The Blackbird Academy 2023-2024 Catalog

2023 – 2024 CATALOG

TO A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN AUDIO EDUCATION
Your passion for audio has led you to
The Blackbird Academy – a school that
sets a new standard of excellence in
audio education. Throughout this
catalog, you will learn about the
Blackbird story and how our unique
teaching approach is unparalleled in
the industry. Once you have gone
through the material, we encourage
you to call or email us with any
questions and to reserve your seat in
an upcoming class!
3

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to The Blackbird Academy.....................3
Foreword, Mutt Lange............................................5
Message from John McBride, Founder .................9
The Blackbird Academy Difference......................10
FACILITIES
Campus Information....................................... 12-13
Gear & Studios ................................................14-15
Studios ..................................................................14
Microphone Locker...............................................14
Recording Laboratory...........................................14
Outboard Gear .....................................................15
Amplifiers..............................................................15
Drums....................................................................15
FACULTY & STAFF
John McBride, Founder/President.......................16
Carma DiCianni, Director of Student
Operations and Marketing ...................................16
Mark Rubel, Director of Education.......................16
Jeremy Cottrell, Studio Engineering Director .....16
Ernesto Olvera-LaPier, Studio Instructor..............16
Lucas Glenney-Tegtmeier, Studio Instructor ........18
Scott Brewer, Director of Live Sound...................18
Rich Flora, Live Sound Instructor..........................18
Blair Gallimore, HR Director / Accounts ..............18
CONTACT US
Call: 615-385-2423
Fax: 615-251-8787
Email: info@theblackbirdacademy.com
FACULTY & STAFF (CONT.)
Amber Gray, Career Services Manager ...............18
Marian Matthis, Digital Marketing Director .........18
ADMISSIONS
Admission Requirements......................................20
Start Dates ............................................................20
Program Cost........................................................20
Payment Options..................................................20
Refund Policy ........................................................20
Placement Assistance ...........................................21
Student Housing...................................................21
PROGRAMS
Studio Engineering Program...........................24-28
Live Engineering Program...............................29-33
TESTIMONIALS
What the Experts Say......................................22-25
Keith Urban......................................................22
Vance Powell....................................................22
Patrick Carney..................................................22
Don Was ..........................................................23
Sheryl Crow......................................................23
Tim McGraw ....................................................23
Marc Roberge..................................................23
What the Grads Say..............................................34
ONLINE
www.theblackbirdacademy.com
Submit an application:
www.theblackbirdacademy.com/apply-online
4

[ FOREWORD ]
MUSIC FIRST
THE MUSIC BUSINESS IS EXACTLY
THAT. MUSIC FIRST, AND THEN THE
BUSINESS OF STAR MAKING,
MARKETING, AND MORE.
The music side comprises writing, arranging,
recording, and mixing of the songs. The Blackbird
Academy gives its students a natural fusion of new
recording technology and the old and eternal recording
techniques used over the last 50+ years.
The Blackbird Academy can give any individual a
great kickstart in learning about and understanding
these disciplines. It can also provide a great foundation
from which to springboard one’s natural talent.
The Blackbird Academy will be a very exciting and
life-changing experience for any aspiring artist, producer,
or engineer. If I was starting all over again, this
is exactly where you would find me – a great place to
learn and to keep one’s creativity intact.
Blackbird Studio is the finest recording studio on
Planet Earth. What better place could there be to
learn?
– Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Producer & Songwriter
5

6
WHAT MAKES THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY DIFFERENT?

TOP
INSTRUCTORS
BEST
GEAR
MORE
HANDS ON

8

[ INTRODUCTION ]
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN MCBRIDE
FOUNDER, THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY
A number of years ago, I took a few
steps back and took a long, hard look at
my life. God and family are at the center
of my life, as I’m sure they are for many
people. After that, I am fortunate
because I have been making a living in
the music business for a long time, and
frankly, any day I can make a living in the
music business is a great day!
So, here I am with an incredible wife
(Martina McBride), an incredible studio
(Blackbird Studio), and a long list of
friends who work in every area of the
business. I have great friends at record
labels, management companies,
booking agencies, live production
companies, studios, and publishing
companies. So, how do I do something
with my life that involves all of this and
benefits the world, too?
The older I get, the more important
mentoring has become for me. Teaching
is an honorable and great occupation
that is important to the future of our
world. There is a bit of a teacher in my
DNA as my dad taught for years and is
now retired. This is where the idea of
The Blackbird Academy originated. I
have had teachers who made a huge
difference in my life. I would love to
have the same positive effect on as
many students’ lives as possible.
Thanks to the mentors who shared
their knowledge and experience with
me, I have been able to work on many
projects in the recording studio in a very
short time. Music by a variety of artists
from Kesha to Dave Stewart to Martina
has my stamp and my name on it –
something of which I am very proud. I
would like to provide those same
mentoring opportunities to any student
who signs up for The Blackbird Academy
so they may master these skills in the
same way that I learned.
We are passionate and driven in our
goals to improve the music business and
change the world, and we can do that
by giving an outstanding education to
our students.
If you have any questions, do not
hesitate to contact us. We are here to
make a difference. I believe students can
figure out if this career is for them by
taking this course. It will not take four
years of your life, and you will not have
huge debt to deal with upon
graduation. If this is your chosen
profession, let us get you on your way to
making a great living right away!
Thanks, and I look forward to hearing
from you.
– John McBride
9

