1020 American Media and Social Institutions (3 hrs) (Same as JOUR/RIM 1020.)

The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social , cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices and institutions.

1230 Musicianship for Engineers (3 hrs)

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 or higher level math. A variety of music subjects explored within the context of commercial music as related to audio recording and production. Specific topics include music fundamentals commercial music theory, commercial form and styles, and basic aural and keyboarding skills. Students who have passed MUTH 1110 with a grade of C or better may not enroll in RIM 1230 for credit. Laboratory required.

3000 History of the Recording Industry (3 hrs)

Traces the development of the technology, business, major record labels, and the music recorded as well as significant individuals in these areas.

3010 Audio Fundamentals (3 hrs) (Same as EMC 3010)

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 of higher level math. Examines theories and technologies used in audio production for music, radio, TV, and film. Provides the management-oriented student with a useful vocabulary covering the area of audio production and provides the production-oriented student with the basic theory upon which production skills can be built.

3020 Commercial Songwriting (3 hrs) (Same as MUSI 3020)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110 or permission of instructor; others - permission of instructor. Organization of ideas, words, and music into the writing of popular songs. Analysis of songwriting trends. Students expected to play guitar or piano and sing.

3100 Music as Popular Culture (3 hrs) (Same as JOUR 3100)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - permission of instructor. Introduces range of scholarly approaches to the study of popular music. Encourages perspectives other than those of "producer" or "consumer". Requires application of analytic and critical methods in research paper assignments. Writing intensive.

3200 History of Country Music (3 hrs)

Prerequisite: admission to candidacy . History and culture of American country music. Explores the historical progression of the genre and analyzes topics such as race and gender relations, material culture, generational conflict, and the role of "authenticity" in the creation of music. Reading, writing, and listening intensive.

3450 Advanced Musicianship for Engineers (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy: RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110. (Not available to students enrolled in or have completed MUTH 1120.) Continuation of RIM 1230. Furthering the application of musical concepts previously learned to popular music. Topics include syncopation, modulation, two-handed accompaniment patters, and selected secondary chords. Introduction to music notation software and the preparation of a lead sheet. Laboratory required.

3500 Lecture Series (1 hrs)

Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy. Major executives, producers, and others in the recording industry speak to students about contemporary topics in the music business. May be taken only once for credit toward the major. Pass/Fail.

3580 RIM Practicum (1 to 3 hrs)

Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy, approval of instructor prior to enrollment, and approved application. On-campus experiences in and related to the recording industry. Course may be repeated up to three times, but no more than six total credits toward the major allowed for RIM 3580, 4000, and 4010. Pass/Fail.

3600 Survey of the Recording Industry (3 hrs)

Examination of the recording industry including, but not limited to, artist development, songwriting, publishing, record companies, record marketing and promotion, copyright, performance rights, and careers.

3650 Free Expression, Mass Media and the American Public (3 hrs) (Same as JOUR/EMC 3650).

A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. A comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.

3700 Copyright Law (3 hrs)

Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600. Examination of copyright law with particular reference to the music industry. Emphasis on understanding and applying the law to work in the industry.

3720 Artist Management (3 hrs)

Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600. Examines the role of recording artists' representatives. Topics include personal appearances, touring, unions, and contractual considerations.

3770 Publicity in the Recording Industry (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and JOUR 2710; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Provides real-world skills in music publicity. Students learn how to write bios and press releases, assemble press kits and develop media plans to promote albums and tours.

3780 Entertainment Reporting and Writing (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and JOUR 2710; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Teaches the basic skills necessary to become an entertainment journalist, including writing entertainment news and feature stories and album/concert reviews.

3890 International Recording Industry (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600. Cultural, media, business, and legal aspects of making and selling records on a worldwide basis. Specific studies in foreign record company operations, i.e., production, distribution, marketing, promotion, and licensing. Immigration, union, and tax implications of artists recording abroad.

