THE RIGHT TRACK

Your passion for audio has led you to

The Blackbird Academy – a school that

sets a new standard of excellence in

audio education. Throughout this

catalog, you will view rich content that

tells the Blackbird story and how our

unique approach is unparalleled in the

industry. Once you have gone through

the material, we encourage you to call

or email us with any questions you may

have and to reserve your seat in an

upcoming class.

WELCOME TO THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMYa new standard of excellence in audio education

3

INTRODUCTIONWelcome to The Blackbird Academy .....................3Foreword, Mutt Lange.............................................5Message from John McBride, Founder ..................9The Blackbird Academy Difference.......................10

FACILITIESCampus Information............................................. 12Gear & Studios .................................................14-15Studios ...................................................................14Microphone Locker................................................14Recording Laboratory............................................14Outboard Gear ......................................................15Amplifiers...............................................................15 Drums.....................................................................15

STAFFJohn McBride, Founder/President/Institutional Director ..............................................16Carma Bandstra, Director of Student Operations and Marketing....................................16Mark Rubel, Co-Director of Education..................16Kevin Becka, Co-Director of Education ................18Tony Cottrill, Director of Live Sound, Instructor .....18LeeAnn Carlen, Publicist/Executive Assistant.......18Scott Phillips, Director of Artists Relations............18Nick Shasserre, Director of Human Resources .....18

ADMISSIONSAdmission Requirements.......................................20Start Dates .............................................................20Program Cost.........................................................20Payment Options...................................................20Refund Policy .........................................................20Placement Assistance ............................................21 Student Housing....................................................21

PROGRAMSStudio Engineering Program ...........................24-26Live Engineering Program................................27-29

TESTIMONIALSWhat the Experts Say.......................................22-23

Keith Urban.......................................................22Vance Powell.....................................................22Patrick Carney...................................................22Don Was............................................................23Sheryl Crow.......................................................23Tim McGraw .....................................................23Marc Roberge ...................................................23

What the Students Say ..........................................30

Talk to a representative from The Blackbird AcademyMon.- Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. CST. If you call afterregular business hours, leave a voice mail messageand someone will contact you the next business day.

Call: 615-385-2423Toll Free: (International) 1-855-385-3251Fax: 615-385-2748Email: info@theblackbirdacademy.com

CONTACT US

Visit our website at www.theblackbirdacademy.com

4

CONT

ENTS

5

The Music Business is exactly that.Music first and then the business of star making, marketing and more.

The music side comprises writing, arranging,recording and mixing of the songs. TheBlackbird Academy gives its students a naturalfusion of new recording technology and the oldand eternal recording techniques that havebeen used over the last 50+ years.

The Blackbird Academy can give anyindividual a great kickstart into learning aboutand understanding these disciplines. It can alsoprovide a great foundation from which tospringboard one's natural talent.

The Blackbird Academy will be a very excitingand life-changing experience for any aspiringartist, producer or engineer. If I was starting allover again, this is exactly where you would findme – a great place to learn and to keep one'screativity intact.

Blackbird Studio is the finest recording studioon Planet Earth. What better place could therebe to learn?

MUSICFIRST

– Robert John "Mutt" Lange,producer, songwriter

[ F O R E W O R D ]

WHAT MAKES THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY DIFFERENT?

6

7

MOREHANDS ON

TOPBESTINSTRUCTORS

GEAR

8

9

A number of years ago I took threesteps back and took a long, hard look atmy life. The center of my life is God andfamily, as I am sure it is for a lot ofpeople. After that, I am fortunatebecause I have been making a living inthe music business for a number of yearsand frankly, any day I can make a living inthe music business is a great day!

So, here I am with an incredible wife(Martina McBride), an incredible studio(Blackbird Studio), and a long list offriends that work in all areas of thebusiness. I have great friends at recordlabels, management companies,booking agencies, live productioncompanies, studios and publishingcompanies.

So, how do I do something with my lifethat can involve all of these factors andbenefit the world? I have to say that the

older I get the more important mentor-ing has become for me. Teaching is anhonorable and great occupation that isimportant to the future of our world.There is a bit of the teacher in my DNAas my dad taught for years and is nowretired. This is where the idea of TheBlackbird Academy originated. There areteachers I have had that made a hugedifference in my life. I would love to havethe same positive effect on as manystudents' lives as possible.

Thanks to a number of mentors thathave shared their knowledge andexperience with me, I have been able towork on many projects in the recordingstudio in a very short amount of time.Music by a variety of artists from Ke$hato Dave Stewart to Martina has my stampand my name on it – something of whichI am very proud. I would like to provide

the same opportunity to any student thatsigns up for The Blackbird Academy toknow that in a short amount of time theymay be working on big music projects.

We are passionate and driven in ourgoals to improve the music business andchange the world, and we can do that bygiving an incredible education to ourstudents.

