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OSA 077-F24 | SALT: Music for Audio Storytelling, Online
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- OSA 077-F24 | SALT: Music for Audio Storytelling, Online
OSA 077-F24 | SALT: Music for Audio Storytelling, Online
Maximum Enrollment: 12 LBS
Course Description
Music! It can create the sonic identity of narrative audio series. It can build space for reflection in complex stories. It can underscore moments of surprise, realization, and intrigue – propelling documentaries forward.
Along with tape and narration, music is the third ingredient in so much great audio storytelling. So why do we talk so little about it? And why are so many of us using the same music libraries? Instead, learn to make your own!
In this SALT Intensive, learn the basics for how to compose, record, and weave your own music into an audio story. We’ll cover the conceptual: what makes good music for scoring a podcast? When and how often should I use music? How do I make music that evokes _____ feeling? And also the technical: How do I record music at home? How do I use MIDI sounds? What is MIDI? How do I work with stems?
This course is designed for audio producers with an interest in music, as well as musicians with an interest in scoring for audio stories. Some basic music knowledge (major/minor chords, tempo, measures, downbeat, etc) and experience with a digital audio workspace (Pro Tools, Audition, Reaper, etc) is preferred. A musical instrument and/or midi keyboard is ideal but not necessary.
1.) Composing to your tape - how to find and create the musical identity for your story. We’ll cover things like: what does music do in audio storytelling, what makes for good music in narrative storytelling generally (with examples!), tips on composing music for different moods / types of stories (even if you don't have a background in music theory), how to translate people's ideas into music when composing for others, when to and when NOT to use music, how to compose thematically so your score sounds coherent, and so on.
2.) Recording your music - how to capture your ideas and work efficiently. A more technically-focused session covering the basics on how to record natural sound from instruments at home and also how to record using a keyboard and MIDI virtual instruments.
3.) Arranging your music to your tape - how to start combining your music with your story. In this class we’ll get into a multitrack session and talk about how to work with stem-files from your own composition to create new musical ideas that suit specific moments in your tape, how to decide where and how music should enter and exit, how to recombine and alter your music to get more mileage out of the same composition.
10/2, 10/9, 10/16 (3 sessions) 6-8 pm EST, Wednesdays
Tuition: $295
CEUs: n/a
ONLINE
Jason Moon is a senior reporter and producer with New Hampshire Public Radio's audio documentary team, Document.
His work includes Bear Brook seasons one and two, which Stephen King called “the best true crime podcasts I’ve ever heard. Brilliant, involving, hypnotic.” The New Yorker magazine named the first season as one of the best podcasts of 2018.
In 2024, Jason was part of a team named as finalists for the Pulitzer Prize in Audio Reporting for The 13th Step podcast. His most recent series is The Youth Development Center.
Jason has created original music for six documentary podcast series (including those mentioned above), ranging in mood from true-crime-serious to local-politics-ridiculous.
SUPPLIES:
Digital audio workspace (Pro Tools, Audition, Reaper, etc) is preferred. A musical instrument and/or midi keyboard is ideal but not necessary.
This course has reached maximum enrollment.
Wait lists are available by calling our office.
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