Cue Studios Center for Audio Engineering School Catalog 2012 a
Table of Contents Mission Statement... pg. 3 General Description of Equipment and Facilities... pg. 3 History and Development of the School pg. 5 School Policies and Procedures... pg. 5 Entrance Requirements... pg. 5 Credit for Previous Education or Training... pg. 5 Transferability of Credits Earned at the School... pg. 5 Students Rights, Privileges and Responsibilities pg. 6 Grading System... pg. 6 Standards for Satisfactory Progress... pg. 6 Standards for Satisfactory Progress for Financial Aid Programs... pg. 6 Scholarships... pg. 6 Academic Probation... pg. 6 Academic Suspension or Termination... pg. 6 Student Conduct and Conditions for Dismissal... pg. 7 Dress Code pg. 7 Re-entrance... pg. 7 Attendance... pg. 7 Leave of Absences and Tardiness... pg. 7 Graduation Requirements... pg. 8 Student Records... pg. 8 School Calendar... pg. 8 Enrollment Dates... pg. 8 Schedule of Fees... pg. 9 Tuition Payment Requirements. pg. 9 Cancellation Refund Policy... pg. 9 Student Grievance Procedure... pg. 10 Career Advising and Placement Services... pg. 10 Program/Course Requirements... pg. 11 Program Requirements... pg. 11 Program Description... pg. 11 Program Objectives... pg. 11 Course Descriptions... pg. 11 List of Faculty and Administrators... pg. 14 Course Advising Outside of a Course's Regularly Scheduled Time... pg. 15 Main Campus: 109 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 532-9033 Office (703) 533-7956 Fax Website address: http://www.learnstudiorecording.com Email: cue@cuerecording.com School Catalog publication date: January 12 th, 2010 Page 2 of 15
Mission Statement The school focuses on the individual and directs its efforts towards providing the training, services, and assistance needed to prepare students for jobs that are rewarding, and which provide the basis for a successful career in the audio engineering industry. School Offerings are Consistent with its Stated Purpose / School Conforms to Industry Standards of Teaching Statements Our programs are consistent with the mission of the school, and follow industry practices of education using qualified instructors that teach in high technology environments outfitted with professional audio equipment and musical instruments. Each program strives to teach current techniques and practices that are expected from job applicants seeking employment in the field of audio engineering. Through instructor/administrator meetings and discussions, such adherence to these representations is attained by the school staff increasing its knowledge base through the procurement and reading of industry newsletters, equipment manuals, and trade publications; and by using this information to apply commensurate modifications to the programs(s) curriculum. The school staff uses its best efforts to attend web seminars, tradeshows, and other educational industry events to further enhance its awareness of industry trends and changes. The school director frequently collaborates with the instructors to assess the student s understanding and application of their program s teachings. Refinements are constantly enacted to aid in such areas that improve on these instructional processes. Interviews with students before and after their satisfactory program completions provide additional insight into where, if any, educational improvements are recommended. Evaluation of the student s audio recordings and mixes also helps indicate the extent of the program s effectiveness. Relative Degree of Emphasis on Instruction, Research, and Public Service: The school s relative degree of emphasis on instruction is typically ninety percent, with unassisted lab time and research being ten percent. Public service such as externships are encouraged though not required. General Description of Available Space, Equipment, and Facilities Students will attend their classes in one of the school s five recording studios spanning over 4,000 square feet of space. Each studio is outfitted with a Pro Tools digital recording system, numerous audio processing software, analog effects units, audio monitors, headphones, professional microphones and musical instruments. Page 3 of 15
