Shaping Audio Engineering Technology (AET) Curriculum
Channel: reallife4
Date: 2012-11-02

For licensing information please contact Dave Tough (615-554-6693, dave@davetough.com) or Rowland Folensbee (713-501-8915, themusicallyconnected@gmail.com). Full study at http://davetough.com/ToughAETDissertation2009.pdf

Shaping Audio Engineering Curriculum:
Americans spend billions of dollars per year attending live concerts, theater productions, movies, purchasing pre-recorded music, DVD movies, and video games. All of these products require an audio soundtrack and equipment developed by audio engineers (Wacholtz, 2008, p. 24). Also, low cost Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) are now available to consumers. As a result, there is a high demand for Audio Engineering Technology courses at creditable universities. Consequently, program administrators find themselves asking: what are the core set of classes for AET Programs? Should all Pro Tools courses be taught on DAWs or use large format recording consoles? On what or where should we be investing in future technologies?
Methodology
Dr. David Tough of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee sought to answer these questions in his seminal research conducted between January through April 2009. This research utilized qualitative and quantitative measures, as defined by the Delphi method. Participants in the study included experts in the audio field. These audio experts had two or more of the following: 10 years of experience, five commercially available recordings or products, leadersip in the industry, or invented or accessed new technologies in their work. The study selected 52 panelists from across the Unites States.
This study had three rounds. The first had two focus questions:
• What essential competencies need to be taught in AET programs 10 years from now (2019) to prepare AET students effectively for a career in the audio industry of the future?
• Given a limited budget typical of smaller AET programs, what essential technologies must be purchased for an AET program 10 years from now (2019) to prepare AET students effectively for a career in the audio industry of the future?
Panelists responded to each question, and the results were coded for main themes.
In round two, the top 160 competencies identified in round one were ranked by panelists on a scale of 1-5. In round three, the results in round two were ranked for each panelist and returned to them. The panelists again assessed each item.
Results
The study showed that out of 160 competencies, 154 reached a level of statistical consensus of 51% or more. Furthermore, it suggested that to prepare students graduating in 2019, a 4-year AET program should purchase and maintain the following equipment: outboard gear, audio monitors, microphones, ear protection, computers, software, and condenser microphones. The lowest ranked equipment was analog multi-track recorders, studio furniture and software/administrative.
Conclusions
The following conclusions were made by Dr. Tough based on the data: The competencies needed by AET graduates are multidisciplinary with unique educational needs; however, communication and leadership skills are essential. Practical skills should be balanced with theoretical content and therefore, AET Students must be offered several internship and mentorship opportunities. Traditional business, music business, and MIDI competencies are important, but should be purposefully limited. Furthermore, it is import for AET graduates to develop trouble-shooting skills and basic electronics competencies.
For the overall success of students and the audio industry, a standard curriculum and accrediting body should be established, and then the technology needed to teach future AET curriculum should be identified.
Recommendations
Tough recommended that AET administrators evaluate their current AET curricula for diversity, multi-disciplinary competencies, and interdepartmental interaction, and develop course work for leadership and communication competencies. Furthermore, Tough suggested that AET programs offer two to three course that focus on aural skills: musical and critical listening skills, business skills, MIDI competencies, basic trouble shooting, and electronic competencies.
AET programs should begin investing in technologies such as multiple DAWs augmented with quality analog outboard gear and quality monitors for critical listening. Focus on smaller digital consoles over large-format consoles is also recommended.
Thanks to Dr. David Tough, we have a baseline of the course competencies needed for future AET graduates. This video however, is only a snapshot of AET curriculum development and the viewer is invited to view the entire study online.

http://davetough.com/ToughAETDissertation2009.pdf