A VU meter on a stereo console shows the levels of a song when audio mastering techniques have been executed.

Music Mastering Techniques from the Pros

In music mastering, our ears, loudspeakers, and room acoustics play pivotal roles in shaping what we perceive as quality sound. In this excerpt from the Berklee Online course Audio Mastering Techniques, professors Marc-Dieter Einstmann and Jonathan Wyner discuss the importance of these three components.

Discover

A woman plays piano, hypothetically working out major and minor modal scales.

Music Modes: Major and Minor Modal Scales in Music Theory

As we remember Paul Schmeling, the author of the first Berklee Online course, we share this insightful lesson on mastering the major and minor music modes with this excerpt from his course, Music Theory 301: Advanced Melody, Harmony, Rhythm.

Matt Rollings at a piano

Pianist Matt Rollings: How to Be a Session Musician People Want to Hire

Grammy-winning producer, pianist, and songwriter Matt Rollings shares what it takes to be a successful session musician, including what to charge and when to say yes or no to a project. He also shares how his recording career took off after he said yes to a young Lyle Lovett. 

Music producer sitting at their home studio setup

Home Studio: Recording Equipment Basics

There is an extraordinary range of affordable tools that make it possible for most musicians to produce their own music from a home studio. The goal of this article—and the Berklee Online course it comes from—is to familiarize you with the basic equipment and techniques used in electronic music production.

Psychoacoustics in Music Production course author Susan Rogers is pictured in a burgundy blazer.

WATCH: ‘This is What it Sounds Like’ Author Susan Rogers Berklee Onsite 2023 Keynote Address

In this keynote address from Berklee Onsite 2023, famed recording engineer Susan Rogers implores music makers to think more about their listeners, using science and statistics to back it up!

A MIDI controller could be a keyboard or something different.

Buying a MIDI Controller? Here’s What to Know

When purchasing a MIDI controller, there are a variety of factors worth considering. In this article from the brand new Knowledge Base, the Berklee Online Support Staff walks you through everything you need to know.

A woman stands outside in the cold, singing and performing music for a crowd of shoppers and revelers.

7 Tips to Keep Your Singing Voice Healthy in Cold Weather

Winter is a challenging time for vocalists between the dry air, frequent traveling and performing, and increased chance of catching a cold. We have some tips to help your vocal cords combat the cold.

Live sound engineer Ken “Pooch” Van Druten is pictured sitting behind a mixing console.

Live Sound Engineer: A Day in the Life on Tour

Ken “Pooch” Van Druten has worked as front of house engineer and production master behind Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, Iron Maiden, KISS, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, and many more. In this course excerpt he details exactly what a an average day (and night) on the job is like. Spoiler: It’s anything but average!

Singer Eleazar Mora is pictured in a tuxedo.

Eleazar Mora: A Conversation with the Latin Tenor (Who is Also a Berklee Online Alum)

Known by his fans as “The Latin Tenor,” this Berklee Online alum transitioned from a three-decade career as a mechanical engineer to become a singing sensation with more than a million followers on Instagram.

A drum set is pictured before a concert, and the microphones that are picking up the drummer's sound are showcased in the photo.

Drum Mics: How to Place Microphones Around Your Kit for a Live Concert

Choosing the correct microphone for the job is key to achieving excellent mix results. Nowhere is this more apparent than when you’re miking a drum kit for a live show. In this course excerpt from the Microphone Techniques for Live Sound Production course, you’ll learn the right way (and some of the wrong ways) to mic a drum kit.