The Pyramind Method is based on four core educational philosophies which we use to cover a broad range of topics in great depth, and in a relatively short time.
1. Cross-Referential Learning
All of our programs present similar material across complimentary classes delivered in tandem. This means that our classes are structured and scheduled to deliver similar material weekly, and sometimes even daily, within the same subject matter. This cross-referencing of material allows the student to absorb the material from different perspectives, from different instructors, using different tools and techniques, on different days.
This constant 360-degree view creates a long-term understanding of artistic, technical and business concepts in concise periods of time, promoting a quicker, deeper understanding of complex concepts.
2. Standardized Workflows (aka The Pyramind Way)
"When it comes to producing there’s the right way, the wrong way, the Pyramind Way, and your way,” says Matt Donner, Pyramind’s Director of Education.
When it comes to Training, the “right” way is the workflow they teach you in textbooks. This type of one-size-fits-all training usually fails, as it typically misses a student’s unique set of needs and it is often delivered without knowledge of real-world techniques. The “wrong way” is what happens when you want to learn how to do one thing but end up learning something entirely different. This cycle leads to frustration, and to instructional texts that promise “the right way” as a solution. More frustration and lost time are the usual result.
The Pyramind Way is a culmination of the vast experience of our instructors. We’ve developed a unique set of best practices from our years in the Sound industry that achieves consistent success for our clients and avoids common (and uncommon) pitfalls.
The result is that Pyramind will empower you and help you develop your workflow - the one you wanted in the first place!
3. Tools, Skills, Chops
You can’t build a house without the right Tools, and sound is no different - that’s why we learn tools first. “Tools” doesn’t just mean software applications, but the fundamental tools of sound like music theory, entrepreneurship, audio fundamentals, and the latest in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
However, since tools alone don’t build “houses,” it’s important to learn how to apply them to create the “house” you want to build. At Pyramind, students use the tools while they learn. This hands-on approach speeds up the learning process and allows students to develop their Skills faster.
Finally, “Chops” are the special techniques that professionals use to get the job done. At the advanced levels, class time is dedicated entirely to creative production, allowing students to both sharpen their Skills and hone their “Chops.” In our Advanced Certificate programs, students have their Tools well under their belt, and focus on the bigger picture of their creativity and expressiveness.
4. Teacher / Student Role Reversal
At the beginning of their Training, the relationship between teacher and student is a more traditional one – the teacher lectures and demonstrates the skills presented to the student. There is a special addition to this relationship: students are to think of the Instructor as their client whose needs they try to serve.
As the student moves through the curriculum, the relationship starts to change. The teacher begins to present the material and the student’s ‘answer’ comes through his or her presentation of projects, tests, and work. This is a collaborative relationship where the student and instructor work in tandem to fulfill the Training goals.
In the Advanced Certificates, such as the Digital Sound Producer - Complete (DSP-C) the student-teacher relationship takes a full-reversal, where the student demonstrates their working knowledge of the subjects through projects that are coached by the teacher to professional completion. This emulates the sort of Producer-Client relationship a student can expect to find in the real world.
This critical last step completes the student’s training, and ensures that they have the experience necessary to not only survive, but compete effectively in today’s professional world.