3900 Music Publishing (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and previous or concurrent enrollment in RIM 3700; others - RIM 3600 and 3700. Operations and functions of music publishing industry including songwriter-publisher relations. Primary thrust is popular music publishing, but art, religious, and educational music also discussed.

4000 Recording Industry Internship: Business (1 to 6 hrs)

Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; 90 credit hours completed; RIM 3700 and three of the following sub-core courses must be completed: RIM 3720, 3900, 4320 or 4620; approved internship application. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional recording industry setting. This course may be repeated for additional credit. No more than six hours toward the major are allowed for RIM 3580, 4000, and 4010. Pass/Fail.

4010 Recording Industry Internship: Technology (1 to 6 hrs)

Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; senior standing (90 hours), RIM 4190, RIM 4200, RIM 4400, and an approved internship application. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional recording industry setting. This course may be repeated for additional credit. No more than six hours toward the major are allowed for RIM 3580, 4000, and 4010. Pass/Fail.

4020 Advanced Songwriting (3 hrs)

Prerequisite: RIM/MUTH 3020. Builds on concepts learned in RIM 3020. Students will work closely with mentors from the songwriting and publishing community and co-write with professional staff writers. New topics include concept and assignment writing and co-writing.

4190 Introduction to MIDI and Sound Synthesis (3 hrs) (Same as MUSI 4190)

Prerequisites: RI major - admission to candidacy and RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110; others - RIM 3010, RIM 1230, or MUTH 1110 or permission of instructor. An introduction to synthesizer programming and the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) with emphasis on history, theory, and application. Hands-on activities include synthesizer programming with virtual instruments and MIDI sequencing using a digital audio workstation. Laboratory required.

4200 Digital Audio Technology (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy and RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110; others – permission of instructor. An overview of digital audio technology with an emphasis on computer technology related to music production, digital audio workstation hardware and software (e.g. Pro Tools), and digital audio theory. Laboratory required.

4210 Personal Desktop Music Production. (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - permission of instructor. Theory and application of audio hardware and software for personal desktop music production. For RIM Music Business and Commercial Songwriting majors and Music majors, specifically Music Education majors. Emphasis on application through hands-on instructional techniques. May not be used for credit by RIM Audio Production majors. Satisfies the music production component of the RIM Commercial Songwriting concentration. Laboratory required.

4290 MIDI Sequencing and Virtual Instruments (3 hrs) (same as MUTH 4290)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM/MUTH 4910; others - RIM/MUTH 4190 or permission of instructor. And advanced hands-on course with an emphasis on MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments within Pro Tools, Reason, and other music production software. Drum machines, synthesizers, samplers, and other electronic instruments used to create a commercial music track. Laboratory required.

4300 Advanced Pro Tools Techniques's (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4200; others - permission of instructor (POD). A detailed examination of digital audio workstation (DAW) techniques used in a variety of production environments. Comprehensive in-depth instruction in the use of Pro Tools hardware and software with emphasis on file management, stereo and multi-track editing, tuning, use of plug-ins, and delivery formats. Lab exercises to develop hands-on competency; hands-on proficiencies to assess abilities. Laboratory required.

4320 Concert Promotion and Touring (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3010 and 3600. An in-depth study of the theoretical and practical aspects of presenting contemporary arts and entertainment performances. Topics include talent acquisition, contracts and riders, production, venues, budgeting, tickets services, and promotion.

4330 Sound Reinforcement (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3010. Current technologies and techniques involved in modern sound reinforcement. Topics include club venue and large concert systems. Field work required.

4400 Recording Studio Techniques (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110, and RIM 4200 or concurrent enrollment in RIM 4200 (co-requisite); others - permission of instructor. Develops understanding of techniques and technology in modern multi-track recording and mixing. Extensive hands-on experience. Laboratory required.

4440 Critical Listening (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: Ri majors - admission to candidacy and previous or concurrent enrollment in RIM 4400; others - permission of instructor. Ear-training and aesthetics for recording engineers. Class activities involve listening and analysis of master tape and disc formats. Sources include a wide variety of music genres as well as specialized technical ear-training materials. Development of a vocabulary for communication of aural impressions. Introduction to "high-end" audio.

