Henwnoaks

Come take a MECA&D CS SALT documentary studies class at Hewnoaks July 21-23, 2023!

SALT: Creative Sound Design for Podcasts (and other things)

Salt invites you to the secluded artists' retreat Hewnoaks for an immersive weekend of deep listening, field recording, and audio editing, led by Steven Jackson. This three-day class is ideal for aspiring or early career audio producers and sound designers who want to expand their craft, pick up some new techniques, and shake up the way they listen. Students can expect sound journaling, low-stakes quick-turn projects, feedback in a workshop setting, lecture, lots of listening

Students should be comfortable working in a DAW of their choice (Steven endorses Reaper and can share tutorials for those interested).

 

Is an audio producer based in Portland, Maine. He has worked as a freelance reporter, newsroom producer, sound designer, mix engineer, and composer — and is usually doing a combination of all of the above. Over the years Steven has worked for/with NPR, Love + Radio, BBC, This American Life, 99% Invisible, Serial Productions, and many others. 

As a freelancer, Steven indulges in both the journalistic and the sonic side of audio storytelling. His favorite projects to work on (and listen to) are the ones in which there is no clear separation between the editorial and the aural; medium and message are given equal weight, and the end result is a story that feels as if it couldn't have been told in any other way. 

Class Schedule

Day 1 

Introductions / Retreat roadmap

Ear cleaning / deep listening exercise (learning to listen) 

Field recorder basics (for those who need it) 

Day 2 

Solo deep listening / sound journal exercise 

Sound Design 101 lecture (w/ examples)

Group exercise (Audio Chopped: 2 teams, various constraints, 3 hours to make a short thing) 

Listening session / feedback

Office hours (discuss individual projects, troubleshoot gear/DAWs, etc)  

Day 3 

Solo deep listening / sound journal exercise

Scoring lecture 

Group exercise (TBD - could also be pairs) 

Listening session / feedback 

Wrap-up 

Please note: wi-fi and cell service at Hewnoaks are unreliable; don't rely on the cloud to bring your files! 

Tuition: $400

Housing:

Shared: Dorm Style: $180

Double: $220

Single: $300

*Once you have registered you will receive an email to select and pay for housing.  

*Registration Deadline: June 11*

Due to the considerable amount of advanced planning, no refunds will be issued for SALT Intensives. If MECA&D cancels an intensive all tuition and fees will be refunded to the student.