WHAT MAKES
THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY
DIFFERENT?
The current state of audio
education often puts students at a
disadvantage upon graduation by
leaving them with below average
skills, not enough hands-on
experience, and an in-complete
education. There is often a high level
of debt, which can limit a graduate’s
ability to build a successful career.
The Blackbird Academy offers a
new model in education. Our
program gives students access to true
working professionals and a hands-on
experience using a world class
collection of gear – all in a facility
designed for one purpose: making
excellent music.
The Blackbird Academy is a
mentor-based program where
students are taught by a unique cast
of professional instructors and awardwinning
guest lecturers.
Our campus is built on the
foundation of Blackbird Studio, the
Nashville home to a community of
engineers, producers, musicians and
technical staff who over the years
have taken the art of audio recording
to new highs.
The principles and beliefs that
guide the Academy’s program are
simple: Challenge and educate
students by presenting them with
real life scenarios an engineer would
encounter on a regular basis. We
believe training should take place in
spaces that are not empty, cold
classrooms but professionallydesigned
studios and labs where
engineers can hone their craft.
Students graduate with a high
degree of both practical and
theoretical knowledge of the trade,
which gives them the best
opportunity to establish and build
their careers. Our goal is to provide
the greatest education, in the
shortest amount of time, for the
least amount possible.
Realize your potential by taking part
in The Blackbird Academy
experience!
10

5:1
STUDENT/STUDIO
RATIO
ULTIMATE
LEARNING
EXPERIENCE

CAMPUS INFORMATION
The Blackbird Academy is located in
Berry Hill, Tennessee, home to more
than 40 recording studios and just
minutes from downtown Nashville.
Known worldwide as Music City – the
capital of country music – Nashville has
always been so much more. It’s an
entertainment center and a music
production hub for Rock, Gospel,
Christian, Americana, Pop, Rap, R&B
– all styles of music.
The Blackbird Academy is part of
Blackbird Studio, founded in 2002 and
today one of the most outstanding
recording destinations in the world.
The rooms, consoles, microphones,
outboard gear and lounges were
chosen around a central concept: to
provide the best audio production
facilities for top musicians, producers
and engineers. This passion for great
audio quickly made Blackbird the studio
of choice for artists ranging from Beck
to Kenny Chesney, Sheryl Crow, Tim
McGraw, Faith Hill, Kings of Leon, Kid
Rock, The White Stripes and Keith
Urban, just to name a few.
The Blackbird Academy carries on this
tradition by repurposing three of the
nine studios solely for education. In
addition, a purpose-built Recording
Laboratory adds the perfect space for
critical listening and teaching of key
concepts, skills and techniques. The
Recording Laboratory is a studio
itself, with an API 1608 console, Pro
Tools HD, outboard gear, and live
video/audio from the other studios.
12

NINE
STUDIOS
1400
MICS
50 AMPS
70 GUITARS

GEAR & STUDIOS
The Blackbird Academy’s microphones, consoles, outboard gear, and recording spaces are
second to none. Students are trained on the same equipment used by top producers, musicians,
and recording artists who have created countless award-winning records at Blackbird Studio.
STUDIOS
The Blackbird Academy’s Studio A
features 11 different recording areas
including a variable Tom Hidley-designed
chamber with an adjustable ceiling to
customize reverb time. The control room
features a 72-input Neve 8078, a six card
Pro Tools HD system, and ATC 300s as
main monitors. In the racks are many
processors from Blackbird’s famous
outboard gear collection.
The Blackbird Academy’s Studio B
comes equipped with a 48-channel API
Legacy Plus console with Flying Fader
automation, a six card Pro Tools HD
system and ATC 300s as main monitors.
The studio’s small live chamber is also
perfect for vocal or instrumental
overdubs. In the racks are many coveted
processors from Blackbird’s famous
outboard gear collection.
The Blackbird Academy’s Studio I is a
fully digital stuido featuring a revolving
range of gear from Blackbird’s impressive
collection. Students have access to
preamps, processors and reverbs from a
large list of manufacturers giving
instructors and students the ability to mix
and match gear for each session.
MICROPHONE LOCKER
The Blackbird Academy’s microphone
locker has more than 1,400 microphones
on hand, including U47s, Telefunken 251s
and Elektroakustic RFTs, AKG C12s,
Neumann U67s, M50s, M49s, M269s,
classic small diaphragm tube mics and
many more. Students will experience ears
on shootouts, best practices for setup,
and tips on miking from instructors,
experienced staff and award-winning
guest lecturers. Access to the single best
collection of microphones in the world is
one of the things that makes The
Blackbird Academy education so unique.
RECORDING LABORATORY
The Blackbird Academy’s Recording
Laboratory accommodates 30 students
and uses three large video screens and
high-definition cameras for an
unparalleled learning experience. The lab
is also a fully-equipped recording studio
featuring high-quality audio playback, an
API 1608 console, a Pro Tools HD system,
and outboard gear from Blackbird’s
extensive collection.
Each student will be seated at a station
equipped with a hybrid interface/console,
a computer with video display and
headphones for monitoring and critical
listening. Each station will have Pro Tools
and other software used for recording
and mixing. The room is networked,
meaning each student will be able to
record the same audio being fed to the
instructor’s rig from the isolation booths
and other locations in the complex.
14

OUTBOARD GEAR
Outboard compressors, EQs, reverbs,
effects processors and preamps are the
tools that take any mix, overdub or
tracking session to the next level.
Blackbird’s collection is one of the best in
the world, featuring processors from over
90 companies and some historical gear
not often found under one roof. The
selection includes coveted units both old
and new from Telefunken, EMI, Fairchild,
Shadow Hill, Helios, Decca, Pye, RCA,
Chandler Limited, Tube-Tech, UREI, AMS,
Inward Connections and much, much
more.
Students will have access to this
fabulous collection in class and during
sessions where instructors will guide them
through A/B listening tests, best
practices, advanced usage tips and more.
This collection of outboard gear is
another reason The Blackbird Academy
education is like none other.
AMPLIFIERS
The production and learning environment
at The Blackbird Academy goes
well beyond studio recording, overdubbing
and mixing. All productions begin
with musicians, and our instrument, amplifier
and drum collections are unequaled.
Students will be taught the importance of
choosing and setting up a guitar and amplifier
before the Record button is
pushed; if the source is not right, no microphone,
console or good intention will
be able to fix it later. Blackbird’s amplifier
collection includes more than 50 vintage
and new units from Fender, Marshall,
Gibson, Matchless, Vox, Ampeg, Watkins,
Mesa Boogie, Dumble and many more.
DRUMS
Blackbird’s drum collection provides a
strong pulse with more than 48 vintage
kits and 50 vintage snares. Top Nashville
drum techs will take students through the
techniques they use to make kits ready
for a high-quality recording.
Manufacturers include Gretsch, Craviotto,
Camco, Slingerland, Dunnett, Ludwig,
Leedy, Rogers, Sonor, WFL, Yamaha and
more.
The studio’s
microphone
collection is
the most
extensive
private
collection
in the world.
15