Recording and mixing equipment: The world class, multi-platinum proven SSL 4000 "G" console with G+ automation, total recall and plasma metering; (6) Pro Tools recording systems,(4) of which are HD3 7.4 and 8.0 versions; a Studer 24-track 2 analog recorder/reproducer with Dolby SR24 Noise Reduction; a Studer A807 2-Track mastering deck; Dolby SR/A 2-Track Noise Reduction; a Studer A810 recorder/reproducer; Panasonic DAT recorders; Fostex DAT recorders; and Media Technics CD/DVD duplicators. Digital processing software: Hundreds of workstation plug-ins with brands from Focusrite, Pultec, Antares, Melodyne, Bomb Factory, Teletronix, Waves, Digidesign, Vocalign, Solid State Logic, Fairchild, Urei, and Amp farm. Audio monitors/speakers: S.O.T.A, Genelec, Yamaha, Event, and Dynaudio. Power amplifiers include Bryston, BGW and Crown. Microphone analog pre-amps: Neve 1073's, API 512B's, API 512C's, Avalon Stereo VT-737, Demeter Stereo Tube, Focusrite Red 7 Compressor/De-esser/Mic-pres, MCI, and Solid State Logic. Outboard analog equalizers: A Neve 1073's, API 550Bs, API 560Bs, API 550As, Focusrite Red 2, Avalon VT-737, NTI EQ3 Stereo Equalizer, and ITI Dual three band parametrics. Psychoacoustic processors: Barcus Berry 822A Exciters and Aphex C Exciters. Various outboard recording equipment: Throughout the (5) studios is a Lexicon 480L multi effects processor, Lexicon PCM 70, Lexicon 200, EMT Stereo 140 Plate Reverb, Yamaha Rev 7, Yamaha SPX 90 II,TC Electronics 2290, Eventide H3000SE, Effectron 1024's, Korg SDD 2000, Systech Stereo Phase Shifter, Neve 33609C Stereo Comp/Limiter, Summit Stereo Tube DCL 200 Comp/Limiters, Manley MU Stereo Tube Comp/Limiter, Urei LA2A Mono Tube Comp/Limiters, Avalon VT-737, Urei 1176N Comp/Limiters, DBX 160X Comp/Limiters, DBX 166 Comp/Limiters, DBX 902 De-essers, Orban 516EC De-esser, (Kepex II Gates, and 32 SSL Gate/Comp/Limiters. Microphones: An AKG C-24 Stereo Tube, Neumann M-149 Tube, Neumann M-147 Tube, Neumann U-47 Tube, (3) Neumann U-87's, (2) Neumann KM-86's, (4) Neumann KM-184's, (2) Royer 121 Ribbons, AKG SolidTube, AKG 414e, (2) AKG 414b TL II's, (2) AKG 451's, (2) Coles Ribbon 4038's, Sennheiser 441, (2) Sennheiser 421's, (10) Beyer M-201's, Sennheiser MD-409, (2) Electro Voice RE-20's, Sennheiser E602, Shure SM-57's, and a Rode Classic. Instruments/Amplifiers: A Yamaha C-6 Conservatory grand piano, Korg Triton keyboard, Yamaha Motif-6 keyboard, Nord Lead synthesizer keyboard, Micro Moog synthesizer, Akai MPC 60 II drum machine, DW drum kit, Yamaha Recording Series Drum Kit, Ludwig drum kit, Latin Percussion congas, Fender Jazz bass guitar, Guild bass guitar, Fender Telecaster guitar, Martin acoustic guitar, Bo Diddley electric guitar, cowbells, bongos, triangles, Marshall amps, Vox amp, Mesa Boogie amp, Roland Jazz Chorus amp, Valvco amp, and tambourines. Page 4 of 15
History and Development of the School Cue Recording, Ltd. has been a professionally operating recording studio for over twenty five years. During this time, the studio has recorded and mixed thousands of albums, CDs, demos, television/documentary/movie soundtracks, narrations, and other audio projects. Cue Recording s chief engineer, Ken Schubert, mixed a Billboard #1 hit in 1992, then recorded and/or mixed more than ten gold and platinum albums. Cue won three consecutive Best Studio awards by the Washington Area Music Association, and two Best Engineer awards. During this time, hundreds of students from other audio schools have participated in our internship programs. Through constant evaluation of their skills and practices, it became clear to the owner that there was a need for more effective audio engineering education. As a result of this acknowledgement, Willard Jeffrey started a teaching component of his award winning audio recording facility in 2004, with the goal being to teach the student essential engineering skills sought after by employers in the field of audio, allowing the student to more quickly become a successful audio engineer. School Policies and Procedures Entrance Requirements: Student acceptance occurs once the instructor or program administrator meets with the prospective student and together jointly agree on which program is best suited for their aptitude and audio engineering educational goals. A written registration process is also required using the school s Registration Form. The student will be notified of acceptance after such initial meeting or by mail within five days. Credit for Previous Education or Training: The school does not accept transfer credits or credits for prior experience, but the school will review any previous training or education and determine how many hours of training the school will suggest a student should complete in order to leave the program with the knowledge and experience to succeed in their desired career. Transferability of Credits Earned at the School: The hours and certificate earned at our school are currently not transferable to any other educational institution. Page 5 of 15
