For the application to audio engineering schools in colorado, there are many requirements, and applicants are advised to remember the following. These college have the tendency to accept the top students, and they might not accept all regular students.

On CollegeLearners, you can find vast amounts of information about audio engineering trade school, audio engineering courses, sound engineering and music production courses, learn sound engineering, and university of denver audio engineering.

about audio engineering trade school

Amplify your life by breaking into your dream career in audio or music with our unique 1-on-1 mentorship programs. Available in-person or online.

Music Audio Technology degree | Arapahoe Community College

Not all programs are available in every state. Consult an Admissions Representative to learn more.

WHY LEARN AUDIO OR MUSIC PRODUCTION FROM AN INSTRUCTOR ON A CAMPUS WHEN YOU CAN LEARN FROM A PRO IN HIS OR HER DENVER STUDIO?
ON LOCATION, OR REMOTE.

Not like any other school, this is Audio Education Updated, Reimagined, and Revitalized. Are You Ready to Take Your Place?

We hit different and here is why:

They say those that can, do. Those that can’t, teach. But Recording Connection mentors do both! We partner with PRO MUSIC PRODUCERS for our Denver audio engineering schools, which means you’ll be working with industry insiders from day one. You’ll learn in the DENVER AUDIO RECORDING STUDIOS they work in, use the gear they use, and work with the artists they work with.

The ivy-covered walls of a well-known university may have decades-old name recognition, but the talent our Denver audio engineer educators work with are making hits in the music business TODAY. Doesn’t it make sense to learn in a real-world studio with a professional DENVER MUSIC PRODUCER instead of some stuffy classroom?

At the end of our DENVER AUDIO ENGINEERING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION PROGRAMS, you’ll have a portfolio of finished work, the experience of working in a live recording studio, and connections not normally available to you in a classroom setting. And the Recording Connection does it all at a fraction of the cost and in less than a year!

How are we different than other professional audio engineering schools?
We took that old stale classroom concept, rebuilt and upgraded it by putting your classroom in a professional recording studio.Then we emptied out all the other students and left only YOU and YOUR TEACHER (yay for one-on-one learning!) who happens to be a pro music producer (with killer credits) to train you privately (at your pace, full time, part time, nights or weekends available).

Your hands-on learn-by-doing experience starts here!

GET STARTED
FEATURED DENVER MUSIC MENTORS ON LOCATION OR REMOTE
The Recording Connection offers something no “name” 4-year university or audio engineering and music production trade school can. From day one, you’ll be placed in a professional recording studio and receive one-on-one mentoring from award-winning producers and engineers.

With more than 200 locations throughout 48 states, you won’t have to travel thousands of miles for this immersive experience. You learn what it takes to make it in the music business from the inside alongside industry professionals. This includes recording, mixing and mastering, hardware and software, live sound design, and even business skills.

GET STARTEDLEARN ABOUT REMOTE LEARNING

Close to Home or In Your Home
10 Miles, 10 Blocks, Or 10 Seconds from Your Future as a Music Industry Professional
Whether you live in Capitol Hill or the Highlands, LoDo or Washington Park, there is a Recording Connection near you. And while there are many DENVER CO AUDIO ENGINEERING SCHOOLS to choose from, we offer something unique, especially during times of quarantines and social-distancing. Remote learning from Recording Connection is nothing new. We’ve spent decades perfecting the curriculum to allow externs to follow our programs and workshops anywhere they have a fast enough computer and dependable internet connection. After all, the music keeps playing—even during a worldwide pandemic. Even when studios are running on all cylinders, the convenience of learning remotely is just one more way we put our students first. We understand that life moves pretty fast—with work, family commitments, and other day-to-day pressures on your time. Luckily, MUSIC PRODUCTION IN DENVER isn’t your normal nine to five job. In the studio or in your home, we’ll work around your schedule.

Does A Career In The Music Industry Sound Too Good To Be True?

It isn’t. Become a Music Legend. You are too good not to be true to your dreams. Get Started Now.
AMPLIFY YOUR LIFE NOW
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IMMERSIVE MUSIC PROGRAMS
Work with the Stars and Amplify
We choose our Denver mentors using very strict guidelines. First, they have to be good at what they do. Many of our mentors have won multiple Grammy awards and worked with even more Grammy award winners. They have the talent to spare. But they also need a desire to mold the next generation of music producers. From audio engineers and music producers to beatmakers and Live DJs, our mentors look forward to seeing what you have to offer the music industry. And with the hands-on nature of our programs, you could be showing local, regional, and national acts the talent you bring to the table as well. This is where we feel Recording Connection provides the most bang for your buck: Connections. If you prove you can do the work, and hold yourself professionally during these sessions, you’ll never know who will come calling for your services. Our most successful students have been hired by other studios to work in-house, while others have been hired to travel with touring acts. Our students have been hired by their mentors and still more have gone on to open their own shops, start their own labels, or hit the road with artists like Aminé, Beyoncé, and others. But they put in the time, the effort, the blood, and the tears to make that happen for themselves. We’ll give you the foundation, but we can’t guarantee a career. That’s up to you. If you want to make it you’ll learn the industry from the inside, build a brand, and produce your portfolio. A university may have name recognition but the DALLAS RECORDING CONNECTION PROGRAM gets you training in accord with real, up to the moment practices, with real working pros. We do it in months, too, not several years. All those college and university programs offer is a degree. Just consider what that piece of paper would mean to the pros who do the work, day in and day out. With us, you could already have three years of experience in audio production, as a music producer, live sound engineer or DJ or beatmaker. Just think of how much work you can do and how many credits you can amass in four years. What makes more sense to you?

