Teaching
Since 2019, I have been the full-time faculty in sound design for theatre at Arizona State University. I have built a 7-course curriculum that teaches undergraduates everything they need to know to go into professional careers as sound designers, mixers / A1s, A2s, systems engineers, and technicians. I also mentor student sound designers & technicians on ASU Theatre productions, and on the occasional musical to give them hands-on experience to complement their classroom education. In 2024, I established ASU's only minor in Sound Design & Technology. In addition to sound-specific classes, I also have taught general theatre classes including Design & Composition for Theatre and Film, Arts Management, and Orientation to Film / Dance / Theatre. I am currently collaborating with two Music faculty on the construction of a large-capacity asynchronous online class called Sound & Music.
Past students have been hired as sound designers, mixers, engineers, and technicians at a range of theatres in the Phoenix valley area and across the country, including at Arizona Theatre Company, Phoenix Theatre, Clearwing Productions, TheaterWorks Peoria, Two River Theatre Company, Bay Street Theater, the Fulton, on a 1st National Tour, and elsewhere.
I also serve as the Area Coordinator for the Design & Production concentration. Among other responsibilities, I have worked to establish curriculum and manage class schedules for thirteen staff and faculty across eight disciplines in the Bachelor's program, and one discipline in the Master's program.
1
Introduction to Sound Design
This course investigates the use of sound as an element of theatrical design, in order to understand how technical knowledge and artistic vision combine in this medium. Technically, we will familiarize ourselves with topics including sound system design, recording, mixing, custom creation of sound effects, and we will learn techniques for problem solving in unexpected situations. Artistically, we will explore connections between aural and visual design, discuss sound as space and architecture, and engage with sound as an exploration of aesthetics and style.
2
Introduction to Audio Editing
This asynchronous iCourse teaches the basics of editing and mixing in the Digital Audio Workstation REAPER. We will learn how to employ plugins including EQ, compression (and other dynamics processing), as well as reverb (and other time-based effects), to craft your mix. This course will also include an overview of editing audio to video, automation, MIDI implementation, and the relationship between REAPER and other DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, etc.).
3
Introduction to Stage Technology
Explore fundamentals of and practice of Lighting, Sound and Media technology for live events. Co-taught with Lighting and Media faculty.
4
Sound System Design & Engineering
This course covers the design of sound systems, focusing on an understanding of the technical principles, and the implications they have for design decisions. It also covers specialized topics in audio engineering including console programming, RF (wireless) coordination, and the Dante protocol. Throughout the semester we will learn consider larger and more complicated systems by breaking them down into their more manageable component parts. With regards to loudspeaker deployment, the focus will be on achieving even coverage for systems, and not on the creative implications associated with consideration of imaging.
5
Recording & Mixing Audio
This course teaches approaches to mixing, as they relate both to studio and live sound environments. We will also cover recording best-practices, and explore the impacts of microphone selection and deployment in both live and studio settings. Throughout the course, students will develop a deep understanding of EQ and level relationships, microphone usage, DAWs, digital sound consoles, aural aesthetics, and how to successfully work with performers. This course will focus on hands-on opportunities to learn, in both the studio and live environments, with pre-recorded content as well as in collaboration with musicians.
6
Designing & Mixing a Musical
In this course, we will collectively design a musical produced by the Music Department’s Musical Theatre & Opera program. We will apply our understanding of how to design a sound system in service of this specific production, and learn how to mic the orchestra and singers. In tech, we will work through the show on a moment by moment basis, perfecting the mix. Every student will have the chance to learn to mix the show, line-by-line, whether in the classroom, in tech with performers, or in performance. Students will also get a first-hand glimpse into all of the technical details, from wireless microphone tuning and rigging to patching the networked audio infrastructure.
7
Advanced Audio Technologies for Live Performance
A detailed look at some of the technologies most valuable to live sound engineers in the theater, music, and other live production industries. We will look at software used to tune wireless microphones, program digital consoles, manage audio networks, tune sound systems, operate show control systems, spatialize audio, and more!