Syllabus
You can download the PDF versions of the Syllabus using the following links:
Please note this syllabus is subject to change. Additional content, dates, and activities may be altered in the best interest of the class. Based on any suggestions, I can improve the final version of this syllabus. You can click on the links below to quickly access a specific part of the syllabus.
Modules
We will explore several topics relating to live sound reinforcement, microphone techniques, and analog/digital signal flow through the Modules tab found on the homepage. Each module will become available weekly and is to be completed prior to coming to class. Modules will consist of various material including readings, videos, presentations, and demonstrations. Also, please note the modules will usually have a number of activities to be completed. Finishing the modules prior to class will provide more time for discussion and lab when meeting in person. All modules will open weekly on a Monday. Please give yourself enough time to complete the module and the associated activities.
Course Website
The course will only use Canvas to submit work. Instead of using Canvas to present material, I designed a dedicated website accessible by students enrolled in this class. The link to this website is:
Please bookmark this page as you will need to access this website throughout the semester.
Instructor
The instructor for this course is me, Rajeev Naidu 🙂 I was both an undergraduate and graduate student at SFSU’s BECA (Broadcast Electronic Communication Arts) program. I concentrated my studies in audio for music production and film sound design and did my graduate research in psychoacoustics. I have recently finished my Doctorate Degree from USF’s School of Education in Learning and Instruction. I’ve taught numerous classes in the BECA department for 14 years, most (if not, all) of which relate to audio. Currently, I am working at Trakworx Recording and Mastering as an audio engineer recording and mixing artists of various styles. I am also a live sound engineer and board member for SF Live Arts. Looking forward to working with all of you!
The quickest and most efficient way to reach me is through our Slack Workspace. However, if you need to reach me via email, you can do so at rajeevn@mail.sfsu.edu.
Office Hours
My office hours Wednesdays from 6pm-7pm on MH 111 and by appointment only. You can reach out to me via Slack or email to set up time.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this course, students will demonstrate the ability to set up and operate live sound systems using both analog and digital platforms, including Mackie and Behringer X32 consoles. They will understand and apply signal flow, effects processing, and monitor mixing techniques in live performance settings. Students will also gain experience in system optimization, troubleshooting, and integrating audio-over-Ethernet networks such as Dante. Through hands-on practice and live event execution, students will build the technical skills, confidence, and professionalism necessary for entry-level roles in live sound reinforcement and audio production.
Required Materials
Some of the recording gear can be checked out from the equipment room. However, please be mindful about the limited number of equipment held in the equipment room. As media students, you are encouraged to purchase a hard drive, professional headphones, and ear protection.
Course Schedule
This course is held in-person in MH 231.
Monday – 3:30pm- 6:15pm
| Module | Class |
|---|---|
| Introduction to BECA 510 Music Performance, Recording, and Production | Aug 24 |
| The Art of Music Production | Aug 31 |
| Labor Day | Sept 07 |
| Analog Signal Flow I | Sept 14 |
| Analog Signal Flow II | Sept 21 |
| Performance Evaluation I | Sept 28 |
| Performance Evaluation I | Oct 05 |
| Digital Signal Flow I | Oct 12 |
| Digital Signal Flow II | Oct 19 |
| Performance Evaluation II | Oct 26 |
| Performance Evaluation II | Nov 02 |
| Mock Concert I | Nov 09 |
| Mock Concert II | Nov 16 |
| Fall Recess | Nov 23 |
| Live Concert I | Nov 30 |
| Live Concert II | Dec 07 |
Grading
Here is a summary of the grading breakdown. The following percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
- Class Participation: 20%
- Concert I: 25%
- Concert II: 25%
- Performance Evaluation I: 15%
- Performance Evaluation I: 15%
Policies and Resources
- You are responsible for completing assignments and turning them in at the allocated time and date indicated on the syllabus.
- Please check syllabus and note the due date for the assignments. Late work will be accepted with a deduction of 50%.
- Plagiarism/Cheating will not be tolerated in any class. Please consult SFSU guidelines or me if you have any questions or concerns about what involves plagiarism or cheating.
- All assignments must be turned in at the indicated due date, in the beginning of the class. No extra credit will be given for missed tests and assignments.
- Participation has a strong influence in your final grade. Participation includes attending class, timely completion, teamwork, class interaction, etc.
- Please check syllabus regularly. Due dates and lecture plans are subject to change and will be updated on the course website. Pay close attention to class announcements about assignments, due dates, and other changes.
- San Francisco State University does not tolerate harassment. Harassment consists of abusive behavior directed toward an individual or group because of race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, including learning disability, and past/present history of a mental disorder. All members of the University community are responsible for the maintenance of a social environment in which people are free to work and learn without fear of discrimination and abuse.
- Silence your cell phone and all other electronic equipment. It is distracting to the entire class, including the instructor. You are expected to remain in the classroom until class is over and not to start packing up until the instructor ends class.
Disability Access
Students with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations are encouraged to contact the instructor. The Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodations process. The DPRC is located in the Student Service Building and can be reached by telephone (voice/415-338-2472, video phone/415-335-7210) or by email (dprc@sfsu.edu).
Student Disclosures of Sexual Violence
SF State fosters a campus free of sexual violence including sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or any form of sex or gender discrimination. If you disclose a personal experience as an SF State student, the course instructor is required to notify the Title IX Coordinator by completing the report form available at http://titleix.sfsu.edu, emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu or calling 338-2032. To disclose any such violence confidentially, contact:
- The SAFE Place – (415) 338-2208; http://www.sfsu.edu/~safe_plc/
- Counseling and Psychological Services Center – (415) 338-2208; http://psyservs.sfsu.edu/
- For more information on your rights and available resources: http://titleix.sfsu.edu