LEARN FROM THE INDUSTRY’S LEADERS
The Blackbird Academy features a highly skilled, professional teaching staff – plus a
cast of award-winning, industry guest lecturers who regularly visit the campus.
JOHN MCBRIDE
FOUNDER/PRESIDENT/INSTITUTIONAL
DIRECTOR
John McBride has a 30+ year career in
live sound, tour management, and studio
recording. He started his career by
launching a live sound company, MD
Systems, which Clair Global purchased in
1997. John is still part of the Clair Global
management team. Next, he and his wife
Martina, a multi-platinum-selling music
artist, built Blackbird Studio into one of
the world’s premier recording studio
complexes. His passion for audio and love
for teaching resulted in The Blackbird
Academy’s launch in 2013.
CARMA DICIANNI
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT OPERATIONS AND
MARKETING
Carma DiCianni is responsible for
strategically building, executing, and
maintaining our student/alum programs
and corporate partnerships; oversees the
creation/implementation of
communication and marketing materials
for the school; and is financially
responsible for the academy.
Carma has been in the education and
music industries for over 20 years,
working with recording studios, tour
management, and as an event/concert
photographer. Carma has management
experience with multiple artists and
bands, including Bon Jovi, Stone Temple
Pilots, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Marty
Stuart, Travis Tritt, and more. Carma has
degrees in Education, Audio Engineering,
and Entertainment Business.
MARK RUBEL
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Mark has taught audio, music
technology, music business, and the
history of rock to thousands of students
since 1985. He has taught at various
colleges/universities and has served as the
Audio and Recording Director at Eastern
Illinois University’s $70 million Doudna
Arts Center.
Since 1980, Mark has recorded
extensively with a client list that includes
Hum, Alison Krauss, Rascal Flatts, Fall Out
Boy, Ludacris, and many more.
JEREMY COTTRELL
DIRECTOR OF STUDIO ENGINEERING
Jeremy Cottrell has worked at Blackbird
Studio since its opening in 2002. He also
became an instructor at The Blackbird
Academy when it started in 2013. His
engineering credits include Sheryl Crow,
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Martina
McBride, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Tim
McGraw, Alison Krauss, Big & Rich, and
Jars Of Clay.
ERNESTO OLVERA-LAPIER
INSTRUCTOR/STUDIO ENGINEER
Ernesto joined Blackbird in 2012 as a
“runner” and worked to an assistant
engineering position within a few months.
But it was a Keith Urban session that
changed Ernesto’s life forever. The lead
engineer was unavailable one day and
suggested Ernesto take his place. The first
song Ernesto recorded in that session was
released a few days later as the first single
from Keith Urban‘s 2013 chart-topping
album, Fuse. The song, “A Little Bit of
Everything,” reached number one on the
country charts. “Raise ‘Em Up,” a duet
16

FORTY
ELITE
STUDENTS
24 WEEKS
700 + HOURS
ONE
DREAM CAREER

with Eric Church, was the second song
Ernesto engineered, and it also reached
number one. Ernesto has also engineered
for Lady A, Cam, Martina McBride,
Mickey Guyton, Kesha, OAR, and Snoop
Dogg.
LUCAS GLENNEY-TEGTMEIER
INSTRUCTOR/STUDIO ENGINEER
Lucas Glenney-Tegtmeier is a University
of New Haven alum. After graduation, he
moved to Nashville and became a
member of the engineering staff at
Blackbird Studio. Lucas has worked on
projects for recording artists such as
Willie Nelson, Kane Brown, Thomas
Rhett, Keith Urban, Jason Isbell, JoJo,
Yelawolf, Elle King, Carrie Underwood,
Lady A, Cam, and Sasha Sloan. Lucas has
also worked as an audio technician at the
Schermerhorn Symphony Center in
Nashville – where he assisted the
Nashville Symphony and their featured
artists, including Kellie Pickler, Chris
Daughtry, Branford Marsalis, Michael W
Smith, CeCe Winans.
SCOTT BREWER
DIRECTOR OF LIVE SOUND
Scott has been a musician for over
twenty years and started his career
playing in bands before moving to the
other side of the console. Scott studied
at Guildford Technical College in North
Carolina, where he double-majored in
Recording Engineering and Concert
Sound & Lighting. At the time, Scott
freelanced for production companies and
the local IATSE (International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees). This work
led him to a gig with Imagine Design and
Productions, where he was an audio
engineer, systems designer, and installer.
Scott joined The Blackbird Academy to
teach live sound in 2017.
RICH FLORA
LIVE SOUND INSTRUCTOR
Rich Flora came to The Blackbird
Academy from Clair Global, where he
worked both in IT and as an audio
engineer for over 27 years. Before joining
Clair, Rich had positions in all aspects of
audio and electronics. Besides sound
engineering, he has worked as a lighting
director, a radio broadcast engineer, and
an A/V Tech for a top 50 law firm.
Rich has engineered for many bands
but spent most of his time on the road
with Little Texas and Collin Ray.
BLAIR GALLIMORE
HR DIRECTOR/ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Blair Gallimore is the Human Resources
Director for The Blackbird Academy and
Accounts Manager for Blackbird Studio.
Blair graduated from Belmont University
in 2009 with a Music Business degree.
While at Belmont, she interned at
Blackbird Studio and ultimately was hired
as the Client Services/Administrative
Assistant. Blair has been in her current
role since 2017.
AMBER GRAY
CAREER SERVICES MANAGER
Amber assists our studio and live sound
engineering students in their pursuit of
internship/job opportunities. She
provides career advising services,
including resume/cover letter writing,
interview prep, application assistance,
networking, and job search strategies.
Amber is the liaison with our employer
clients, and her outreach efforts create
new employment opportunities for our
students and alums. Amber holds a
Bachelor’s degree from the University of
Arkansas and an Associate’s degree in
Audio Engineering from SAE Institute.
MARIAN MATTHIS
DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR
Marian manages the social media
channels and websites for The Blackbird
Academy and Blackbird Studio. Before
joining Blackbird, Marian was a contract
marketing/graphic design/website pro
and an executive at The Tennessean
newspaper in Nashville. She has a BS in
Marketing from Murray State University in
Kentucky and an MBA from Vanderbilt
University.
18

