Recording Technology
Trevecca’s Associate of Arts in recording technology is a two-year program that teaches you the art of recording and audio production. You will be prepared for roles in concert sound, film scores, and video and computer game sound design or for audio production for various types of music. You can tailor the program by concentrating on audio production, audio mastering or audio for digital cinema.
Program Benefits
- Develop your skills using state-of-the-art equipment in our recording studios and editing labs.
- Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
- Learn from faculty who have valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Take advantage of incredible internships and job opportunities available in the exciting Nashville market.
- Transition seamlessly into our four-year Bachelor of Arts in commercial music upon completion of your recording technology degree if you desire.
What to Expect
As a student in Trevecca’s Associate of Arts in recording technology program, you’ll learn the art of recording and audio production. You can tailor the program to match your unique interests and goals by choosing to concentrate on audio production, audio mastering or audio for digital cinema. Coursework includes foundational courses like Music and Aural Theory and The History of Audio Recording, as well as hands-on learning courses which cover audio technology and recording, editing and mixing techniques.
This program is housed within our school of music so that you can develop the skills needed to interact with session instrumentalists or use your own instrumental knowledge to contribute to recording sessions, enhancing your role as a music producer or engineer. As part of the program, you’ll have access to our studios and labs with state-of-the-art recording equipment, live broadcast equipment and editing technologies to use for class projects. You’ll also be able to rent these spaces at a discounted rate for personal projects if you’d like.
Our faculty includes Grammy-nominated sound engineer Charley Hubbs, who has more than 25 years of professional experience in the industry. Our small class sizes allow you to work with your professors both in group and individual sessions, creating mentoring relationships that lead to professional networking contacts and exciting opportunities while you are a student and long after graduation. Past graduates are now running recording studios, working as front-of-house (FOH) engineers for successful bands and working as digital cinema engineers in California.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your recording technology degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
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Financial Aid & Costs
Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.
Career Opportunities
With your recording technology degree from Trevecca, you can transition seamlessly into our four-year bachelor’s degree in commercial music, or you can pursue exciting roles in the music and entertainment industry such as:
- Audio production/engineering
- Digital cinema audio engineering/mixing (including ADR, Foley, sound design and special effects)
- Live sound work as a front-of-house (FOH) engineer, monitor engineer, backline crew or stage manager
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of classes will I take as part of this program?
You’ll take classes in music and aural theory, as well as in audio technology. Coursework also includes instruction and hands-on learning in recording, editing and mixing techniques. A class on the history of audio recording provides a helpful framework for students earning a degree in recording technology.
Will I have access to the recording studio on campus?
Does Trevecca have industry contacts for potential internships or post-graduate job opportunities?
Can I transition into a bachelor’s degree after earning my associate degree?
Yes, classes completed as part of a student’s Associate of Arts in recording technology degree can be applied toward a Bachelor of Arts in music (commercial). Upon completion of the associate degree, students can discuss their course plan with an academic advisor and formulate a continued, seamless path of study.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
Life, Calling, and Purpose
INT 1100
English Composition I
ENG 1020
Emphasizes the recursive writing process through appropriate determination of subject, audience, purpose, and style, with correct usage of grammar, punctuation, and logical organization. Students will use appropriate technologies for writing and learning.
Speech Communication
COM 1010
A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.
Financial Stewardship
BUS 2010
Provides the student with a basic understanding of his or her economic environment and the basic principles and tools of personal financial management. Emphasis will be placed on personal financial planning, including budgeting, managing personal debt, insurance, taxes, investments, and real estate. When possible, topics will be analyzed and discussed from a Christian perspective.
Interpersonal Communication
COM 2010
A study of two-person (dyadic) communication. Topics include: human communication theory, verbal and nonverbal codes, development of self-concept, perception, impression formation, and relationship development. Preferred prerequisite for all courses leading to an Interpersonal Communication major.
The Physics of Sound
PHY 1040
A practical introduction to the basic principles of physics that govern the production, perception, recording and reproduction of music and sound. Topics discussed include simple harmonic motion, waves, resonance, spectral analysis, audio electronics, auditorium acoustics and hearing. The laboratory component of this course provides hands-on experiments that illustrate many of the topics covered in the class. Lecture and Lab. Fee charged.