If you have any questions, do nothesitate to contact us. We are here tomake a difference. I believe students canfigure out if this career is for them bytaking this course. It will not take fouryears of your life, and you will not havehuge debt to deal with upon graduation.If this is your chosen profession, let usget you on your way to making a greatliving right away! Thanks, and I lookforward to hearing from you.

– John McBride

A MESSAGE FROM JOHN MCBRIDEFOUNDER, THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY

[ I N T R O D U C T I O N ]

10

The current state of audio educationoften puts students at a disadvantageupon graduation by leaving them withbelow average skills, not enoughhands-on experience, and an in-complete education. There is often ahigh level of debt, which can limit agraduate's ability to build a successfulcareer.

The Blackbird Academy offers anew model in education. Ourprogram gives students access to trueworking professionals and a hands-onexperience using a world classcollection of gear – all in a facilitydesigned for one purpose: makingexcellent music.

The Blackbird Academy is a mentor-based program where students aretaught by a unique cast of professionalinstructors and award-winning guestlecturers.

Our campus is built on thefoundation of Blackbird Studio, theNashville home to a community ofengineers, producers, musicians and

technical staff who over the years havetaken the art of audio recording tonew highs.

The principles and beliefs thatguide the Academy's program aresimple: Challenge and educatestudents by presenting them with reallife scenarios an engineer wouldencounter on a regular basis. Webelieve training should take place inspaces that are not empty, coldclassrooms but professionally-designed studios and labs whereengineers can hone their craft.

Students will graduate with a highdegree of both practical andtheoretical knowledge of their trade,which will give them the bestopportunity to establish and buildtheir careers. Our goal is to providethe greatest education, in theshortest amount of time for theleast amount possible.

Realize your potential by taking partin The Blackbird Academyexperience!

WHAT MAKES THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMYDIFFERENT?

EXPERIENCE

STUDENT/STUDIO

RATIOULTIMATELEARNING

5:1

12

The Blackbird Academy is located inBerry Hill, Tennessee, home to morethan 40 recording studios and justminutes from downtown Nashville.Known worldwide as Music City – thecapital of country music – Nashville hasalways been so much more. It's anentertainment center and a musicproduction hub for Rock, Gospel,Christian, Americana, Pop, Rap, R&B – all styles of music.

The Blackbird Academy is part ofBlackbird Studio, founded in 2002 andtoday one of the most outstandingrecording destinations in the world.

The rooms, consoles, microphones,outboard gear and lounges were cho-sen around a central concept: toprovide the best audio production facili-

ties for top musicians, producers andengineers. This passion for great audioquickly made Blackbird the studio ofchoice for artists ranging from Beck toKenny Chesney, Sheryl Crow, TimMcGraw, Faith Hill, Kings of Leon, KidRock, The White Stripes and KeithUrban, just to name a few.

The Blackbird Academy carries on thistradition by repurposing two of theeight studios solely for education. Inaddition, a purpose-built RecordingLaboratory adds the perfect space forcritical listening and teaching of keyconcepts, skills and techniques. TheRecording Laboratory is a studio itself,with an API 1608 console, Pro Tools HD,outboard gear, and live video/audiofrom the other studios.

CAMPUS INFORMATION

12

13

MICS50 AMPS70 GUITARS

THREESTUDIOS1400

13

STUDIOSThe Blackbird Academy's Studio A

features 11 different recording areasincluding a variable Tom Hidley-designedchamber with an adjustable ceiling tocustomize reverb time. The control roomfeatures a 72 input Neve 8078, a six cardPro Tools HD system, and ATC 300s asmain monitors. In the racks are manyprocessors from Blackbird's famousoutboard gear collection.

The Blackbird Academy's Studio Bcomes equipped with a 48-channel APILegacy Plus console with Flying Faderautomation, a six card Pro Tools HDsystem and ATC 300s as main monitors.The studio's small live chamber is alsoperfect for vocal or instrumental overdubs.In the racks are many coveted processorsfrom Blackbird's famous outboard gearcollection.

The Blackbird Academy's newest studiois under construction and will feature arevolving range of gear from Blackbird's

impressive collection. Students will haveaccess to preamps, processors andreverbs from a large list of manufacturersgiving instructors and students the abilityto mix and match gear for each session.

MICROPHONE LOCKERThe Blackbird Academy's microphone

locker has more than 1,400 microphoneson hand, including U47s, Telefunken 251sand Elektroakustic RFTs, AKG C12s,Neumann U67s, M50s, M49s, M269s,classic small diaphragm tube mics andmany more. Students will experience earson shootouts, best practices for setup,and tips on miking from instructors,

experienced staff and award-winningguest lecturers. Access to the single bestcollection of microphones in the world isone of the things that makes TheBlackbird Academy education so unique.

RECORDING LABORATORYThe Blackbird Academy's Recording

Laboratory accommodates 30 studentsand uses three large video screens andhigh-definition cameras for anunparalleled learning experience. The labis also a fully equipped recording studiofeaturing high-quality audio playback, anAPI 1608 console, a Pro Tools HD system,and outboard gear from Blackbird'sextensive collection.

