THE MIXING WORKSHOP
The Mixing Workshop™
Audio Ear Training & Mixing Training Course
From Sound Fundamentals to Mastered Mixes – Elevate Your Sound and Your Career
Enroll Curriculum
Meet Your Instructor
Founder Sean Shannon is a professional engineer and musician with decades of experience on the road, in the studio, and behind the console. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia’s Tonmeister program, Sean studied under the legendary Dave Moulton.
Currently serving as the Head Audio Engineer for the Dr. Phillips Center and the Mixing Engineer for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Sean’s professional history includes work with legendary artists and bands, including Bill Payne (Little Feat), Carmine Appice, Impellitteri, Rob Rock, Molly Hatchet, Pat Travers Band, Bret Michaels, The Wallflowers, and Brian Howe’s Bad Co.
Sean established The Mixing Workshop in 2007 to turn technical theory and focused practice into a practical roadmap for the emerging engineer, building the ear-to-hand connection required for students to deliver high-caliber results.
Why This Workshop Works
This course provides the essential framework to master both the art and the science of mixing sound. It is a comprehensive, college-level curriculum designed for the modern landscape. Here is what you will achieve:
- Master the Art & Science of Mixing: Solidify foundational technical knowledge and learn from hands-on application.
- Ear Training: Priority on critical listening proficiency and the technical decision-making skills required by the industry.
- Build a Professional Portfolio: Mix and master an entire album throughout the course to gain real world experience and an established position.
- Become an Indispensable Asset: Gain the specialized skills to stand out in recording studios, concert halls, game audio, and any production environment.
Here’s what’s included:
Advanced Workflow Training
Learn the “pro-level” tricks of the trade, including automation, bussing strategies, and hybrid mixing techniques.
Critical Listening Labs
Targeted guidance to sharpen your ears and instantly recognize frequencies, delay times, compression, and other audio characteristics.
Full Multitrack Library
Receive raw files for mixing and mastering a complete compilation album, and build your professional portfolio.
Comprehensive Lectures
Topics include sound fundamentals, room acoustics, digital audio theory, session organization and audio troubleshooting.
Vocational Readiness
Gain mixing experience with practical interactive training for working in studios, live sound, broadcast, game audio, and many other commercial environments.
The Signal Chain Intensive
Learn how and when to use EQ, compression, and effects with step-by-step guided tutorials and ear training.
Access professional audio tools
We believe in utilizing the best tools in the business for shaping sound. Thanks to the long-standing support of our industry partners, eligible students may qualify for exclusive educational pricing on select professional audio software used throughout the program.
Course Curriculum
A structured, single semester, hands-on training system designed to develop real-world mixing ability through critical listening, guided instruction, and repeated practice.
Core Training Components
- 1. Ear Training & Critical Listening Labs: Guided frequency recognition, spectral balance, and dynamics identification across genres.
- 2. 15 Lecture & Tutorial Modules: A step-by-step progression through the full professional mixing process and workflow.
- 3. Contextual Mixing Tutorials: Real-time, on-screen demonstrations applying techniques directly to multitrack sessions.
- 4. Multitrack Mixing & Mastering Projects: 10 full songs provided as raw sessions to build your professional portfolio.
- 5. Hands-On Mixing Labs: Weekly assignments and repetition-based learning to build instinct, speed, and confidence.
- 6. Troubleshooting & Real-World Applications: Master signal flow, gain staging, and the transition from studio to live sound environments.
- Modules included in the course:
Course Overview: Mixing & Critical Listening
Understanding Sound & the Listening Environment
Digital vs. Analog Audio Fundamentals
Signal Flow & Gain Staging
Building the Static Mix
EQ & Spectral Balancing
Dynamics Processing (Compression)
Effects Processing & Spatial Design
Vocal Production & Mixing
Mixing the Band (Full Arrangement)
Automation & Advanced Techniques
Reamping & Sound Replacement
Introduction to Mastering
Troubleshooting & Live Sound Applications
Final Mix Evaluation & Critique
What Students & Professionals Say
“The Mixing Workshop shaved years off my learning curve. Within months I was getting paid mixing work that I previously would not have qualified for.”
– Brad Johnson, Imagination House
“This course went along great with my music schooling, so now I’ve got my own studio.”
– Alex, Band Leader and Musical Director
“Thanks for getting me light years ahead!”
– Keith Tannoya, Recording Guitarist
Enrollment & Licensing
Professional training for individual engineers and vocational solutions for educational institutions.
Full Professional Course
Comprehensive vocational training for aspiring engineers, recent graduates, and dedicated home-studio producers.
- All 15 Lecture & Tutorial Modules
- 10 Full Multitrack Songs for your portfolio
- The Complete Ear Training Kit™
- Professional Mix Evaluation & Critiques
- Spectral Balancing eBook
- Certification of Completion
- Lifetime access to course updates
Educators & Institutions
Scalable curriculum solutions for colleges, high schools, and recording academies.
- Bulk Student Enrollment discounts
- Classroom Ear Training Kits™
- “Mixing The Band” Physical/Digital Textbooks
- LMS Integration availability
- Instructor support & grading resources
- Curriculum licensing for existing programs
Looking for specific resources?
Check out The Ear Training Kit™, Spectral Balancing eBook, and coming soon we will have Single Module purchases available.
Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when individual components go live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individual Enrollment & Careers
How does this supplement a traditional audio degree?
While many programs focus on theory and history, The Mixing Workshop is a vocational “finishing school.” We bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional-grade execution, focusing specifically on the ear training and decision-making skills required in modern studios.
What are the hardware and software requirements?
Students will need a reliable computer, any major DAW (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, Cubase, etc.), and a stable internet connection. While professional monitors are ideal, the course includes specific modules on mixing effectively in treated and untreated rooms, as well as on headphones.
How is the Certificate of Completion earned?
The Certificate is awarded to independent students who complete all 15 modules, pass the associated competency exams, and submit a final portfolio consisting of a 10-song mastered album that meets our professional quality standards.
Is the course schedule flexible for working professionals or students?
Yes. Individual enrollment offers lifetime access to all 15 modules. Students can progress through the curriculum at their own pace, whether that means an intensive one-month deep dive or a structured one-module-per-week approach.
Educators & Institutions
How is the curriculum structured for a classroom environment?
The Institutional version is designed as a comprehensive one-semester curriculum. It is modular and easily adapted for 2-day or 3-day weekly programs, providing instructors with a structured path that covers everything from foundational acoustics to advanced live sound applications.
Are the Live Sound modules included in the core curriculum?
Yes. Unlike previous versions, the 15-module architecture now fully integrates Live Sound and Troubleshooting (Modules 14 & 15). This ensures all students—whether institutional or independent—graduate with a versatile skill set applicable to both studio and live reinforcement environments.
What support is available for classroom instructors?
We provide licensed institutions with instructor resources, including grading rubrics for mix critiques, Ear Training Kits™, and secondary materials like the Spectral Balancing textbook to ensure seamless integration into existing media arts or music technology programs.
Do you offer bulk licensing or student discounts?
We offer scalable licensing models for high schools, colleges, and private academies. Please contact us for a tailored quote based on your program’s student volume and resource needs.
How are student competencies assessed within a single semester?
The curriculum features a built-in “Technical Core” assessment at the midpoint (following Module 7). Students demonstrate mastery of spectral balance and dynamics through a mid-term mix submission. This allows the second half of the semester to focus on creative spatial design, advanced production, and the final 10-song portfolio, culminating in a comprehensive final exam and critique.
Ready to Transform Your Mixes?
Have questions before enrolling? Get in touch:
