Students interested in art and sound affairs will have a new dynamic path at the Harper College this fall. The college presents the time of 65 credits Associated in Fine Arts with an accent placed on musical productionA diploma designed to mix creativity with advanced technology.
This new program will serve students interested in musical production, audio engineering and related areas. Unlike Harper’s existing AFA with the accent put musicalwhich mainly focuses on traditional performance and musical education, the emphasis on musical production focuses on the technological aspects of the music industry. With an internship as a Capstone project, the program will prepare students for a transparent transfer in four -year institutions and will lead to the next generation of movie composers and music producers, audio engineers and beating manufacturers.
“The facets of what it means to be a musician today are developing today,” said Edward Hamel, assistant professor and president of the Harper music department. “There are so many artists and students who make music with technology and who may not have competence with a conservation instrument. We also have music students in Harper who follow the basic principles of the audio course because they want to be able to record themselves. We have seen this diploma as an opportunity to build a bridge between the fields of music and audio. ”
The program’s study program will offer students practical training in key areas such as recording, publishing, mixing and mastering music. Students will learn to use standard software and professional recording equipment, apply audio effects and understand digital audio workstations. They will gain experience in advanced installations such as Harper’s modular synthesizer studio and the new large -format audio studio, which includes two live bedrooms and a control room.
“We have a 24-channel console and a multitude of outboard equipment. It is designed to record, mix and master about anything,” said Hamel. “This studio works exactly like a professional studio.”
Musical production students will also explore the cultural and commercial contexts of music. The study program includes an introductory course to the fight against music anchored in key elements of the music industry, contracts and residues for concert booking and the creation of events. Hamel considers it a practical guide to be a unique owner in the industry.
Another required course is various traditions in American music: hip-hop because the genre was crucial to forging the concept of technology use to create music. The course is set up both as a conference and a laboratory for students to discover the development of hip-hop while exploring components such as sampling and recreation of emblematic beats.
The results of the program are designed to reflect the needs of today’s musical and audio industries. Students will graduate able to compose music using common techniques, modify sound files for technical and creative purposes and analyze recordings for balance, clarity and instrumentation. They will also create a solid base in musical theory and understand how to sail in the business landscape of wider music.
“The new AFA of Harper with musical production emphasizes the heritage of Harper’s musical education while opening the door to students who are more interested in the technical sides of the industry,” said Jaime Riewerts, Doyen of the Liberal Arts. “It is a natural extension of what the Harper Music Department has been doing for decades – offering students the skills, tools and experiences they need to thrive in a wide range of musical careers.”
Indeed, the new diploma represents an expansion of the estimated music program of the college, which already presents instructions of more than 50 professional artists as well as solo and solo and solo and solo and solo and solo and solo and solo Overall performance opportunities in Harper and in the region. Harper sets go from the Jazz And Steel drum bands At Symphonic orchestra And two new groups: the popular music set (from fall) and the chamber music set (from spring 2026).
Harper’s music production diploma also completes the college Audio / video arts technology certificateWho prepares students for direct entry into live event roles and media production. Together, these programs show how Harper supports students, regardless of their way – whether they go directly to industry or progress in their education.
“Historically, in many institutions, music and audio were two separate departments. Harper and others see the value of having these programs in one place, because that’s what students want. This is perfectly logical,” said Hamel. “We have created a space where all these things can live in harmony.”
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