WE CONCENTRATE ON DOING, INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT IT.
19

GETTING TO THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students applying for admission to
The Blackbird Academy must have a
minimum of a high school diploma or
GED-equivalent. A prospective student
must submit an official copy of their high
school transcripts or GED upon completion
of their admission application.
Non-accredited schools or those not
approved by the Board of Education may
not be acceptable; please check with
your admissions representative before
paying/attending any of these courses.
Two letters of recommendation (from
an employer, instructor or audio
professional) are required, as well as two
essays of 500 words each.
An interview will be conducted either
in person or by phone upon receipt of
the admission application. The Blackbird
Academy reserves the right to request
corroborating information in addition to
the application prior to the final
determination of acceptance and/or
admission.
IMPORTANT DATES
The Blackbird Academy’s programs have
four starts in a calendar year, each
running six months in length.
2023–2024 Start Dates
January 9, 2023 January 8, 2024
April 10, 2023 April 8, 2024
July 10, 2023 July 8, 2024
October 2, 2023 September 30, 2024
Holidays
Students will have the following holidays
for the next two calendar years:
Spring Break: Apr 1 – 9, 2023
Summer Break: July 1 – 9, 2023
Thanksgiving: Nov 23 – 26, 2023
Winter Break: Dec 23, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024
Spring Break: Mar 30 – Apr 7, 2024
Summer Break: Jun 29 – Jul 7, 2024
Thanksgiving: Nov 28 – Dec 1, 2024
Winter Break: Dec 21, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
PROGRAM COST
The cost of attendance is composed of
charges billed directly to you by The
Blackbird Academy as well as indirect
costs that go along with attending school.
The current tuition, including iPad with all
educational materials included is:
Studio Engineering Program: $23,100
Live Sound Engineering Program: $23,100
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Please contact the Admissions Dept.
regarding payment options and payment
of tuition. Cash payments and/or a
payment plan may be used to fund your
education. This option maybe used in
combination with other financial
assistance. VA Benefits Eligible.
REFUND POLICY
Refunds Due to Cancellation: Students
who are rejected by the college or cancel
the application within three (3) business
day’s of receipt of the application fee are
entitled to a 100% refund of any
fees/tuition paid. Students who have not
visited The Blackbird Academy prior to
sending in application will have three (3)
business days following their visit to
cancel and receive a 100% refund.
Under any other circumstances, the $75
application fee is retained by The
Blackbird Academy.
If a student is terminated, withdraws or
otherwise fails to complete the
program(s) and has received any form of
financial assistance while enrolled, the
financial institution will determine the
refunds (if applicable) that will be
given.The date from which the refund is
calculated is the last date that a student
attended a class. Refunds will be made
within thirty (30) days of the date The
20

Blackbird Academy determines that the
student has withdrawn. The original
source that the monies were received
dictates the entity of how the monies will
also be refunded. In the event of a
students prolonged illness, accident,
death in the family or other circumstances
that make completion of the program(s)
impossible or impractical, the school will
attempt to make a fair and reasonable
settlement.
REFUNDS DUE TO WITHDRAWAL
WEEK
% OF REFUND
(less application fee)
Before Class Begins 100%
Weeks 1 - 3 75%
Weeks 4 - 6 50%
Weeks 7 - 12 25%
Weeks 13 - 24 0%
start on their careers.
While students may hold jobs to help
support themselves while they’re in the
program, the focus once they leave
should be on finding a promising job in
the audio industry. The Career Services
Manager can help students make contact
at many studios, live sound companies,
manufacturers and more, where students
may interview once they leave the
program. To qualify, you must have met
the course’s graduation prerequisites, and
honored all predetermined financial
arrangements.
FOLLOW
e
MAKE
CONTACT
Call: 615-385-2423
Fax: 615-251-8787
Email: info@theblackbirdacademy.com
Web: www.theblackbirdacademy.com
Facebook: facebook.com/TheBlackbirdAcademy
Twitter: @BBArocks
Instagram: @TheBlackbirdAcademy
PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE
The Blackbird Academy is a microcosm
of the audio recording industry, and
networking with other students, teaching
staff, and guest lecturers begins
immediately upon enrolling in the
Academy.
During a student’s stay at the Academy,
students will be exposed to many expert
panels, mentoring sessions both live and
online, remote interviews, and other
resources to help students get a head
STUDENT HOUSING
The Blackbird Academy has arranged different lease options with several local
apartment complexes for incoming students. Admissions Representatives can also
assist students with a roommate list if you would like a roommate to help lower
expenses. The resource links below can also help guide you through the many
housing choices in the Nashville area.
Housing Resources:
Apartments.com – https://www.apartments.com/nashville-tn/
Apartment Finder – https://www.apartmentfinder.com/Tennessee/Nashville-Apartments
ApartmentGuide – https://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Tennessee/
ForRent.com – https://www.forrent.com/find/TN/metro-Nashville/Nashville
21

