working with multiple audio tracks and layers
- Practice: clean up and edit a raw recording
Week 3
Mixing & Effects
- Introduction to mixing: levels, panning, and balance
- Applying EQ, compression, and reverb effects
- Understanding sends, buses, and routing
- Creating depth and space in a mix
- Practice: mix a multi-track audio project
Week 4
Sound Design & Foley
- What is sound design and why it matters
- Creating sound effects from scratch and everyday objects
- Layering sounds for depth and realism
- Introduction to foley: recording real-world sounds
- Project: create a soundscape for a short scene
Week 5
Podcasting, Music & Voiceovers
- Planning and scripting a podcast episode
- Voiceover recording techniques and delivery
- Working with music beds and background tracks
- Creating soundtracks and ambient audio
- Practice: record a short voiceover with music
Week 6
Mini-Project: Audio Commercial or Podcast
- Planning and scripting the final audio project
- Recording, editing, and mixing all elements together
- Adding music beds, effects, and voiceover
- Mastering and exporting the final audio file
- Certificate of Completion presentation