Music 115 - Dissecting the DAW

Dissecting the DAW

Fall
2026
01
4.00
Darryl Harper

TU/TH | 1:05 PM - 2:20 PM

Amherst College
MUSI-115-01-2627F
dharper@amherst.edu

This hands-on course offers students an introduction to key concepts of realizing music in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Topics include: analog and digital workflows, microphone types, acoustics, digital editing, mixing, MIDI, sampling, and studio practices. DAWs such as Garageband, Logic Pro, ProTools, and Ableton, are arguably the most ubiquitous tools used for creating music. Through reading, discussion, demonstration, listening sessions, technical tutorials and hands-on projects, we will explore the techniques, practices and aesthetics surrounding creative applications of capturing music in the DAW. Fall and Spring Semester. Visiting Professor.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference given to first years and senior and to Amherst College students over 5C students.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Collaborative projects and peer review; listening and reading assignments.

Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.