RDH Blog

Our next stop on the virtual Ruffing Design House tour is the Audiovisual (AV) Studio - a creative space focused on photography, videography, and music production. Students will engage with camera and video equipment of varying complexity. They will learn photography and videography basics like composition and color grading, while also using advanced software to edit and compose their creations. Music production and sound engineering are also a focus of the AV Studio. Students will work with real and virtual instruments, learn to record live audio, and use software to produce their very own songs, audio tracks, or podcasts!

View of the AV Studio from the Innovation Lab.

Equipment in the AV Studio was chosen to be all encompassing in order to demonstrate the broad spectrum of audio and visual technology. The photo and video section provides students with a range of photography options from fixed lens point and shoot cameras to a plethora of quality lens options to suit the needs of the budding photographer or videographer. Students will have access to telephoto zoom lenses, prime lenses, and macro tube adapters for those super close-up macro shots. 

A selection of some of our film cameras and hand pans on display in the Vista.

Our videography options for students range from basic device cameras, such as those included in an iPad, to our cinema camera rig with an external monitor and external audio recorder. We want students to begin with basic equipment so they will focus more on the composition and narrative being told. As students progress they will get into the details of external mics, lighting set-ups, lens choices, and learn about production roles like producer, director of photography, audio engineer, etc.

Main music production station and camera/lighting equipment.

The AV Studio has three fixed workstations, each of which can be used for photo and video editing as well as music production and sound engineering. Students will learn about different audio sources, both live and virtual, and will learn the appropriate mics, cables, adapters, and equipment needed for live audio and studio recording.

View of the three work stations capable of photo, video, and audio production.

We aim to provide a broad range of opportunities and experiences for our students. We want our students to experience as much as possible and explore the many different ways this space can both enhance their skills and interests, but also show them a world of possibilities they can explore and develop within the field of audio- and visual-based media. Whether students learn from the talented adults and experts within Ruffing or from outside experts working in the field, students will be learning from skilled guides who will help them gain a greater understanding of how to capture sound and images.

View of our electronic instrument rack including a loop station, analog synthesizer, drum machine, and more.

Donations are a crucial part of our sustainability focus at Ruffing Design House. In the AV Studio, we are always looking for interesting audio equipment, camera and video equipment, and musical instruments. Music and audio media such as records, CDs, cassette tapes, MiniDiscs, and more are welcome and will be on display for use in the Vista, the main common room of the Design House. 

Have something to donate? Please contact David Waski at davidw@ruffingmontessori.net. We ask that you please email before dropping any materials off at the front office or Design House.