VITA

Nathan E Adam

Assistant Professor, Facilities Coordinator, Assistant to the Chair

Department of Recording Industry

Middle Tennessee State University

 

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

(615) 904-8424

Fax: (620) 898-5682

Nadam@mtsu.edu

 

Home:

614 Federal Court

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

nadam@mtsu.edu      

(615) 556-4191

 

Education

M.B.A.           Pittsburg State University, Business Administration

Summa Cum Laude

BBA                Pittsburg State University, Computer Information Systems

Minor - Business Administration

Summa Cum Laude, Delta Mu Delta, University Scholar, Honors College, Lambda Sigma, Rotary and Phillips Petroleum Scholar, Deans list

In Progress

EdS                  MTSU, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction

Currently completing 6 of 9 hours in combined EdS to EdD program.

 

Professional

Instructor, Facilities Coordinator, Assistant to the Chair

Department of Recording Industry, Middle Tennessee State University

Instruction

á      Have effectively taught 8 sections of Introduction to Recording Techniques, 2 sections of Intro to Digital Audio, and 4 sections of Advanced Analog Recording over the past year, as well as advising students with both scholastic and career planning.

á      Currently working towards my Doctorate in Education and will have 9 hours completed in Fall 04.

á      Received an ITD release time grant for Spring 2004 to produce an online library of Reusable Learning Objects. These RLOÕs were made up of web streamable instructional videos, net based learning modules and quizzes, and a WebCT site for students to track their course progress.

á      Created over 2 dozen streamable DV productions to enhance student learning of advanced audio technology and concepts. In cooperation with other professors, I have produced 25 digital videos covering topics from the SSL, Otari and Studer Consoles, to Pro Tools and Lynx Module Synchronization.

á      Awarded a 2004 Outstanding Achievement in Instructional Technology award at the annual fall faculty meeting.

á      Finalist for the Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology.

Public Service

á      Coordinating and scheduled to moderate a panel discussion on the future of Music and Technology for the annual Gospel Music Association conference during GMA week. WeÕll be discussing and evaluating numerous young technologies for the distribution of recordings. (i.e. Legal downloads, Kiosks, live performance recording and sales, Satellite radio, etc.)

á      Co-coordinated video production at the Preamps in Paradise conference, bringing in top engineers and producers from around the country including George Massenburg, Michael Wagner, Chris Huston, and others.

á      Acted as a pro audio consultant for nearly two dozen current and former students, faculty, and industry professionals in the setup and equipping of their home recording studios.

 

University Service

á      Actively participate on numerous committees including the BS/MBA, MFA, Major Field Test Update, Record Label, and Spring Forum committees. In addition I currently chair the Technical Facilities committee.

á      Actively involved with several student organizations including NSAI, AES, SMPTE, and Alpha Omega. I have acted as a sound consultant and recording engineer for AO. I have worked with NSAI songwriters to connect them to engineers needing recording projects, and assisted Hal Newman and Tom Hutchison in recording live performances.

á      Currently co-coordinating the Live on Main Street weekly music event along with Hal Newman and Amy Macy.

á      Advising and coordinating weekly meetings with AES student leaders and other RIM Faculty. This semester we have already held a bi-annual studio cleanup, hosted guest speakers John Wheeler of Hayseed Dixie, and a representative from audio software manufacturers IK Multimedia.

á      Updated all of the technical documentation sheets for studios A,C,D & E. Have also updated the RIM Studio Rules and Regulations document and the Sony and RADAR manuals for Studios D&E. 

á      Currently updating and revising the MTSU RIM department brochure to include current information and a more student friendly format.

á      Working with other faculty and staff to develop a proposal for a RIM security camera system, as well as a replacement software for the McBook studio booking system.

á      Coordinated and scheduled studio time for all campus studios, labs, and edit suites for all upper division studio courses.

á      Presented the results of my research at the 2004 Instructional Technology Sharefair and was the only all-electronic presentation at the 2004 MTSU Scholars Day.

 

 

Creative/Research

á      Recorded and produced over three dozen creative projects in all 5 campus studios.

á      Interviewed live via satellite on MSNBC Tonight with Deborah Norville. Provided a demonstration on the creation and use of backing tracks for a live performance.

á      Engineered sessions for BMG recording artist Daniel at the Sound Kitchen, and a 7 song album for recording artist Kirsten Fairies, with the house band for country artist Sarah Evans.

á      Co-Coordinated a three day Distinguished Lecture Series visit, and engineered tracks for multi-platinum Producer/Engineer Dave Aron (engineer for Snoop Dog, Prince, Sublime, Dr. Dre, etc).

