Undergraduate Program

This course is intended to provide students with a basic understanding of electronic synthesizers, digital samplers and drum machines and their use in the creation of music such as Hip Hop/Rap, Pop, EDM, and Hybrid music production, while gaining practical, hands-on experience with their functionality and design.

Demonstrations and hands-on experience in the new state of the art Synthesizer Lab housing over (25) synthesizers will enable each student to gain a strong working knowledge of these instruments.

Students will develop sound creation techniques and critical listening skills to enable informed analysis of their own projects and projects made by others. Student competencies will be demonstrated in projects using both hardware and software throughout the semester.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

This course introduces students to the science and technology of audio. Students will learn about the physics of vibration through the study of strings, pipes, and resonators. Concepts including Fourier analysis, modes of oscillation, and auditory spectra are demonstrated by analyzing the vibration of a plucked guitar string. The second half of the course introduces fundamental concepts in electronics, including voltage, current, impedance, and basic analysis of both AC and DC circuits. Hands on labs and simulations are used extensively to reinforce important concepts and introduce practical applications of the course material. This course is recommended as an introduction to the Audio and Music Engineering major but is also accessible to students of music or other non-technical disciplines who wish to learn the fundamentals of music technology.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

This course introduces students to the science and technology of audio. Students will learn about the physics of vibration through the study of strings, pipes, and resonators. Concepts including Fourier analysis, modes of oscillation, and auditory spectra are demonstrated by analyzing the vibration of a plucked guitar string. The second half of the course introduces fundamental concepts in electronics, including voltage, current, impedance, and basic analysis of both AC and DC circuits. Hands on labs and simulations are used extensively to reinforce important concepts and introduce practical applications of the course material. This course is recommended as an introduction to the Audio and Music Engineering major but is also accessible to students of music or other non-technical disciplines who wish to learn the fundamentals of music technology.

Location

(W 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

This course introduces students to the science and technology of audio. Students will learn about the physics of vibration through the study of strings, pipes, and resonators. Concepts including Fourier analysis, modes of oscillation, and auditory spectra are demonstrated by analyzing the vibration of a plucked guitar string. The second half of the course introduces fundamental concepts in electronics, including voltage, current, impedance, and basic analysis of both AC and DC circuits. Hands on labs and simulations are used extensively to reinforce important concepts and introduce practical applications of the course material. This course is recommended as an introduction to the Audio and Music Engineering major but is also accessible to students of music or other non-technical disciplines who wish to learn the fundamentals of music technology.

Location

(W 4:50PM - 7:30PM)

This course introduces students to the science and technology of audio. Students will learn about the physics of vibration through the study of strings, pipes, and resonators. Concepts including Fourier analysis, modes of oscillation, and auditory spectra are demonstrated by analyzing the vibration of a plucked guitar string. The second half of the course introduces fundamental concepts in electronics, including voltage, current, impedance, and basic analysis of both AC and DC circuits. Hands on labs and simulations are used extensively to reinforce important concepts and introduce practical applications of the course material. This course is recommended as an introduction to the Audio and Music Engineering major but is also accessible to students of music or other non-technical disciplines who wish to learn the fundamentals of music technology.

Location

(F 9:00AM - 12:30PM)

This course covers the fundamentals in becoming an audio engineer. Topics covered include: Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, Microphones, Signal Processing, Tape Recording, Digital Audio Theory, Signal Flow, Studio Etiquette, Digital Audio Workstations, Music Business, Recording Audio, and Mixing Audio. You do not need any previous experience in recording, however some familiarity with music and how it is created is needed.
There are four group recording projects that make up the bulk of the course, each with their own guidelines and challenges. This course requires considerable time to be spent on projects outside of the lecture and lab times. The labs are required to take this course.
First-year non-AME Major students are ineligible to take this course.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

This course covers the fundamentals in becoming an audio engineer. Topics covered include: Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, Microphones, Signal Processing, Tape Recording, Digital Audio Theory, Signal Flow, Studio Etiquette, Digital Audio Workstations, Music Business, Recording Audio, and Mixing Audio. You do not need any previous experience in recording, however some familiarity with music and how it is created is needed.
There are four group recording projects that make up the bulk of the course, each with their own guidelines and challenges. This course requires considerable time to be spent on projects outside of the lecture and lab times. The labs are required to take this course.
First-year non-AME Major students are ineligible to take this course.