AUDIO AND MUSIC PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
LEARN FROM AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL IN A REAL RECORDING STUDIO.
Ableton Electronic Music Production
24-Week and 36-Week Programs Available
Capture the music in your head with our hands-on Ableton Live curriculum featuring private training from noted EDM DJs and producers. In the Recording Connection for Ableton Electronic Music Production program, learn how to elevate your music to the professional level and get your sound in front of the decision-makers at major EDM labels.

Electronic Music Production School with Ableton

Hip Hop & Beat Making
24 Weeks
Take your beat making and hip hop knowledge to the professional level by learning from a major Hip Hop Producer in his or her studio in our Recording Connection for Hip Hop & Beat Making program. Learn what separates the real-deals from the wannabes.

Hip Hop School and Beat Making

Logic Pro Electronic Music Production
20 Weeks
Learn Logic Pro as you extern under a professional electronic music composer, dance music producer, or touring DJ in their studio in our Recording Connection for Logic Pro Electronic Music Production program. Gain insider access to the electronic music scene. You tell us your favorite genres of electronic music, and we will help you produce that type of music.

Electronic Music Production School with Logic Pro

Music Producing
20 Weeks
Looking to build a career as a music producer? Our insider access is your opportunity to make lasting hookups that can help you get started at producing today’s music. In our Recording Connection for Music Producing program, you’ll learn in private sessions with a professional producer who can show you the ins-and-outs of this dynamic career.

Music Production School

Audio Engineering & Music Production
20 Weeks
From the basics of listening and microphone placement to Pro Tools and mastering, extern with a professional audio engineer in the studio, learn in the trenches and on-the-job. Take your dreams to the professional level in our Recording Connection for Audio Engineering & Music Production program.

Audio Engineering School

MORE PROGRAMS

ADVANCED AUDIO
20 Weeks

LIVE MUSIC
20 Weeks

MUSIC BUSINESS
20 Weeks

LIVE DJ
20 Weeks
VIEW ALL PROGRAMS
RECORDING CONNECTION IS AUDIO EDUCATION UPGRADED FOR 2021
WATCH TO LEARN WHY:

Here’s what Former Denver Students have to Say About Recording Connection
This school is amazing. I had Sam Zulfer, who, not only was incredibly knowledgeable, but also had honest and helpful advice about how to go about my future in the music industry. I work overnights at a trauma center and Sam was always understanding about contact hours- which is huge when you wake up 3 hours before the school office closes. He also made sure I had the best experience possible by checking in and offering any help whether it was tutoring or just walking me through something on the phone. Found out we were both Chicago kids so extra points for that. The curriculum was straight forward and affordable for what you learn and get to apply through a hands on standpoint. Looking forward to finding my place with the education gained.

— Jamie Woody in Thornton, Colorado

My overall experience with my course and mentors alike has truly helped me further my interest and in my career of music. Training with real pros and having access to state of the art software has been very crucial for my education and also super fun. I’ve gotten comfortable with both of my mentors! Enough so to share my music on a personal level. Collaboration with my academic facilitator (SamZ) and mentor (JoshD), make things that I didn’t understand prior easy to figure out and problem solve like never before. The recording connections program has boosted my education without putting me in debt. And Helps me find a Job! The industry standard and hands-on work I do makes me a better candidate to find a job in the music industry and a overall better educated person. I learn much better in this setting Vs in a classroom and during the virus I’ve been able to work from home on my program…I’m glad that I found out about this program, for the insight it gained me and the credited experience it rewards! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM TO ANYONE LOOKING TO GET INTO MUSIC

— Scott Bonner in Littleton, Colorado

Next Question »
Why is it important to go to school inside a real studio?

Great question. Learning from inside the actual environment where music gets made professionally is a proven way to acquire industry skills, experience, and connections. When it comes to getting a career in the music business, it’s smart to start out from inside the business. It’s what we’ve been doing for more than three decades and it works.

