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Creating Commercial Sounding Masters

creating-commercial-sounding-masters
MUSC X 441.5

Explore the full potential of creating music using professional sound equipment to obtain industry standard clarity, as well as learning how to craft compelling artist performances and recording using software.

Typically Available
Winter
Duration
As few as 11 weeks
Units
4.0
Current Formats
In Person
Cost
Starting at $835.00

Get More Info

 

What you can learn.

Learn how to make professional caliber recordings by reproducing a hit recording
Learn what elements make a successful hit songs and how to recreate them
Understand practical concepts such as finessing artist performances
Master mixing and recording techniques as well as budgeting and mastering

About This Course

Just understanding how to operate a DAW (Protools or Logic) is not enough to help you to make your recordings competitive with commercial sounding masters. In this workshop-style class, independent artists learn how to create commercial-sounding recordings “in-the-style-of,” that is, re-producing a hit recording from the ground-up and emulating the work of the well-known producers and engineers. You learn what elements made those hits successful and how to re-create those winning production components: sound, feel, and emotional power. Classes are hands-on, real-world, intensive, and cover such concepts as choosing musicians and finessing the best performance out of artists. You produce, mix, and master one music project--either a live band or a solo artist. Your project must incorporate live instruments as well as programmed instruments. The course is personalized to help each student explore the full potential of creating and producing their music. Topics include pre-production, recording using Pro Tools or Logic, getting great vocal performances through microphone techniques, recording and mixing techniques, mastering, and budgeting. Near the end of the course, your projects are played and critiqued in class.
Prerequisites

You must be familiar with and comfortable working a DAW (Pro-Tools, Logic, Digital Performer, or Cubase).

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Thursday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
406201
Fee:
$835.00
In Personformat icon
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Internet access required. Materials required. 

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Students must have a DAW installed on a laptop that can be brought to class every meeting.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Thu Jan 8, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Jan 15, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Jan 22, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Jan 29, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Feb 5, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Feb 12, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Feb 19, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Feb 26, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Mar 5, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Mar 12, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Lecture
Thu Mar 19, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213

This course applies toward the following programs

certificate Learn the ins and outs of independent music production, covering the creative and marketing aspects of the business.

Learn the ins and outs of independent music production, covering the creative and marketing aspects of the business.