Get the inside scoop on Gospel Chops with Guitar Center Drum Off Grand Champion Jerome Flood.
Develop both the technical & musical talents, and acquire the skills to become one of today's professional producer/engineers.
Want to be the very best drummer you can be? Look no further than the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media! Just ask Dave Weckl! Listen to the legendary drummer as he describes the profound advantages drum students will have at AIMM.
Marco talks about his experiences at the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media with his band "The Aristocrats" featuring guitarist Guthrie Govan and bassist Brian Beller.
Master your craft + Pro Tools HD, Electronic Music Production, Live Sound, Mixing, and the Science at Art of Mastering!
In addition to its existing vocational programs, Atlanta Institute of Music and Media offers an Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology with a focus on either Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, or Voice.
When you are accepted into the Music and Technology program at AIMM, you will be fully engaged in an immersive music atmosphere where your music and technical skills will consistently be developed and tested.
Our school’s “stage” extends far beyond just learning how to perform well. You will gain the skills necessary to advance your knowledge and aptitude in the field of recording and engineering, as well.
As the music continues to shift to a more “do-it-yourself” approach, we have discovered these engineering and recording skills are invaluable.
All of this information is successfully taught and experienced in state-of-the-art recording studios along with standard lab instruction and live clinics featuring today’s most well-known innovative engineers, producers, and industry professionals.
Our multi-faceted coursework approach keeps the curriculum fresh and engaging, just ask our AIMM Alumni.
At AIMM, the level of creativity and passion students like you pour into your music is clear. It is obvious in our recording studios and practice rooms. That is precisely why we are so determined to bring in dedicated and industry-leading instructors to teach our courses.
Our students constantly learn exciting tips and tricks every day from being educated by our extraordinary instructors.
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media comprehends that music is not specific to one region or country. It is a widely universal language. Therefore, students of every background are encouraged to apply to AIMM.
There is no discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
If you are passionate about music, creating, and producing, we want you at our school.
AIMM’s Music and Technology curriculum’s goal is provide each and every student with the recorded portfolio necessary to obtain employment or self-employment in music and/or production.
This is not limited to only music, however. This achievable goal extends to television, video, radio, multi-media production studios, and video games.
There are endless opportunities at AIMM for aspiring musicians, and your first step begins with applying to our music college. Click here for more information and begin your journey and elevate your skills at the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media.
If you are looking to increase your drumming abilities and technical skills through proven and intricately designed coursework, then the Music and Technology Degree is perfect for you.
Our philosophy is to develop well-rounded musicians with a strong focus regarding an instrument they already love. Therefore, you can choose an instrument focus (Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, or Voice) along with discovering valuable information about engineering and recording.
As a musician, you should take advantage of every skill you can master. This adds appeal when preparing for work in the music business and AIMM will help you every step of the way.
Important note: The Music and Technology Degree is intended for intermediate musicians. We require that you show proficiency on the instrument of your focus as detailed in the Admissions procedures.
Upon completion of this program, students in good standing will not only graduate with an Associate Degree but will also be given the opportunity to take AVID Certification Exams to become Pro Tools certified.
Students in the program are required to complete the requisite number of General Education credits and if students wish to transfer General Education credits completed at other institutions, they must be demonstrate appropriate comparability to AIMM.
The opportunities are endless at AIMM and your first step begins with applying. Click the link below to begin your journey confidently at the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media.
