Students will acquire knowledge of general audio recording practices in the environment of a professional recording studio. Using gear appropriately affordable for middle and high school budgets, students will learn practical techniques for recording acoustic and electric instruments, microphone usage and technique, and the concept of "signal flow", tracking a sound from its origin through microphone, recording console and eventually to hard disc. The course will cover topics such as compression, reverb, room acoustics, production techniques and mixing for presentation. The software used in the course will include Pro Tools LE, Logic, and Garage Band. Class is held in a recording studio with each student having a set amount of supplemental access to the facilities outside class hours.