4480 Mastering (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4200 and 4400; others - permission of instructor . An advanced hands-on approach to the principles and practices of mastering. Focuses on the use of digital audio workstations specially designed for audio mastering and related outboard equipment. Additional focus on surround mastering and DVD authoring. Laboratory required.

4510 Study Abroad. (1-3 hrs)

Prerequisite: Permission of department. Topics related to the recording industry in the country in course delivered. May be taken two times.

4560 Multi-channel Audio (3 hrs)

Course presents an overview of multi-channel audio technology. The history and development of multi-channel audio systems both for film soundtracks and music production are presented. Mathematical conceptualizations of these systems are discussed. Current trends in multi-channel digital audio technology are developed. Pre-requisites: pass RIPT

4570 The Art of Soundtrack Design (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - permission of instructor. Examines the creative use of sound in film and theatre through critical listening and various soundtracks. The theory and practice of sound design analyzed and discussed in a lecture-oriented class.

4580 Sound for Picture (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM 4200 and 4400; others - permission of instructor. In-depth, interactive study of sound and its relationship to picture. Time code, synchronization, workflow, data interchange, sound recording and editing, ADR, Foley, routing structures, sound mixing, and delivery methods. Demonstrations and lab use digital audio workstations and controllers found in professional facilities. Laboratory required.

4590 Computer-based Scoring for Visual Media (3 hrs) (Same as MUSI 4590)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM/MUTH 4190 and either RIM 4200 or RIM/MUTH 4290; others - RIM/MUTH 4190 and either RIM 4200 or RIM/MUTH 4290 or permission of instructor. Writing music for visual media using the capabilities of a computer workstation. Introduces compositional techniques utilizing Macintosh sequencing software and QuickTime video playback programs. Concepts include synchronization of music to picture, tempo selection, sound source selection/manipulation, and analysis of the dramatic content of a scene. Laboratory required.

4620 Marketing of Recordings (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600. Special emphasis on the particular structures and problems involved in the movement of recordings from manufacturer to the buying public. Topics include product marketing, promotion, and distribution.

4630 Recording Industry Research (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, RIM 4620 or MKT 3820, computer literacy, and permission of instructor. Provides hands-on experience in research in the recording industry. Involvement in group projects to provide music and consumer research services to various clients in the industry. Workshop oriented.

4650 Multi-track Music Recording: Studio B (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - RIM 4200 and 4400; others - permission of instructor. In-depth study of the technology and techniques of contemporary multi-track music recording. Lectures and labs focus on modern recording techniques, the analog and digital audio hardware/software installed in Studio B, systemic aspects of recording studios, and preparation for professional work in the studio environment. Laboratory required.

4651 Multi-track Music Recording: Studio A (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - RIM 4200 and 4400; others - permission of instructor. In-depth study of the technology and techniques of contemporary multi-track music recording. Lectures and labs focus on modern recording techniques, the analog and digital audio hardware/software installed in Studio A, systemic aspects of recording studios, and preparation for professional work in the studio environment. Laboratory required.

4660 Advanced Music Engineering (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and 4650 or 4651; others - permission of instructor; concurrent or pervious completion of RIM 4300 recommended. Project-based class emphasizing creative and aesthetic aspects of multi-track music recording. Topics include microphone techniques, session protocols , incorporation of MIDI console automation techniques, signal processing, and ear-training for recording engineers. Laboratory required.

4670 Studio Production (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4300 or 4650 or 4651; others - permission of instructor. Laboratory experience and lectures in commercial music, recording techniques, and business designed to develop the abilities needed to become an independent producer of contemporary commercial recordings. Laboratory required.