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
DRM130 | Reading I Students are introduced to reading in this class. Note and rest values, dynamic markings, repeats and chart direction will be covered. The student is made to feel at home in the written environment. Each student performs easy-to-read snare drum solos and begins study in Gary Chester’s “New Breed.” |
1 | |
DRM230 | Reading II Further exploration of rudimental snare drum solos, along with deeper studies in Gary Chester’s “New Breed” are the core of this class. Students also begin to read drumset solos, along with special exercises composed by the instructor. Prerequisite: Reading I. |
1 | |
DRM330 | Reading III Snare drum solos in different time signatures are performed to hone the student's ability to read in situations other than 4/4. Students study displacement, left hand cymbal techniques, and advanced drumset solos along with extensive chart reading and play-alongs. Prerequisite: Reading II. |
1 | |
DRM430 | Reading IV The pinnacle of our reading program brings the student to a professional level of performance. Students study composite independence on the kit, snare drum solos involving 26 standard rudiments, and play-alongs that demand high levels of proficiency. Prerequisite: Reading III. |
1 | |
DRM120 | Technique I Basics in technique are introduced and instilled in this class. Fundamentals of grip, foot position, posture, and stool height are all fully covered. The student is taught standard and Swiss rudiments to develop and improve both control and speed. Bass drum, hi-hat, and snare exercises are included to build coordination and independence at the kit. |
1 | |
DRM220 | Technique II This class further develops the student's dexterity and comfort behind the set through the introduction and use of the inner body rudiments, trios, quads, and the drumset application of rudiments. The student begins to apply his or her new skills and starts to build his arsenal of chops. This will be a foundation for a career of musical construction. Prerequisite: Technique I. |
1 | |
DRM320 | Technique III This course is designed to bring out what each student does best: it teaches the student how to compose a solo. Students will explore connecting skills and grooves as well as changing meter and intensity. Duets and soloing with a theme and form are discussed and performed. The student will leave this class with a sense of compositional and stylistic identity. |
1 | |
DRM420 | Technique IV Drum technique IV is a class designed help students increase their technical facility and stylistic awareness by learning the definitive drum parts of Steve Gadd, David Garibaldi and others. Prerequisite: Technique III. |
1 | |
Number of Instrument-Specific Credits Required | 8 |
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
INT100 | Performance I This course is an interdisciplinary live performance class based on standard introductory level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. |
4 | |
INT200 | Performance II This course is an interdisciplinary live performance class based on standard intermediate level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: Performance I. |
4 | |
INT300 | Performance III This course is an interdisciplinary live performance class based on standard intermediate-advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: Performance II |
4 | |
INT400 | Performance IV This course is an interdisciplinary performance class based on standard advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: Performance III. |
4 | |
INT301 | Studio Performance III This course is an interdisciplinary studio performance class based on standard intermediate-advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform in the recording studio weekly in an interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional recording sessions. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. |
4 | |
INT401 | Studio Performance IV This course is an interdisciplinary studio performance class based on standard advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform in the recording studio weekly in an interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional recording sessions. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: Studio Performance III. |
4 | |
INT105 | Skills Lab This lab course is designed to help the student gain awareness of “soft skills” such as behavior, habits, work ethic, etc., in a fun and engaging way. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of their own strengths and areas in need of improvement. Students will gain tools to help them succeed in their academics and beyond. |
1 | |
INT145 | Music Theory Essentials I This class covers the basic elements of music theory, ear training and notation. Diatonic harmony, major and minor key signatures, triads and 7th chords, scale harmonization, meters, basic rhythmic notation, and chord symbol conventions. Students will practice recognizing fundamental musical elements by ear. Basic keyboard skills will be covered including chords, scales and reading. |
3 | |
INT245 | Music Theory Essentials II This class focuses on scales, modes and linear structures needed for improvisation and melody. Ear training and dictation of melody and diatonic chord progressions are covered. Advanced notation concepts including form, articulation and syncopated rhythm are included. Harmonic concepts are practiced and reinforced using keyboard. Prerequisite: Music Theory Essentials I. |
3 | |
INT495 | Music Business Presenting concepts and practices that cover several areas of the constantly changing music industry. Students will learn about such things as booking, agency contacts, performing rights organizations, copyright and trademark, record label anatomy, artist management agreements, tax information, resume and self-promotion. |
1 | |
Number of Interdisciplinary Credits Required | 32 |
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
