Recording & Studio Engineering Classes
Learn Recording, Mixing, and Production in all the popular DAWs, With an industry pro.
Whether you want to record your own songs at home, produce beats, mix a band, or understand what’s really happening in a studio session, our Recording and Studio Engineering classes give you the skills to work confidently inside modern recording software and professional workflows.
This program lead by Jordan Demarest can be taken as a standalone class to build your own production and engineering skills. It can also be used as preparation for college-level programs in audio and music technology, including SUNY Schenectady County Community College. SUNY Schenectady+1
Why This Program Works at WMA
Most people try to learn production by watching random tutorials and copying settings. The problem is that settings are not skills.
Our approach is education-first and coach-led. You learn the “why,” not just the buttons. You build repeatable workflows that translate across DAWs and into real recording situations.
This class is taught by an instructor who teaches at Schenectady County Community College, bringing a college-informed, industry-grounded approach into a supportive, private-coaching environment.
Choose Your DAW, Or Learn Skills That Transfer to Any DAW
You can work in the DAW you already have, or choose one we recommend based on your goals. We regularly teach and support:
- Logic Pro
- Pro Tools
- Ableton Live
- Studio One
- GarageBand
- Other DAWs based on your needs and setup
Many respected training paths teach across multiple DAWs, because core skills like signal flow, editing, and mixing translate everywhere. Berklee Online+1
What You’ll Learn
1) Recording Fundamentals That Make Everything Easier
- Signal flow, routing, and why audio “disappears” when one link breaks
- Gain staging and clean levels from recording to mixing
- Session setup, templates, file organization, and fast troubleshooting
Signal flow and mic technique are foundational topics in serious audio training for a reason, they keep recordings clean and make mixes simpler. Berklee Online+1
2) Tracking and Editing
- Mic selection and placement basics
- Recording vocals, acoustic instruments, electric guitar, and keys
- Comping, timing cleanup, basic tuning, and tight edits
- Punching, takes, playlists, and session workflow
3) Mixing That Translates Everywhere
- EQ, compression, reverb, delay, saturation, automation
- Bussing, sends, parallel processing, and mix organization
- Critical listening habits and mix decision-making
- How to get a mix that holds up in cars, earbuds, and speakers
High-quality training programs consistently build toward full workflows from tracking through mixing, not isolated tricks. Berklee Online+1
4) Mastering and Release Prep
- Loudness basics and clean limiting
- Export settings and deliverables for streaming and video
- Simple mastering chains, referencing, and quality control
Mastering courses commonly emphasize delivery preparation and quality control, not just loudness. Berklee Online
Who This Is For
- Songwriters who want to record and produce their own music
- Guitarists, vocalists, and bands who want to make high-quality demos
- Teens interested in production, beat-making, and modern recording
- Adults who want a serious skill, not a hobby-level overview
- Students preparing for college programs in audio, production, or digital music SUNY Schenectady+1
College Preparation Pathway
If you’re considering college programs, we can help you build:
- DAW fluency and studio vocabulary
- Strong fundamentals in recording workflow and signal flow
- A starter portfolio of finished work
- Confidence walking into a studio or lab environment
This pairs naturally with SUNY Schenectady’s audio-focused options, including their Music Audio Technology degree and Digital Music certificate.
SUNY Schenectady Music Audio Technology A.A.S.
SUNY Schenectady Digital Music Certificate
SUNY Schenectady
How Lessons Can Be Structured
Option A: DAW Skills Track
Pick one DAW and become genuinely fluent, session setup, recording, editing, mixing, exporting.
Option B: Engineering Foundations Track
Learn the core principles that transfer to any DAW, signal flow, tracking workflow, mixing, and delivery.
Option C: Project Track
Bring in your song, your band recording, or your beat, and we coach you end-to-end until it’s finished.
FAQ
Do I need expensive gear to start?
No. We can work with what you have and recommend upgrades only if they actually solve a problem.
Can I do this even if I’m brand new?
Yes. Beginners are welcome. We build the foundation correctly so you don’t develop bad habits.
Is this only for electronic music?
No. This applies to singer-songwriters, bands, voice, guitar, hip hop, worship teams, and more.
Can this help me prepare for college programs?
Yes. We can shape your plan around DAW fluency, recording fundamentals, and a portfolio, which aligns well with the stated focus of college audio and digital music pathways. SUNY Schenectady+1
Get Started
Fill out the form and tell us two things:
- The DAW you use (or want to learn)
- Your goal (record my songs, learn mixing, prep for college, build a portfolio, etc.)