22
WHAT
THE
EXPERTS
SAY
ABOUT
THE
BLACKBIRD
ACADEMY
KEITH URBAN
Recording Artist,
Songwriter, Musician
VANCE POWELL PATRICK CARNEY
Grammy-Winning
Drummer,
Recording Engineer The Black Keys
“ “
IF YOU ARE GOING TO
IF YOU ARE
GET AN EDUCATION IN
INTERESTED IN
THIS BUSINESS, THIS IS LEARNING HOW TO
THE BEST SET OF
RECORD OR MIX LIVE
ROOMS TO BE DOING IT. SOUND ... FROM SOME
” OF THE BEST PEOPLE IN
”
“
IF YOU ARE THINKING
ABOUT GOING
ANYWHERE FOR AN
AUDIO SCHOOL, THIS IS
THE PLACE...IT’S THE
EPICENTER OF
RECORDING IN
NASHVILLE AND PEOPLE
FROM OUTSIDE
COUNTRY MUSIC ARE
ALL COMING HERE TO
RECORD AS WELL.
THE GAME, I WOULD
RECOMMEND GOING TO
THE BLACKBIRD
ACADEMY.
”

DON WAS
Grammy-Winning
Producer, Musician
“
TO BE ABLE TO LEARN
IN THAT
ENVIRONMENT…MAN,
YOU ARE GONNA HAVE
THE BEST SHOT OF AN
EDUCATION IN
RECORDING THAT
YOU’RE GONNA HAVE
ANYWHERE.
SHERYL CROW
Recording Artist,
Songwriter, Musician
“ [STUDENTS] ARE
GOING TO WALK IN
HERE, BE EXCITED
ABOUT LEARNING, AND
REALLY LEARN WHAT IT
TAKES TO MAKE A
RECORD…IF I HAD SIX
MONTHS TO DEDICATE
TO COMING TO THE
BLACKBIRD ACADEMY, I
WOULD SO BE HERE.
”
TIM MCGRAW
Recording Artist,
Songwriter, Actor
MARC ROBERGE
Recording Artist,
Musician, O.A.R.
“ COMING TO THE
BLACKBIRD ACADEMY
WOULD BE THE BEST
”
“
IF YOU ARE LOOKING
FOR A PLACE TO LEARN
ALL YOU CAN ABOUT
AUDIO, THEN THE
BLACKBIRD ACADEMY IS
THE PLACE YOU NEED
TO BE.
DECISION YOU EVER
MADE, IF YOU WANT TO
BE IN THE REAL MUSIC
BUSINESS.
”
”
To see the complete interviews, visit www.theblackbirdacademy.com/testimonials 23

