AUDIO PRODUCTION

Students majoring in Audio Production learn to work in a variety of audio fields, including music recording, film sound, audio for video, radio, electronic sound synthesis, theatrical sound design, sound reinforcement, audio for computer applications, audio equipment maintenance and audio facility management. A hands-on approach is a key part of the program, complementing lectures on audio theory. The history of the audio industry is also an important component of the program, lending perspective and offering insight into the industry's future.

To accomplish this, students learn:

Terminology appropriate to the discipline, both technical and artistic

To develop an audio aesthetic measurable through it's conformity to norms within the industry

Verbal communication skills and conceptual understanding of audio production, which is demonstrated through oral exam

The ability to accomplish physical tasks aided by a practical understanding of audio production, which is demonstrated in class and in the completion of audio assignments.

Written communications skills, reflected by the successful completion of paperwork as accepted within industry norms

To exhibit command of basic skills needed to utilize all equipment in all university studios to properly complete their assignments

To analyze the audio signal's path, resulting in a more creative approach to audio production and the realization that there are a number of ways to accomplish the same goal

An understanding of the history of audio and its impact on personal, political and social systems

To demonstrate critical thinking while creating audio projects, drawing from a combination of general life experience and university experience, including campus life and broad-based classroom experience

To begin to develop critical listening skills and a personal production aesthetic, which they apply through their projects

To begin to develop a professional attitude and demeanor within the classroom and the studio and in their interactions with their classmates

SPECIAL STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

The School of Communications is committed to providing students with an understanding of the responsibilities, social ramifications, and ethical concerns facing media professionals and the media industry. The programs are comprehensive and well-balanced, emphasizing a theoretical basis of knowledge in conjunction with widespread practical applications. Students have the opportunity to learn about their field of interest through a series of internships and externships in media-related settings.

Webster University is an Associate Member of the Society of Professional Audio Recording Services and an Educational Member of the Audio Engineering Society. (S.P.A.R.S.)(A.E.S.) As such, we can arrange internships at top audio facilities around the country, as available.

Students may also study at Webster University campuses around the world.

Independent study and reading courses add further flexibility to the established curriculum.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate with a B.A. degree in Audio Production, students must successfully complete the following:

1) a Portfolio Review

2) a Capstone experience: The internship in Audio Production

Portfolio Review

Audio Production majors must submit a portfolio review statement, a portfolio of their work and a copy of their academic transcript to the Audio Production faculty the semester after successfully completing AUDI 3000.

Portfolio Review is designed to help students develop a body of work and learn how to present themselves in a job interview. More importantly, the process enables the faculty to assess whether the academic goals of the program are being met. Finally, Portfolio Review gives faculty members the opportunity to talk with students about their progress and make suggestions regarding future classes and career goals.

The student's Audio Production portfolio is judged on both the quality and presentation of the material. Faculty members consider accuracy, creativity, content, technical expertise in the work presented, enthusiasm and professionalism of delivery when judging the presentation.

Portfolio Review deadlines are announced each academic year. Reviews are held each semester. Students have one opportunity to resubmit their portfolios the following semester if they should fail the initial presentation. Passing Portfolio Review is mandatory for obtaining an internship (the Media Practicum).

Capstone Course

The Media Practicum (MEDC 4950) is the Audio Production program's capstone experience. It should be taken during the student's final semester.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Of the required credit hours to complete a B.A. in Audio Production a minimum of 30 credit hours must be taken at Webster University. Transfer students should expect to spend at least four semesters at Webster University.

Transfer students who have completed the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree will have satisfied the school's general education requirement.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 36 credits must be taken from the liberal arts and sciences with the following distribution:

Category One: 18 hours (literature, history, foreign language, general studies, religion, philosophy, visual art, dance, theatre, music)

Category Two: 12 hours (political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, women's studies, multicultural studies, international relations, international studies)

Category Three: 6 hours (computer applications, computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, physical sciences)

Portfolio Review Course Requirements

AUDI 1000 Audio Production I

AUDI 2000 Audio Production II

AUDI 3000 Multitrack Production

Degree Requirements for a B.A. in Audio Production

60 required credit hours

36 general education credit hours

32 elective credit hours

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C- or better in any course they wish to apply toward their major or toward the 36 required credit hours in general education. The pass/fail option is not available for courses that students wish to apply toward their major or toward their general education requirements, unless those courses are offered only under the pass/fail option. (For example, creative writing courses in the English Department are offered only as pass/fail and may count toward Category I of general education.)

Minors

The following apply to all minors:

• They must be comprised of 18 credit hours taken at Webster.
• No course counted toward a major can also count toward a minor.
• While students may have a major and a minor within the same department in the School of Communications, they may not major and minor with the same area of emphasis. (For example, students who major in film production may not also minor in film studies.)
• Students must earn a grade of C- or better in any course they wish to apply toward a minor.