Soundboard Academy Course Overview
A 6-day, hands-on program designed to introduce students ages 12–17 to the world of audio engineering and music production. Each session builds both technical skills and creative confidence.
Duration
6 Sessions
Session Length
2 Hours Each
Skill Level
Beginner
Students begin by learning the fundamentals of recording, including how to set up a workstation with microphones, audio interfaces, and recording software. From there, they are introduced to Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), where they learn how to record, edit, and organize audio within a project.
Midway through the course, students dive into sound processing and effects, learning how tools like EQ, compression, reverb, and delay are used to shape and enhance audio. They also develop critical listening skills, learning how to identify and remove unwanted frequencies to create clarity and balance within a mix.
In the final sessions, students bring everything together by working with multi-track recordings (stems) and applying a step-by-step mixing process. The course concludes with a showcase, where students present their finished tracks and celebrate what they've created.
Course Breakdown
Introduction to Recording
Students are introduced to the world of audio engineering. They learn how to set up a recording workstation with microphones, audio interfaces, and recording software. By the end of the session, they understand the signal chain and make their first recording.
DAW Basics
This session dives into Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Students learn how to navigate the interface, record audio, edit tracks, arrange clips, and organize a project from scratch. They begin building their first project file.
Microphones & Live Mixing
Students explore different types of microphones and how proper placement can dramatically improve sound quality. They experiment with polar patterns, proximity effects, and capture techniques for various instruments and vocals.
Effects & Sound Processing
Time to shape the sound. Students learn how EQ, compression, reverb, and delay are used to enhance audio. They apply effects to their recordings and start developing their ear for professional-quality sound.
Advanced EQ & Cleaning a Mix
Students develop critical listening skills and learn to identify and remove unwanted frequencies. They practice cleaning up individual tracks, creating clarity and balance within a mix, and preparing tracks for final production.
Final Mixing & Showcase
Everything comes together. Students work with multi-track recordings (stems) and apply a step-by-step mixing process — balancing levels, applying effects, and creating a cohesive final mix. The course ends with a showcase where each student presents their finished track.