Although Nathan Breitling started the Audio Production program at The Art Institute of California-San Francisco in January of 2009, the rapidly expanding department already has 91 students in the Bachelor of Science program.
Dr. Breitling understands that today’s audio production involves much more than just studio recording, which explains why The Art Institute’s expansive curriculum which offers courses in live sound production, gaming audio, sound design, audio for video/film production and post.
As he points out, “We take it as a starting point that the rent-based studio model is a difficult proposition nowadays. That doesn’t mean there aren’t futures in recording and engineering, but look at studios that are really active and they’re doing commercials, voice, video game sound development, education, certification programs and other courses to develop new revenue streams. That seems to be what’s happening with studios in the Bay Area.�
“So these areas are where the
opportunities are and our curriculum reflects that,� Breitling continues. “It’s not just a straight ahead recording academy. It’s really audio production in the broadest sense.
“We do live sound production with digital consoles, utilizing newer protocols such as Ethersound. This is far more than just a short-term training. Students come here for a Bachelor of Science degree, which means they’re not just looking for a quick shot of Vitamin B or some basic software training, it’s a full baccalaureate program and they have to take courses in sociology, science, humanities, and all the rest.
The Art Institute also encourages a more profound approach to the technology, where students get “exposure to audio electronics with three classes where students are designing circuits, synthesizers and building their own microphones. Because we’re a longer-term course of study, we can go into far greater detail and depth.�
Given the department’s expansive curriculum, the need for a physical facility that fulfills the criteria for all of these disciplines seemed critical. Nathan responds, “The department had a mandate that the room had to accomplish many different workflows. With the Duality in there, it’s certainly focused toward music production, but our students are working in other production areas, as well. Within that room, there’s so much you can do. The whole place is wired, so we can put anyone anywhere, even the closet is wired.
“We have a beautiful WSDG-designed room with an SSL Duality console, ADAM monitors and other cool toys. It’s a live room, a control room, an isolation room, storage, and machine room, with full-on room within room construction and floating floor. It’s an exquisitely performing room.�
In terms of ADAM Audio, “our primary monitoring system consists of ADAM S4VA midfields with two Sub Tens,� says Nathan. “I like the ADAMs because they make students really work at the mix. They’re not the type of speaker that just automatically flatters your sound. If your mix is wrong, they’ll let you know, which is exactly what I want in a monitor.
For more information about ADAM Audio USA, please call 516.681.0690, or click to www.adam-audio.com
