Music Production using Cubase

Whether you’re recording and producing your band’s album, scoring music for film or TV, or producing a record to be distributed on CD or online, there’s one piece of software that represents the cutting edge of digital audio: Cubase 4. Designed by professionals from the ground up, Cubase provides a vast range of tools that allow you to compose, record, edit and mix any type of music imaginable. In Berkleemusic’s Specialist Certificate in Music Production using Cubase, you’ll develop foundational skills to listen critically, gain cross-platform home studio production chops, and learn to use Cubase’s state-of-the-art tools to create the most professional sounding mixes around.

The certificate program begins with Critical Listening. In order to be successful with Cubase, you’ll need the listening skills to recognize the importance of the mixing process. This course will help you do just that, through a combination of weekly training drills, analysis of classic recordings, and comparison of various mixing styles. You’ll learn to identify width and depth, frequency range, dynamics, and the different mix approaches used in various musical genres. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to recognize techniques such as panning, alternate types and uses of reverb, delay, compression, and different types of distortion. Not only will you learn what elements are most important in a mix, but also how to optimize a mix to make it as compelling as possible.

Next up is Producing Music with Cubase, which will give you a broad skill set and a fully realized background in this unique software. Beginning with an introduction to the working environments and capabilities of Cubase, you’ll learn to record and edit MIDI and audio performances, and then move on to learn mixing techniques using Cubase 4's powerful EQ, audio effects, and full automation. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to configure and customize your Cubase environment, record and edit MIDI and audio files, create custom loops, apply various effects processors, and use a number of Cubase’s advanced tools.

The certificate program rounds out with Recording and Producing in the Home Studio, which will teach you the art of music production, engineering, and recording at home. Building on your coursework in Cubase, you’ll learn more about recording and producing, how to configure your home studio for optimal results, and the roles of the producer and engineer in the recording process—and you’ll be able to create an exceptional, professional-sounding master recording. In the process, you’ll see mixing, mastering, and editing techniques that will enable you to polish your demos into fully finished recordings. This course will show you the ins and outs of professional production, regardless of the recording devices and software programs you are using—a perfect compliment to the Producing Music with Cubase course.

With these three courses under your belt, you’ll have the strong background and technical skills to bring to life your most creative musical ideas, and the know-how to make them sound like the work of a true music production professional—which is exactly what they will be.