PRO-AUDIO WORKSHOPS

The Pro-Audio Workshops are part of an ongoing effort by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation to increase arts education opportunities for young people.

The workshops expand on the growing repertoire of educational programs the Foundation presents in the state-of-the-art George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center.

Pro-Audio Workshops are free and serve students ages 10-18 throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Classes are held on Saturdays from 10am – 12pm for Beginners Audio Seminar and 10am – 1pm for Advanced Studio Recording Practices.  Students are not required to have any previous audio engineering instruction.

About the Program:

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The program currently offers two tracks in audio production: Studio Fundamentals and Live Event Sound. Each track is divided into three instruction levels:

  • Level 1 – Introduction
  • Level 2 – Intermediate
  • Level 3 – Advanced

PROGRAM DATES TBD
If accepted, students will follow the schedule described below. Unless otherwise stated, all classes will take place at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart, New Orleans

Level 1 students will meet on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Level 2 students will meet on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Level 3 students will be engaged through intern and practicum opportunities throughout the Heritage School of Music spring semester.

PROGRAM GOALS
Participants in Level 1
will learn: to manage cables, understand basic signal flow and basic acoustics, identify types of microphones and understand phantom power, be given introductions to the mixing console, multi-tracking, monitors, and be able to understand the difference between monitors and headphones.

Participants in Level 2 will learn: to set up and run a basic PA system, learn how to prep for a gig and prepare an input list, understand patching and line checking, learn how to mic instruments, learn how to open a Pro-Tools session.

Participants in Level 3 will: be prepared with measurable skills to work in the industry at an entry level.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Any student who accrues more than one absence will be dismissed from the program and their place will be given to a student from our waiting list. While we understand that some absences are unavoidable, all absences, regardless of cause, are weighted equally toward program eligibility. The Heritage School of Music does not differentiate between “excused” and “unexcused” absences.


  • Beginners Audio Seminar
    • Beginners Audio Seminar is taught by Chris Finney, a Grammy-winning producer, recording, and mixing engineer. Topics to be covered include, learning to manage cables, understanding basic signal flow, and basic science of acoustics and sound, identifying types of microphones as well as understanding phantom power, an introduction to Pro Tools, and capturing audio. They will be given an introduction to the mixing console, multi-track recording, principles of digital audio, and be able to understand different approaches to audio production. Classes are held on Saturdays from 10am-12pm at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center.

  • Advanced Studio Recording Practices
    • Advanced Studio Recording Practices is taught by Jason Doyle and Khalid Hafiz- the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s production team. Topics to be covered include learning to set up and run a basic studio session, learning how to prep for a studio session and prepare an input list, understanding patching and line checking, learn how to mic instruments, learn how to operate a Pro-Tools recording session, and a general understand of basic studio practices and etiquette. Classes are held on Saturdays from 10am-1pm at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center.