Fundamentals of Signal Processing for Musicians

Membership plan: Going Deeper | Topics: Creative Coding

Course overview

This comprehensive course is perfect for aspiring audio engineers, musicians, or sound enthusiasts eager to delve into the world of audio processing.

From the physics of sound, the principles of human hearing, to the intricacies of digital audio and music production techniques, this course covers the fundamentals of sound, tailored for musicians. Learn to navigate audio tools like microphones, preamps, amplifiers, and advanced digital processing software.

This course covers the fundamentals of sound synthesis, audio manipulation with dynamic effects, filters, and distortions, and understand advanced techniques like pitch-shifting and looping. Whether you're a beginner or an audio professional, this course offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of audio signal processing.

What you'll learn

Understand and explain the fundamental principles of sound, its physical properties, and how it interacts with the human auditory system.
Identify and operate various audio tools and equipment, such as microphones, preamps, and amplifiers, and understand their role in the audio signal processing chain.
Apply various audio signal processing techniques, including sound synthesis, dynamic effects, filters, distortions, and advanced techniques like pitch-shifting and looping, to create, manipulate, and enhance audio signals.
Understand the principles of digital audio, including analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, and effectively use digital audio processing software for audio production and manipulation.

Who is this course for?

Music Producers and Sound Engineers: Those already working in the field can deepen their understanding of the science behind their craft and learn new techniques.
Musicians and Composers: Those seeking to better understand the science of sound for composing and creating music will benefit greatly from this course.
Students and Academics: Students studying physics, music, acoustics, or related fields can enhance their knowledge with practical applications of theory.
Audio Enthusiasts and Hobbyists: Those with a passion for sound, music, and audio technology, who want to understand more about how it works and how to manipulate it for their own projects.
Aspiring Audio Professionals: Individuals who aim to start a career in the music or sound industry, such as sound design for games, film, television, and music production.
Professionals in Related Fields: Professionals in areas such as game design, film production, or multimedia arts, who want to improve their understanding of sound to enhance their primary skills.

Course content

Fundamentals of Signal Processing for Musicians

Introduction to signal processing
Waves, Sound Waves, and Waveforms
Sound Parameters pt. 1: DC Offset and Amplitude
Sound Parameters pt. 2: Period, Frequency, and Phase
Wave superposition: Interference and Complex Waveforms
Spectrum, Harmonicity, and Pitch
Sound Pressure Level and dB
Analog Signal
Digital Signal
Overview of Signal Processing Techniques
Test your knowledge!

Requirements

Basic familiarity with physics: An understanding of basic concepts of physics, especially waves and vibrations, will be beneficial for fully grasping the principles of sound and audio signal processing.
Interest in audio production: While not a strict requirement, an interest in audio production, sound design, or music will make the course more engaging and enjoyable.
Basic computer skills: As this course involves digital processing and software use, basic computer skills are necessary. Knowledge of audio processing software can be beneficial but is not a prerequisite as the course will provide introductions to these tools.

Course schedule

Meet your instructor

Massimiliano Cerioni is a Berlin & Rome based AV composer, performer, sound designer and engineer. He is the founder of the independent audio software project Culto, which has released its first M4L device Simbiosi in 2021. He uses coding, augmented instruments and electronics to create compositions, performances and installations.