mackinaw
harvest
studios
Music Recording & Production
Grand Rapids, MI
Mackinaw Harvest Recording School
GET A HEAD 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 songs professionally, and together, we'll produce and record a new song from start to finish.
We’ll meet six times on-location at our state of the art downtown Grand Rapids studios. You'll work closely with award-winning producer Michael Crittenden as your instructor. Are you considering going to a college-level music production school but not sure? Or maybe you have a home studio and just want to learn more? Either way, our program may be a great fit for you. Our program is a great way to test the waters without investing a bunch of money. It's a huge amount of info and techniques that you can put to use right away. No books, no classroom, just learning directly from a working producer in a working studio with a long history in the business. Read on for more info.
"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
"Michael gives a great understanding of the entire recording process. Great teacher, great class, great experience and a sense of accomplishment. This gave me a head start when I started at Berklee for sure. Definitely recommended!"
--Nick Stevenson, Berklee College of Music (past production student )
CLASS OVERVIEW
CLASS #1
STUDIO EQUIPMENT/ROUTINGS
An in-depth look at how a studio is put together including construction and room treatment tips. We'll discuss ProTools software, mic preamps, microphones and their uses as well as signal chain and routings. You will also learn how to pick the right mic for the job.
CLASS #2
PRE-PRODUCTION
We'll meet our guest artist who we will be producing. We'll focus on the importance of pre-production and arranging and spend some time getting to know our sample song that our guest artist will provide. Additionally, with one-on-one guidance from Michael, students will build their own ProTools sessions.
CLASS #3
DRUM TRACKS
Demonstrating microphone selection and placement, input settings and tracking techniques, we'll show you step-by-step how to get great sounding live drum tracks from real drums without relying on samples!
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. We'll show you how to mike up and record real instruments and also how to use virtual instrument tracks.
CLASS #5
VOCALS
With mic selection and placement, proper signal chain, vocal performance coaching, editing and plugins, 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 several mixing techniques and together we will do an actual mix from start to finish.
BONUS
After completing the course, each student will receive a Certificate of Completion as well as 1 hr of private follow up consultation with Michael Crittenden.
​
TUITION: $595
​
Want join us? We require just a $300 deposit to reserve your spot in our next class. Balance due 7 days prior to first class. Payment plans can be available if necessary. Questions or to sign up, fill out the form below and we will get you the rest of the enrollment info.
“I’ve known Michael for over 30 years. He is a true professional as a musician, recording engineer and teacher. Our band has recorded at his studio and we appreciated his knowledge and guidance. My son is a young musician and when Michael offered the Mackinaw Harvest Recording Class, I knew I wanted my son to take it. He learned how to record a song from start to finish with a true professional producer and really enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend the recording class and Michael in general!
Jim Braun
The Moonrays
Grand Rapids, Michigan
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Be sure to check out our Recording Class FAQ here. Once you've read the FAQ, Fill out this form and hit "Send". We will be in touch with you to provide you with enrollment information and to answer any questions you may have.