Location

(T 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course covers the fundamentals in becoming an audio engineer. Topics covered include: Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, Microphones, Signal Processing, Tape Recording, Digital Audio Theory, Signal Flow, Studio Etiquette, Digital Audio Workstations, Music Business, Recording Audio, and Mixing Audio. You do not need any previous experience in recording, however some familiarity with music and how it is created is needed.
There are four group recording projects that make up the bulk of the course, each with their own guidelines and challenges. This course requires considerable time to be spent on projects outside of the lecture and lab times. The labs are required to take this course.
First-year non-AME Major students are ineligible to take this course.

Location

(T 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

This course covers the fundamentals in becoming an audio engineer. Topics covered include: Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, Microphones, Signal Processing, Tape Recording, Digital Audio Theory, Signal Flow, Studio Etiquette, Digital Audio Workstations, Music Business, Recording Audio, and Mixing Audio. You do not need any previous experience in recording, however some familiarity with music and how it is created is needed.
There are four group recording projects that make up the bulk of the course, each with their own guidelines and challenges. This course requires considerable time to be spent on projects outside of the lecture and lab times. The labs are required to take this course.
First-year non-AME Major students are ineligible to take this course.

Location

(R 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

The course is intended to provide students a basic understanding of SOUND DESIGN and working with sound for picture. The emphasis is on demonstrations and hands-on experience to enable students to gain a practical knowledge of sound and music production using computers.

Topics include synthesizers & samplers; recording and editing with Pro Tools and Logic Pro; sound effect creation; foley & automatic dialog replacement; basic soundtrack composition; and working to picture. Many techniques are explored, employing software and hardware-based sound creation tools throughout the course. Students will complete a major sound design project at the conclusion of the course.
 

Location

(TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

Interactive Computer Music introduces students to sound synthesis, digital audio signal processing, and real-time interactive technologies through the ChucK music programming language, widely used in laptop orchestras. Students will design and perform interactive computer music using MIDI controllers, synthesizers, laptops, mobile devices, joysticks, mice, and computer keyboards via MIDI and Open Sound Control (OSC) protocols. The course will cover algorithmic composition techniques for generating music and explore the intersection of music and artificial intelligence using the ChAI framework. The midterm project will require each student to design a drum machine piece. At the end of the semester, students will showcase their interactive compositions in an immersive Sonic Showcase, demonstrating their acquired programming skills and creative applications in computer music. All students, including music and technology majors, are welcomed to take this course.

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

The devices, circuits, and techniques of audio electronics are covered in this course. Included is a survey of small signal amplifier designs and small-signal analysis and characterization, operational amplifiers and audio applications of opamps, large-signal design and analysis methods including an overview of linear and switching power amplifiers. The course also covers the design of vacuum tube circuits, nonlinearity and distortion. Other important audio devices are also covered including microphones, loudspeakers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, and low-noise audio equipment design principles.

Location

(MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

The devices, circuits, and techniques of audio electronics are covered in this course. Included is a survey of small signal amplifier designs and small-signal analysis and characterization, operational amplifiers and audio applications of opamps, large-signal design and analysis methods including an overview of linear and switching power amplifiers. The course also covers the design of vacuum tube circuits, nonlinearity and distortion. Other important audio devices are also covered including microphones, loudspeakers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, and low-noise audio equipment design principles.

Location

(W 9:00AM - 11:40AM)

This course builds on knowledge gained in AME191. Fundamental topics covered include Advanced Mixing and Mastering Techniques, Drum Replacement, Impulse Responses and Reverb, Advanced Concepts of Signal Processing, Analog Tape Recording, Music Business Ethics and Taxes, and Hybrid Analog/Digital Mixing Techniques.

Emphasis is on the development of critical listening skills through ear training exercises and active listening assignments. These drills will develop your ability to hear width and depth in audio, mixing techniques in various musical genres, specific instruments used in a recording, and recognition of various effects including reverb, delay, compression, phasing and distortion.

There are four group recording projects that make up the bulk of the course, each with their own guidelines and challenges. This course requires considerable time to be spent on projects outside of the lecture and lab times. The labs are required to take this course.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

This course builds on knowledge gained in AME191. Fundamental topics covered include Advanced Mixing and Mastering Techniques, Drum Replacement, Impulse Responses and Reverb, Advanced Concepts of Signal Processing, Analog Tape Recording, Music Business Ethics and Taxes, and Hybrid Analog/Digital Mixing Techniques.

Emphasis is on the development of critical listening skills through ear training exercises and active listening assignments. These drills will develop your ability to hear width and depth in audio, mixing techniques in various musical genres, specific instruments used in a recording, and recognition of various effects including reverb, delay, compression, phasing and distortion.

There are four group recording projects that make up the bulk of the course, each with their own guidelines and challenges. This course requires considerable time to be spent on projects outside of the lecture and lab times. The labs are required to take this course.

