The MA in Audio Sciences: Recording Arts and Sciences is a concentration of our Audio Sciences degree program that incorporates studies and practice in recording engineering through core courses in Advanced Recording Systems (first year) and Advanced Studio Production (second year); coursework in acoustics, electroacoustics, musical acoustics, psychoacoustics; consumer electronics and critical listening; and a paid work-study position that offers numerous opportunities to record large and small classical and jazz performances and special sessions within the Conservatory. Although the focus of the school is primarily classical and jazz, there is extensive studio time spent working in styles of production engineering for rock and other types of modern music.
Students entering the program are expected to have a Bachelor’s degree in music, sound recording, music production, engineering, physics, or a related degree. Students should have a strong background in math and science from their undergraduate work or high school, of particular interest are calculus and physics. Students otherwise qualified may be accepted into the degree program with added requirements that are to be taken concurrent with their first year of study or during the summer at a department chair-approved school of their choice.
Scott Metcalfe is an audio engineer and music technologist based in Baltimore, where he is director of Recording Arts and Sciences at the Peabody Institute, program coordinator for the Sound Concentration of Hopkins’ Advanced Academic Programs MA degree in Film and Media, and associate director of The Sound Sleep Studio.
Drew Mazurek is an experienced recording engineer/mixer with over 20 years in the music industry, and has owned and operated his own studio since 1988. Mazurek has spent many years as a freelance engineer working in studios around the world.
Ed Tetreault is currently the manager of the Recording Arts & Sciences department of the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, and has extensive experience in the field of audio recording.
The Master of Arts in Audio Sciences: Recording Arts and Sciences is taught by faculty with extensive experience in many styles of professional audio production. Small classes offer direct faculty-student engagement and maximize student access to our world-class recording studios. Visiting lecturers from leaders in music production and engineering, acoustics, professional and consumer electronics, and more.
Situated within the United States’ oldest conservatory offers students countless listening, recording, collaboration and networking opportunities. Access to specific courses and/or research in the broader Johns Hopkins University community, including physics, signal processing, psychology, and medicine (with qualification and specific interest).
Assistantship opportunities in the second year of study.
Some examples of employment and graduate schools that past graduates from the department have gained are:
Advanced Recording Systems
Theory and practical application of the tools and techniques used in professional audio recording in all common musical styles. Topics include a review of studio acoustics, human perception of sound, microphone theory and application, signal processing, recording, mixing and mastering. Advanced techniques in classical, jazz and rock music recording, and other styles as time permits. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Recording and Production track of the Master of Arts in Audio Sciences program, or permission of instructor. (3-3)
Advanced Studio Production
Advanced practical training in producing and engineering recordings in a variety of musical styles at a professional level in a masterclass-like environment with an accomplished professional recording engineer. Final capstone projects will be evaluated by a panel of outside producers representing Classical, Jazz and Rock music styles and engineers who are experts in their respective field of professional audio recording, and presented at the end of the year in an open forum attended by all students in the Recording Arts and Sciences department. Prerequisite: Recording IV or Advanced Recording Systems(3-3)
Consumer Audio Systems: Critical Listening and Analysis of Topologies
An introduction to the world of consumer audio electronics. Explanation of the playback chain and how to make objective listening comparisons. A survey of equipment paired with listening assignments exposes the students to relevant subsystems and their contribution to the sound of a system. At the end of the course students will have a deep understanding of these topics and the ability to aurally discern the musical impact various design topologies have on the playback of recorded sound. Co- and Pre-requisites: Recording III or Advanced Recording Systems, or by permission of instructor. (3)
Audio Science & Technology
This course is designed to integrate many of the audio and acoustics concepts discussed in the Master of Arts: Concentration in Recording and Production degree curriculum into an exploration of the electronics and acoustics fundamental to audio engineering. Topics include Electronics Fundamentals such as Current, Voltage, Power, and Impedance; Reactive Circuit Elements; AC Circuits; Crossovers; Integrated Circuits; Transistor-Based Amplifier Circuits; Power Supply Technology; Transformers; Microphone and Headphone Amplification; Distortion; System Noise; and Digital Audio. Emphasis is placed on test and measurement, with students building and measuring their own circuits and sub-circuits. Co- and Pre-requisites: Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering or Advanced Recording Systems (graduate), or by permission of instructor. (3)
Musical Acoustics
A course concerned with the physics of sound as applied to properties of musical instruments, perception of musical sound, electronic music reproduction, and the spaces in which they perform. Prerequisites for recording arts majors: Recording I and II or equivalent. Prerequisite for non-recording majors: Recording for Musicians or equivalent. Open to others by permission of instructor. (3,0)
Electroacoustics
This class will cover the basic fundamentals of electroacoustics subdivided into roughly four units: fundamentals and transducer theory, loudspeakers, headphones and microphones. Prerequisite for non-recording majors: Recording for Musicians or equivalent. Open to others by permission of instructor. (0,3)
Psychoacoustics
The course focuses on the basics of the physiological and psychological aspects of hearing with applications to audio and sound systems, architectural acoustics, and musical acoustics. Topics include auditory physiology of the outer and inner ear, masking, critical bands, loudness, duration, binaural hearing, localization, and pitch. (3)
Architectural Acoustics
This course covers the fundamentals of architectural acoustic design, including theoretical foundations and practical applications of sound in space. Foundational content covers the physical nature of sound waves, acoustic impedance, energy density, reflection/refraction/diffusion, sound absorption, acoustic materials, psychoacoustic aspects, room modes, statistical versus geometric acoustics, reverberation theory, coupled-space acoustics, large versus small room acoustics. Applications range from learning spaces, spaces for music performance, spoken-word theater spaces, worship spaces, recording spaces/broadcast spaces, spaces for music rehearsal, and open office environments. Open to students in the Recording Arts Department, or by permission of instructor. (3)
Sound Design for Video Games
This course in designed to bring together students with backgrounds in composition and/or recording engineering to learn the fundamentals of designing sound and music for video games. Topics will include an overview of the game production process and team members involved, elements of sound design, surround sound principles, MIDI, interactive music structures, Middleware and an exploration of common console and PC hardware. Final project: All sound and music for a 3-5 minute of actual gameplay, in surround. Open to Composition, Computer Music and Recording Arts and Sciences majors, or by permission of instructor. (3)
Audiovisual System Design
The objective of this class is to provide students with an overview of commercial audiovisual systems design. This will include both the considerations required to design audiovisual systems and all the ancillary considerations required to properly integrate these systems with architecture, electrical, mechanical, structural, and IT systems. Open to students in the Recording Arts Department, or by permission of instructor. (0,3)