Chris Anderson
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The Future of Music: LCC’s Music Technology Program
“Any good music must be an innovation.” ~ Les Baxter
LCC’s Music Technology program and studio/lab features over 21 workstations that include items such as a microphone, a Korg Triton LE Keyboard, a 48 point patch bay, and an Access Virus-C Synthesizer, just to name a few. Photo courtesy of LCC.
At Lane Community College (LCC), students in the Music Technology program have the opportunity to be at the forefront of technology as they develop hands on experience with industry-leading material. Created to provide students with the experience of handling technology at the forefront of music production, LCC’s Music Technology program and studio/lab features over 21 workstations that include items such as a microphone, a Korg Triton LE Keyboard, a 48 point patch bay, and an Access Virus-C Synthesizer, just to name a few.
With digitally remastered music becoming more prevalent than ever, it is no wonder why this program is becoming an increasingly popular option for students wanting to break into the music industry. And for students interested in this program, Melissa Stark will become one of your best resources as you embark on your education in music technology.
Officially beginning her career at LCC in 2004, Stark teaches audio engineering courses. She came to LCC boasting a successful background in music technology. Stark says,
“Our Music Technology classes gives students the opportunity to expand their musical knowledge, while at the same time giving them a chance for hands on experience with pro audio gear. Students of all levels and background skill learn how to work with digital audio workstations, music software and hardware, microphones and audio processors.”
Classes involved in the Music Technology program are Music Fundamentals, Music Technology 1, Music Technology 2, Audio Engineering 1, Audio Engineering 2, and Audio Engineering 3. While there is no formal degree offered in music technology through LCC, Stark ensures her students that going through these courses will be more than beneficial. She explains,
“We don’t offer a certificate for this program. However, I do make a point at the end of the year to give my students a completion certificate that they can place in their portfolio. I understand that a lot of my students have used this in addition to their experience to move them into internships, higher education, and jobs.”
The benefits of the Music Technology program at Lane Community College go far beyond the classroom. Photo courtesy of LCC.
The benefits of the Music Technology program at Lane Community College go far beyond the classroom. Students are able to use the knowledge they obtain in these courses to forward their understanding of an industry that is evolving on a daily basis. Part of the reason for the success of the Music Technology program at LCC is the amount of devotion the teachers have to ensuring their students receive the best education in the state of Oregon in their respective field. Stark says,
“I think the music technology class offerings we have here at LCC are the best in the state. We were one of the first to offer such an environment for our students and its success rate speaks for itself. I think we are unique because of our devotion to our students’ success and the facilities we offer to them that give them that opportunity for success.”
With such passionate and involved teachers, students at LCC that are enrolled in the Music Department have flooded registration for these classes. Stark states,
“We always have a waiting list. They are always filled.”
From the technology-inclined music master to the novice wanting to learn how songs are produced, the Music Technology program, courses, and lab at LCC offer one of the best hands-on and involved experiences in the state of Oregon. With teachers such as Melissa Stark educating the students, students put themselves at the forefront of technology within music and develop crucial skills that are sure to benefit them in the future.
For more information about the Lane Community College music degree, you can go to http://www2.lanecc.edu/perarts/music/course-and-degree-information. To learn more about the Music Technology program and lab at Lane Community College, go to http://www2.lanecc.edu/perarts/music/music-technology-lab-and-classroom.
