Class Description
Campfire stories. Summer slumps. That one perfect day. What’s your summer story—and how does it sound? In this hands-on summer course, you’ll dive into the art of storytelling through sound. Using industry-standard software like Pro Tools, you’ll learn essential audio production skills including voiceover recording, sound editing, and sound design. Through fun and real-world projects like creating an absurd ad, reimagining a picture book, or crafting your own “Best Part About Summer” audio piece, you’ll bring your stories to life with clarity and impact. From ambient sounds and clever effects to dynamic voice performances, you’ll explore how to create mood, build tension, and spark imagination—all with the power of audio.
Learning Objectives: in this class, students will learn about:
- Developing and applying audio production skills using industry-standard software like Pro Tools to record voiceovers, edit audio, and create compelling sound designs that enhance narrative storytelling;
- Exploring the relationship between sound and storytelling by creating original audio projects that reflect personal summer experiences, such as campfire tales, summer slumps, or perfect summer days;
- Visually planning a narrative by creating a storyboard that outlines key moments, and necessary sound effects of an original summer-themed story;
- Crafting a compelling voiceover script that clearly conveys the story’s tone and character, while aligning with the visual and auditory elements planned in the storyboard;
- Identifying and assigning appropriate sound cues—including ambient sounds, effects, and music—that enhance the mood, setting, and transitions of each storyboard block to support immersive storytelling;
- The art of the peer critique and give peer critiques on the progress of student work;
- Opportunities and potential resources on career pathways;
- How to distribute, exhibit, and promote artwork for a variety of audiences.
Equipment
- iMacs
- Portable Audio Recorders
- Cables
- Companion Multimedia Speakers
- Focusrite Rack-Mounted Audio Interface
- Mackie PROFX12V2 12-Channel Compact Mixer
- Passive Direct Box
- DAW Controller and Instrument
- M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
- 88 Key MIDI Piano
- Acoustic Guitar
- Studio Monitors
- Telescoping Boom Pole with Internal XLR
- Cloudlifter Mic Activator
- Microphone Stands
- Dynamic Vocal Microphones
- Studio Condenser Microphone
- Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
- Dynamic Voice-Over Microphone
- Shotgun Microphone
- Sustain Pedal
- Headphones
- Noisemakers
Software
- Avid Pro Tools
- GarageBand
Deliverables: Students and Class Projects
- A series of 10 storyboard cards that visually outline the narrative arc of the student’s original radio story (drama, children’s story, a great day, or “today”).
- A written voiceover script aligned with the storyboard, complete with character dialogue (if applicable), narration, and timing notes.
- Radio Story Audio File: A completed, edited audio story that includes the student’s voiceover recording, sound cues, music, and effects as applicable to their chosen story theme.
