Start your production career on a sound footing with Mackinaw Harvest
Are you or someone you know learning how to record music? Or maybe you have some experience but want to know how to get better sounding tracks?
GET AHEAD START with the Mackinaw Harvest Recording School offering an short-term intensive program designed to give students a solid grasp of the production, engineering and recording process. Over the course of the program, we'll teach you everything you need to know in order to produce a song professionally, and together, we'll record an actual song from start to finish.
You choose between meeting once or twice a week on-location at our state of the art downtown Grand Rapids studios. You'll work closely with producer Michael Crittenden as your instructor.
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MICHAEL CRITTENDEN
President/Producer, the Mackinaw Harvest Music Group, Inc.
A native of Grand Rapids, MI, Michael comes from a long history in the business of music. He is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in piano and guitar, and has been producing audio projects for over 20 years. Michael has produced recordings for many local and national artists including Hello Dave (Chicago), Kimber Cleveland (Nashville), Drew Nelson (Grand Rapids), Ralston Bowles (Grand Rapids) Pop Evil (Grand Rapids) Spencer Mulder (Grand Rapids) and a long list of others. His commercial credits include work for Cole’s Quality Foods, The Ozone Action Council, Amtrak, SS Badger Car Ferry, Cowpie Blues Festival, WLAV's Blues on the Mall, Little River Casino, Rockford Construction Company, Joe Cartoon Company, Student Advancement Foundation and many more. Additionally, Steve Ford Agency in Chicago has used Michael's voice on several national campaigns for Applebee's and McDonald's.
Crittenden is also the founding member and chief songwriter of the group Troll for Trout. Michael's songs have been heard on dozens of radio stations across the country as well as on MTV, ABC and PAXnet television. He has received an ASCAP Songwriters Award, two Billboard awards for songwriting, an InterActivist Award from Los Angeles Based META Association, and WYCE Jammie Awards for Album of the Year (2002 and 2009), and Song of the Year (2009). Michael has also been a part of the instructional staff at the prestigious Lamb’s Retreat for Songwriters.
A graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, with a degree in Film Scoring and Composition, Michael has a thorough understanding of writing, arranging and producing music from simple singer-songwriter style to full orchestrations. He is proficient working in Pop, Rock, Jazz, Acoustic, Folk, Country and New Age styles. In addition to his studio and writing work, Michael has performed most of his life. He has toured the country numerous times and shared the stage with the likes Todd Rundgren, The Doobie Brothers, Hootie & the Blowfish, John McVey, Shawn Mullins, Jonatha Brooke, & Peter Frampton among others.
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"I have worked with Michael Crittenden of Mackinaw Harvest Music Group on several important community projects over many years now. He is a brilliant musician. Perhaps more importantly, as a producer of both veteran and new artists, he openly shares his talents and is truly a mentor within the music industry. And different from others in the music field, his acumen isn't limited to the instruments he's mastered or even engineering board - although that would be a lot: add to all of it his savvy as a marketer and businessman and you end up with someone with immense diversity and who cares deeply about those he collaborates with."
--Phil Biggs, PRINCIPAL, ONE WORLD MUSIC
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"What can I say about my experience with Michael Crittenden? He is a multi-talented, multi-instrumnetalist with a great ear. Whether in the role of producer, writer, arranger, teacher or the everyday role of running a business, he has integrity. He has great respect for art whether his own or his clients. Every time I work Michael Crittenden I learn from him."
--Drew Nelson, WATERBUG RECORDING ARTIST
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CLASS OVERVIEW
CLASS #1
STUDIO EQUIPMENT/ROUTINGS
An in-depth look at how a studio is put together. We'll discuss ProTools software, mic preamps, microphones and their uses as well as signal chain and routings.
CLASS #2
PRE-PRODUCTION
We'll focus on the importance of pre-production and arranging and spend some time getting to know our sample song.
CLASS #3
DRUM TRACKS
Demonstrating microphone selection and placement, input settings and production techniques, we'll show you step-by-step how to get the best sounding live drum tracks.
CLASS #4
GUITARS, BASS & KEYBOARDS
Using microphones, amps and direct input, you'll learn a variety of different methods for producing and tracking instruments just like the pros.
CLASS #5
VOCALS
With mic selection and placement, proper signal chain, vocal performance coaching, editing and pluggins, we'll show you how to get professional sounding vocal tracks.
CLASS #6
MIXING
Now that we've completed tracking of our song, we'll show you how to do an actual mix from start to finish.
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ENROLLMENT INFO/OTHER QUESTIONS?
call Michael Crittenden at 616.874.7237 or email us at info@mackinawharvest.com
TUITION: $495 per student
Classes are forming now. SPACE IS LIMITED...CONTACT US TODAY!
EARLY SIGN UP SPECIAL!! - Save up to 20% off tuition. Call us today for details.
"Having gone through the class with Michael, I can say it was well worth it. If you're looking for a great overview of the recording process and access to the equipment and expertise you can't get online or out of a book, this is a great option. Very affordable, a top notch facility, and Michael's experience made it an all around valuable way to learn. With the equipment and software available for home studio's coming down to reasonable price ranges, this was the perfect orientation class for me to get started on the right path. Highly recommended!"
--John Schulte, Production Student
"DEFINITELY recommended. Michael gives a great understanding of everything that's needed in the recording process. Great teacher, great class, great experience and a sense of accomplishment. Once again, definitely recommended"
----Nick Stevenson, Production Student
FAQ
Do I need any recording experience prior to taking the class?
No experience is necessary, however, a basic understanding of digital recording certainly would not hurt. If you’re not sure if it’s right for you, please call us. We’ll be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have and help you figure out if it’s a good fit for you.
Will we learn about ProTools in the class?
While this is not specifically a ProTools class or tutorial, we will be working on a ProTools HD system and will utilize many ProTools techniques. You will learn the basics of ProTools ie: how to set up a session, basic routings and techniques for tracking, editing and mixing. Each student will have plenty of hands-on time with ProTools during each class. Most of the Protools HD functions you will learn are transferable to ProTools LE systems
When do the classes start?
Sessions run regularly every other month through the year.
There are 6 sessions total which typically meet on consecutive Mondays. We are, however, flexible to meet the needs of our students and can usually hold classes in any configuration Monday through Thursday. We have 2 class times available. Class #1 meets from 4pm-6pm is designed for high school age kids (14-18). Class #2 meets from 7pm-9pm and is designed for adults. In addition to the 6 formal classes, each student will receive 1 hour of private follow-up consultation with Michael Crittenden after completing the program.
Do I need to bring anything to class?
Just your willingness to learn. We will provide hand outs each week detailing our lesson for that day.
* Do you offer special studio rates at Mackinaw Harvest Studios for students who have completed the class?
Yes, we do! Please call us to inquire.
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