New Audio Minor to Have Sound Implications

SUNY Oswego’s new interdisciplinary minor in audio design and production aims to meet student and industry demand while broadening opportunities for students. 

The minor will create a production-centered learning environment to provide hands-on experience that accompanies audio theory.

The program based in SUNY Oswego’s School of Communication, Media and the Arts includes courses in broadcasting, music and theatre in its core, plus a large sampling of electives—such as multimedia courses through the art department.

“So much of electronic media depends on the successful mixing of music, special effects and dialogue that I’ve always thought from a broadcasting standpoint we should have more audio experience for our students,” said Fritz Messere ’71, M ’76, dean of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts.

The minor connects radio production courses, theatre sound classes and recording courses in music.

“The minor provides students the flexibility to specialize in a number of audio fields,” program coordinator Aaron Reece said. “If they want to use their knowledge to help them write the great American symphony, they can do that. If they want to learn how to produce an album, make multi-track recordings or design sound for theatre, we can help put them on that path.”

Audio moving into digital and software-driven formats, with greater dissemination via the web, has increased demand for graduates and even current students with the requisite skills, noted Daniel Wood, a former professional recording engineer who now teaches students the tricks of the trade in the music department.

Oswego’s focus on production opportunities has appealed to students like music majors Ken Bardin ’10 and Brad Gorham ’11, who have found their passion in audio production.

“I enjoy being in this studio more than anything else,” said Gorham, a former touring and recording musician who now sees his future in production. “As a producer, you’re still being creative. You can influence others’ music. I like how we use a collaborative approach.”

Also coming in as a musician, Bardin has turned to recording and producing tracks for local performers and working live shows at Oswego — from Ke-Nekt and Artswego concerts with international artists to student recitals.

“You get to work in a professional setting, even as a student,” he said. “It’s great to have the minor because non-music majors can come in here and learn.”

The formation of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts last year — bringing together art, communication studies, music and theatre — provided the final impetus in creating the minor. “When we formed the new school, we really created avenues for people to work with each other across disciplines,” Messere said. “The minor strengthens all of the existing programs while creating new opportunities for our students.”

— Tim Nekritz M '05 

PHOTO CAPTION:
Music majors Ken Bardin ’10, left, and Brad Gorham’11 work with a recording by a local performer in the Tyler Hall recording studio.