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Recording Certificate Program

Fall 2025

Capricorn Professional Development Series

This certificate course will introduce students to the theory and fundamentals of using software and hardware tools for producing music, including digital music editing, multi-track recording, MIDI note entry, signal processing plugins, computer music notation software, sound design, electronic music history and microphone technique. The course will stress application and creative content, using a series of project-based learning activities which includes student exposure to performing with electronic instruments and vocal recording, and multi-track recording live instruments.

This hands-on, applied course will deliver to class members experience with digital and analog music editing/recording software applications using ProTools (Digital Audio Editing Workstation). Although there will be some flexibility to work ahead, this course can only cover beginning to intermediate types of operations. Most of the coursework will be applied, but some theory will be presented to explain some of the terms and operations in which we engage.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Define and describe a digital audio workstation (DAW)
  • Troubleshoot workstation, identify specific connections and successfully connect all parts of a studio
  • Describe the features of audio editing
  • Exhibit a basic knowledge of song form by composing an organized song in ProTools using various musical inputs
  • Exhibit fluency while using ProTools
  • Define MIDI and understand the differences between MIDI and audio
  • Compose and record a song using MIDI and audio
  • Execute editing skills to create a new arrangement of a song
  • Define and effectively utilize various FX Plug-ins
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sound

Because this is a project-based course, your participation includes displaying proficiency with various creative processes with recording instruments, microphone usage, using technically correct recording fundamentals, developing proficiency with ProTools, and approaching in-class assignments with an enthusiastic attitude.

The Introductory Studio Recording Certificate Program will return in Fall 2025!

Planning is underway for the 2025 Introductory Studio Recording Certificate Program. Complete the form below to receive updates and news regarding the program. Thank you for your interest.

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Required Materials

There will not be a required textbook for this class. Various educational resources will be provided online. A laptop computer with ProTools software will be required for this course and a student discounted version can be found at avid.com for $9.99/month.

Credential

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded a Mercer Music at Capricorn Certificate in Basic Studio Recording

The Instructors

Rob Evans

Rob Evans

Mercer Music at Capricorn

Rob Evans is a recording, broadcast and concert engineer, music producer and co-owner of Creek Media, LLC which includes 100.9 FM The Creek and Soundandsoulonline.com. Rob is also the founder of Star Motel Recording Studios and Star Motel Records. Rob serves as Chief Engineer at Capricorn Sound Studios and was instrumental in its restoration. Rob currently oversees the Mercer Music at Capricorn complex which includes Capricorn Sound Studios, The Capricorn Museum and the Capricorn Music Incubator.

Rob studied recording with and assisted Athens recording engineers and producers David Barbe and John Keane whose credits include The Indigo Girls, The B-52s, R.E.M., Wilco, Drive By Truckers and many more. Past projects have garnered regional and national attention and awards including a Tellie Award for sound design and Best of Show “Cherry Street” by Floco Torres. Rob serves as personal engineer to Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones and has collaborated on projects for The Pistol Annies, Richard Ashcroft, Jon Anderson and the Theme song for the 2022 World Games. Recent projects include Blackberry Smoke’s “Live from Capricorn Sound Studios”, Gregg Allman’s “Back to Macon” live concert film at The Grand Opera House, Les Brers live at the Capitol Theatre, Creek Sessions which include Shovels and Rope, Drew and Ellie Holcolm, The Secret Sisters, Hayes Carll, Ben Dickey, Great Peacock, Sam Morrow, Jim Lauderdale, Tyler Childers, Lindsey Lou, Caroline Spence, Charley Crockett, and projects for local musicians as well.

Rob was also guitarist with the band Hank Vegas. The band’s work was recognized in Paste Magazine (CD sampler # 38), Georgia Music Magazine, Flag Pole, the Eleventh Hour, Atlanta’s Creative Loafing, and many others. As a member of Hank Vegas, Rob shared the stage with numerous touring acts including: Cracker, The Drive by Truckers, The Zac Brown Band, Manchester Orchestra, Augustana, The Whigs, Billy Joe Shaver, Lucero, Dead Confederate, Blue Mountain, The Dexateens, and many more. Hank Vegas was voted the best overall music act at the Eleventh Hour Readers Choice Awards in 2007. Rob also founded the Athens, GA based rock band The Shreds and toured throughout the south eastern United States playing universities and clubs from 1986-1991 and a 2 month tour of Europe in 1989. Rob endorses Reverend Guitars.

For several years Rob served as the Technical Director and Front of House Engineer for the Hargray Capitol Theatre and has worked with many national touring acts including: Sturgil Simpson, Tyler Childers, Kansas, Marcus King Band, Bootsy Collins, Moon Taxi, Steve Earle, Gregg Allman, Drive By Truckers, Jim Lauderdale, Chris Stapleton, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Dale Watson, Great White, Jars of Clay, Robert McDuffie , Chuck Leavell, Randall Bramblet, Travis Tritt, Justin Townes Earle, Junior Brown, Abbey Road Live, Dickie Betts, Galactic, Jamie Johnson, The Kentucky Headhunters, Lera Lynn, Leon Russell, Colby Dee, The Zombies, The Black Lips, Nikki Lane, Drivin n Cryin, Kelsea Ballerini, Kev’n Kenny, Angie Aparo, Of Montreal, T. Hardy Morris, Count M’Butu, Jason Isbell, Live at the Fillmore, Otis, Lucero, Saint Francis, The Lone Below, The Last Bison, The Steel Drivers, Whitey Morgan, American Aquarium,The Black Lillies, Lilly Hiatt, Drew Holcolm and the Neighbors,, Les Brers, Travis Denning, Bobby Rush, Marc Broussard, Baby Bee, Ceelo Green, The Secret Sisters, Saint Paul and the Broken Bones,… and many more.

A graduate First Presbyterian Day School ‘84 and the University of Georgia ’89 B.A Psychology, Rob continued his musical development by completing courses in Protools at the new Music Business program at the Terry College of business at the University of Georgia.

Rob also has a Masters Degree in Business from Mercer University, and served as a founding board member of the Bragg Jam Music and Arts Festival.

Charlie Gilbert

Charlie Gilbert

Session Guitarist, Instructor, Producer

Charles is a seasoned musician and accomplished guitarist based out of middle Georgia. Charles spent many years in Nashville working as a session guitarist, touring musician, music instructor and producer. You can currently find Charles working as a session leader and producer at the historic Capricorn Studios, located in Macon, Georgia, and as the Music Director at The Assembly in Warner Robins, GA.
Miles Landrum

Miles Landrum

Session Bassist and Guitarist, Studio Engineer

A talented bassist and guitarist, Miles Landrum has been playing music for as long as he can remember — from banging on his grandmother's piano to when he first picked up a guitar at age 12. When he's not playing music, Miles is in the studio engineering or editing. He's worked on projects with Blackberry Smoke, Luke Grimes, Mastodon and many talented regional and local artists. From the staff to the gear, there's a lot to love about Capricorn, Miles said. "Above all though, a studio has to have a vibe, and you can feel that as soon as you step in to the live room," he said. "Of course, there is an incredible history at Capricorn, but the space had to work at the start to begin building that history."

The Venue

Mercer Music at Capricorn

536 Martin Luther King Blvd
Macon, Georgia 31201

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Mercer Music at Capricorn is a multi-purpose music venue in downtown Macon whose mission is to leverage Macon’s music heritage to create Macon’s music future.