Women's Audio Mission - Spring Academy 2026 (San Francisco)

Dive into the world of audio production with our intensive training program led by professional recording engineers! Come join us in San Francisco for a hands-on experience with face-to-face sessions aimed at boosting your audio skills.

In Level 1, you will learn all the essential audio fundamentals and even learn to solder your own XLR cables! In the more intermediate Level 2 class, you will gain hands on experience recording in WAM's world class studio in San Francisco, and study the anatomy of mixing in Pro Tools. By the end of the program, you'll possess the knowledge and skills needed to craft professional-grade audio recordings and mixes.

Plus, for those who are hungrier for more, you can easily combine WAM Academy with our Pro Tools Fundamentals 101 and 110 classes (scheduled to take place March 14th & 15th and 20th-22nd).

If you have any questions, or for member discounts, feel free to email us at [email protected].

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Level 1 - Basic Audio Production

Uncover the fascinating realm of sound through our comprehensive 7-class foundational series! This course provides a solid foundation for understanding the physics and science behind sound, ensuring you gain essential skills for basic recording, production, and digital technologies.

In this class you will:

• Gain an understanding of the physics and science behind sound
• Learn basic recording techniques and about signal flow and the recording chain
• Learn how microphones work and basic microphone selection and placement
• Learn the basics of digital audio recording with digital audio workstations like Pro Tools
• Plus, learn how to solder and make your own cables!

Course Schedule: Level 1 Basic Audio Production

• Dates: January 28th - March 11th
• Times: Wednesdays 6:30pm - 9pm (PST)
• Location: WAM's Learning Lab, 447 Minna St (4th floor), San Francisco, CA

Unlock your recording potential and put your skills into action in WAM’s professional recording studios over the cours of this 9 week program. Immerse yourself in the art of studio consoles and processors, and dive intp mixing and signal processing while being surrounded by a supportive and encouraging community. This intermediate-level course is designed to take your recording and mixing expertise to new heights in a professional studio setting. If you’re already familiar with some signal flow, microphone types, and sound fundamentals, this course is the perfect opportunity for you to take your skills to the next level.

This class covers:

In the studio (Level 2a - 5 classes):

• Large Format Console Signal Flow & Patchbays
• Auxes & Inserts
• Headphone Mixes
• Mic placement techniques
• Plus a real, student-led recording session!

In our Pro Tools equipped learning lab (Level 2b - 4 classes):

• EQ, Dynamic, and Time-based processing
• Editing and Vocal Comping
• Hands-on access to Pro Tools

Level 2 Prerequisites

Academy Level 1 or equivalent basic audio training and some DAW experience is strongly recommended. Attendees should understand signal flow, types of microphones, and a basic understanding of recording and mixing going into this course.

Course Schedule: Level 2 Studio Recording, Production, Mixing, and Signal Processin

• Dates: March 18th - May 13th
• Times: 6:30pm-9pm, Wednesdays (please note, the recording session class on April 15th starts early at 5pm)
• Location(s):
• Level 2a: WAM Studio, 542-544 Natoma Street, #C-1, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Level 2b: WAM Learning Lab, 447 Minna St (4th floor), San Francisco, CA

• Early Bird Level 1 ONLY - $300
• Early Bird Level 2 ONLY - $350
• Early Bird Bundle (Level 1 + Level 2) - $600

• Level 1 ONLY - $350
• Level 2 ONLY - $400
• Bundle (Level 1 + Level 2) - $700

Want to go even deeper into audio? Supercharge your learning with our WAM Academy + Pro Tools Bundle - Combine Academy Levels 1 + 2 with our Pro Tools Fundamentals 101 + 110 courses to become a Pro Tools Certified User and learn all you need to know to master the DAW. Click here for more details on our Pro Tools Fundamentals course.

• WAM Academy + Pro Tools Bundle - $1075 ($1250 value)

• Member Level 1 ONLY - $280
• Member Level 2 ONLY - $320
• Member Bundle (Level 1 + Level 2) - $525

*WAM Members email [email protected] for your discount code.

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Please email [email protected].

Women's Audio Mission courses focus on increasing the gender balance in audio production and technology sectors since fewer than 5% of the population employed in these sectors are women and gender-expansive individuals. There are limited spots available in WAM classes, and they often sell out, so we ask that if you are not woman-identified (cisgender or transgender), nonbinary, or gender-expansive, you reconsider enrolling in the class. We will not turn anyone away, but please be mindful that if you take up a seat in the class, that is one less woman, non-binary, or gender-expansive individual that we can serve. We thank you for your understanding in advance and for joining us in our mission to advance women and girls in music production and the recording arts.

Visit our website: https://womensaudiomission.org/training/wamacademy/

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