Recording Studio Lab

Ever wanted to learn how to professionally record yourself or others?

Taught by Phil Sheeran, this course teaches the fundamental concepts of recording theory and how to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) using industry-standard Avid Pro Tools.

Choose Your Session Format
We offer two schedule options covering the same core material. Both sessions meet on Saturdays—simply choose the pace that works best for your schedule:

  • Session 1 (4-Week Intensive): Meets for 4 consecutive Saturdays • 2 hours per class

  • Session 2 (8-Week Series): Meets for 8 consecutive Saturdays • 1 hour per class

What You Will Learn
Over the course of the lab, students will work on hands-on class projects and home assignments covering:

  • Studio Basics: Signal flow, microphone techniques, and gain staging

  • Tracking & Editing: Overdubbing, "punching in," and in-depth vocal and track editing

  • Mixing & FX: Equalization (EQ), compression, and mixing fundamentals

  • Modern Media: Introduction to "Podcast" style recording, and syncing professional audio for YouTube or TikTok

  • Final Capstone Project: Bring your passion project to life! Options include producing your own song, hip-hop beat, podcast, music video audio, or Foley sound effects.

What to Bring
To fully participate in class activities and complete assignments, students must bring the following:

  • System & Hardware Requirements

    Core Requirements (Mac & Windows):

    • RAM: 16GB minimum (32GB or more recommended)

    • Storage: At least 15GB of free disk space for installation. A separate, fast external SSD (formatted APFS/HFS+ for Mac or NTFS for Windows) is recommended for saving audio files.

    • Authorization: A free iLok account is required for software activation (iLok Cloud, or an iLok 2/3 USB key).

    • Internet Connection: Required for software installation and activation.

    Mac Requirements:

    • Processor: Intel Dual Core i5 or faster, or Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)

    • Operating System: macOS 14.7.x (Sonoma), 15.7.x (Sequoia), or later

    Windows Requirements:

    • Processor: Intel Core i5 or greater

    • Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (with updated NVIDIA drivers)

    💡 Unsure about your computer setup? Check out Avid’s Home Recording Studio Guide.ere

  • Q: Can I bring my own headphones to class?

    A: Yes! If you have wired, over-ear headphones, you are welcome to bring them. We do not recommend Bluetooth or wireless earbuds, as wireless latency causes audio delays that make precise editing difficult.

    Q: Can I bring my own audio interface to class?

    A: Each student workstation is already fully equipped with an audio interface and headphones for in-class projects. To ensure a smooth, uniform setup for instruction, we ask that all students use the provided studio interfaces during class.

  • Contact us HERE.

Class Time and Dates (choose one):
Session 1: Saturdays
August 22, 29, Sept 5, and 12
12:00-2:00pm

Session 2: Saturdays 
Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21, Dec 5
12:00-1:00pm

Location:
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church
(in The Recording Lab)
34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85266.

Participation Fee: $250

Recording Studio Lab Registration Form

Special thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Carefree for their generous grant funding the
state-of-the-art equipment for our Recording Studio Lab.