Learn and practice how to compile and edit audio files, reduce noise, navigate a multitrack, and export an .mp3 file using Audacity.

Interested in podcasting, audio essays, or sound design more broadly? Want to translate research into a popular format, experiment with creative sound composition, or share a lively conversation? Audio editing skills expand your access to different forms of teaching, learning, and making. Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that allows you to import, edit, add effects, compile, and export audio files. As a powerful and professional tool for producing nuanced sound projects, Audacity enables creative experimentation and critical analysis in multi-media learning contexts.  

LEARNING GOAL(S):

• Introduce basic elements of podcast design;
• Import sound files and learn efficient navigational techniques in the Audacity interface;
• Practice organizing and naming sound files in the context of a large-scale project;
• Edit files by cutting undesirable sounds, removing background noise, normalizing decibel levels, adjusting gains, and adding effects;
• Arrange and balance files in a multitrack;
• Visit repositories of free sound effects and music online;
• Export your project into a shareable .mp3 file!

PREREQUISITE(S):

• There are no prerequisites, but participants should bring a laptop and a pair of headphones.