Walla Walla Community College is unveiling a new program in Audio Engineering this fall at its Walla Walla campus.
The program will give students firsthand experience with the equipment, software and skills needed to work in the audio industry. Courses will cover audio engineering, audio recording, digital audio and live sound. Students will also take courses in electricity and small business management as they work toward their one-year Audio Engineering Certificate.
The program’s new instructor, Rodney Outlaw, has more than 15 years of experience in the music industry as an audio engineer, music producer and recording artist. He is a graduate of the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences and is well-known locally as the founder of the Walla Walla Music Organization, where he teaches workshops about the music and live sound industry to community youth.
“I want to give back to this community and students in a way that would have made my grandparents, who raised me, proud,” Outlaw says.
He is in the process of setting up an audio lab at WWCC that will be equipped with top-of-the-line recording software, audio plug-ins, a state-of-the-art mixing console, DAW control surface and outboard gear. Students will use the space to record projects for class—and work with musicians, artists and producers.
“When class is not in session, the goal is to have the recording space, live sound space and audio stations available for students to hang out and practice what they’re learning in class,” Outlaw adds. “The more they can have their hands on the gear, the better their skills will be.”
WWCC is an ideal home for the program, Outlaw says, because of the number of live sound events and venues in our area. “If the word gets out, they won’t have a problem finding work in our community,” says Outlaw, who envisions graduates working at conventions, churches, hotels, theaters, wine industry events and beyond.
The new program has been submitted for state approval and is anticipated to start in Fall Quarter 2024. Registration is open now. WWCC navigators and other college staff can help identify grants, offer support with financial aid and answer admission questions. Call 509-522-2500 or fill out an interest form at wwcc.edu/warriors.