á      Co-produced 6 video interviews of top mic and preamp designers at the 2004 TapeOp conference along with Lyn Fuston of 3D audio. Interviewees included designers for Grace, Joe Meek, GML, and Great River pres.

á      Current research interests focus on the use of the Internet as a tool to alter the way audio recording and production is taught.

 

Chair, Commercial Music Department   

á      Chair and primary instructor of CM department. Responsible for all budgeting, studio design, advising, facilities planning, bid development, studio hardware and software maintenance, upgrades, and technical support.

á      Developed and taught 17 credit hours per semester. Classes developed include Audio Recording (1&2), Digital Audio (1&2), Digital Video Production, Audio for Video, MIDI Production (1&2), Music Business 2, Performance Ensembles (1-4), Audio Tech & Performance Thesis Projects, and Music Industry Internships.

á      Expanded the program from a single ADAT project studio into a 4 room, 32 track facility with 2 control rooms, MIDI lab, G4 Pro tools/Final Cut A/V production suites, & portable 32 track Pro Tools recording system.

á      Successfully cultivated relationships with other faculty members, administrators, and area business leaders. As a result, we were blessed to receive around $30,000 worth of grants, and frequent donations of recording equipment during my tenure.

á      Organized a professional advisory board for our department, and coordinated relationships and internships with regional audio and video production businesses. These consisted of area studios, live sound companies, and entertainment venues (including Silver Dollar City and Caravel Recording Studios in Branson, Mo.).

á      Coordinated and developed 2 year class rotations and degree requirements, scheduling of adjunct faculty, courses and facilities.

á      Pursued facility expansion with input from Advisory Board and maximized all available space in the facilities.

á      Developed and authored studio rules and regulations with input from the advisory board and school administration.

á      Led students in organizing their own indie record label. Signed area artists to demo deals, music videos, promotion, and pitched their demos to area radio stations.

á      Directed and produced an hour long instructional video for top Nashville vocal coach Brett Manning.

á      Co-Produced 6 minute promotional video for the CM department. Presented video along with recording/multimedia presentation for area high schools and colleges for recruiting.

á      Co-Produced 5 minute promotional video for Labette Community College for recruitment efforts.

á      Advised 25-30 students per semester with class scheduling and career planning.

á      Generated an in depth website for promoting the program, with areas for students to apply and gain information, as well as a contest for free recording time to attract student involvement and interest.

 

Sales Engineer, Sweetwater Sound Inc.                                                  

á      Acted as a direct consultant for recording engineers on the process of equipping, upgrading and operating a professional recording facility.

á      Managed a database of nearly 1,000 clients Ð primarily live performers and recording engineers. Evaluated needs, recommended system designs and/or upgrade plans, generated setup plans & equipment compatibility lists.

á      Consulted with and educated customers on all aspects of the music recording and production process. Assisted in developing and revising business plans, marketing approaches, and rate systems.

á      Regularly checked out and evaluated new recording technologies & equipment, wrote up technical papers, and gave multiple presentations on the findings to over 100 recording engineers and sales professionals.

á      Processed orders, tracked shipments, resolved technical problems and assisted clients in installing, setting up and integrating new systems with existing ones.

á      Participated in 8-10 hours of extracurricular training and educational sessions in current recording technologies per week.

á      Completed all necessary training to receive Pro Tools level 3 certification.

 

Graduate Support Technician,  Pittsburg State University                   

á      Acted as the primary computer tech for the Business department, resolving issues and educating instructors on the implementation and use of technology in their teaching strategies.

á      Streamlined grading and research systems, making grading and meeting deadlines more efficient for instructors.

á      Researched, categorized and analyzed data regarding class sizes, grades and student abilities.

á      Assisted in teaching classes, as well as administering tests and grading undergraduate exams and class work.

á      Traveled to Korea, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia to study group communication, adult learning techniques, and worldwide cultural and business practices.

 

Technical Support & Service, Synergistic Systems Inc.

á      Provided customer service and technical support to middle and high school instructors for our proprietary, computer based educational hardware and software systems.

á      Installed LAN based A/V & Robotics education labs in middle schools and high schools all over the country.

á      Configured and developed systems for integrating our software packages into hardware systems ranging from CNC machines, remote robotics, bridge and building stress testing systems, and digital audio/video equipment.

á      Generated orders, tracked shipments, arranged and organized necessary returns, and had the highest customer satisfaction rates of all Synergistic departments. 

á      Trained new tech support personnel on installation and troubleshooting procedures for our educational modules and complete labs.

á      Described by my superiors as having Òthe patience of JobÓ (the biblical character).

 

Technical Support, Office of Information Systems                    

á      Orchestrated and provided on-site and phone based PC/Mac and network terminal support for faculty and staff of 6,000 student university.