Students Rights, Privileges and Responsibilities: The student has the right to attend scheduled classes and schedule use the library/computer workstations once tuition has been paid. The student also has the right to schedule meetings with the administrator or course coordinator to discuss any issues associated with the instructor(s) or program(s). The students privileges are use of the lounge amenities, phones, restrooms before, during, and after class and lab hours. The students responsibilities are to be punctual for scheduled class and lab hours, to dress appropriately as specified in this catalog, and to read any requested textbook chapters and perform any homework assigned by the instructor. Grading System: All course work is graded as pass/fail. Cue Studios Center for Audio Engineering awards certificates of successful completion if course is passed. Standards for Satisfactory Progress: - Completion of all scheduled class hours and lab hours - Verbal evaluation of education by instructor; observance of student s application of acquired educational skills by the instructor; and a review of student s audio mixes if applicable for their program; and passing of written exams. Scholarships: The school does not offer scholarships. Academic Probation: Students are given the opportunity to complete their Standards for Satisfactory Progress in an appropriate time frame. If they fail to do so, then the administrator may elect to put them on academic probation. Once course satisfactory progress is achieved; such probation may be cancelled by administrator. If such progress is not achieved in two weeks, then dismissal may occur. Academic Suspension or Termination: Termination will only be applied if a student fails to meet the requirements of the program. Page 6 of 15
Student Conduct and Conditions for Dismissal: A student who doesn't conduct themselves in a professional manner, which includes drug or alcohol use during class hours, excessive tardiness, or dishonesty will lead to dismissal from classes. Re- entrance: A student who was terminated for misconduct may not be readmitted A student who has dropped out of the program may be readmitted by completing an interview with the class s instructor and paying all fees due at the time of readmission. Attendance and Tardiness: Students must attend 90% of scheduled class hours. Any missed classes must be made up prior to receiving a certificate. Tardiness can have a negative impact on the student achieving her or her educational goals. Therefore, it is very important for the student to arrive on time as scheduled to prevent attendance and tardiness issues. Please note once the student has been tardy for more than fifteen minutes for more than five times during the term of the program, the tardiness may result in dismissal. The student will be counseled after the second late arrival or early departure. Leave of Absences and Tardiness: If a student must request a leave of absence, he or she must notify the instructor either by written notice or by directly speaking to the instructor or course coordinator. If the student wants to resume classes in the future, they must contact the instructor or course coordinator to schedule the remainder of their classes. More than seven consecutively canceled classes are unsatisfactory unless the student has proof of illness from a doctor. Such consecutive canceled classes not related to an illness may result in the student s dismissal, in which case the Tuition Refund policy herein contained will be in effect. The student may request a leave of absence for no more than four weeks at a time. Such leave of absence, if approved, will allow the student to re-schedule make-up classes with the instructor or course coordinator at a make-up start date no later than two weeks after returning from leave of absence. In the event the leave of absence is not granted, then the student may be dismissed and the Tuition Refund policy will be in effect. Tardiness of more than fifteen minutes, more than five times, may result in dismissal. Such Page 7 of 15
lost time from being tardy is not able to be made-up during subsequent classes or through additional make-up time. It is to the detriment of the student by being tardy. Graduation Requirements: Students must attend the total amount of hours for their program, and pass the verbal examination and review by the instructor, and create acceptable final mix-downs where applicable. Student Records: Every student has a folder kept on file with their certificate copy. This copy of the student s certificate will be kept on file throughout the schools duration. A student may request copies of their records at any time with proof of identification. Student transcripts and certificates will be available indefinitely even after the school ceases to exist. Student confidentiality is maintained by all student records being kept in folders located in the administrator s private office filing cabinet. Student Conduct: The student must conduct himself or herself in a civil and socially acceptable capacity. Verbal abuse or the use of expletives is unsatisfactory conduct and grounds for immediate dismissal. The student may appeal such dismissal by scheduling a meeting with the school president to discuss the behavior and conditions surrounding the incident(s). After review, the president may elect to allow the student to continue with his program, if not, then the student may pursue remedies with State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) see the Grievance Policy. Dress code: All students are expected to dress appropriately, meaning wearing pants, wearing sleeved shirts free of expletives, and wearing shoes. School Calendar: Our school does not follow the traditional academic calendar of quarters or semesters. Our Page 8 of 15