Each student will be seated at a stationequipped with a hybrid interface/console,a computer with video display andheadphones for monitoring and criticallistening. Each station will have Pro Toolsand other software used for recording andmixing. The room is networked, meaningeach student will be able to record the

GEAR & STUDIOS

The Blackbird Academy's microphones, consoles, outboard gear and recording spaces are second tonone. Students are trained on the same equipment used by the top professional producers, musiciansand recording artists who have created countless award-winning records at Blackbird Studio.

14

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same audio being fed to the instructor'srig from the isolation booths and otherlocations in the complex.

OUTBOARD GEAROutboard compressors, EQs, reverbs,

effects processors and preamps are thetools that take any mix, overdub ortracking session to the next level.Blackbird's collection is one of the best inthe world, featuring processors from over90 companies and some historical gearnot often found under one roof. Theselection includes coveted units both oldand new from Telefunken, EMI, Fairchild,Shadow Hill, Helios, Decca, Pye, RCA,Chandler Limited, Tube-Tech, UREI, AMS,Inward Connections and much, muchmore.

Students will have access to thisfabulous collection in class and duringsessions where instructors will guide themthrough A/B listening tests, best practices,advanced usage tips and more. Thiscollection of outboard gear is anotherreason The Blackbird Academy educationis like none other.

AMPLIFIERSThe production and learning environ-

ment at The Blackbird Academy goes wellbeyond studio recording, overdubbing

and mixing. All productions begin withmusicians, and our instrument, amplifierand drum collections are unequaled. Students will be taught the importance ofchoosing and setting up a guitar and am-plifier before the Record button is pushed;if the source is not right, no microphone,console or good intention will be able tofix it later. Blackbird's amplifier collectionincludes more than 50 vintage and newunits from Fender, Marshall, Gibson,Matchless, Vox, Ampeg, Watkins, MesaBoogie, Dumble and many more.

DRUMSBlackbird's drum collection provides a

strong pulse with more than 30 vintagekits and 50 vintage snares. Top Nashvilledrum techs will take students through thetechniques they use to make kits ready fora high-quality recording. Manufacturersinclude Gretsch, Craviotto, Camco,Slingerland, Dunnett, Ludwig, Leedy,Rogers, Sonor, WFL, Yamaha and more.

The studio’smicrophonecollection isthe mostextensiveprivatecollection in the world.

16

JOHN MCBRIDEFOUNDER/PRESIDENT/INSTITUTIONALDIRECTOR

John McBride has had a 30+ year careerin live sound, tour management andstudio recording. He started a live soundcompany called MD Systems which waspurchased by Clair Global in 1997, andJohn remains part of the Clair Globalmanagement team. He and his wifeMartina, a multi-platinum selling musicartist, built Blackbird Studio into one ofthe greatest recording studios on theplanet. His passion for audio and will to

mentor are paramount in his life. John andMartina's love of music have resulted inThe Blackbird Academy being formed in2013.

CARMA BANDSTRADIRECTOR OF STUDENT OPERATIONS &MARKETING

Carma has been in the education andmusic industries for over 20 years. While inthe music industry she has worked inrecording studios, tour management andas a professional event/concertphotographer. Carma has worked with

artists/bands including Bon Jovi, StoneTemple Pilots, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper,Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and many more.

Carma believes that education is anessential part of life. She has taught at theHigh School, University and corporatelevels. Carma has degrees in Education,Audio Engineering and EntertainmentBusiness.

MARK RUBEL CO-DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, INSTRUCTOR

Mark has taught audio, musictechnology, music business and thehistory of rock to thousands of studentssince 1985. He has taught at variouscolleges and universities, and served asthe Audio and Recording Director atEastern Illinois University’s $70 millionDoudna Arts Center.

Since 1980, Mark has recordedextensively both at his Pogo Studio inChampaign, IL and elsewhere. His clientlist includes Hum, Alison Krauss, RascalFlatts, Fall Out Boy, Ludacris, and more.

The Blackbird Academy features a highly skilled, professional teaching staff includinga cast of industry award winning guest lecturers who regularly visit the campus.

LEARN FROM THE INDUSTRY’S LEADERS

|| 17 17

THIRTY

STUDENTSELITE

ONE24 WEEKS

AMAZING CAREER

700+ HOURS

18

KEVIN BECKACO-DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION,INSTRUCTOR

Kevin has been a musician andrecording engineer for over 30 years. Hehas engineered and been on productionteams for the top names in secular andChristian music including George Benson,Kenny G., Quincy Jones, Michael Bolton,Matt Maher and many more.

Kevin has taught audio recording at theHigh School and post-secondary levels.He is also a seasoned journalist serving aseditor of both Audio Media and ProAudio Review magazines, and has beenthe technical editor at Mix Magazine since2003 where he writes the TechTalk column.

TONY COTTRILL DIRECTOR OF LIVE SOUND, INSTRUCTOR

Tony has worked as a recording and livesound engineer, musician and educator forover 35 years. He has worked with some ofthe top acts in music including Exile, JuiceNewton, The Turtles, Earl Thomas Conley,Chely Wright, and many more.

