Learn location sound, sound design, Pro Tools, and Mixing in surround sound!
At AIMM you'll enjoy spectacular events like Soundcraft! "Mixing with Professionals" featuring Erykah Badu's front-of-house engineer and Kenneth Williams in live performances.
Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology with a focus on either Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keyboard or Voice
AIMM is the only Pro Tools Certification Partner Facility in Georgia. Upon successful completion of the program, students can take their Pro Tools Certifications for FREE. This is a huge value add that you won't find anywhere else!
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media provides Music and Technology Associate Degree students with the instructional environment necessary to develop both their technical and musical talents, and to acquire the skills to advance their musical aptitude and gain knowledge in the field of recording and engineering.
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media's Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology curriculum accomplishes this through class and practical application instruction, lab instruction, and live clinics featuring today's most well-known and innovative engineers, producers, and music industry professionals.
The curriculum is taught by professionals whose work experience, certification and/or music/engineering degrees give each instructor the background to teach the demanding curriculum.
It is the belief of the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media that music, along with its many technological facets, is the universal language and; therefore; welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media serves students without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, or sexual orientation.
The program's stated objective is to provide the knowledge and assistance in producing a recorded portfolio needed to obtain employment or self-employment in music and/or production used in the world wide web, movies, television, radio, record labels, video, film, multi-media production studios, and live performance in or recording for bands and churches.
The M&T AAS program consists of technical courses designed to provide the student with the necessary education to further his or her musical, recording and engineering abilities.
Students select an instrument of focus (Bass, Drums, Keyboard, Guitar, or Voice), and complete courses specific to that instrument, as well as recording and engineering courses.
The program is designed for the intermediate instrumentalist who also wishes to gain knowledge in the field of recording and engineering, in order to open opportunities in today's ever-changing music industry.
If accepted into the M&T Program, students who remain in good standing will be eligible 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.
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Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC130 | Reading I This class focuses on two areas: rhythm reading and note reading. In the rhythm reading section, the students start with eighth note based rhythms in both straight eighth and swing eighth feels. By the end of Level I, the student will be working with complex combinations of triplet and sixteenth note figures. In the note reading section, the students start off with whole note and half note exercises that quickly advance to the complex level of rhythm reading.
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1 | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC230 | Reading II This class takes the skills learned from the rhythm and note reading exercises covered in Level I and puts them to work on real bass charts. These bass charts were actually used on gigs. The focus is on understanding form, fingering analysis, and groove. The students will be tested on these charts each week by playing through the charts like they are on a real gig situation. Prerequisite: Reading I. |
1 | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC330 |
Reading III Prerequisite: Reading II. |
1 | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC430 |
Reading IV Prerequisite: Reading III. |
1 | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC120 | Scales I / Technique I Scales I begins with an exploration of currently accepted bass technique; then the major scale is explored in depth including: Modes, Pentatonics, blues scale, arpeggios, and sequences. Students are expected to play regularly, demonstrating not only knowledge of the scales, but also knowledge of how to use those scales to create music. |
1 | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC220 |
Scales II / Technique II Prerequisite: Scales/Technique I. |
1 | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC320 |
Scales III / Technique III Prerequisite: Scales/Technique II. |
1 | |
BAS/DRM/GTR/KEY/VOC420 |
Scales IV / Technique IV Prerequisite: Scales/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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 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 Prerequisite: Introduction to Audio Production I. |
3 | |
RCD300 |
Pro Tools HD 201 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 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 Prerequisite: Pro Tools | HD 201 (RCD 300). Corequisite: Pro Tools | HD 210 (RCD 400) |
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 worksongs, 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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