LOCATED AT: 2806 AZALEA PLACE, NASHVILLE, TN 37204
LENGTH OF PROGRAM: SIX MONTHS (HOURS CAN VARY FROM 9AM – 12PM)
CURRENT TUITION: $23,100
WEEK 1: INTRO, LISTENING, RECORDING,
CAREERS & PROFESSIONALISM
Introduction to staff and instructors,
Blackbird Studio tour and technical
orientation. Orientation and preparation.
Ears-on listening, introduction to Pro Tools.
Overview of recording processes, hands on
recording, care and handling of gear.
Overview of careers. Guest speakers and
field trip visits, in person or online.
WEEK 2: SIGNAL FLOW, MIXING CONSOLES,
CAREERS & PROFESSIONALISM
Careers overview continued. Mixing
console and patching systems. In-depth
examination of signal flow and troubleshooting.
Comprehensive study of the API
1608 mixing console. Ears On and Hot Seat
challenges. Guest speakers and visits, in
person or online. Test.
WEEK 3: STUDIO ORIENTATION
Familiarization with rooms, monitors, patch
bay, console and outboard gear. Microphone
reports: Daily, hands-on work with a wide
range of tube, solid state, dynamic, and
condenser microphones. Hands on: Session
pre-production, signal flow, working with
consoles, OB gear, and summing systems.
WEEK 4: STUDIO ORIENTATION - II
Building on Week 3. Concentrating on
tube microphone setup and care.
Compressor & EQ reports: Daily, hands-on
work with a wide range of tube, and solid
state processors. Familiarization with rooms,
monitors, patch bay, console and outboard
gear. Setting up for overdub scenarios.
Written and patch bay exam.
WEEK 5: MICROPHONES
Microphone types, design, uses and
placement for both studio and live recording
environments. Compare and contrast
microphones both classic and modern, and
their placement. Classroom workshops from
microphone company representative(s).
Demos and workshop, mic shootouts, testing
and mic recognition. Guest speakers and
visits, in person or online, ears-on listening,
Pro Tools exercises. Test.
WEEK 6: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS &
MICROPHONE TECHNIQUES
Learn from specialists about tuning, setup
and aspects of different instruments
including drums, acoustic, electric and bass
guitars, vocals and more. Hands-on
recording sessions: microphone and
recording techniques, microphone
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WEEK 10: ACOUSTICS AND SIGNAL
PROCESSING
In-depth investigation of multiple aspects
of musical acoustics: time and space,
frequency, timbre, amplitude, etc. Signal
processing of all types: delays, equalization,
pitch-based effects, compression, gating,
limiting and more. Continued Pro Tools,
signal flow, ear training, critical listening, etc.
Ethics of music technology. Tests.
WEEK 11: TRACKING THE BAND IN STUDIO
Setup, testing gear and tracking a band in
the studio I and II. Overdub and editing I and
II. Rough mixes, cleanup and archiving.
Midterm exam.
comparisons, creative balanced/unbalanced
conversions. Continuing Pro Tools and signal
flow education, ear training and music
education, testing drills. Guest speakers and
visits, in person or online, ears-on listening
exercises.
WEEK 7: TRACKING THE BAND IN STUDIO
Familiarization with new room, monitors,
patch bay, console and outboard gear. Hands
on: Session Pre-Production, consultation with
band, setup, testing, recording, overdub,
mixing, Recording, mixing, mastering, and
content delivery. Introduction to
documentation, charts, and time keeping.
Introduction to soldering on days 4 & 5.
WEEK 8: TRACKING THE BAND IN STUDIO
Recording a live band in studio, overdubs,
edits, mixing and mastering projects from
other students. End of week listening session
for critiquing mixes. Tracking template
instruction.
WEEK 9: LIVE SOUND FACILITY VISIT
The studio engineering students visit our
live sound facility for 3 days to learn live
audio sound basics, setup, power, FOH and
monitor mixing. The live sound students visit
the studio to learn studio session setup.
Recording a live band in studio, overdubs,
edits, mixing and mastering projects from
other students. End of week listening session
for critiquing mixes.
WEEK 12: PRO TOOLS DRILLS, ACOUSTICS
AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
In class Pro Tools exercises and tests.
Continued investigation and experimentation
of acoustics and signal processing. Guest
speakers and visits, in person or online. Earson
critical listening. Test.
WEEK 13: GUEST IN STUDIO
Guest Engineer recording a live band in
studio, overdubs, edits, mixing and mastering
projects from other students. End of week
listening session for critiquing mixes.
WEEK 14: MIXING IN ANALOG/TAPE
Mixing to analog tape, tape editing, tape
loops. Pitch correction software. Audio
converter calibration, bit depth, plug-ins.
Stereo mic techniques.
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WEEK 15: ACOUSTICS & SIGNAL
PROCESSING. HEARING, AUDIO
ILLUSIONS/SUPERSTITIONS, STUDIO &
MONITOR DESIGN
Continued education in acoustical science
and audio signal processing. Study of hearing
and its preservation, auditory illusions and
superstitions. Binaural microphone
demonstration. Introduction to acoustical
design, studio design, soundproofing, etc.
Guest speakers and visits in person or online,
critical listening exercises. Test.
WEEK 16: ACOUSTIC DESIGN AND MONITOR
SYSTEMS
Continued exploration of acoustical
design, studio design, soundproofing, etc.
Monitor system design: amplifiers,
loudspeakers, processing, analysis, etc. Guest
speakers and visits in person or online, critical
listening, Pro Tools exercises. Test.
WEEK 17: SIGNAL PROCESSING IN THE
STUDIO & INTRODUCTION TO ATMOS
Signal processing in the studio. Theory and
use of EQ, Dynamics, Time based and hybrid
processors. Compare and contrast plugins
with Blackbird’s collection across various
workflows, instruments, and vocals. Analog
automation training. Near field monitor setup
and mixing techniques. Microphone
shootouts on various instruments. Introduction
to mixing in Atmos. Automation and
Compressor/EQ recognition test.
WEEK 18: TRACKING THE BAND IN STUDIO
Recording a live band in studio, overdubs,
edits, mixing and mastering projects from
other students. Listening session for
critiquing mixes. Mix template instruction.
WEEK 19: ADVANCED MIXING AND SIGNAL
PROCESSING, MASTERING, AND
MANUFACTURING. HISTORY OF RECORDING.
In-depth training and experience in the
mixing process: philosophy, theories, tools
and techniques. Guest speakers and visits in
person or online, critical listening, mixing
projects. Comprehensive history of recording
technology and the recording industry.
Project assignment.
WEEK 20: CAREERS, BUSINESS,
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY
Music business overview, business structures,
career planning, entrepreneurship, job
search, health and safety. In-depth coverage
of aspects of intellectual property law as they
apply to the music business. Training in interpersonal
skills. Guest speakers and visits in
person or online, critical listening, etc. Project
assignment.
WEEK 21: ELECTRONIC MUSIC
INSTRUMENTS AND PRODUCTION, SOUND
FOR PICTURE, ETC.
Investigation and practice of various
methods of electronic music production:
synthesis, etc. History of the electronic
musical instrument. Video game, film and TV
audio, post-production, etc. Discussions with
professionals in the field. Hands-on film
scoring project, musique concrete project.
Guest speakers and visits in person or online,
critical listening, Pro Tools exercises, etc.
WEEK 22: TRACKING THE BAND IN STUDIO
Recording a live band in studio, overdubs,
edits, mixing and mastering projects from
other students. Listening session for critiquing
mixes. Mastering training. Final exam.
WEEK 23: CAPSTONE
Speak with multiple guest mentors from
different areas of the audio and recording
world. Wrap up, critical listening exercises,
recording projects.
WEEK 24: TRACKING AND MIXING IN
STUDIO
Recording a live band in studio, overdubs,
edits, mixing and mastering projects from
other students. End of week listening session
for critiquing mixes. Mastering student
projects.
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LOCATED AT: 3318 AMBROSE AVE., NASHVILLE, TN 37207
LENGTH OF PROGRAM: SIX MONTHS (HOURS CAN VARY FROM 9AM – 12PM)
CURRENT TUITION: $23,100
WEEK 1: INTRO, COURSE OUTLINE,
ELECTRICITY & ENTERTAINMENT POWER
Orientation and Overview of Classes, Intro
to Instructors, Tour of Live Sound Campus.
Electricity and Entertainment Power:
Introduction into DC and AC circuits,
Overview of concepts associated with
electricity: Volts, Amps, Ohms, Watts,
Transformers, Reactance & Power Factor,
etc., Overview of single phase and 3-phase
power, Introduction to power connectors:
Camloks, Pin Sleeve, Twistlock Hubble, True
One & Powercon. Introduction to
multimeters and other test equipment. Labs
to include safe practices for hooking up and
metering 3-phase power, connecting power
distribution units and chain motor
controllers.
WEEK 2: CABLES, CONNECTORS AND AUDIO
ELECTRONICS
Introduction to common cables and
connectors used in pro audio: Microphone
Splitters, Mass Connectors, Analog and
Digital Snakes. Introduction to Balanced and
Unbalanced audio connections. Introduction
to basic audio electronics including resistors,
capacitors, transistors, diodes and
transformers. Transformers as they relate to
direct boxes and audio splits. Introduction
into Soldering. Labs to include basic
soldering techniques, building & testing
various audio cables.
WEEK 3: MICROPHONES
Introduction to Microphones: Microphone
operating principles: Dynamic, Condenser,
Ribbon, Carbon. Microphone Polar Patterns:
Cardioid, Hyper and Super Cardioid, Omni,
Bi-Directional and Shotgun. Common Mic
Techniques, On-Axis vs. Off- Axis Coloration,
Microphone Frequency Response. Labs to
include applying microphone techniques to
various sound sources and comparing.
WEEK 4: ANALOG CONSOLES I
Analog Consoles Signal Flow, Flow Chart
Symbols Identification, the Channel Strip,
Auxiliary Sends, the Master Section, Signal
Routing and Subgrouping. Incorporating
Graphic EQ’s on Main LR Outputs, Inserting
Dynamics Processing, Incorporating Time
Based Effects. Labs to include applying
analog console live signal routing and signal
flow charts.
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© ALEX ALVAREZ PHOTO