Tony’s educational background includeshis role as Coordinator of SoundReinforcement at Belmont University inThe Mike Curb College of Entertainment& Music Business.

LEEANN CARLENPUBLICIST/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

LeeAnn comes to The BlackbirdAcademy with six years of experience in

Artist Management. A 2007 graduatefrom the College of Entertainment andMusic Business at Belmont University,LeeAnn has worked with such artists asBen Folds, Emmylou Harris, ManchesterOrchestra, Trisha Yearwood, DierksBentley, Ke$ha, and many others.

SCOTT PHILLIPSDIRECTOR OF ARTISTRELATIONS/SCHEDULING

Scott has been managing studios formore than 16 years, handling clientprojects such as Kings of Leon, TaylorSwift, The White Stripes, Pearl Jam,Martina McBride as well asProducer/Engineers such as BrendanO’Brien, Joe Chiccarelli, Mutt Lange,Dann Huff and others.

NICK SHASSERREDIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & IT

Nick has been a part of Blackbird since2006 rising through the ranks to becomethe Assistant Studio Manager & ITAdministrator. He has his B.A. inCommunications from Southern IllinoisUniversity and Associates from NSCC inComputer Networking.

With an engineering background,Nick's credits include Jewel, John Rich,Martina McBride, Chuck Wicks and TheWhite Stripes.

19

WE CONCENTRATE ON DOING, INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT IT.

20

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSStudents applying for admission to The

Blackbird Academy must have a minimumof a high school diploma or GED-equivalent. A prospective student mustsubmit an official copy of their high schooltranscripts or GED upon completion oftheir admission application. Non-accredited schools or those not approvedby the Board of Education may not beacceptable; please check with youradmissions representative beforepaying/attending any of these courses.

Two letters of recommendation (froman instructor or audio professional) arerequired, as well as two essays of 500words each.

Each student will be given an exam todetermine the level of their audioknowledge.

An interview will be conducted either inperson or by phone upon receipt of theadmission application. The BlackbirdAcademy reserves the right to requestcorroborating information in addition tothe application prior to the finaldetermination of acceptance and/oradmission.

START DATESThe Blackbird Academy's programs havefour starts in a calendar year, each runningsix months in length.

Current start dates are: January 6, 2014April 7, 2014July 7, 2014October 6, 2014

HolidaysStudents will have the following holidaysfor the next calendar year:

Thanksgiving Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 2013Christmas Break Dec. 21, 2013 - Jan. 5, 2014Spring Break March 31 - April 6, 2014Summer Break June 29 - July 6, 2014Fall Break Sept. 28 - Oct. 5, 2014Thanksgiving Nov. 27 - 30, 2014

PROGRAM COSTThe cost of attendance is composed ofcharges billed directly to you by TheBlackbird Academy as well as indirectcosts that go along with attending school.The current tuition, including iPad with alleducational materials included is:

Studio Engineering Program: $21,900

Live Sound Engineering Program: $21,900

PAYMENT OPTIONSPlease contact the AdmissionsDepartment regarding payment optionsand payment of tuition. Cash paymentsand/or a payment plan may be used tofund your education. This option maybeused in combination with other financialassistance.

REFUND POLICYRefunds Due to Cancellation: Students

who are rejected by the college or cancelthe application within three (3) businessday's of receipt of the application fee areentitled to a 100% refund of anyfees/tuition paid. Students who have notvisited The Blackbird Academy prior tosending in application will have three (3)business days following their visit to canceland receive a 100% refund.

Under any other circumstances, the $75application fee is retained by TheBlackbird Academy.

If a student is terminated, withdraws orotherwise fails to complete the program(s)and has received any form of financialassistance while enrolled, the financialinstitution will determine the refunds (ifapplicable) that will be given.The datefrom which the refund is calculated is thelast date that a student attended a class.Refunds will be made within thirty (30)

GETTING TO THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY

21

days of the date The Blackbird Academydetermines that the student haswithdrawn. The original source that themonies were received dictates the entityof how the monies will also be refunded.In the event of a students prolongedillness, accident, death in the family orother circumstances that make completionof the program(s) impossible orimpractical, the school will attempt tomake a fair and reasonable settlement.

PLACEMENT ASSISTANCEThe Blackbird Academy is a microcosm

of the audio recording industry, andnetworking with other students, teachingstaff and guest lecturers beginsimmediately upon enrolling in theAcademy.

During a student's stay at the Academy,students will be exposed to many expertpanels, mentoring sessions both live andonline, remote interviews and otherresources meant to help students get a

head start on their careers.While students may hold jobs to help

support themselves while they're in theprogram, the focus once they leave shouldbe on finding a promising job in the audioindustry. The Director of StudentOperations can help students makecontact at many studios, live soundcompanies, manufacturers and more,where students may interview once theyleave the program. To qualify, you musthave met the course's graduationprerequisites, and honored allpredetermined financial arrangements.