RCD100 | Pro Tools Native 101 The material in this course is focused to cover the basic principles a student needs to understand to complete a Pro Tools project, from initial setup to final mixdown. Whether the project involves recording live instruments, preparing MIDI sequences for virtual instruments, looping and beat-matching audio files, or editing notation and preparing scores, Pro Tools Native 101 will teach the student the steps required to succeed using the most up-to-date Pro Tools software. Included at the back of the course book is a DVD-ROM containing media files for the Pro Tools 101 exercises and hands-on projects. The DVD also contains various Pro Tools videos and video tutorials. The material presented in the 100-series coursework is designed to prepare students for Avid’s Pro Tools User Certification exam. |
2 | |
RCD130 | MIDI: Synthesis & Sequencing This course is an introduction to the MIDI language, using Ableton Live and Native Instrument’s Komplete Ultimate Bundle as the vessel of instruction. This course demonstrates core concepts such as the basic MIDI environment, sequencer, mixer, instruments, effects processors and automation, and lays the foundation for the next level of MIDI instruction. |
4 | |
RCD140 | Introduction to Audio Production I This course gives the student an introduction and a strong foundation to audio production techniques including an introduction to analog recording history, physical properties of sound, basic microphone types, recording environments, mono & stereo miking as well as basic analog signal flow & analog signal processing including equalization and dynamic processing techniques. |
3 | |
RCD200 | Pro Tools Native 110 This course is an introduction to Pro Tools Native covering the basic Pro Tools principles, giving you what you need to complete a Pro Tools project, from initial set up to final mixdown. The course will continue into advanced Pro Tools basics covering all the key concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools system. Students in good standing will have the option to take certification exams upon course completion. Prerequisite: Introduction to Audio Production; Pro Tools Native 101 (RCD 100) |
2 | |
RCD205 | Studio Interconnect Basics This class will cover the basics of electronics, measurement tools, cabling and soldering basics, wherein the students will produce all cable types commonly found in professional studios. |
2 | |
RCD240 | Introduction to Audio Production II This course gives the student a more advanced introduction and foundation to audio production techniques including principles of analog & digital audio production and recording and data storage and playback media for digital audio formats. The student will gain an advanced understanding of large format analog console signal flow, time-based processors and an introduction to plug-in processing. Prerequisite: Introduction to Audio Production I |
3 | |
RCD300 | Pro Tools HD 201 This coursework covers the core concepts and skills a student needs to operate an Avid Pro Tools HD system in a professional studio environment. The main topics in this course are followed by exercises that take the student step-by-step through the Pro Tools functions that student needs to know. The material presented in this course provides the foundation for later 200-series Pro Tools courses, including Pro Tools 210M: Music Production Techniques and Pro Tools 210P: Post Production Techniques. Prerequisite: Pro Tools Native 101 and 110 (RCD 100 + RCD 200) |
2 | |
RCD340 | Introduction to Music Production This course offers hands on experience from the beginning to end of an actual music production inside AIMM studios. The course moves the student through all stages of a music production from planning, to tracking demos, cutting basics, overdubs, vocal production, mixing & mastering. In each phase, students will learn a professional approach along with cutting edge techniques to utilize. In class, students will get to go through an actual music production that we handle as a whole with real artists that work with us in our studios. Then, individually during their lab times, they will work with their own music production project in which they are encouraged to utilize AIMM studios and musicians. Prerequisite: Pro Tools | Native 101 and 110 required (RCD 100 + RCD 200) |
4 | |
RCD400 | Pro Tools HD 210M Pro Tools 210M: Music Production Techniques is a course that covers the specific techniques for working with Avid Pro Tools HD software in a professional music production environment. The main topics in this course are followed by exercises that allow the student to practice concepts taught in class. Upon successful completion of 200-series coursework, the student will be eligible to take the Avid Pro Tools Operator in Music Certification exam. Prerequisite: Pro Tools | HD 201 (RCD 300) |
2 | |
RCD410 | Science & Art of Mastering This course will cover an overview of concepts, techniques, equipment and environments used in the process of mastering a record. It will cover the aspects of mastering while outlining the differences between a mixing engineer and mastering engineer. Guest lecturers such as Rodney Mills will add to the class instruction. |
1 | |
RCD435 | Methods of Mixing This course covers the history and mechanics of mixing, the balance and arrangement of the mix, the panorama, use of equalization, effects and dynamics, monitoring, printing the master mix, and mixing “in the box” using Plug-ins. Prerequisite: Pro Tools | HD 201 (RCD300). Corequisite: Pro Tools | HD 210 (RCD400). |
5 | |
Number of Recording Technical Credits Required | 30 |
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
HUM110 | Finding Poetry in Songwriting This course explores the relationship between poetry and songwriting. Students will be expected to build upon a solid foundation in the poetic form, in order to further understand and develop songwriting. Students will complete in-depth poetry analyses that include meter, scansion, and explication. In addition to this close reading practice, students will also challenge their own abilities in songwriting. The final project in the course incorporates research, analysis, and writing as students create Multi-genre Research Projects. |
