Basic Computer Skills For Audio Software Applications Training

Objectives:
• Identify basic computer hardware components
• Navigate the Windows operating system interface
• Create, save, and manage files and folders
• Understand fundamental computer terminology

Topics:
• Computer hardware overview (CPU, RAM, storage, peripherals)
• Windows desktop, start menu, and taskbar navigation
• File Explorer: creating folders and organising files
• Basic system settings and user accounts
• Introduction to software installation concepts
• Health and safety considerations for computer use

Objectives:
• Explain core concepts of digital audio
• Identify common audio file formats and their properties
• Apply effective file management strategies for audio projects
• Utilise compression and archiving tools

Topics:
• Digital audio theory: sampling, bit depth, and sample rates
• Audio file formats: WAV, MP3, AIFF, FLAC
• Project folder structure and naming conventions
• Using compression software (ZIP/RAR) for audio files
• Cloud storage basics for audio backup
• Introduction to metadata and tagging audio files

Objectives:
• Define the purpose and components of a DAW
• Navigate the basic interface of a common DAW
• Create a new project and configure audio settings
• Import and playback audio files within a DAW

Topics:
• Overview of DAW functions and common applications
• DAW interface: tracks, mixer, transport controls
• Project setup: sample rate, bit depth, and buffer size
• Importing audio files and media management
• Basic playback, looping, and zoom navigation
• Introduction to MIDI vs. Audio tracks

Objectives:
• Set up audio hardware for recording
• Configure DAW input settings and monitoring
• Execute basic single-track audio recordings
• Apply proper gain staging during recording

Topics:
• Audio interface and microphone connections
• DAW audio input/output (I/O) setup
• Setting input levels and avoiding clipping
• Software monitoring vs. direct monitoring
• Recording a single audio track (voice/instrument)
• Basic troubleshooting for no signal or latency issues

Objectives:
• Utilise basic editing tools to manipulate audio clips
• Perform non-destructive editing operations
• Apply fades, crossfades, and volume automation
• Arrange audio clips on a timeline

Topics:
• Selection, cut, copy, paste, and delete operations
• Splitting and trimming audio clips
• Applying fade-ins, fade-outs, and crossfades
• Basic clip gain adjustment
• Using the timeline for arrangement
• Introduction to snap-to-grid functionality

Objectives:
• Differentiate between audio and MIDI data
• Create and edit MIDI notes using a piano roll editor
• Load and play virtual instrument plugins
• Record a simple MIDI performance

Topics:
• MIDI fundamentals: notes, velocity, and channels
• Creating a MIDI track and selecting a virtual instrument
• Piano roll editor: drawing and editing notes
• Recording MIDI from a keyboard or typing input
• Introduction to software synthesizers and samplers
• Basic quantisation of MIDI notes

Objectives:
• Balance track levels to create a cohesive mix
• Apply panning to create stereo width
• Utilise basic equalisation (EQ) to shape tone
• Use group/bus tracks for collective processing

Topics:
• Setting volume faders and understanding dB levels
• Panning principles and stereo field placement
• Introduction to parametric EQ: frequency, gain, Q
• High-pass and low-pass filter applications
• Creating and using auxiliary buses
• Reference listening and critical listening techniques

Objectives:
• Apply compression to control dynamic range
• Utilise reverb and delay for spatial effects
• Insert and configure audio effect plugins
• Understand signal flow within a DAW

Topics:
• Compressor parameters: threshold, ratio, attack, release
• Using reverb to create depth and space
• Delay effects: feedback, time, and sync options
• Insert vs. send/return effects routing
• Introduction to modulation effects (chorus, flanger)
• Managing CPU usage with multiple effects

Objectives:
• Create and edit automation envelopes for various parameters
• Automate volume, pan, and effect parameters over time
• Utilise different automation modes (read, write, touch)
• Apply automation to enhance musical expression

Topics:
• Enabling and viewing automation lanes
• Drawing and editing automation curves
• Automating volume, pan, and plugin parameters
• Automation modes and their practical applications
• Automating effect bypass and wet/dry mixes
• Best practices for clean automation data

Objectives:
• Utilise time-stretching and pitch-shifting tools
• Apply advanced editing techniques for complex material
• Work with tempo maps and time signatures
• Edit grouped or multi-track recordings

Topics:
• Time-stretching algorithms and their applications
• Pitch correction and shifting techniques
• Creating and editing tempo maps
• Working with multiple time signatures
• Group editing and editing linked tracks
• Elastic audio and warp marker editing

Objectives:
• Prepare a final mix for export
• Bounce the mix to various audio file formats
• Apply dithering for bit-depth reduction
• Create stems and alternative mixes

Topics:
• Final mix checks: levels, panning, and effects
• Bounce/export settings: file format, bit depth, sample rate
• Offline bounce vs. real-time bounce
• Dithering: when and how to apply it
• Exporting individual tracks (stems)
• Creating instrumental and vocal-up mixes

Objectives:
• Apply all learned skills to complete a short audio project
• Document the production process
• Create a basic portfolio of work
• Develop strategies for continued learning

Topics:
• Guided project: from recording to final bounce
• Creating project notes and documentation
• Assembling a digital portfolio of exercises and projects
• Introduction to online resources and communities
• Developing a personal practice routine
• Course review and Q&A session