1500 Sound Academy, a music education institution based in Inglewood, California headed by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter producers James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson, and entrepreneur Twila True, has announced a new partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). Both institutions have joined forces to launch a co-branded, certificate based, self-paced online music program. Courses will provide top notch instruction in music production, engineering, songwriting, mixing, music business and artist branding, and are available today, with enrollment for the program now open to all students and the general public.
Together, with their educational expertise in the music industry, 1500 Sound Academy and ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts School of Music, Dance and Theatre, with contributions from active music professionals, have formed a unique program titled “Professional Certificate in Music Production,” that offers valuable insight to help students discover the many career paths available in the music industry. Courses include a focus on skill development as well as exposure to leading experts in the music industry with interview sessions led by Professor of Practice Daniel Bernard Roumain, PhD.
Says Fauntleroy: “We are thrilled to launch our first collegiate partnership. Arizona State University has been in-tune when it comes to the ethos of 1500 Sound Academy and sharing the knowledge of the music industry’s inner-workings. Adds Dopson, “Our goal has always been to lead by example and share our knowledge and insights of the business with people. We’re honored ASU acknowledges and celebrates this idea.”
“ASU is proud to join with 1500 Sound Academy to create practical, technological experiences,” said Heather Landes, director of the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. “Dr. Roumain and our director of the popular music program, Erin Barra-Jean, along with acclaimed artists like DJ Spooky, Black Violin, Hollywood film composer Tamar Kali, and founder of the MAGIK*MAGIK orchestra Minna Choi provide an immersive survey of best practices and innovation in the recording and collaborative arts,” added Dr. Landes.
The “Professional Certificate in Music Production” will include six specialized music courses:
- Music Production Techniques with Ableton Live: This course offers today’s music creators with a foundation on the necessary concepts, terminology and techniques of modern studio track composition.
- Recording & Engineering Fundamentals: The digital audio workstation (DAW) is the centerpiece of the recording studio. Students learn the fundamentals of getting sound into the DAW and shaping the sound using EQ, compression and other techniques.
- The Contemporary Songwriter: Songwriters create timeless emotion from nothing but melody and lyrics. This course demystifies the songwriting process and arms the modern songwriter with melodic and lyrical concepts to deepen their craft.
- Mixing Essentials: The mix can make or break a song and when it is done right, it goes unnoticeable. This course teaches how to listen and knowing how to make songs sound like you want them.
- The Business of Music 101: Music creators are copyright owners, brand owners and publishing companies, whether they know it or not. This course outlines the pillars of a music creator’s corporate structure.
- Branding for Contemporary Need: This course digs deeply into the psyche of the artist, as well as the practical side of being an artist and setting up an authentic brand and performance
For more information about the “Professional Certificate in Music Production” online program, visit courses.cpe.asu.edu/browse/soundacademy/programs/music-production
1500 Sound Academy strives to produce passionate sound creators with mentorship, positive mindset, and professional development. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, an award-winning staff and unique curriculum, 1500 Sound Academy functions as a gateway between school and career by providing instruction in current and emerging business practices of the music industry for creators around the world.