programs range from 30 hours to 100 hours and are typically offered in 2-6 hour sessions scheduled weekly with the student(s) and course coordinator Enrollment Dates: Enrollment dates vary depending on student volume. Typically classes start (1) to (2) months from registration dates. Schedule of Fees: One on One Private Instruction Classes Private Audio Engineering (30 hour program) $1,975.00 Private Audio Engineering (55 hour program) 3,875.00 Private Audio Engineering (100 hour program) 6,750.00 Electronic Music and MIDI Composing (40 hour program) 2,150.00 Music Production / Become a Music Producer (65 hour program) 9,750.00 Standard Instruction (typically 4-8 students per class) Comprehensive Audio Engineering (100) hour program) $3,225.00 Introduction to Music Production (20) hour program) 1,200.00 Tuition Payment Requirements: Currently the school accepts checks, most credit cards, wired funds, and cash. Fifty percent of the program s gross tuition is required in advance of scheduling classes, with the remaining fifty percent due half way through the program s hourly total. Occasionally, on a one by one basis, the school will consider installment payments after reviewing each student s request individually. Cancellation Refund Policy: Rejection: An applicant rejected by the school is entitled to a refund of all monies paid. Three-Day Cancellation: An applicant who provides written notice of cancellation within three (3) business day, excluding weekends and holidays, of executing the enrollment agreement is entitled to a refund of all monies paid, excluding the $50 non-refundable registration fee. Other Cancellations: An application requesting cancellation more than three (3) days after Page 9 of 15
executing the enrollment agreement and making an initial payment, but prior to the first day of class is entitled to a refund of all monies paid, less a maximum tuition fee of 15% of the stated cost of the course or $100, whichever is less. Withdrawal Procedure: A. A student choosing to withdraw from the school after the commencement of classes is to provide a written notice to the Director of the school. The notice must include the expected last date of attendance and be signed and dated by the student. B. If special circumstances arise, a student may request, in writing, a leave of absence, which should include the date the student anticipates the leave beginning and ending. The withdrawal date will be the date the student is scheduled to return to from the leave of absence but fails to do so. C. A student will be determined to be withdrawn from the institution if the student misses seven consecutive instructional days and all of the days are unexcused. D. All refund requests will be submitted within 45 days of the determination of the withdrawal date. Proportion of Total Program Taught by Withdrawal Date Tuition Refund Calculation Less than 25% 75% of program cost 25% up to but less than 50% 50% of program cost 50% up to but less than 75% 25% of program cost 75% or more No Refund Timely Refunds of Payments: Refunds shall be paid within 45 days after the effective date of termination. Student Grievance Procedure Page 10 of 15
A student with a grievance with the school or instructor should discuss the issue with the instructor or the school owner. If a satisfactory resolution is not obtained, the student may contact: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) James Monroe Building, 9th Floor 101 North Fourteenth Street Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: (804) 225-2600 Fax: (804) 225-2604 Students are not subject to unfair action/treatment as a result of the initiation of a complaint. Career Advising and Placement Services Career advising is available; job placement currently is not. The school president and course administrator schedule requested meetings with students to offer career advice. Program/Course Requirements Program Requirements: Completion of course hours and verbal evaluation and/or review of final audio mix-down(s) are the criteria used to determine the student s passing of the program/course. Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade. Program Overviews: The recording courses total between 30 and 100 hours of application, theory, lab time, and hands-on instruction. The programs help prepare students to start careers as successful audio engineers, while additionally instilling knowledge of other aspects of the recording industry. Program Objectives: The objective of this program is to prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills to being successful careers in the audio engineering industry. Program/Course Descriptions: Page 11 of 15