STUDENT HOUSING

The Blackbird Academy has arranged different lease options with several localapartment complexes for incoming students. Admissions Representatives can alsoassist students with a roommate list if you would like a roommate to help lowerexpenses. The resource links below can also help guide you through the manyhousing choices in the Nashville area.

Housing Resources:http://www.apartments.com/Tennessee/Nashvillehttp://www.apartmentfinder.com/Tennessee/Nashvillehttp://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Tennessee/ Nashville!http ://www.forrent.com/search-apartments-bv-area/TN/GreaterNashville.php

REFUNDS DUE TO WITHDRAWAL

WEEK % OF REFUND (less application fee)

Before Class Begins 100%

Weeks 1 - 3 75%

Weeks 4 - 6 50%

Weeks 7 - 12 25%

Weeks 13 - 24 0%

Talk to a representative from The Blackbird AcademyMon.- Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. CST. If you call after regularbusiness hours, leave a voice mail message, andsomeone will contact you the next business day.

Call: 615-385-2423Toll Free: (International) 1-855-385-3251Fax: 615-385-2748Email: info@theblackbirdacademy.com

Visit our website at: www.theblackbirdacademy.com

GET IN TOUCH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackbirdAcademy

Twitter: @AudioEducation

LinkedIn: The Blackbird AcademySOCIALe

22

KEITH URBANRecording Artist,

Songwriter, Musician

“IF YOU ARE THINKING

ABOUT GOING

ANYWHERE FOR AN

AUDIO SCHOOL, THIS IS

THE PLACE...IT’S THE

EPICENTER OF

RECORDING IN

NASHVILLE AND PEOPLE

FROM OUTSIDE

COUNTRY MUSIC ARE

ALL COMING HERE TO

RECORD AS WELL.

”

VANCE POWELLGrammy-WinningRecording Engineer

“IF YOU ARE GOING TO

GET AN EDUCATION IN

THIS BUSINESS, THIS IS

THE BEST SET OF ROOMS

TO BE DOING IT IN.

”

PATRICK CARNEYDrummer,

The Black Keys

“IF YOU ARE

INTERESTED IN

LEARNING HOW TO

RECORD OR MIX LIVE

SOUND ... FROM SOME

OF THE BEST PEOPLE IN

THE GAME, I WOULD

RECOMMEND GOING

TO THE BLACKBIRD

ACADEMY.

”

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUTTHE BLACKBIRDACADEMY

TIM MCGRAWRecording Artist,Songwriter, Actor

“IF YOU ARE LOOKING

FOR A PLACE TO LEARN

ALL YOU CAN ABOUT

AUDIO, THEN THE

BLACKBIRD ACADEMY IS

THE PLACE YOU NEED

TO BE.

”

MARC ROBERGERecording Artist,

Musician, O.A.R.

“COMING TO THE

BLACKBIRD ACADEMY

WOULD BE THE BEST

DECISION YOU EVER

MADE, IF YOU WANT TO

BE IN THE REALMUSIC

BUSINESS.

”

SHERYL CROWRecording Artist,

Songwriter, Musician

“[STUDENTS] ARE

GOING TO WALK IN

HERE, BE EXCITED

ABOUT LEARNING, AND

REALLY LEARN WHAT IT

TAKES TO MAKE A

RECORD…IF I HAD SIX

MONTHS TO DEDICATE

TO COMING TO THE

BLACKBIRD ACADEMY, I

WOULD SO BE HERE.

”To see the complete interviews, visit http://www.theblackbirdacademy.com/about/testimonials 23

DON WASGrammy-WinningProducer, Musician

“TO BE ABLE TO LEARN

IN THAT

ENVIRONMENT…MAN,

YOU ARE GONNA HAVE

THE BEST SHOT OF AN

EDUCATION IN

RECORDING THAT

YOU'RE GONNA HAVE

ANYWHERE.

”

STUDIOENGINEERINGPROGRAMLength of Program: Six MonthsCurrent Tuition: $21,900

WEEK 1

Intro, Listening, Recording, Careers &Professionalism - 30 HoursIntroduction to staff and instructors, BlackbirdStudio tour and technical orientation. Ears Onlistening challenge, history of music technology.Recording session: tracking, overdub session,editing session and mixing homework. Care andhandling of gear. Celebrity panel.

WEEK 2

Signal Flow, Mixing Consoles, DesktopProduction - 30 HoursAPI 1608 mixing console overview and patchingsystems, signal flow and troubleshooting. EarsOn and Hot Seat challenges. Recording session:tracking, overdub session, editing session andmixing homework. Guest lecture.

WEEK 3

Tracking The Band In Studio - 25 HoursStudio Orientation I and II - Familiarization withrooms, monitors, patchbay, console and out-board gear. Hands on: Session Pre-Production,consultation with band, setup and testing.

WEEK 4

Tracking The Band In Studio - 25 HoursSetup, testing gear and tracking a band in the

studio I and II. Overdub and editing I and II.Rough mixes, cleanup and archiving.

