MONUMENTAL
Experiences Happen
HERE.
This beginner-level music production course is designed for students seeking an introduction to audio engineering, recording techniques, and studio workflows. It’s ideal for musicians, home recording enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning how professional music production environments operate.
You’ll also have the opportunity to record in Studio West’s famed Studio A under the guidance of our experienced instructors!
There are 14 evening classes included in this program. Each class is 3 hours and the total program length is 42 hours.
Full Curriculum and FAQs below.
Spring 2026 Season – Dates (All classes are 6-9pm)
Monday 5/11
Tuesday 5/12
Wednesday 5/13
Thursday 5/14
Monday 5/18
Tuesday 5/19
Wednesday 5/20
Monday OFF – Memorial Day
Tuesday 5/26
Wednesday 5/27
Thursday 5/28
Monday 6/1
Tuesday 6/2
Wednesday 6/3
Thursday 6/4
EARLY ACCESS OFFER:
TOTAL COURSE COST: $895 $495
Who Is This Course Designed For?
This introductory music production course in San Diego is well suited for individuals who want a practical understanding of how audio recording works in a studio environment.
It’s a strong fit for:
Those new to music production with little or no technical background.
Songwriters and performers looking to record and produce their own material.
Creative hobbyists curious about audio recording and production workflows.
Home studio users who want to improve sound quality and technical confidence.
Anyone exploring audio engineering as a possible long-term pursuit.
For anyone interested in how professional recordings are created – from setup to final take – this course offers an accessible and informative entry point.
Course breakdown
Step into the world of audio recording and start creating with confidence. This class introduces the essential tools and techniques needed to record vocals and guitar using the Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Audio Recording Techniques begins with a clear, practical look at how sound works, then moves quickly into microphones, mic placement, and proven recording methods used in real studios. Students gain a strong understanding of gain structure and signal flow while learning how professional studios are wired – from patch bays and preamps to speakers and effects.
To bring it all together, students put their skills into action inside one of our studios, recording a guest artist under the guidance of an experienced instructor. By the end of the course, you’ll understand not just how recordings are made – but why they sound great.
Get comfortable inside Pro Tools and take control of your sessions. In this beginner-friendly class, students are guided through the Pro Tools interface, learning the essential features needed to run a smooth, efficient recording session in a home or project studio.
You’ll learn how to create and route tracks, use plug-ins effectively, and apply simple mixing techniques that immediately improve your sound. The class also covers how audio interfaces connect microphones and instruments to Pro Tools, along with proper speaker setup for accurate monitoring.
From there, we dive into recording a full drum kit and tightening performances to a click track. Students learn practical editing techniques and see how Pro Tools’ built-in Elastic Audio can be used to quickly and automatically lock in drum, bass, and guitar parts – giving recordings a polished, professional feel.
This is where your recordings come to life. The mixing stage is where individual tracks come together and your music starts to sound finished and intentional. Mixing Music introduces the essential techniques used to turn raw recordings into release-ready mixes.
You’ll learn how to shape and balance your sound using professional mixing console concepts as they apply inside Pro Tools, while exploring creative and technical tools like EQ, reverb, and delay. The course also covers how to properly organize and prepare your session for mastering – so your final mix translates clearly, consistently, and professionally.
Mastering is the final step that brings everything together. This course explores why mastering is such a critical part of the music-making process and how it gives a collection of songs a cohesive, professional sound.
You’ll learn proven techniques used to make tracks feel consistent and intentional – like they were recorded and mixed as part of the same project. Topics include sequencing songs within an album, measuring and controlling loudness, using limiters effectively, and understanding how mastering approaches change across today’s major streaming platforms.