á      Acted as a primary support person for student computer lab technicians, Management and Marketing, Economics, and Computer Science faculty.

á      Assisted in the creation of call tracking database to ensure timely resolution of instructors technical and computer related problems.

á      Educated and trained new Help Desk technicians and personnel on the MacOS, Win 9X/NT, LAN & WAN protocols, terminals, FTP & TCP/IP protocols, HTML & web page design.

á      Drafted office layout and schematics for 2 renovations of campus computing facilities. 

 

Professional Accomplishments

 

á      Interviewed live via satellite on MSNBC Tonight with Deborah Norville. Provided a demonstration on the creation and use of backing tracks for a live performance.

á      Engineered tracks for multi-platinum Producer/Engineer Dave Aron.

á      Received a 2004 Outstanding Achievement in Instructional Technology award.

á      Engineered tracks for BMG recording artist Daniel at the Sound Kitchen studios in Franklin.

á      Engineered 6 song album for recording artist Kirsten Fairies, with the house band for country artist Sarah Evans.

á      Presented at the 2004 Instructional Technology Conference. Gave presentation to full house on the topic of Hi-Tech Edu-tainment: Teaching Advanced Technology Concepts to the Net Generation.

á      Coordinated and Moderated the P&T Forum on Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry with award winning engineers and producers Bob Bullock, Victor Caldwell, Kevin Ward, and others.

á      Coordinating and scheduled to moderate a panel discussion on the future of Music and Technology for the annual Gospel Music Association conference during GMA week. WeÕll be discussing and evaluating numerous young technologies for the distribution of recordings (i.e. Legal downloads, Kiosks, live performance recording and sales, Satellite radio, etc.).

á      Consulted with Daywind engineer Kevin Ward for use in his personal recording facility.

á      Received Instructional Grant from the state of Kansas to consult with Caravell Recording Studios in Branson, MO as an engineer and marketing consultant. This grant resulted in a major redesign of the primary recording space, as well as a promotional CDRom and DVD I produced to help market the studio more effectively.

á      While at Caravel I engineered or assisted in remixing and rerecording of bluegrass legend Rodney Dillard, area recording artists, and live performances.

á      Had proposal accepted by League for Innovation in Community Colleges to present on the impact of music industry programs on a local economy.

á      Ran front of house sound for local band Echosflow to open for national recording artists Mercy Me and Audio Adrenaline.

á      Consulted with Labette Community College on the purchase and implementation of a digital mixing console and hard disk recorder as well as a versatile sound system for their ensembles and recording courses.

á      Remixed and cleaned up sound for Troma Films: Zombiegeddon.

á      Consulted with and redesigned 532 Recording Studios for NSAI board member Mike Brandon.

á      Directed and produced 1 hour instructional video for top Nashville vocal coach Brett Manning.

á      Consulted with producer Larry Brockway to upgrade Hall of Fame Recording Studios from 32 track ADAT to G4 based DP3 facility.

á      Consulted with John Travis, multi-platinum producer of recording artists including Sugar Ray, Kid Rock, & Home Town Hero, on Pro Tools upgrade.

á      Consulted with multi-platinum Creed producer/engineer, John Kurzweg, on upgrading his existing tape based studio.

á      Consulted with Troy Germano, owner of the Hit Factory recording studios, on upgrading of CD duplication systems.

á      Consulted with Mark Townshend, guitarist for recording artists DC Talk, Jennifer Knapp, and producer of Goatee Records artist, Reliant K, on Logic Pro Audio upgrade.

á      Managed personal database of three thousand clients, generating over $154k in sales in first 3 months.

á      Completed necessary training to receive Pro Tools level 1, 2, and 3 certification.

á      Worked with a 3 man team in equipping and/or upgrading studios for national recording artists Kid Rock, the Insane Clowne Posse, Semisonic, Dennis Jernigan, and others, generating more than $1.1 Million in sales in 5 months.

á      Traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to study middle eastern culture, and business practice as it relates to religious culture.

á      Traveled to Seoul, South Korea to study Qualitative Decision Making and quality business standards in the Korean Culture. Visited headquarters of Hanbo Steel, Kia Motors, & the Daewoo shipbuilding yards.

á      Traveled to Tai Pei, Taiwan to study characteristics of Adult Learners, and Human Resource Development in the Chinese culture.

á      2nd Place, Lead Presenter for SIFE International Competitions.

á      Lead Presenter, SIFE regional fundraising presentations in Dallas, Miami, New York, Springfield, Kansas City, generating over $20k in new SIFE sponsors.

á      1st Place, Lead Presenter for SIFE International Competitions.