Location

(M 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course builds on knowledge gained in AME191. Fundamental topics covered include Advanced Mixing and Mastering Techniques, Drum Replacement, Impulse Responses and Reverb, Advanced Concepts of Signal Processing, Analog Tape Recording, Music Business Ethics and Taxes, and Hybrid Analog/Digital Mixing Techniques.

Emphasis is on the development of critical listening skills through ear training exercises and active listening assignments. These drills will develop your ability to hear width and depth in audio, mixing techniques in various musical genres, specific instruments used in a recording, and recognition of various effects including reverb, delay, compression, phasing and distortion.

There are four group recording projects that make up the bulk of the course, each with their own guidelines and challenges. This course requires considerable time to be spent on projects outside of the lecture and lab times. The labs are required to take this course.

Location

(W 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

Lectures in this course will involve discussions about ethical use of AI tools in audio production, managing and uploading audio for streaming, designing and ordering physical audio media, writing contracts, royalties, and music promotion.

One major project will be required and will last the entire semester. Students will act as the songwriter and compose a pop song which will evolve over the course of the semester with feedback from the professor acting as producer. The song will be tracked by professional studio musicians on drums, guitar, bass, and piano during a session around the midterm of the semester. The songwriters will then mix it themselves, with input from the professor and their classmates. Students are expected to already be well versed in microphones, signal processing theory, and Pro Tools/Logic/Reaper.

Location

(MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

The course is intended to provide students a basic understanding of the creation and implementation all audio assets for a provided video game. Demonstrations and hands-on experience will enable students to gain a practical working knowledge of the integration of sound and music into games using middleware.

Gameplay and roundtable discussions of several styles of games, along with a field trip to the Strong National Museum of Play will foster critical analysis.

Students will primarily work with Wwise, Reaper, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro. Topics will include sound effect creation, foley, dialog recording and editing, soundtrack composition for interactive, and working within a game environment.

The course will also feature guest lectures by industry leading professionals, who will share their experience and insights. Supplementary software discussed will include Unreal and Nuendo.

Location

(MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course is a sequel to Audio Software Design I. Students will learn how to create audio applications and plug-ins with Faust and C++. Faust is a high-level functional programming language designed for real-time digital signal processing (DSP), sound synthesis, and sound analysis. The Faust compiler can translate the same source code into other programming languages and export to audio applications or plug-ins running on various platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, iOS, and Android. JUCE is a cross-platform C++ application framework used to design audio applications, audio plug-ins, animated applications, and OpenGL applications. Many professional audio applications and plug-ins have been built with JUCE, mainly used for its GUI, plug-in, and DSP libraries. At the end of the semester, we will have an Audio Software Show demonstrating the audio applications or plug-ins designed by the students.

Location

(TR 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

This course is a sequel to Audio Software Design I. Students will learn how to create audio applications and plug-ins with Faust and C++. Faust is a high-level functional programming language designed for real-time digital signal processing (DSP), sound synthesis, and sound analysis. The Faust compiler can translate the same source code into other programming languages and export to audio applications or plug-ins running on various platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, iOS, and Android. JUCE is a cross-platform C++ application framework used to design audio applications, audio plug-ins, animated applications, and OpenGL applications. Many professional audio applications and plug-ins have been built with JUCE, mainly used for its GUI, plug-in, and DSP libraries. At the end of the semester, we will have an Audio Software Show demonstrating the audio applications or plug-ins designed by the students.

Location

(F 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

Computer audition is the study of how to design a computational system that can analyze and process auditory scenes. Problems in this field include source separation (splitting audio mixtures into individual source tracks), pitch estimation (estimating the pitches played by each instrument), streaming (finding which sounds belong to a single event/source), source localization (finding where the sound comes from) and source identification (labeling a sound source). 

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

This is a follow on course to AME272, Audio Digital Signal Processing. Students will complete a major design/build project in the area of audio digital signal processing in this course. Examples include a real-time audio effects processor, music synthesizer or sound analyzer or other projects of student interest. Weekly meetings and progress reports are required.

Location

(R 3:25PM - 6:05PM)

This is the capstone project course for Audio Arts and Technology majors. Students will complete a substantial project of their choosing in audio recording and production, sound design, interactive media, computer music, or other applications of audio.

Location

(MWF 8:00AM - 8:50AM)

Senior Design Project in Audio and Music Engineering. In this first semester of the year-long AME Senior Project course students will define their product, possibly in collaboration with an outside customer, and then develop product concept documentation, detailed requirements specifications, system level designs, detailed sub-system designs and hopefully build demonstration prototypes.

Location

(W 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.  Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.  Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)​

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)