Six new courses were added to Houghton’s course catalogue last month, all of which focus on music technology and the business aspects of the music industry.
Since the college started offering courses on Pro Tools, much interest has been seen in learning the audio engineering side of music. Kevin Jackson, Director of Sound and Recording and the Pro Tools instructor, has been working to develop Houghton’s music recording department and these six new courses since he joined the college in 2007.
The new courses added to the catalogue are as follows: Introduction to Digital Audio and Technology, Introduction to Music Business, Recording Studio Technique, Critical Listening and the Art of Mixing, Advanced Music Production, and Sound Design and Processing. All of these classes focus on skills that students would need when going into the music industry, including further instruction in Pro Tools, recording live and studio events, and managing income streams.
When considering which courses to add to the catalogue, Jackson said, “What would benefit Houghton students to be employable when they leave Houghton?”
While some instruction in this area was already offered, students looking to get work in the music industry needed the inclusion of these new courses.
“Knowing how to use a software program and knowing how to get a mixed balance and make something sound musical and compelling are completely different things” said Dan Austin, a senior English major who is planning on going into sound engineering after graduation.
Currently, if a student wants to get the full benefit of both the music and business departments, the course load is very heavy, especially to those pursuing a double major.
“It [music and business] is too big, too much, to do it as a double major,” said Professor Ken Bates, Business Administration.
The long-term dream would be a major or minor, but first Jackson wants to get these six courses underway.
“There’s a lot of red tape [to get through] to be able to make this something more than just courses,” said Jackson.
Houghton alumnus John Buteyn double majored in music and business and currently works with Houghton’s financial services. Jackson and Buteyn are planning on joining forces and teaching the newly added courses. Both have had experience working with bands, recording, and the music industry, and will be excellent resources for students pursuing these fields.
“The industry is becoming more and more ‘you do it all yourself,’” said Buteyn. “An artist needs to be able to manage themselves and produce their own music.”
Jackson’s goal is to prepare students for a range of roles in the music industry.
Jackson’s previous experience working in many major studios will also provide a practical and realistic link to how jobs in the industry actually function.
“We have so many industry connections that we can really plug our students into music industry [internships],” said Jackson.
Besides gaining many practical skills, Jackson really wants prepare Christians to serve God in this field.
“My real vision is that there are . . . places in the secular industry that need light in a dark place,” said Jackson. “If we can’t train people to do this and get out into those industries, then we’re losing opportunity.”