All of our courses encompass similar industry educational material, with the longer program durations emphasizing more in depth application and theory of audio engineering equipment, sound characteristics, audio processing techniques, studio preparations, and other related processes. One on one Private Instruction Programs: Private Audio Engineering (30 hours): During these one on one private instructor/student course hours, the student will learn basic microphone types and placement, audio signal flow and processing, proper recording techniques, patchbay usage, and mixing theory. Included textbooks are the industry standard "Recording Studio Handbook" by David Miles Huber and a Pro Tools Digital Recording System Handbook. Together these books cover most aspects of sound recording, intricate studio engineering theory, and intensive digital recording software application and theory. All class hours are spent in the studios, control rooms, and lab rooms. The thirty hours are divided into 25 hours of classroom instruction, and five hours of unassisted lab time. Private Audio Engineering (55 hours): During these one on one private instructor/student course hours, the student will learn many microphone types and their placement, audio signal flow and processing, proper recording techniques, patch-bay usage, digital workstation recording, and mixing theory/application. Included textbooks are the industry standard "Recording Studio Handbook" by David Miles Huber and a Pro Tools Digital Recording System Handbook. Together these books cover most aspects of sound recording, intricate audio engineering theory, and intensive digital recording software application and theory. All class hours are spent in the studios, control rooms, and lab rooms. The fifty five hours are divided into forty five hours of classroom instruction, and ten hours of unassisted lab time. Private Audio Engineering (100 hours): During these one on one private student/instructor course hours, the student will learn numerous microphone types, polar patterns, pad attenuation use, off axis rejection properties, and proper placement on various instruments; audio signal flow and processing; proper recording techniques; digital and analog patch-bay usage; digital workstation editing, compiling, recording, and mixing theory/application; the basics of analog recording and noise reduction; and an overview of artist/engineer studio psychology. Included textbooks are the industry standard "Recording Studio Handbook" by David Miles Huber and a Pro Tools Digital Recording System Handbook. Together these books cover most aspects of sound recording, intricate audio engineering theory, and intensive digital recording workstation application and theory. All class hours are spent in the studios, control rooms, and lab rooms. The hundred hours are divided into eighty hours of classroom instruction, and twenty hours of unassisted lab time. Page 12 of 15
Electronic Music and MIDI 400 Composing (40 hours): During these one on one private instructor/student program hours, the student will learn how to create and record electronic music tracks. Such topics to be discussed and taught include rhythmic and melodic track sequencing, MIDI channel assignments, instrument type and sound selection, application of effects, looping, quantizing, pitch correction, syncopation, beat production, and recording and mixing. Included textbooks are the industry standard "The MIDI Manual by David Miles Huber. Music Production Become a Music Producer (65 hours) During these one on one private instructor/student program hours, the student will learn the basics of audio/music recording, the applied techniques of music production, and the role of a producer in the music industry. Such applied techniques will consist of working with musicians in a recording studio, recording their instruments/vocal tracks, learning how to produce these tracks, learning how to develop the song, and learning how to interact with and instruct the musicians and artists in such a way that a polished end product is created. Standard Multi-Student Programs: Introduction to Music Production (20 hours): During these course hours the student will learn basic microphone types and placement, audio signal flow and processing, proper