Introduction to Biblical Faith
REL 2000
An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.
Christian Tradition
REL 3000
An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness.
Fine Arts
MUS 1500
Designed to give students a historical perspective of music, art, sculpture, and architecture from ancient times to modern times.
World Music and Culture
MUS 2440
A study of the development of indigenous music of Eastern and Western cultures and how that music is both a product of and a contributor to those cultures. The class will be taught with an anthropological approach that views each particular culture through the lens of the music that each culture produces.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
BUS 2300
Designed to teach the student concepts and skills needed to succeed in an entrepreneurial venture. It will include understanding unique characteristics an entrepreneur should possess, and it will view marketing, economics, finance, accounting, management, communication and legal issues from a small business perspective.
Theory I
MUS 2010
The study of music from Medieval Period to 1700. Students will be expected to compose and analyze music appropriate to the styles studied within the context of the era under investigation. Music notation software will be used to complete the requirements of this class; training on this software will be embedded in the class.
Aural Theory I
MUS 2060
The development of music notation literacy and musicianship skills through sight-singing, ear training, and tonal/rhythm dictation in varying meters and modalities.
Survey of Music Business
MUB 1100
A study of the theoretical foundations of the music industry with special emphasis given to practical applications. An in-depth study of organizations and a general overview of the industry.
Basic Concepts of Audio Technology
MCM 1050
Designed to familiarize the student with the basic concepts of real-time and recorded audio. Topics covered include: a brief history of recording, wave propagation, signal flow, analog and digital console operation, monitoring and amplification, cables, connectors, microphones, and a hands-on approach to mixing for live sound reinforcement, digital theory, and basic DAW operations.
Class Piano I
MCM 1600
Beginning class piano for commercial music majors. Areas of study will include: (1) Aural transcription and dictation, (2) Scales and modes, (3) Harmonization by sight and ear; (4) Major and minor chord progressing, (5) Development of reading skills, and (6) Improvisation.
Class Piano II
MCM 1610
A continuation of MCM 1600. Beginning class piano for commercial music majors. Areas of study will include: (1) Aural transcription and dictation, (2) Scales and modes, (3) Harmonization by sight and ear, (4) Major and minor chord progressions, (5) Development of reading skills, and (6) Improvisation.
Recording Techniques
MCM 2050
Designed to acclimate the student to various recording styles and microphone techniques in audio production. Areas covered: Mono and Stereo microphone techniques, instruction and practical application of recording consoles, and an intermediate skill level in the Digital Audio Workstation Environment.
Editing and Mixing Techniques
MCM 2070
A continuation of MCM 2050, this course explores techniques in editing and mixing with topics including: DAW editing functions, synchronization, MIDI, automation, signal processing in both hardware and software formats. Special topics include mixing on both Analog Console and Multiple DAW formats.
History of Audio Recording
MCM 2100
Designed to familiarize students with a historical account of recording audio spanning from the 19th century to present. Topics include: recording devices, styles, methods, and historical figures who shaped the art of recording.
Advanced Mixing I
MCM 3150
Advanced techniques of mixing audio in a recording studio environment. Topics include: logical approaches to mixing audio, advanced concepts in the use of recording studio hardware and software, advanced concepts in live audio and an in-depth development of critical listening skills through the evaluation of recorded music.
Recording Project Capstone
MCM 4015
A capstone performance option for students who elect Music Technology Internship in place of upper division study. This project will consist of producing, recording, and/or engineering a project in a live or studio setting. A minimum of five songs is required. Graded S/U. Every semester. Project Application must be submitted in semester prior to project.
Advanced Mixing II / Mastering
MCM 4060
A study of the process used to finalize recorded works for commercial release. Topics covered: Psychoacoustics, automation, Multi-track vs. 2-Mix effects processing and mixing, metadata encoding, DAW software specific to the mastering process and metering.
General Elective — 1 hour
*This program also requires four (4) credit hours of Elective Private Lessons.
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.