Music Emphases

Performance Emphasis

The performance emphasis prepares you for outstanding musical accomplishment through performance and at the same time, prepares you for graduate school. Concentrations are available on any instrument, including keyboard, woodwind, guitar, brass, stringed instruments, and voice. Instruction is given by outstanding professionals in the field, including members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Half and full recitals are the highlights of this degree.

Sound Recording Technology Emphasis

The Sound Recording Technology emphasis helps prepare you for the exciting world of studio recording and production in the music industry. You can compliment what you're learning in the classroom with hands-on experience in our on- and off-campus recording studios.

Sound recording technology is a popular emphasis for many music students at CCU. Classes are small so that you receive plenty of individual time to learn all functions of the recording and sound engineering process. The class atmosphere is personal and hands-on, affording you the opportunity to obtain a working knowledge of the audio engineering field.

During your first year in the program, you'll receive basic training in a digital, multi-track recording studio located at the CCU Music Center. Class work and training are focused on how to use the equipment (DAW, microphones, and other audio devices). You'll receive hands-on instruction and experience with recording and mix-down procedures, and you'll begin an introduction to competency in the field of recording and live sound engineering. The second semester provides continuing instruction in the school recording studio, and you'll spend many hours gaining experience by completing a group recording project. In your second semester, you'll also visit the off-campus studio facility for additional workshops.

The second year begins the advanced stage of the program. It is composed of intensive, guided hands-on experience in the subject areas introduced during the first year, and most classes take place at the instructor's studio. You'll undertake an extended series of training experiences and gain competency in all areas of recording and mixing audio. You'll also receive extensive training on ProTools, the most popular digital recording system. Recording projects will cover everything from simple voiceovers to song projects and field recording. You'll individually demonstrate ability and skill during an additional recording project that will fulfill the junior recording requirement.

The third year continues the emphasis in sound engineering with additional instruction and training in electronics, troubleshooting, and simple equipment repair. Additional class time is provided to disseminate much of the knowledge that experienced engineers retain, in order to raise your knowledge upon graduation to that of an expert level of engineering. Recording projects will be similar to the second year, and will include an introduction to mastering. You'll demonstrate ability and skill during an additional recording project that will fulfill the senior recording requirement.

The second and third years of instruction are primarily held at the instructor's commercial studio, giving you the opportunity to learn in a state-of-the-art, working recording studio. In addition, there will be some special guest instructors during the year, as well as the opportunity to sit in on and assist in actual recording sessions at the instructor's studios.