How can you teach audio engineering to non-technical students?

1 Simplify the concepts

One of the main challenges of teaching audio engineering to non-technical students is to explain the technical concepts and terms in a simple and understandable way. You don't want to overwhelm or confuse your students with jargon, acronyms, or formulas that they may not be familiar with. Instead, you want to focus on the core principles and concepts that are relevant and applicable to their goals and interests. For example, you can use analogies, metaphors, or examples from everyday life to illustrate how sound waves, frequency, amplitude, or phase work. You can also use visual aids, such as diagrams, graphs, or waveforms, to show how different audio effects, such as EQ, compression, or reverb, affect the sound.

2 Demonstrate the skills

Another important aspect of teaching audio engineering to non-technical students is to demonstrate the skills and techniques that they need to learn and practice. You don't want to just lecture or talk about the theory, but show them how to actually use the tools and software that are available to them. For example, you can use screen sharing, video tutorials, or live sessions to show them how to set up a recording session, how to adjust the levels and panning, how to apply and tweak the audio effects, or how to export and share the final product. You can also use examples from professional or popular audio productions to show them how different audio engineering decisions can influence the quality and style of the sound.

3 Encourage the creativity

One of the most fun and rewarding aspects of teaching audio engineering to non-technical students is to encourage their creativity and experimentation. You don't want to limit or restrict their options or preferences, but inspire them to explore and discover their own sound and style. For example, you can give them assignments or projects that allow them to choose their own genre, theme, or format, and give them feedback and suggestions on how to improve their audio engineering skills. You can also encourage them to collaborate and share their work with other students or peers, and learn from each other's experiences and perspectives.

4 Provide the resources

One of the most helpful and supportive aspects of teaching audio engineering to non-technical students is to provide them with the resources and references that they can use to further their learning and development. You don't want to leave them hanging or frustrated, but guide them to the sources and materials that can answer their questions and doubts. For example, you can recommend them books, articles, podcasts, or blogs that cover the topics and concepts that they are interested in or curious about. You can also suggest them online courses, workshops, or webinars that can teach them new skills or techniques that they want to learn or master.

5 Assess the progress

One of the most essential and constructive aspects of teaching audio engineering to non-technical students is to assess their progress and performance, and give them feedback and recognition. You don't want to ignore or neglect their achievements or challenges, but acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and improvements. For example, you can use quizzes, tests, or surveys to measure their understanding and retention of the concepts and terms that they have learned. You can also use reviews, critiques, or ratings to evaluate their skills and techniques that they have applied. You can also use rewards, certificates, or badges to motivate and celebrate their accomplishments and milestones.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?