WEEK 5

Microphones - 30 HoursMicrophone types, design, uses and placementfor both studio and live recording environments.Listen to different microphones and microphonepreamps. Contrast and compare differencesbetween classic and modern microphones andpreamps from Blackbird's collection.

WEEK 6

Analog Recording - 30 HoursAnalog recording. Ears On challenge. Guestlecture. Studio tech visit, calibration, setup andtheory of tape machine design. Students cuttape, practice editing. United Record pressingplant visit. Monitor systems andpsychoacoustics. Studio Design, facility visit.

WEEK 7

Tracking The Band In Studio - 25 HoursStudio Orientation I and II - Familiarization withnew room, monitors, patchbay, console andoutboard gear. Hands on: Session Pre-Production, consultation with band, setup,testing, recording, overdub, mixing.

WEEK 8

Tracking The Band In Studio - 25 HoursSetup, testing gear and tracking a band in thestudio I and II. Overdub and editing I and II.Rough mixes, cleanup and archiving.

WEEK 9

Tracking The Band In Studio - 25 HoursStudio Orientation I and II - Familiarization withnew room, monitors, patchbay, console and

outboard gear. Hands on: Session Pre-Production, consultation with band, setup,testing, recording, overdub, mixing.

WEEK 10

Fundamentals of Electronics & Music - 30 HoursSoldering clinics. Power supplies, groundingand safety. Student presentations. Gear build.Music fundamentals for engineers. DAW systemclinic. Guest lecture.

WEEK 11

Tracking The Band In Studio - 25 HoursSetup, testing gear and tracking a band in thestudio I and II. Overdub and editing I and II.Rough mixes, cleanup and archiving.

WEEK 12

Theme Week - 30 HoursRevolving focus on a production style from aband, city or era. Ears On challenge, analog vsdigital formats. Care and handling of gear.Soundalike recording - contrast and compare. Inclass mixing assignment. Field trip to recordingvenue, city or facility.

WEEK 13

Guest In Studio - 25 HoursCelebrity guest engineer mentors students ontracking, overdubs, mixing, best practices. Endof week panel in live room with playback andcritique of mixes.

WEEK 14

Tracking and Mixing In Studio - 25 HoursRecording a live band in studio, overdubs, edits,mixing and mastering projects from otherstudents. End of week listening session forcritiquing mixes.

24

PROG

RAMS

25

WEEK 15

Musical Instruments - 30 HoursVirtual instruments (VIs) in Pro Tools. Electronicmusical instruments. Contemporary musicworkshop using Reason & Ableton Live. HotSeat challenge. Music concrete project. Guestlecture. Hands on: Drum Replacement Software.Ears On challenge. Musician panel.

WEEK 16

Signal Processing in The Learning Lab - 30HoursSignal processing workshop. Hot Seatchallenge: vocal tuning. Intro to pitch changingsoftware and processing. Hands on: timbralprocessing, delays, EQ, dynamic processing.

WEEK 17

Signal Processing In The Studio - 25 HoursSignal processing in the studio. Theory and useof EQ, Dynamics, Time based and hybridprocessors. Compare and contrast plugins withBlackbird's collection across various workflows,instruments, and vocals.

WEEK 18

Guest In Studio - 25 HoursCelebrity guest engineer mentors students ontracking, overdubs, mixing, and best practices.End of week panel in live room with playbackand critique of mixes.

WEEK 19

Mastering and More - 30 HoursEars On challenge. Guest mastering engineervisit. Mastering studio visit. Hot Seat challenge.Mastering overview, theory and execution inhardware and software.

WEEK 20

Music Business and Mixing Competition - 30HoursEars On and Hot Seat challenges. Jobinterviews. Discussion of career paths.Avoidance of Occupational Hazards: (drugs,alcohol, depression etc.) The Five ObstructionsProduction Competition judged by a panel ofexperts. Anatomy of a Hit celebrity panel.

WEEK 21

Live Sound, Panels and Professionalism - 30HoursStudent Hot Seat presentations. BlackbirdDiaries view and discussion. Celebrity panelfrom Blackbird Diaries Video. Advanced signalprocessing techniques and hands on challenge.Live sound day with John McBride at BBA/Live.Applications of recording studio techniques,processing and mixing in a live setting. Vocalistpanel.

WEEK 22

Guest In Studio - 25 HoursCelebrity guest engineer mentors students on

tracking, overdubs, mixing, and best practices.End of week panel in live room with playbackand critique of mixes.

WEEK 23

Restoration, Career Overview - 30 HoursAudio Restoration, Salvage and NoiseReduction. Intellectual Property and otherAspects: (copyright, trademark etc.) MusicBusiness Overview: (Liability, insurance, taxes,Quickbooks, business structures, marketing,self-promotion, basic web creation). Celebritypanel: The future of the music business.

WEEK 24

Tracking and Mixing In Studio - 25 HoursRecording a live band in studio, overdubs, edits,mixing and mastering projects from otherstudents. End of week listening session forcritiquing mixes.