3 | |
HUM115 | Writing for Job Readiness This course teaches students the basics of technical writing, with some focus on reading and study skills. This is a five-unit course that emphasizes writing processes and writing short technical pieces. In addition, students read technical writing pieces to provide examples and challenge critical thinking skills. Students build upon these skills to create a final portfolio that demonstrates a firm grasp of knowledge pertaining to the course. |
3 | |
HUM120 | Contemporary Music Survey I This course is an overview of the history and evolution of popular music in America including Minstrel Shows, Tin Pan Alley, Vaudeville, Classic and Urban Blues, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, R&B, Rockabilly, Rock and Roll and more. Special importance will be placed on the sociological, technological, and historical influences upon the development of popular music styles. Students will develop critical listening skills and will be able to identify important artists as well as artistic styles and song forms. |
3 | |
HUM125 | Contemporary Music Survey II This course is an overview of the history and evolution of popular music in the second half of the 20th century. Topics include Bob Dylan and the Beatles, Art Rock, Motown and Soul, Singer-Songwriters, Jazz Rock, Reggae, Funk, Punk, New Wave, Rap Music, 80’s Pop Styles and Grunge. Special importance will be placed on the sociological, technological, and historical influences upon the development of popular music styles. Students will develop critical listening skills and will be able to identify important artists as well as artistic styles and song forms. Prerequisite: Contemporary Music Survey I. |
3 | |
SOC110 | Survey of World Music This course is a survey of world music, studying music in culture and as culture. In addition to observing musical characteristics from world cultures, this survey course incorporates aspects of Anthropology, Sociology and History. By analyzing select case studies from around the world, students will study the music of a small number of representative cultures. Special importance will be placed on global music styles that impact contemporary music including Indian classical music, West African Music, Brazilian Samba, Cuban music styles, and African-American folk styles including work songs, spirituals and the blues. |
3 | |
SOC120 | The Sociology of Popular Music This course is an introduction to the Sociology of Popular Music, a relatively new field of study that explores the complex interactions between popular music and society and culture. In particular this course will focus on the production, distribution, and consumption of popular music. Special attention will be paid to recent advances in digital technology and how it has impacted the music industry, recording artists, and fans. This course will incorporate case studies from across popular music genres to elaborate concepts studied in class. |
3 | |
SCI110 | Introduction to Electronics This class introduces the fundamental principles of analog electronics, with emphasis on audio reproduction. Basic electrical measurements and components, typical circuits, troubleshooting and safety are covered during the process of building simple projects. |
3 | |
SCI120 | Physics of Sound and Music This course introduces students to the physical nature of music and sound. Waves, sound propagation, harmonic content, the human hearing mechanism and musical instrument tone production are discussed. Psychoacoustics and perception of sound are included. |
3 | |
MAT110 | Accounting and Tax Essentials for Entrepreneurs This course teaches the fundamental accounting and tax information needed to create a successfully sound career in the music industry and digital media industries. It will include basic accounting and tax elements, information on setting up a business, selecting the appropriate type of business entity, and accounting aspects as related to various music and intellectual property transactions. |
3 | |
MAT120 | Mathematical Foundations of Music This class explores the fundamental connection between music and mathematics. Sound waves, pitch, temperament, rhythm, harmony and melody are discussed in mathematical terms. Concepts of arithmetic, exponents, logarithms, trigonometry, Set theory, permutation and probability are directly related to music and sound. The relationship of these principles to composition and theory are also discussed. |
3 | |
Total Available Credit Hours | 30 | ||
The minimum requirement for general education credits is 23, with at least one course from each of the four areas. Since AIMM’s general education courses are three credits each, the student will take a total of eight general education courses. |
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Minimum Number of General Education Credits Required | 24 |
Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology — Total Credit Hours | 94 |
Definitely check out AIMM, get a good tour of it, go to Open House, go to the orientation, and you'll find that it's really professional. All the instructors really know what they're doing--they're all industry professionals and have been for years. You get a lot of hands-on activity and a lot of time to work on your projects on all the gear.
Benjie Freund
Sound Designer at Hi-Rez Studios, and Founder of Neutrino Gaming--creator of the iPhone/iPad app Aries Revenge
If you're going to go to any music school, AIMM is the one to choose. Since graduation, I've gotten all my work through AIMM...So, this is the place to be.
Butch Buckner
Drummer for Bionic Jive
AIMM was one of the best choices I've made.
Chris Kittredge
Drummer for Arrested Development Australian Tour 2011
Honestly, AIMM is very high level...it's something that I'm impressed with, would recommend, and would have wanted to come and study at in my younger years.
Dave Weckl
Drummer for Chick Corea
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