| NEWS & HAPPENINGS |
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| LAST CHANCE TO AUDITION FOR FALL SEMESTER! |
| The last set of audition dates have been set for JULY 22nd, 23rd, and 24th to major in Commercial Music Performance on Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Piano, or Vocals. Auditions will be held at the Performing Arts Center on campus. This is the last opportunity to audition for the Fall semester so call now at 409.984.6520 to schedule your audition. For information regarding what you need to prepare, please click on "Audition Information for Performance Majors" at the bottom of the page. |
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| New Degree in Commercial Music Performance! |
| Lamar State College-Port Arthur Commercial Music Department is proud to announce the offering of an Associate of Arts Degree in COMMERCIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE with a specialty in SESSION MUSIC, beginning in the Fall of 2008. This opportunity is open to musicians and vocalists. If you have pretty good chops on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or you sing up a storm, this may be the opportunity you've been seeking! Call 409.984.6520 for more information.(Admission by audition only - See "audition information for performance majors" link at bottom of home page) |
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| LSC-PA Studio Facilities Offer Multiple Platforms |
| It is primary to our mission here at LSC-PA that our students graduate into the real world with hands-on knowledge of a wide variety of recording platforms. Studio A is oufitted with a Mac-based Pro Tools and Nuendo control. Studio B offers PC-based Pro Tools and Cubase 4. Studio C avails our students to 10 IMac workstations with Pro Tools LE. Finally, Analog has joined the family of LSC-PA Recording Studio platforms with the addition of a MCI-JH24 Analog 24 Track Tape Recorder, a MCI-Autolocator III, and a Peavy AMR 1600 Audio Console. Students now have the opportunity to learn how to record by tape, and digitally via Pro Tools (both Mac and PC), Nuendo, and Cubase 4. |
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| Aaron Horne Joins Commercial Music Faculty |
| We are proud to announce the addition of Aaron Horne to our full-time Commercial Music faculty! Aaron comes to us with a long list of credits as an Audio Engineer, Editor, Sound Designer, and Film Composer. We are thrilled to have Aaron on board! |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I visit the college and take a tour of the facilities?
Yes, in fact we want to meet you before approving your admission to the program. Your visit will give us a chance to sit down and talk, and show you the entire facility. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to ask us questions.
What are the requirements for admission to the Commercial Music program?
We expect you to have at least a basic knowledge of music with some experience as a musician or vocalist – and – an aptitude and interest in the ‘science’ of recording sound. If you fit this bill, your first step is an interview with the Director of Music Programs or the Chief Audio Engineer at the college. Upon acceptance into the program, you will be given a signed ‘Commercial Music Acceptance Form’. This form is required at Admissions in order to be register for Commercial Music courses, which include Audio Engineering. General admission to the college is a separate process.
How do I apply to the college?
Requests for application forms or admission information may be directed to the Office of Admission and Records, Lamar State College - Port Arthur, P.O. Box 310, Port Arthur, Texas 77641-0310. Or you may call us at 409-984-6165.
How strong of a music background do I need to have?
You need to have a fundamental ability to play a musical instrument or some experience singing in a vocal ensemble. (Playing guitar or drums in your rock and roll ‘garage band’ actually counts!) We just want to know that you love making music and want to understand more about it. As for reading music, proficiency is not necessary, although it’s always helpful. For those who don’t read music, or have very limited music theory skills, we require a passing grade in Fundamentals of Music as part of your first semester of study in the program.
What if I live too far from the college to come in for an interview?
Ideally, we want to meet you face to face. However, if you are unable to travel to Port Arthur for an interview, we will consider interviewing you on the phone. This is available only for those people located outside the immediate area or those with special circumstances.
Do you offer financial aid?
Financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and employment is available to a number of qualified students. Information about the types of scholarships available and eligibility requirements can be obtained from the Office of the Admission Advisors. Eligibility criteria and information regarding grants, loans and the college work-study program can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Both offices are located in the Student Center, 1600 Procter Street. Call 409.984.6203 for information. Information is also available online at www.LamarPA.edu.
What kind of courses are in the degree and certificate plans?
Our degree and certificate programs are centered on a philosophy that a good audio engineer is a good musician. In order to record music, the audio engineer must possess ‘musical ears’. In order to communicate to the musicians who are being recorded, the audio engineer must be fluent in the language of music. Therefore, our courses are a mixture of commercial music classes and music business, with a concentration of audio engineering, studio software and hardware, and recording classes. (See Courses)
Can I take in individual courses instead of enrolling in the full degree or certificate program?
Commercial Music or Audio Engineering courses are not available to take as individual courses. You must be enrolled in a degree or certificate plan to register for a course. However, for hobbyists not pursuing a career, we offer an evening course entitled “The Art of Recording”, which is a comprehensive overview of the recording process in general. (This course does not apply toward a degree or certificate.)
How long will it take for me to get a Commercial Music degree?
The curriculum is laid out in four semesters and two summer sessions of courses which total 67 credits, based on a full-time load each semester of summer session. Therefore, as a full-time student, it’s possible to get your degree within the span of two years. However, we do not require that our degree candidates register full-time. We ask only that you remain committed to the degree or certificate and take at least 7 credits per semester.
How long will it take for me to get a Commercial Music certificate?
A certificate requires two semesters of study, full-time. At the end, you will have completed two of the four audio engineering courses, which will give you a basic, working knowledge of audio theory – and – the first two semesters of music study. Full-scale recording projects are reserved for Audio Engineering III and IV.
Do you have job placement assistance?
Yes, we want you to succeed in the music business. We will take an active part in helping you find a job. First, because we care. Second, because if you succeed, we succeed. Keep in mind, the more effort and work ethic you show while you’re with us, the higher recommendation you will receive.
Is housing available?
On-campus housing is not available at Lamar State College - Port Arthur. However, we will make an effort to pool students together to help find affordable, safe accommodations.
What types of jobs are available for Audio Engineers?
There are over 50 different kinds of jobs available for audio engineers in the general areas of music recording, DVD production, gaming, post production, mastering, live sound, internet audio broadcast, audio acoustics, speech recognition, audio software and hardware, music restoration, and forensic audio.
I would like to speak to a school representative, who should I call?
Call Mike Judy, Director of Music Programs and Commercial Music at 409.984.6520 or Jeff Sturms, Chief Audio Engineer at 409.984.6343. |
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