About the clinic

Instructor-Led. Professionally Taught.

The Clatsop Audio Recording Clinic is a structured, instructor-led programme covering the full spectrum of audio — from the physics of electronics to the business of music.

Our mission

Professional knowledge. Open to everyone.

We believe that access to professional audio education shouldn't be limited to those who can afford it. The Clatsop Audio Recording Clinic brings working instructors and industry knowledge directly to Clatsop County — free to the public, supported by donations to Columbia Audio Sound Technologies, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Class size is intentionally limited to 12 participants to ensure every attendee gets hands-on time and direct instructor access.

Curriculum

What we cover

Sessions span the full range of audio craft — from hands-on technical skills to the business and legal side of the music industry.

Electronics & Signal

Soldering & Circuit Basics
The 5 Principles of Electronics
Tubes vs Transistors
Analog vs Digital
Gain Staging & Signal Chain

Recording & Production

Microphone Types & Placement
EQ Fundamentals
Compression Techniques
Live Recording Techniques
Mixing & Mastering Basics
Recording in a Garage or Small Room
STEMS & Separating Tracks for Selective Muting
Karaoke Vocal Removal

Music Theory & Craft

Music Theory for Producers
Arrangement & Song Structure
Acoustic Treatment & Room Sound
Is Music Art or Skill?
Kids and Music — Starting Them Right
Senior Citizens and Music — It's Never Too Late

Industry & Business

AFM Musicians Local #99
ASCAP & Royalty Basics
Streaming & Podcasting Pitfalls
Digital Security for Musicians
Rights, Licensing & Distribution

Instrument Care & Luthiery

Basic Luthiery for the Working Guitarist
Don't Get Duped on Repairs
Setup, Intonation & Action
Identifying Quality vs. Counterfeit Parts
When to DIY vs. When to Call a Pro

Gigging & Safety

Who's in My Area? Local Scene Research
OSINT for Musicians
Booking Gigs for Band Profit
Finding a Real Venue with a Stage
Contracts, Riders & Getting Paid
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Safety on Stage and on the Road
Indoor vs Outdoor Gigs — What Changes and Why

Band Management & Collaboration

Sharing Lyrics & Lead Sheets for Rehearsals
Lead Sheet Formats & Best Practices
Hiring a New Band Member
Audition Process & Band Agreements
What Should I Get Paid? Fair Market Value
Musician Pay Scales & Union Rates

Live Performance Technology

MIDI Interfacing & Controllers
Ableton Push for Live Performance
Drum Triggers & Hybrid Kits
Drum Tracks Now! & Backing Tracks
In-Ear Monitors & IEM Systems
Feedback on Stage & dbx DriveRack
Soundless Stages & Silent Monitoring
Worship Teams & House of Worship Audio

Productivity & Personal Knowledge

Keeping Track of Ideas with Obsidian
Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) for Musicians
Time Management with Franklin Planners
Building a Practice & Project Routine
Organising Setlists, Charts & Session Notes

Musician Health & Injury Prevention

Music & Hearing Health
Repetitive Strain & Playing Injuries
Posture & Ergonomics for Musicians
Mental Health & Performance Anxiety
Nutrition & Stamina for Long Sessions

* Topics subject to change. Full schedule published closer to the event.

Non-profit

Supported by Columbia Audio Sound Technologies

All clinic activities are organised and funded by Columbia Audio Sound Technologies, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation. Your tax-deductible donation helps cover equipment, venue hire, printed materials, and instructor costs.

Make a donation

Supported by Columbia Audio Sound Technologies

Donations are tax-deductible and go directly toward clinic operations, equipment, and community outreach across Clatsop County.

Join us this winter.

Free to attend. Instructor-led. Limited to 12 participants. Register now to secure your spot at the Winter 2026 clinic.