Shenandoah Conservatory hosted Yuri Lysoivanov, senior market development specialist for Shure Incorporated, for a series of specialized workshops on Tuesday, April 8. The visit provided students with valuable insights into wireless audio systems and studio microphone technology through interactive, hands-on sessions.
Lysoivanov led two comprehensive workshops in the conservatory’s recording studio. The sessions attracted students from music production & recording technology (MPRT), theatre design & production (TDP) sound, contemporary musicianship & entrepreneur development (CMED) and collaborative audio arts (CAA) programs.
The workshops were organized in collaboration with Adjunct Instructor of Music Production & Recording Technology James Welsh, who joined the faculty this academic year to teach sound reinforcement classes. Welsh brings nearly three decades of professional experience as the owner of Welsh Sound, LLC, a regional live production company specializing in concert sound reinforcement, stage lighting, rigging systems, staging and video projection.
“It was wonderful getting to attend another masterclass with Yuri,” said Emmalee Stapleton ’25 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design & Production – Sound Design & Reinforcement). “I was able to attend his first masterclass here in 2022, and it was great to see and learn from him again. I actually immediately used the information he taught us on a job I worked on Wednesday and Thursday. Anytime I get an opportunity to talk to and learn from Yuri, I jump at it.”
Wireless 101 Workshop
The morning session focused on practical applications of wireless audio systems, covering essential concepts for students working in live sound, theater and studio production environments. The workshop explored the physics of RF transmission, antenna positioning and optimal equipment setup.
“I especially enjoyed Yuri’s masterclass on wireless microphones because I have never seen the ins and outs of how wireless systems work and what the best way to set them up are,” said Brodie Meyers ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology). “I also enjoyed learning about Shure Wireless Workbench because it will be a common part of my future career and I definitely should know how to use it.”
Effy Axehead ’26 (Bachelor of Arts in Collaborative Audio Arts) found unexpected connections to a personal interest: “Yuri’s presentation completely opened my eyes to a side of audio I hadn’t fully considered before. As a ham radio enthusiast, I never realized how closely my hobby aligned with RF coordination. Hearing Yuri talk about the role of an RF wrangler made something click and I’ve been diving deep ever since. I’ve been exploring Shure’s Wireless Workbench, learning everything I can about the tech.”
Lennon Groves ’27 (Bachelor of Arts in Collaborative Audio Arts) added, “His talk on wireless technology and the physics behind it was not only informative but also incredibly engaging. He has a real talent for breaking down complex concepts into digestible and relatable ideas, which made the session enjoyable and easy to follow.”
Students gained practical knowledge about radio wave frequencies and transmission principles.
“Learning about all the ins and outs of how antennae receive and transmit waves and how they should be positioned to do those things optimally was very helpful,” noted Milton Switzer ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology). “Figuring out which materials block the waves and which don’t was pretty eye-opening as well.”
For many students, the technical aspects of wireless technology were particularly valuable. Burke Adkins ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology) commented, “I really enjoyed learning about the physics behind RF receivers and transmitters. I had previously not known how antennas worked. Learning the physics behind this subject is quite enjoyable to learn about, as opposed to just the functionality of RF.”
Studio Microphone Shootout
The afternoon session provided students with hands-on experience using various Shure microphones, enabling them to compare models not currently in the conservatory’s inventory with familiar equipment. This practical approach helped students develop critical listening skills and understand the selection of microphones for various applications.
“The mics brought in to test in the recording session were really cool. Hearing them in real-time recording was fun for me since I am a drummer, and now I have some more microphone options for drum recordings,” said Jacob Blair ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology).
Beau Baldassari ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology) added, “I really enjoyed the presentation! I took a whole lot of notes. The physics content was really informative and comprehensive. I also learned how some mics sounded on drums and the history of Shure.”
The workshop included some special surprises, as Axehead noted: “Winning a Shure microphone that day just made the experience even more unforgettable.”
Real-World Application
Many students emphasized the immediate practical value of the workshops. “I enjoyed the Shure workshop because the information helped me prepare myself for a live sound gig I had that weekend and we only used wireless. It was really helpful,” said Jaden Galloway ’26 (Bachelor of Arts in Collaborative Audio Arts).
Logan Parker ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology) reflected, “Getting to connect the equipment I have been using at shows to the fundamental concepts of wireless communication has been super eye-opening on the function and science of sound over electromagnetic waves. I am super interested in pursuing this field further and deepening my understanding of the science.”
Industry Connections
The visit also provided valuable networking opportunities with an industry professional. Ethan Fox ’27 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology) commented, “Yuri was extremely knowledgeable and had an answer to every single question that came his way. Being able to get feedback and information straight from someone who already works as a professional in the field I want to work in was very helpful and insightful.”
Lukas Dannenberg ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology) summarized the experience by saying, “I really enjoyed Yuri’s seminar, it was very informative and well laid out. It went in-depth on an important topic that is important and not talked about enough.”
The workshops served as a continuation of the conservatory’s commitment to providing students with access to industry professionals and hands-on learning experiences with current technology. Shenandoah Conservatory professors’ industry connections continue to strengthen the practical aspects of the music technology curriculum at Shenandoah.
