This course will develop a working knowledge of the sampling, sequencing, editing, recording and mixing tools used by music producers to create the individual voices and sonic identities within contemporary music production. In particular, we will be looking at Digidesign’s Pro Tools, Propellerhead's Reason, Akai's MPC 4000 and SSL’s K9000 automated mixing console. Over the course of the semester, students will learn how to assemble original compositions using these technologies and apply them through various popular music styles. Students are encouraged to bring in source and reference material. The course culminates in a final project that features the student’s original composition.