Classes
Audio Engineers of Detroit Audio Engineering, Music Production & Audio AI Program
Affordable. Career-Focused. Built for Detroit.
We’re proud to introduce Audio Engineers of Detroit Audio Engineering, Music Production & Audio AI Program — a brand-new training opportunity designed to help Detroit creatives and job seekers in the audio field turn their passion for sound into a sustainable career.
Program Highlights
- Solid Tuition Price: $13,500 — Designed with affordability in mind
- 10-Month Training Period / 260 total hours class time: Fast, focused, and efficient
- Certificate of Completion after every Module completed
- Small Cohorts: Only 6–8 students per class for hands-on mentorship
- Taught by Top Instructors: Learn from working professionals in music, film, and live sound
- Earn College Credits toward a Ferris State University Television and Digital Media Production (TDMP) Degree
- Classes can be taken as standalone Modules
- Students will have access to a Neve Genesys Black console, vintage microphones, top-notch analog & digital audio processing equipment and Pro Tools workstations with tons of top name plugins.
- Affordable. Funding options available. Apply today!
Expanded Curriculum Includes:
- Basic Audio Foundations & Fundamentals
- Audio AI Applications
- Music Production & Sampling Culture
- Podcasting & Media Applications
- Production Sound for Film/Media
- Live Sound & Event Engineering
- Mixing Techniques I & II
- Mastering & Distribution
- DAW Editing & Workflow
- Basic Audio Foundations & Fundamentals
- Music Business & Career Development
Career Impact
Graduates will be prepared for jobs in:
- Recording studios & production houses
- Live sound & event venues
- Podcasting & digital media companies
- Film, TV, & content creation industries
- Freelance & entrepreneurial audio careers
Why Detroit?
“Train in Detroit. Work in Detroit. Build Detroit’s future sound.”
Detroit is a hub for creativity and innovation. This program was designed to give our community direct access to professional audio training that leads to real job opportunities starting at $15+/hr. strengthening Detroit’s creative workforce.
– Program Length: 10 months
– Registration Fee (Non–Refundable) – $150.00
– Full Tuition: $13,500 (funding options available)
– Location: 4750 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48201 (Mid-town Detroit)
Applications are open now! Secure your seat and start your journey in audio.
Entrance Requirements
You must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED-equivalent to apply for entrance at Audio Engineers of Detroit. Prospective students must submit the most recent copy of their high school transcripts or GED with their admission application. Students applying for the full program (Module 1 – 12) and wanting to set up a payment plan must pay a $2000.00 deposit plus registration fee to hold a seat, which will apply to the cost of enrollment.
Note: Registration fee is not refundable.
Next classes start April 28th, 2025
Audio Engineering, Music Production & Audio AI Applications Program
Program Objectives
Graduates will:
- Gain technical and creative skills in audio engineering and beat production.
- Apply AI tools for audio editing, mastering, and creative beat-making.
- Develop professional portfolios to secure jobs in audio production, podcasting, and media.
- Qualify for entry-level positions earning $15+/hr. or build freelance/self-employment opportunities immediately.
Weekly Breakdown
Module 1: Basic Audio Foundations & Fundamentals (18 hrs.) 3wks.
Standalone Price: $970.00
Instructor: Mike Chav Chavarria
- Physics of sound
- Room treatment / isolation,
- Live room vs control room
- Signal flow
- Audio terminology
- Digital vs analog
- Basics of electricity relevant to audio
- Introduction to DAWs (Pro Tools / Logic / Ableton)
Module 2: Microphones, Preamps, & Recording Basics (18 hrs.) 3wks.
Standalone Price: $970.00
Instructor: Mike Chav Chavarria
- Types of mics
- Mic placement
- Preamp gear
- Gain staging
- Tracking instruments & vocals in a studio
- Hands on recording
- AI-assisted noise reduction & cleanup
Module 3: DAW Editing & Workflow (30 hrs.) 5wks.
Standalone Price: $1700.00
Instructor: Mike Chav Chavarria
- Intro to DAWs (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic)
- Audio interfaces, signal flow, and studio setup
- Career pathways in audio (studio assistant, live sound, podcast editor)
- Clip editing
- Comping, arranging,
- Using plugins / effects,
- Labeling tracks / workflows
- File management and backups
Module 4: Mixing Techniques I & II (24 hrs.) 4wks.
Standalone Price: $1455.00
Instructor: Mike Chav Chavarria
- EQ / compression / gate
- Reverb / delay
- Panning
- Balancing levels
- Automation basics
- Static mixes
- Advanced mixing
- Creative effects
- Parallel processing
- Multi band compression/side chaining,
- Using reference tracks & refining mixes
- AI-powered mixing assistants (iZotope Neutron, Waves Clarity)
Module 5: Mastering & Distribution (6 hrs.) 1wks.
Standalone Price: $600.00
Instructor: Mike Chav Chavarria
- Loudness standards, stereo imaging
- Mastering chains
- Dither
- Preparing tracks for streaming platforms
- AI mastering services (LANDR, Ozone)
Module 6: Live Sound & Event Engineering (40 hrs.) 6wks.
