Class Catalog

Class Details

Summer 2026:

TERM DATES: Jul 5, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
LEVEL: Beginner
COURSE PREREQUISITES:None

Introduction to Maya

$595

Learn the basics of Autodesk Maya. This 11-week course explores the Maya interface, working with objects, modeling basics, how to animate objects, apply materials and textures, and use lights and cameras to render your scene. Students will have the foundation they need to carry out the assignments in our programs.

This course was specifically designed for students that are new to 3D, or for students that are transitioning to Maya from a different software package. Students with Maya experience can bypass this course. This course is offered at a lower tuition cost than all other courses.
1, 2 - Become familiar with the Maya Interface and UI.
3 - Creating Objects.
4 - Grouping Parenting and Constraints.
5 - Animation.
6 - Customizing the Maya Interface, Shelfs, Hotkeys, Marking Menus.
7 - Installing Scripts.
8 - Manipulating Objects.
9 - Rendering.
10 - Installing and using the AnimSchool Picker.
11 - Finalizing and submitting assignments.

Critique Time * Class Time Instructor Notes
Friday 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Tuesday 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Michael Ervall
Monday 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM Friday 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Eric Luhta

ABOUT INSTRUCTORS

Michael Ervall

Brazil Flag Brazil

With over a decade of experience in character animation for TV series, commercials, and feature film, I’ve had the honor of contributing to a wide range of projects, including Disney's Elena of Avalor, multiple Funko commercials, and an undisclosed upcoming feature film. I’m dedicated to sharing my expertise with my future colleagues, helping you bring your stories to life through the art of animation!
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Eric Luhta

Canada Flag Canada

I'm currently a Senior Gameplay Animator at The Coalition working on the Gears of War franchise. Previously I was the Studio Game Animation Director at Blackbird Interactive overseeing animation over all projects, and before that was lead animator for Minecraft Legends. I've been in the industry for 19 years on a variety of film, game, and TV projects and studios, including Pixar Canada, Relic Entertainment, Sony Imageworks, 2K Marin, and Blue Sky Studios. I also enjoy building animation tools for Maya and am currently solo developing my first indie game.
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