Bachelor of Music in Audio and Music Production

Faculty

Bryan Helsel, Ph.D.
Lecturer
Bliss Hall 3035
330.941.3639
bhelsel@ysu.edu

About the Major 

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Audio and Music Production major provides students with the knowledge and experience to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. The program gives our students opportunities to build skills through personal experiences that offer a competitive edge in the rapidly expanding fields of music business and industry. The investment bank and research firm Goldman Sachs estimates that revenue for the global music industry will be valued at over $130 billion by 2030, offering countless opportunities to create a lifelong career in the field of music recording and sound production. 

Our students learn by doing and are prepared to build enjoyable, productive careers as audio engineers in record production through engineering, producing, mixing, and mastering; in live sound as engineers or technicians; in media (e.g., TV, film, gaming) roles in composition, sound design, or Foley sound; as well as forensic audio, restoration, and more. The internship program places students in recording studios, live music venues, and other professional settings where they gain hands-on experience that will apply directly to their future while providing opportunities to network with industry professionals. Students gain additional experience working with faculty, students, and professionals to record, produce, and distribute music for our student-run record label, Dana Records. The outstanding academic programs at Youngstown State University and the world-class resources at the Dana School of Music allow our students to pursue their unique educational goals and prepare for a successful and fulfilling future.

The Dana Recording Studio utilizes a Solid-State Logic Origin 32-channel recording and mixing console that allows our students to work within hybrid analog-digital production environments. We have 64-channels of high-quality A-D conversion from Ferrofish in our Dante-equipped studio. Students have access to Kurzweil and Roland keyboards, controllers, and synths, as well as Reason and the Native Instruments Komplete software package. The studio features an iMac running Avid Pro-Tools, Ableton Live, MOTU Digital Performer, and Apple Logic Digital Audio Workstation software. The microphone inventory includes a selection of condenser, ribbon, and dynamic microphones from companies like AEA, Neumann, AKG, Shure, Audio Technica, Royer, Cascade, Electro-Voice, and more.

Contact Information

To learn more about our degree programs, audition information, scholarships, career and professional development, performances, faculty, and students, visit Dana School of Music or contact us at 330.941.3635. 

To schedule a personalized campus visit, contact the Cliffe College of Creative Arts Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at 330.941.2346 or sawaltman@ysu.edu. We would love to hear about your interests, show you our school, and become an important part of your future. 

• All undergraduate music majors are required to attend 12 approved performances each semester for six consecutive semesters beginning in the freshman year.
• Applied lesson must be taken concurrently with an ensemble each semester.

• All undergraduate music majors are required to attend 12 approved performances each semester for six consecutive semesters beginning in the freshman year.
• Applied lesson must be taken concurrently with an ensemble each semester.

Learning Outcomes

The student learning outcomes for the major in audio and music production are as follows:

• Students will perform a public recital in their applied area.
• Students will analyze music, discriminate pitch, harmony, and rhythm, and perform harmonic progressions at the piano.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking about the various historical periods, cultural contexts, and social forces that influence musical activity.
• Students will demonstrate basic keyboard proficiency, including scales, arpeggios, harmonization, repertoire, transpositions, and score reading.
• Students will record, edit, and produce music.