WEEK 5: LIVE STAGE SETUPS
Introduction to common practices in Live
Performance: Crew Positions: FOH, Monitors,
System Tech, Production, Stage and Tour
Managers. Stage Terminology: Stage
Directions, Stage Plots and Input List, Line
Check vs. Sound Check. Introduction to
Analog Consoles, Signal Flow, the Channel
Strip, Auxiliary Sends. Labs to include setting
up a monitor console and wedges,
incorporating Graphic EQ’s to the Aux outs,
Basic Monitoring and using a Cue Wedge.
WEEK 6: SOUND THEORY & ACOUSTICS
Introduction into sound theory and
concepts associated with acoustics:
Frequency, Wavelength, the Speed of Sound,
Equal Loudness Contours, SPL meters,
Dynamic Range, Noise Floor. Venue
Acoustics and modeling of acoustic
environments: RT60, Room Modal Analysis,
Inverse Square Law, Decibels, White noise
and Pink Noise. Introduction into Critical
Listening. Common practices for sound
control in room design.
WEEK 7: AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSORS
Building on previous lessons including
Signal Flow of Frequency based, Amplitude
based & Time-based processing.
Identification of Filters,
Shelving/Sweeping/Parametric Equalizers.
Inserting, Side Chaining and use of Parallel
Dynamics based Processors. Introduction to
Multitrack Mixing and Common Mixing
Techniques. Labs to include hands on
application of Frequency based, Amplitude
based & Time-based Processors.
WEEK 8: LIVE RECORDING, DAW’S & PRO
TOOLS
Introduction to Digital Audio and
Recording of a Live Performance.
Introduction into Basic Networking, Dante,
Dante Virtual Soundcard & Dante Controller.
Introduction to Pro Tools: System Setup,
Recording, Editing, Mixing, Applying Effects
& Signal Flow. Labs to include hands on
setup, operation and mixing of a project in
Pro Tools.
WEEK 9: STUDIO VISIT
The live sound students visit the studio for
3 days to learn recording, overdubs, edits,
mixing, and mastering of a live band in a
studio setting. End of week listening session
for critiquing mixes. The studio engineering
students visit the live facility to learn live
audio sound basics, setup, power, FOH, and
monitor mixing.
WEEK 10: DIGITAL CONSOLES I AND MIXING
TECHNIQUES I
Introduction to Digital Consoles: Patching
and I/O, Digital Connectivity, Latency, On-
Board Signal Processing, Saving, Copying &
Pasting Presets, Snapshots and Scenes,
Offline Editors. Consoles focused on this
week are the Midas M32, Soundcraft Si
Performer, Soundcraft Vi1 as well as others
31

depending on availability. Labs to include
hands on exercises based on signal flow and
mix techniques.
WEEK 11: LOUDSPEAKERS, CROSSOVERS &
AMPLIFIERS
Introduction to Loudspeakers, Crossovers
& Amplifiers. Topics to include Moving Coil
Drivers, Compression Drivers and Horns,
Enclosure Types, Construction & Design,
Dispersion Patterns, Active and Passive
Crossovers. Amplifier Terminology: Power
Rating, Class, Impedance, Modes of
Operation (Stereo, Parallel, Bridged Mono).
Discussion on common practices regarding
connectivity of modern sound systems.
WEEK 12: MID TERM WEEK
Comprehensive review of material covered
in the previous 11 weeks in preparation for
the mid-term exam. Practice for the mid-term
practical exam.
WEEK 13: SOUND SYSTEM DESIGN,
CONNECTIONS & OPTIMIZATION
Review of Loudspeakers, Design &
Construction, Horn Types, Multiple Point
Sources, Comb Filtering, setting up a 2-Way
System, Crossover Points, Filter Topology
(Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz-Riley), Setting
up a 3-Way or 4-Way System, Aux Fed Sub
Systems, Sub Arrays, System Processors. Labs
to include connecting and setting up P.A.
System, configuring System Processors, and
Sub Arrays
WEEK 14: PERMANENT INSTALLS
Fixed Audio System Designs for use in a
Venue (Theaters, Schools, Bars, Churches,
etc.), Audio Processing for Venues, Power
Sequencing, Common Design Practices
(Gear, Rigging, Remote Access), 70V Speaker
Systems (Theory, Connectivity, Deployment
using Software such as Ease Address),
Designing a Sound System with a budget and
deadline.
WEEK 15: SYSTEM ANALYZERS &
TROUBLESHOOTING
Introduction to System Analyzers &
Troubleshooting Methods, Time Alignment,
System Tuning Methods
WEEK 16: LINE ARRAYS & RIGGING
Line Array History and Theory, Popular
Configurations, Line Array Principles (Array
Length, Driver Separation, Inverse Square
Law), Array Configurations (Straight Line,
Constant Splay, Progressive Splay), Rigging
Gear (Aircraft Cable, Shackles, Spansets, Pear
Rings), Rigging Points (Dead Hangs, Bridle
Hangs) Labs to include rigging overview,
flying and configuring a line array system.
32