recording techniques, patch-bay usage, and music production theory. Included textbooks are the industry standard "Recording Studio Handbook" by David Miles Huber and a Pro Tools Digital Recording System Handbook. Together these books cover most aspects of sound recording, intricate studio engineering theory, and intensive digital recording software application and theory. All class hours are spent in the studios, control rooms, and lab rooms. The thirty hours are divided into 25 hours of classroom instruction, and five hours of unassisted lab time. Comprehensive Audio Engineering (100 hours): During these course hours the student will learn numerous microphone types, polar patterns, pad attenuation use, off axis rejection properties, and proper placement on various instruments; audio signal flow and processing; proper recording techniques; digital and analog patchbay usage; digital workstation editing, compiling, recording, and mixing theory/application; the basics of analog recording and noise reduction; and an overview of artist/engineer studio psychology. Included textbooks are the industry standard "Recording Studio Handbook" by David Miles Huber and a Pro Tools Digital Recording System Handbook. Together these books cover most aspects of sound recording, intricate audio engineering theory, and intensive digital recording workstation application and theory. All class hours are spent in the studios, control rooms, and lab rooms. The hundred hours are divided into eighty hours of classroom instruction, and twenty hours of unassisted lab time. Page 13 of 15
Credentials Awarded: All successful graduates of our programs will receive a Certificate of Completion signed by the Program Administrator. List of Faculty and Administrators Willard Jeffrey, President and Administrator (Owns 100% of Cue Recording, Ltd., and 100% of Cue Studios Center for Audio Engineering.) Duties include overseeing all executive decisions and general school operations. He has owned and operated Cue Recording, Ltd. for 27 years; has taken audio recording courses in college and private instructional facilities; and has owned and operated a successful record label business, music production company, and created proaudiosearch, an industry recognized interactive online database. Mr. Jeffrey is a member in good standing with the AES (Audio Engineering Society), SPARS (Society of Professional Recording Services), RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), and a recognized Grammy voter. Mr. Jeffrey attended Northern Virginia Community College and Frostburg State College where he pursued Liberal Arts programs including Audio Recording Arts and Sciences, Music Theory, and Philosophy. Dale Gemignani, Studio Manager / Course Scheduling Manager Duties include course scheduling, processing tuition payments, handling of various requests and needs of the students, and awarding of certificates. He has been employed by Cue Recording, Ltd. for over ten years, has acted as studio manager, recording engineer, producer, course coordinator, and student advisor. He previously owned and operated his own professional recording studio, won a Washington Area Music Association award for his studio producer abilities, and is a professional music composer and studio musician. Ken Schubert, Instructor Page 14 of 15
Holds a Certificate of Completion in Audio Engineering from The Recording Workshop in Chilicothe, OH. Ken has been Cue Recording Studios chief engineer for over 20 years with many gold and platinum credits to his name. Ken has taught the audio engineering courses at Cue for the past five years. Mr. Schubert studied various academic programs during his tenure at Virgina Polytechnical Institute. John Krauss, Instructor Has a B.A. in English from the University of Louisville, an audio engineering Certificate of Completion from The Recording Connection, and over (10) years experience tracking and mixing audio in the recording industry. John is also an accomplished musician with an emphasis on guitar and bass. John excels not only in audio engineering, but has a focus on electronic music composing, arranging, sequencing and instrumentation. John has taught the audio engineering courses at Cue for the past four years. Blaine Misner, Instructor Has a B.M. in Music Technology from Shenandoah Music Conservatory. Blaine has been an audio engineer for over three years at Cue Recording Studios. Academic Support Devices Library facilities and digital recording stations are available to the student as support devices. Course Advising Outside a Course's Regularly Scheduled Time Our faculty will be available for course advising outside regularly scheduled class. These times will be scheduled based on both the instructor's and the student's availability. Page 15 of 15