 

Select Recorded Works

á      Kirsten Fairies, Adult Contemporary, Engineer

á      Daniel, BMG Recording Artist, Tracking Engineer

á      Messenger, Self-Titled, Modern Rock, Producer/Engineer

á      Ben Longberger, Acoustic Thoughts, Epic/Acoustic, Producer, Engineer

á      Susan Taylor Pie, Ring a Tiny Bell, Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser CD, Engineer

á      Echosflow, Self Titled, Contemporary Christian Rock, Producer/Engineer

á      Ashley Wentworth, Self Titled, Modern Rock, Programmer/Engineer

á      Open Hand, We Praise You, Praise and Worship, Recording and Mix Engineer

á      Big Dave and the boys, Self Titled, Hip-Hop/Rap, Mix & Mastering Engineer

á      The Pinups, Punk Rock!, Melodic Punk, Recording & Mix Engineer

á      Lyceum, Self Titled, Rock, Recording and Mix Engineer

á      Second Chance Band, Classic Rock, Mix Engineer

á      Vade Mecum, Lose Your Dreams, Post Modern Vibe Rock, Recording Engineer

á      Vade, The Course of History, Vibe Rock, Recording & Mix Engineer

á      Exalt Him, Self Titled, Gospel Quintet, Mastering Engineer

á      Station 20, Human Ghost Project, Hardcore Rock, Recording & Mix Engineer

á      Blue Circuit, Got the Blues, Blues/Classics, Recording Engineer

á      Open Hand, Contemporary Worship, Recording Engineer

á      KC Youth for Christ Inc., Amazing Grace Techno Video/Remix, Remixer

á      Nathan Adam, Musings of Love and Infatuation, Artist/Engineer

 

Select Presentations/Creative/Community Activities

 

á      Currently engineering/producing with four area groups and artists, including a promotional CD for the local Boys & Girls Club of America (along with Barbara Haskew and songwriter Susan Taylor), and songwriter Nathan Shaver along with gold record/Dove award winning producer Byron Funk.

á      Presented at 2004 Instructional Technologies Conference. Scheduled to present at MTSU ShareFair and Scholars Day.

á      Worked with Belle Aire Baptist church to host welcome party for international students to the MTSU campus.

á      Organized live performances of area music groups to perform during local parades, as well as post parade shows.

á      Hosted numerous area presentations about the use of computers for nonlinear digital audio and video production.

á      Created, promoted and hosted weekend courses on Live Sound for area church sound engineers.

á      Presented numerous demonstrations on careers in the Music and Recording Industry to over 400 students, instructors, administrators, and businessmen of all ages.

á      Consulted with Trinity Baptist Church on upgrade of their existing sound systems.

á      Promoted and presented 2 evening introductory computer classes for seniors. 

á      Directed ÒJust Imagine CityÓ- day long mock city scenario for 2 area elementary schools.

á      Directed ÒLooney Tunes SavingsÓ Ð to introduce area middle school students to economic concepts and entrepreneurship.

á      Co-Directed ÒWelcome to Wall-StreetÓ Ð stock market investing scenario for 10 area high schools.

á      Bass Guitar & Lead Guitar, Open Hand for weekly gatherings of 60-100.

 
Professional Organizations

NSAI Ð Nashville Songwriters Association Ð Co-sponsor for student chapter.

AES Ð Audio Engineers Society Ð Faculty Advisor. Assist organization leaders and sponsor with weekly meetings.

SMPTE Ð Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers Ð Faculty Advisor. Assist organization sponsor and leaders with weekly meetings.

MEIEA ÐMusic and Entertainment Industry Educators Association Ð Member.

Delta Mu Delta Ð Business Honor Society Ð Member.

 

Hardware and Software

I have worked with and/or am proficient in the following hardware and software packages:

Large Format Consoles - SSL4000G, Otari 54, Studer D950, Sony DMXR100, Neve VR, Midas Legend, Yamaha DM2000, Mackie D8B, etc.

Operating Systems Ð All Windows and Mac OS, some DOS, some Unix.

Audio Recording & Manipulation Ð Pro Tools v. 4.3 Ð 6.1, Digital Performer v. 2.7 Ð 3.1, Peak v. 3, CubaseVst, Cakewalk v.5.1 Ð Sonar 2.0, Cool Edit/Pro v. 1.0 Ð 2.1, Acid Music (all), Sound Forge v. 4.0 Ð 6.0, Waves Plugins v.2.5 Ð 3.2 Gold Bundle & Restoration bundle, Reason 1.0 Ð 2.0, Sampletank, Deck, Toast, T-Racks v. 1.0 Ð 2.0, and many others.

Graphics/Presentation- Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier v. 4.1 Ð 6.0, Adobe PhotoShop v. 4.2 Ð 6.0, Imovie, Adobe After Effects. 

 

References are available on request