WEEK 17: ANALOG CONSOLES II
Large Format Analog Consoles, Advanced
Analog Signal Flow Concepts, VCA’s &
Matrices, Mute Groups, Outboard Signal
Processing (including Frequency, Amplitude
& Time-Based Processing), Documenting
Outboard Gear, Mixing Tip & Tricks,
Recording a Live Mix using Pro Tools.
WEEK 18: RF & IEMS
RF Theory, FFC Rules & Regulations, Types
of Modulation, RF Frequency Bands, RF
Signal Flow, Wireless Transmitters, Nondiversity,
Diversity & True Diversity Receivers,
Networking Wireless Devices. Wireless
Antennas: Antenna Polar Patterns, Cabling
and Connections, Antenna Splitters and
Combiners, Antenna Deployment. Labs to
include connecting wireless devices,
controlling and monitoring remotely over
network connection.
WEEK 19: ADVANCED MONITOR SETUPS
Stage Monitor Mix Approaches, Wiring
and Deployment of Stage Monitoring,
Monitor Signal Flow, Wedge Configurations
(Mono, Stereo), Optimizing Wedges for gain
before feedback, IEM Mixing, Side Fills, Side
Hangs, Communication Etiquette with Artist,
Troubleshooting. Labs to include wiring and
deploying several monitor configurations and
creating a monitor mix.
WEEK 20: DIGITAL AUDIO THEORY &
NETWORKING
Digital Audio Theory, Analog to Digital
Converters, Digital to Analog Converters,
Sample Rate, Bit Depth, Word Clocking,
Digital Audio Protocols, Linear Time Code,
Computer Networking (IP addresses, Subnet
Mask, Gateways, MAC Addresses, Network
Switches), Audio Over Ethernet (Dante, AVB,
AES50), MADI, AES/EBU. Labs to include
connecting and networking various audio
gear.
WEEK 21: TOUR PRODUCTION AND MUSIC
BUSINESS
Production, Stage and Tour Management,
Band & Artist Management, Riders (Tech,
Backline, Hospitality) Union Hands, Venue
Management, Taxes, being your own boss,
Sole Proprietorships, DBA’s & LLC. Resumes,
Business Cards, Touring Etiquette, Buss &
Tour Safety.
WEEK 22: BACKLINE AND STAGE
MANAGEMENT
Instrument Setup & Maintenance,
Anatomy of a Guitar (Body & Neck, Bridge,
Saddle & Nut, Tuners, etc.), Stringing
Instruments, Truss Rod Adjustments, Tuning,
Intonation & Action, Effects Pedals Signal
Flow, Effects Loops, Amplifier Demos & Mic
Techniques, setting up a Drum kit, Changing
Drumheads, Drum Hardware.
WEEK 23: DIGITAL CONSOLES II AND MIXING
TECHNIQUES II
Advanced Digital Signal Flow Concepts,
Large Format Digital Consoles, Advanced
Signal Routing (Matrix Mixers, Auxiliary
Sends, Subgrouping, DCA’s, Control Groups,
Snapshot Automation), Offline Editors.
WEEK 24: RECAP AND FINAL EXAMS
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34
WHAT
THE
GRADS
SAY
ABOUT
THE
BLACKBIRD
ACADEMY
DAVID LOY
“ THANKS TO THE
EDUCATION AND
CONNECTIONS I HAD
RECEIVED IN THIS
PROGRAM, I BEGAN
TOURING EVEN PRIOR
TO GRADUATING.
BRIT YEOMANS
“ THE BLACKBIRD
”
JAVONNII CURRY
“
I SPECIFICALLY CHOSE
THE BLACKBIRD
ACADEMY BECAUSE I
”
ACADEMY REALLY
KICKSTARTED MY AUDIO
CAREER IN THE BEST
WAY. THE SCHOOL’S
HANDS-ON APPROACH
QUICKLY GOT ME FROM
‘WHAT DOES PHASE
MEAN’ TO AN EMPLOYEE
FOR THE WORLD’S
GREATEST SOUND
COMPANY UPON
GRADUATION!
KNEW THAT IT WAS
GOING TO PROVIDE THE
BEST QUALITY
EDUCATION IN TERMS
OF AUDIO, AND IT PAID
OFF. IT WAS SUCH AN
AMAZING EXPERIENCE
AND I’VE LEARNED SO
MUCH. I DID BOTH
PROGRAMS AND
GRADUATED MARCH,
2017.
”

MATT WOLACH
RACHEL ROZZI
“
THIS IS HANDS DOWN,
THE BEST AUDIO
SCHOOL IN THE
WORLD!!! IF YOU ARE
LOOKING FOR A CAREER
IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY,
THE BLACKBIRD
ACADEMY IS A MUST.
“Attitude is 99% of the gig.”
“
– John McBride
BLACKBIRD WAS
Founder/President/Institutional Director
VERY INSTRUMENTAL
IN HELPING ME START
MY CAREER IN LIVE
AUDIO.
”
”

a new standard of excellence in audio education
2806 Azalea Place Nashville, Tennessee 37204 615.385.2423 www.theblackbirdacademy.com
© NATHAN SEXTON PHOTO