Standalone Price: $1940.00
Instructor: Mo Mason
- Setup of PA
- Stage monitoring
- Front of house vs monitor mixes
- Cables
- Line check
- Live mixing challenges
- Signal routing (digital patching, snakes)
- Basics of audio networking (Dante / AVB)
- Troubleshooting gear
- Setup/tear down
- Soldering Techniques for Audio Engineers
- Audio Cable Building
Module 7: Production Sound for Media / Post-Production (40 hrs.) 6wks.
Standalone Price: $1940.00
Instructor: Matthew Sisco
- Production sound recording and mixing tools
- Timecode and synchronization on Set
- Wireless setup and workflows
- Crew and client relationships on Set
- Microphone applications
- Noise mitigation on Set
- NLE to DAW Workflow
- Project setup and organisation
- Dialogue Editing Essentials
- ADR
- Basic sound design techniques in the box.
- Délivrables
- Labor and compensation
Module 8: Podcasting & Media Applications (18 hrs.) 4wks.
Standalone Price: $1455.00
Instructor: Rob Roa
- Recording/editing podcasts
- Basic lighting for video and audio recording for video
- AI tools for transcription, captioning, & podcast editing (Descript, Adobe Podcast)
Module 9: Intro Music Theory & Ear Training (15 hrs.) 3wks.
Standalone Price: $750.00
Instructor: Derrick Benford
- Music staff & notes / Interval
- Chords
- Chord progressions and ways to create songs
- Training the ear to recognize chords and differences between major minor diminish
Module 10: Music Production & Sampling Culture (30 hrs.) 5wks.
Standalone Price: $1700.00
Instructor: Kenny Flav Dickerson
- Sampling techniques & legal considerations
- Remixing & creative beat flipping
- Akai MPC drum machine programming
- Using beat making software (FL Studio, Reasons and Ableton)
- Introduction to basic sequencing & combination sequencing
- AI stem separation (extracting vocals/instruments)
- MIDI setup
- Sequencing: patterns and recording in beat making software / editing MIDI sequences
- Drum programming, groove, and quantization
- AI rhythm/loop generators (e.g., Google Magenta, Orb Producer)
- Create a song using sequencing / Recording songs into a DAW
Module 11: Music Business & Business Development (24 hrs.) 6wks.
Standalone Price: $1940.00
Instructors: Stephanie L. Hammonds, ESQ & Robin Kinnie, MBA
- Copyright & royalties
- Music licensing / Internet music licensing
- A.I. in music
- Licensing for film / Television / Advertising / New media, Touring and Merchandising
- Independent contractor / Mindset of entrepreneurship vs. 9-to-5
- Setting up LCC & EIN & other business entity forms
- Loans vs Grants
- Accounting & tax benefits / Business banking (money transfer apps)
- Marketing & Branding
- Resume / portfolio building
- Freelancing platforms & job search strategies
Module 12: Final Project & Showcase (15 hrs.) 2wks.
- Capstone project: produce, mix, and master a full song and podcast episode
- Finished project presentations to peers, instructors, and industry partners
- Career services support (resume building, mock interviews, job placement assistance)
Capstone Project
Each student will:
- Record & mix a full song (vocal or instrumental)
- Produce a beat tape (2–4 tracks)
- Edit & mix a podcast or video soundtrack
- Present portfolio at a graduation showcase (in-person or online)
Contact Hours
- 10 months × 8 hours/week = 260 total hours class time
Job Outcomes ($15-$35/hr. target)
Graduates will be prepared for:
| Job Title: | Est. Pay: | Job Type: |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant, Audio Engineer | $20-$25/hr. | Studio |
| Live sound tech (entry) | $20-$25/hr. | Venues, Churches, Events |
| AV Technician (entry) | $18-$24 / hour | Schools, Hotels, Corporate, Casinos |
| Music Producer / Beatmaker | Varies / freelance | Self-employment |
| Podcast, Editor | $20–35/hr. (freelance) | Remote |
| Recording Tech / On–Location | $25–35/hr. | Studio / Field Audio |
| Audio Intern (paid) | $15/hr.+ | Studios |
Michigan Works Alignment
- Prepares learners for in-demand AV and tech support roles in Michigan
- Aligns with Michigan’s Creative Sector Jobs Initiatives
- Includes wraparound support: job search help, resume workshops, guest speakers from local studios and concert venues
Ferris State University / Audio Engineers of Detroit Credit for Credential Agreement
The purpose of this agreement is to facilitate the awarding of credit for individuals who successfully complete the appropriate modules as identified below, through Audio Engineers of Detroit and are pursuing a degree in Television and Digital Media from Ferris State University. Credits awarded through this agreement do not replace specific programmatic requirements.
This agreement applies to any individual who meets the conditions and requirements indicated below.
General Conditions & Requirements
1. Submit Ferris Application for Admission.
2. Student must provide verification of successful completion of each module.
3. Contact the Office of Transfer and Secondary School Partnerships at OTSSP@ferris.edu to complete this process.