4680 Disk-Based Music Production (3 hrs)

An advanced, project-oriented, hands-on approach to multi-track music recording focusing on the use of digital audio workstation technology and techniques. Topics include system configurations and concepts and techniques specific to music recording, editing, and manipulation. Also focuses on advantages and problems associated with hard-disk music recording. Laboratory required. Pre-requisites: pass RIPT and C or better in 4300 and 4400

4690 New Media for the Music Business (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RIM 4620 or permission of the instructor. Applied theory on promoting services and products of the recording industry through the Internet. Students will create interactive Web sites for companies associated with recording industry.

4700 Contracts and Legal Issues(3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 3700; others - RIM 3600 and 3700. An overview of legal problems encountered in the recording industry with specific attention to contractual considerations in recording and producing.

4720 Record Retail Operation (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and MKT 3820 or RIM 4620; others - RIM 3600 and MKT 3820. Problems and practices of recording industry retailers, including pricing, inventory control, advertising, operations, and retail locations for audio and video recordings and printed music.

4730 The A & R Function (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - completion of concentration sub-core. Role and responsibilities of a record company's artist and repertoire department. Emphasis on finding and guiding an artist as well as the administration of the production and marketing of a project.

4740 Studio Business Operations (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others permission of the instructor. An applications course involving the administrative functions of recording studio operations, including accounting, marketing, personnel, planning and computer applications.

4800 Understanding the Nashville Music Business - Past and Future (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: Concurrent with or subsequent to RIM 4000 or RIM 4010. Acquaints interns and students working in the Nashville music industry with industry practices through an historic perspective and through conducting a research project.

4810 Topics in Recording Industry (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy. Examination and critical evaluation of current issues related to the operation and function of various aspects of the recording industry. Subject matter varies. Course may be repeated one time for additional credit.

4820 Record Label Operations (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 4620 or MKT 3820; RIM 4620. Day-to-day marketing tasks conducted onsite for a record label offer students training on the practical application of the latest marketing software. Must be able to travel to Music Row and commit to 10 hours per week at a record label.

4830 Recording Studio Maintenance (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy, MATH 1710 or higher level math (MATH 1010 will not fulfill this requirement), or permission of instructor; others - permission of instructor. Focuses on studio maintenance and trouble-shooting techniques. Includes soldering, wiring standards, machine alignment and system architecture. Laboratory required.

4840 Music Publishing Administration (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: RIM 3600, 3900, or permission of instructor. Common relationships between music publishers and the community of the music industry as it relates to the licensing and protection of copyrighted materials.

4900 Individual Problems in Recording Industry (1 to 3 hrs)

Prerequisites: admission to candidacy and permission of department. Advanced project in production or music business. Students submit applications to faculty technical or music business committees. Once approved, a determination is made as to credit to be awarded. The project is reviewed by a panel consisting of three faculty members to determine grade. No more than three credits toward the major are allowed.

4910 Advanced Production Seminar (same as EMC 4910) (3 hrs)

Prerequisite: permission of instructor only. The conceptualization, management and production of a specific program format integrating theory and skills from other EMC/RIM courses. Sports, music and drama are probable topics. Topics will vary by offering.

MRAT 6010 Recording In Cultural Context (3 hrs)

Recording In Cultural Context is designed to acquaint learners with the evolution of this complex of technologies and provide tools for cultural analysis and critique of recorded artifacts. An interdisciplinary mosaic of scholarly approaches to the examination of contemporary recorded culture will be engaged.

MRAT 6030 MIDI and Music Synthesis Seminar (3 hrs)

MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar provides the student with the technical skills and conceptual foundation necessary to undertake advance creative projects. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of hardware and software platforms used for MIDI and hard-disk based digital audio.

MRAT 6050. Multi-track Recording Seminar (3 hrs)

Multi-track Recording Seminar is a systematic examination of the technology used in the modern recording studio. Techniques for using this technology in the creative recording and mixing process will be examined.

MRAT 6070. Visual Aesthetics and Technology I. (3 hrs)

Visual Aesthetics and Technology I is designed to assist the beginning graduate student with the skills to effectively communicate an idea visually.

