HOW TO
Produce and record your own music
Jennifer Lindsay ’02, an HMC Trustee and systems engineer in Los Angeles, Calif., is an award-winning classically trained singer, violinist and composer. At age 11, she was a founding member of the Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, and at 14 she was a guest soprano soloist for the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition. Since then, Jennifer has gone on to perform at a number of high-profile events, including a guest solo spot singing at the Essence Awards in New York City, and a performance with the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Her debut album is “Songs In The Dark.”
With advances in computer technology over the past decade, it is now possible to create an entire CD’s worth of music in your own home! That doesn’t mean it’s a piece of cake, though, as I discovered when I produced, engineered and recorded my very first album last year. Here are the basics you’ll need to get started on the path to indie superstardom. Computer – PC or Mac, with at least 2GB RAM so
it can process multiple audio tracks without freezing up, and at least two USB ports and a Firewire port for peripherals (microphones, audio interfaces, etc.). DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) – software that allows
you to record and manipulate audio and/or MIDI. Audacity (developed by a Mudd alum) is a free program that handles audio only. Garageband is a Mac program that lets you create both audio and virtual instrument tracks, and it comes with its own virtual instrument library. Professional-grade packages like Logic and Pro Tools give you even more flexibility but take longer to master.
Keyboard Controller – a piano-style keyboard that interacts with your computer. Playing notes on the keyboard will trigger any virtual instrument from your library: violin, drums, guitar, etc. Akai and M-Audio
HOW TO
make some decent low-budget controllers. Microphone – if your computer doesn’t have a built-in
mic, you will need an external one. The Shure SM57 and Blue Snowball are nice inexpensive choices. Audio Interface – unless you get a USB external
mic, you will need a piece of hardware called an audio interface that boosts the signal produced by the mic so your computer can process it correctly. AIs are also good for plugging in an electric guitar or bass. Check out the M-Audio Fast Track or the Apogee Duet. Monitors – a special name given to speakers that
produce a flat response (e.g. no bass boosting or distortion) which is necessary for proper mixing and mastering. The M-Audio DSM and KRK Rokit series are good starting points. Recording Space – all you need is a spare bedroom or an empty garage, as long as you do some basic acoustic treatment. Auralex makes high-density foam panels that reduce flutter echoes, as well as fiberglass bass traps that eliminate low-frequency standing waves. Help Desk – browse the forums at
www.gearslutz.com
and
www.recording.org for great tips and advice from industry pros. Musical Talent – optional, but useful!
Create a successful construction project
Wayne Drinkward ’74, an HMC Trustee, is president and CEO of Hoffman Construction Co., a Portland, Ore., construction manager and general contractor with design-build capabilities. Projects include Rem Koolhaas’ Seattle Central Library and Frank Gehry’s Experience Music Project, also in Seattle, Wash. Drinkward is active in the planning for HMC’s teaching and learning building and made possible the programming efforts.
For most people, the idea of initiating a construction project for either personal or commercial use ranks up there with the joys of visiting your oral surgeon. Disruption, change orders, schedule delays and personal conflict all are a potential part of the experience. But you can do a few things to mitigate those risks and, if you do them properly, create something of which you will be very proud. I will shorten the long list to four priorities: setting clear objectives, creating a winning team, doing your homework, and staying engaged throughout the process.
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To set clear objectives, start with a realistic assessment
of what you want to achieve in design, cost, schedule and quality. Most people focus on cost and schedule, but your long-term satisfaction with the project will be far more influenced by design and quality. Give yourself some margin to work within, but do not expect your architect or contractor to make these key decisions for you. Selecting a team you will work with is the most critical decision you will make. Focus on the individuals you will work with, and not just the firm’s resume. In
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