26

PROG

RAMS

27

LIVE ENGINEERINGPROGRAMLength of Program: Six MonthsCurrent Tuition: $21,900

WEEK 1

Intro to Blackbird, Course Outline, MixingConsoles, Analog Signal Flow,Flow Chart & Schematic SymbolIdentification - 30 HoursOrientation and Overview (Blackbirdphilosophy, Welcome and Keynote Speech),Intro: Instructors, Staff and Students, Tour ofBlackbird Facilities, Tour of Live SoundClassroom, Analog Consoles Signal Flow, FlowChart Symbols Identification, The Channel Strip,Auxiliary Sends, The Master Section, SignalRouting, Subgrouping, Inserts, Analog SignalFlow Lab: Applying Analog Console Live SignalRouting and Signal Flow Charts.

WEEK 2

Live Stage Set-Up and Use - 30 HoursStage Monitor Mixes and Monitor Wedges,Stage Monitor Signal Flow, MonitorEqualization, Introduction to Crossovers andGraphic Equalizers, Introduction toAmplifiers, Introduction to Software BasedAnalyzer Programs, Microphone PolarResponse/Frequency response and Off-AxisColoration, Stagehand Lingo.

WEEK 3

Analog Outboard Gear and Equalizers - 30hoursFilters, Shelving/Sweeping/Parametric

Equalizers, Amplitude Based Processors, TimeBased Processors, Spectrum Based Processors,Side-Chaining, Connecting the Hardware toAnalog Sources, Audio Examples and HandsOn Exercises.

WEEK 4

Construction and Operation of LoudspeakerEnclosures and TheirComponents - 30 hoursLoudspeakers, Horns, Horn Loaded Enclosures,The Moving Coil Driver, CompressionDrivers, Enclosure Types, Construction &

Design, Dispersion Patterns, Decibels, White &Pink Noise, Equal Loudness Contours, Phase &Polarity, Loudspeaker Placement.

WEEK 5

Introduction to Digital Front Of House &Monitor Consoles, Introduction toIn Ear Monitors - 30 hoursWorking with Digital Console Offline Editors,Reading Digital Console Schematics and FlowDiagrams, File Management, Soft-patching,Using inboard DSP Processors, Monitor & FOHMixing Overview with Wedges and IEM's,

PROG

RAMS

28

Interfacing Analog Audio Processors in theDigital World, Practical Application Lab.

WEEK 6

Lab Mix Project, Basic Soldering Techniques,Microphone Theory, Microphone Techniques- 30 Hours Analog Mix Lab, Mixing Tips & Tricks, BasicSoldering Skills, Connectors, Cable Types,Soldering Lab, Microphone Splitters, MassConnectors, Microphone Types, Identificationand Techniques

WEEK 7

Sound Theory & Audio Bench Testing - 30HoursSPL Meters, Weighting Curves, Peak vs. RMS,Dynamic Range, Noise Floor, Bench Testing:Volts /Signal/THD, Audio DUT Applications:Measuring the Noise Floor/Signal toNoise/Console Clipping, Pass BandFrequencies, In Lab Demonstrations

WEEK 8

Line Array Theory and Application, LineArray Calculators, System Concepts, RiggingTechniques - 30 Hours Line Array Theory, Popular Configurations andHistory, Line Array Principles, Inverse SquareLaw, Point Source Monitor, In LabDemonstration: Critical Listening, Line ArrayCalculators, Rigging Hardware & Motors,Rigging Safety, In Hands On Lab: EstablishingHang Points and Flying the Line Array

WEEK 9:

Wireless Microphones/ IEM's/Instruments, RFAnalyzers, Antenna Combiners, AntennaTypes and Cables, Troubleshooting - 30 Hours

RF Theory & Components, FCC Regulations,Wireless Microphones, RF Troubleshooting, RFSystem Considerations, RF Analyzers, WirelessCabling & Connectors, IEM Manufacturers, InLab Demonstration: Setting Up The RF System,Hands on Lab: Creating IEM Mixes using VirtualTracks

WEEK 10

Wireless Continued, Amplifiers, SpeakerImpedance, Connectors, Crossovers - 30 HoursWireless Manufacturer Class Presentation, TheCrossover: Active/Passive, Popular ActiveCrossover Manufacturers, Bi-Amp, Tri-amp,Amplifier Load Impedance, Parallel & SeriesSpeaker Loads, Power vs. Load, Hands onWorkshop: Testing and Critical ListeningCrossovers, Lab: Building an NL4 and EP4

WEEK 11

AC Power Distribution, Amplifiers andNetwork Programming - 30 HoursGuest lecture from Clair Global's Rex Ray.Power and safety, transformers, testing, groundloops, troubleshooting and testing. Amplifierbridging, power outputs and requirements,loudspeaker sensitivity, the inverse square law.Hands-on workshop - programming andworking with amplifier DSP software.

