School of Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

The Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media BFA is designed to teach students the language of music, and how to apply that language to visual media, including film, television, web, video games, and animation. Coursework will provide a strong foundation in music fundamentals, as well as tools to help you capture the right emotional tone with music to fit the visual image. Our approach is dedicated to practical, hands-on training in a collaborative framework, utilizing the latest computer-based production tools which provide a thorough training in all the latest technology applications of the music-for-picture industry.

BFA graduates of the School of Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media will meet the following student performance criteria:

• Music and Sound Design

  • Design sound or music which supports the emotional content of the visual image
  • Construct effective sound or music for different visual environments such as film, television, animation, games and commercials
  • Demonstrate heightened listening skills and identify key musical or sound components

• Production Techniques

  • Demonstrate proficiency with software related to contemporary sound or music production techniques
  • Demonstrate proficiency with audio recording techniques, editing, and mixing

• Professional Readiness

  • Produce work in a modeled professional environment, with a broad understanding of the sound/music post production workflow
  • Create a compelling demo reel that demonstrates professional level competency
  • Think critically and demonstrate flexibility in creating or editing music or sound for client needs

• Composition (Composers Only)

  • Demonstrate thorough understanding of the language of music: harmony, melody and rhythm
  • Analyze dramatic scoring and compose film music in the style of selected historical periods and genres
  • Orchestrate and arrange music

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

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