MRAT 6090. Visual Aesthetics and Technology II. (3 hrs)

Continuation of MRAT 6070, with introduction to the visual elements and technology used in the entertainment industry. Introduction to creative conceptualization, elements of composition, how the production process works and demonstration of basic and advanced visual technology, as a foundation for more advanced courses in the graduate program. Focus on concepts rather than completed media projects.

MRAT 6110. Production Seminar I. (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: MRAT 6030 MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar, MRAT 6050 Multi-track Recording Seminar, and MRAT 6070 Visual Aesthetics and Technology I. This is an applications course where students utilize skills and theory obtained in previous courses and work in a cooperative environment toward the completion of an audio or multimedia production. Laboratory required.

MRAT 6120. Disk-Based Audio Post-Production (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: MRAT 6030 MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar and MRAT 6050 Multi-track Recording Seminar. Advanced practitioner-oriented approach to the principles of tapeless digital audio recording on a variety of digital workstation platforms. In-depth discussion of the principles of digital audio, synchronization, and audio-for-video. Focuses on the use of digital audio workstations in an audio post-production environment. Laboratory required.

MRAT 6130. Production Seminar II. (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: MRAT 6110 Production Seminar I. This is the second semester of an applications course where students utilize skills and theory obtained in previous courses and work in a cooperative group environment toward the completion of an audio or multimedia production. Laboratory required.

MRAT 6140. Graduate Seminar in Audio Recording (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: MRAT 6030 MIDI and Digital Audio Seminar and MRAT 6050 Multi-track Recording Seminar. Advanced application of recording and mixing techniques in a digital multi-track setting. Additional topics: console automation, machine synchronization, digital audio editing, and tape machine alignment. Laboratory required.

MRAT 6150. Legal Rights of the Creative Individual (3 hrs)

This course acquaints creative individuals with their legal rights as creators and their legal duties when using the works of others. Students apply concepts from copyright, trademark, trade secrets, privacy, publicity, defamation, and other branches of the law to media productions.

MRAT 6160. Composition for Contemporary Media (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: Four semesters of Theory/Sight Singing/Ear Training, MRAT 6030, MRAT 6050. Composition for Contemporary Media provides the student with the conceptual foundation necessary to undertake advanced creative projects involving the creation and manipulation of the materials of popular music. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of the structure and style elements of contemporary popular music. Laboratory required.

MRAT 6180. Introduction to Film Scoring (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: Four semesters of Theory/Sight Singing/Ear Training, MRAT 6030, MRAT 6050. Overview of the film scoring process. Discussion of the aesthetic relationship between music and film. Thematic analyses of representative film scores. Composition exercises demonstrating traditional film scoring techniques. Application of compositional techniques through laboratory assignments utilizing computers, synthesizers, and digital samplers. SMPTE time code, MIDI time code, and film time formats and their application to tape synchronization. Major project will consist of scoring a short scene from a film and synchronizing the music with the visual. Laboratory required.

MRAT 6210. Production Seminar III. (3 hrs)

Prerequisites: MRAT 6120 Production Seminar II. This is the third semester of an applications course where students utilize skills and theory obtained in previous courses and work in a cooperative group environment toward the completion of an audio or multimedia production. Laboratory required.

MRAT 6320. Directed Research (3 hrs)

Prerequisite: permission of department. Research in recording techniques and related topics.

MRAT 6340. Directed Production (3 hrs)

Permission of department. Independent advanced audio productions.

MRAT 6360. Graduate Internship (1 - 3 hrs)

Prerequisite: permission of department. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional recording industry setting.

MRAT 6650. Final Project (1 - 9 hrs)

Prerequisite: permission of department. This course is designed to be a directed production project of substantial size and scope proposed, developed, and realized under the guidance of the major faculty advisor in consultation with the Final Project faculty committee. 6650 Final Project is the culminating experience in the M.F.A. program.