Master’s in Audio Arts Curriculum

What You’ll Study on the Way to an Audio Arts Degree

Audio arts master’s program schedule varies depending on your field of specialization.

Music Industry Specialization

In the music industry specialization, you’ll develop the entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in this dynamic industry. This program is perfect for students who have not previously studied or worked in the music industry/business.

During your program, you’ll explore a range of fascinating topics such as music industry and media, social media strategies, studio recording, and licensing. These courses will equip you with the critical thinking and practical know-how necessary to understand music and create a successful market for your art.

Sound Production and Arts Specialization

In the sound production and recording arts track you can specialize further by choosing from an array of experiential and classroom learning options. It’s all about tailoring your education to match your passions and career goals.

If you’re into the buzz of live performance venues or dream of working with touring artists, check out courses like Live Sound and Concert Recording, and Music Recording. These classes will set you on the path to mastering the art of capturing live performances and creating exceptional music recordings.

If you have an interest in audio recording, audio mastering, live sound design, live sound mixing or delving into the captivating world of sound for picture (think music underscoring, Foley, and sound and effects design), this program is for you.

If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Advising Office at nhadvise@syr.edu.

Courses During Your Audio Arts Graduate Experience May Include:

EEE 620 – Foundations of Entrepreneurship
The process of entrepreneurship in start-up and established corporate environments. Approaches entrepreneurship as both attitudinal and behavioral, with applicability in a variety of contexts. Global dimensions of entrepreneurship are investigated as they relate to the independent and corporate entrepreneur.
3
RAE 601 – Audio Arts Graduate Survey
Foundational widescreen view of the business of audio and music in entertainment media. Creative processes, industry careers, revenue streams, and studio theory will be introduced.
3
RAE 610 – Audio Arts Colloquium
A three-phase course taught in one-credit increments designed to give Audio Arts students a grounding in the fields of culture of audio arts and music-related media.
1
RAE 675 – Audio Arts Industry Practicum
Students work in a professional audio arts setting for a minimum of six weeks, while participating in online discussions and doing a research paper on the industry.
3
TRF 510 – Specialized Practice
These four-week mini-courses provide specific areas of study not covered in depth in other courses. Examples: Production Management, Budgeting, Editing, Lighting, Location Sound, Videography, and others based on faculty and student interest.
1
TRF 605 – Audio Arts Practices
Introduction to the fundamental practices involved in the creation of effective audio for radio, music, television, film, and online media.
3
TRF 637 – Telecommunications Law and Policy
Introduction to the law and policies that influence the telecommunications industries. Covers the policy environment, historical, and current developments.
3

Capstone in Audio Arts

TRF 600 – Selected Topics – Human-Computer Interaction
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
x
TRF 642 – Multicamera Television Production
Students write, design, produce, direct, and program projects specifically for television presentation. Additional work required of graduate students.
3
TRF 668 – Advanced Audio
Independent and specialized practice in audio, including soundtracks for film or television; CD albums; radio drama; or spot announcements.
3
TRF 669 – Advanced Filmmaking
Students propose independent film projects (fiction or documentary), and if approved, produce them using digital video and sound technology.
3
TRF 696 – Research for Entertainment Media
This course focuses on research practices in relation to entertainment media questions and problems. Students become critical consumers and evaluators of qualitative- & quantitative-based reports and metrics. Students apply methodological procedures to questions of particular interest.
3