Aspiring producers, songwriters and interested students can now perfect their craft of music recording in Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. The program now offers an introductory music recording course.
“This is a non-credit generating course for students who have an interest in learning skills associated with music production,” said James Hawkins, dean of the SJGC.
According to technical professor, Glenn Hutchinson, students would learn how to record sound and vocal instruments, add effects and videos to music as well as plug-ins and produce basic mixing.
“It’s just an introduction to the whole course and by the end of the class, you will be able to open up a whole session and you’ll also be using industry standard equipment,” he said.
Hawkins said the school is looking into making the course part of a formal curriculum for school but right now it is not.
He added in order for the class to become a regular course every semester, the idea will have to be presented to university administration and then seek approval from the university provost and vice president of academic affairs, Cynthia Hughes-Harris.
Hutchinson said Hawkins wants to see if students on campus have any interest in the new course.
“Right now, he [Hawkins] just wants to see the participation from the students,” Hutchinson said. “Then as we get the course together and get all the kinks out, [we will] offer it as a credit class.”
Hawkins said the university is in a position to provide some talent for the [music] industry in this area, and is exploring the possibilities.
Derrick Young, 19, a sophomore English student from Tampa, is interested in taking the course.
“I am most definitely interested in the course,” he said. “Not only am I familiar with the fundamentals of music and recording, but also I’m interested in the entertainment industryand growing more in the music industry.”
Young, who performs under the name “Deejay Young,” is already an established solo artist with numerous singles. He is the recipient of the 2006-2007 NAACP award, the 2008 freshman showcase winner and winner of Best Vocal Performance category at last year’s BET Black College Tour on campus.
Young said it would be beneficial to him as he prepares to go into the studio to record his own music.
“It’s different to see somebody else do the production but when you know what you’re doing as well it’ll help,” he said.
Hawkins said classes will start September 28 and last for eight weeks.
“This curriculum could offer opportunities to students beyond what we are preparing our students for,” Hawkins said. “We have an interest in exploring opportunities on the production side of the music industry and we’re taking the beginning steps into building this program.”
Interested students can pick up an application in Room 4003 of the School of Journalism. The application, a 250-word essay stating the student’s interest in music, resume, copy of current Rattler ID card, and two letters of recommendation are due by September 21.
For more information, call 850-599-3379.