WEEK 12

Preparing for Bands in the Venue - 30 HoursVirtual soundcheck, live mixing at front of houseand monitors, digital recording workshop,various signal transfer options: MADI, Dante,CobraNet, AES/EBU, analog. Ringing outwedges, system setup, line check, sound check,dealing with backline, sub snake assignments,stage plots, input lists.

WEEK 13

Advanced Analog Signal Flow and DigitalConsoles - 30 HoursVCAs, DCAs, mute groups, advanced schematicdiagrams and symbols. Busing, matrixes, signalrouting to and from the stage. Overview ofYamaha's L59, CL and M7CL series consoles.Positioning of processors in the signal chain.

WEEK 14

Maintenance Week: Bench Testing andTroubleshooting - 30 HoursSystem and network connections.Troubleshooting scenarios and best practices.Testing equipment for analog, power anddigital workflows. Using SpectraFoo. Measuringnoise floor of DUT, analog console, THD, systeminput/output console mic preamp at clipping.Measuring accuracy of pass band frequency.

WEEK 15

Yamaha M7 Week - 30 HoursIn-depth look at Yamaha's M7 console. Study ofrecall, saving show files and scenes, consolecontrol functions, remote signal output, channelmodules, using StageMix, integration of WavesSoundGrid, editing, monitoring, modulefunctions.

WEEK 16

Tour Production Week - 30 HoursStage managers, tour managers, productionmanagers, stage hands, band and artistmanagement, guitar, keyboard, and drum techs,union hands, venue management,entertainment directors. Panel and Q&A withlive concert professionals. Designing stageplots, input lists. Lighting production guestlecture.

29

WEEK 17

Soundcraft Si Series Week - 30 HoursIn-depth look at Soundcraft's Si console seriesincluding Performer, Expression, and Compactsystems. Study of recall, saving show files andcue lists, console control functions, remotesignal output, channel modules, consoleconnectivity including D.O.G.S interaction,editing, monitoring, module functions.

WEEK 18

Acoustics Week - 30 HoursVenue acoustics, modeling of acousticenvironments, Using EASE acoustic designsoftware, transfer function of room acoustics,speaker placement modeling, venue acousticproblems, troubleshooting and solutions,absorber placement and panel types,professional practice from detailed, realisticmodeling and simulation of venue acousticsand sound system performance.

WEEK 19

Avid Venue Week - 30 HoursIn-depth look at Avid Venue series live soundconsoles including D-Show, Profile and 5C48.Study of recall, saving show files and scenes,console control functions, system setup andbest practices, channel modules, using ProTools and plugins. Understanding the AVBprotocol and AVNU.

WEEK 20

Audio Video Installation Week - 30 HoursVideo and audio interconnections for corporateboardrooms, theme restaurants, nightclubs andhome theaters. 70-volt systems and pagingsystems. Sound systems in houses of worship,network and server installs.

WEEK 21:

System Design Theory - 30 HoursThe math and physics of system design.Understanding impedance, resistance, ACcurrent, volts, Ohms law, watts, amperes, loadvs. power, the inverse square law. SPLcalculations, temperature gradients, electricalloads and breakers.

WEEK 22:

Digico Week and System Design Projects- 30HoursIn-depth look at Digico series live soundconsoles including 5D5, 5D7, 5D8 and 5D1.Study of recall, saving show files and scenes,console control functions, system setup andbest practices. Designing systems on variousbudgets for small, medium and large venues,houses of worship, clubs and theaters.

WEEK 23

The Business of Live Sound - 30 HoursTaxes, being your own boss, soleproprietorships, DBAs, LLCs and more. Livepanels on professionalism. Available jobs in livesound. Resumes, business cards, touringetiquette, bus and tour security.

WEEK 24

Program Recap, Career Potential,Commencement - 30 HoursOverview of topics covered, career options,avoidance of occupational hazards, meetingwith Clair Global personnel. Commencement,Q&A with staff and instructors.

30

“YOU CAN DEFINITELY

TELL EVERYONE

WORKING HERE HAS

SUCH A STRONG

PASSION FOR WHAT

THEY DO.

”

“THIS HAS BEEN AN

EXPERIENCE OF A

LIFETIME.

”

“IT’S PRETTY INCREDIBLE

TO REALIZE THAT THIS

CAN BE HOW YOU MAKE

A LIVING…I THOUGHT IT

WOULD JUST BE A

HOBBY.

”

“I'VE LEARNED

MORE HERE IN 3

DAYS, THAN I HAVE

PROBABLY LEARNED

IN 5 YEARS ONLINE.

”

WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY ABOUTTHE BLACKBIRDACADEMY

To see the complete interviews, visit

http://www.theblackbirdacademy.com/news/entries/the-

student-experience

– John McBrideFounder/President/Institutional Director

a new standard of excellence in audio education

2806 Azalea Place Nashville, Tennessee 37204 615.385.2423 www.theblackbirdacademy.com

2806 Azalea Place Nashville, Tennessee 37204 615.385.2423 www.theblackbirdacademy.com

TO A CAREER IN AUDIO ENGINEERING.