The value of interacting with professional audio engineers, music producers, and their clients from within a real recording studio environment cannot be overstated. You must learn within the environment in which you want to work. It’s all about being able to grow usable skills and showcase your abilities and determination to the very same people who do the hiring.

How are you different than ordinary schools?

With The Recording Connection, you do not have to fight over lab time, experience overcrowded classrooms, or work to get your teacher’s attention. With us, you are the only student. It’s just you and your mentor who trains you privately, at your own pace. A real recording studio is your classroom. It’s within this environment that you acquire skills and knowhow in a way that makes sense—hands-on.

How much can I make in the music business?

The amount you can make in the music business varies greatly and that largely depends on you. Like other careers in arts and entertainment, you’re going to have to pay your dues which can mean earning a lower wage while you’re starting out. The duration, cost, and setup of our unique approach enables our students to incur less in student loan debt (vs. traditional 4 year college and university programs) and get themselves in, right where they need to be to gain skills, get connected, and get on with building a career in music—without drowning in debt. If your goal is to get paid for doing what you love and music is it, then training from inside a real recording studio could be your way to start.

Who are your mentors and what are their credentials?

Our mentors own and work in the studios where Jay Z, Solange, Kanye West, U2, Blake Shelton, Rihanna, Jason Mraz, Aerosmith, Lady Gaga, Eric Clapton, Beck, Willie Nelson, The Roots, Eminem, Janelle Monáe, Taj Mahal, Deadmau5, Skrillex and many more have recorded. In fact, our students and graduates have met and/or recorded/collaborated with artists including Miley Cyrus, Aerosmith, Beyoncé, Lady Antebellum, Justin Bieber, Kylie Minogue, The Killers, A$AP Rocky, Shawn Mendes, Carlos Santana, Lil Wayne, Scorpion Child, Fetty Wap, Mae, Trinidad James, The Ting Tings, Sia and more!

Mark Christensen (Alicia Keys, The Killers, Trey Songz, 50 Cent), Larry Goetz (Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande), Josh Monroy (Ludacris, Justin Bieber, Quincy Jones), Ira Parker (Wiz Khalifa, Jadakiss, DMX, Zaytoven Beats), Devon Kirkpatrick (Lauryn Hill, Marilyn Manson, Timbaland), Brian Boland (Rihanna, Timbaland, Macy Gray, Y.G.), Matt Stein (DMX, Trey Songz, Jason Mraz), Oscar Diaz (Dr. Dre, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg), IV Duncan (Eminem, ASAP Ferg, Dej Loaf), and many more.

Do you guarantee me a job once I’m finished with the recording connection?

We are guaranteeing only access, education and real world training via our blended education model, but make no mistake: such access can be an essential part of your success. We put you in the door, guarantee you a one-on-one education inside a real studio, no-cost tutoring, Pro Tools (or Ableton, Logic Pro), and a year of career services if you are not hired by the studio where you trained as an extern. Doesn’t it make sense to learn the music industry from inside it?

So you put me inside a real recording studio, do you match me with my favorite type of music?

Yes, we try. If you are into hip hop we will try to place you in a hip hop studio. Rock students go to rock studios, etc. But working in this industry requires its professionals to be versatile, capable of working in multiple genres and with all types of clients. The Recording Connection believes in what we call the Cross Genre Principle — this means we will train you to be a certified Recording Connection audio professional who can work in all genres. This unique approach to learning enables you to maximize your chances for success and to remain tapped in to a myriad of opportunities.

How am I learning, how is it structured?

Our hands-on, project-based assignments and workshops are designed to get you attuned to working as a professional within a professional environment. You receive private classes in the studio which are reinforced with lessons in our comprehensive eBook. With us, you learn at the pace of one lesson per week. The work is intensive and structured to get you thinking and building the foundation you need to achieve your goals. Furthermore, you’re training in an environment where you get to learn theory and practice in-tandem. When you have questions about something complex, your mentor is there to answer your questions, in depth. For many, this is where the real learning and understanding takes place.

But don’t I need a degree?

Like many other creative industries, the music business does not run on degrees. The studio owners, music executives, artists and producers who are hiring generally don’t ask for degrees. Knowing what you’re doing is generally what they’re after. Having experience and connections matters because they’re markers of someone who is trustworthy, hardworking, and dependable.

My parents want me to get a degree in music. I’m not sure they know how the music business works.

The job of being a parent means setting your children up for success. We understand that. Degrees are necessary for people who want to work as doctors, lawyers, scientists and other such careers. But degrees are not commonly necessary when it comes to working in the music industry (as a musician, audio engineer, music producer, DJ, music business professional, hip-hop, EDM producer, and in other areas of the business) unless you want to be a professor of music, perform with the philharmonic, or be an entertainment lawyer, in which case, getting a degree is the prescribed path to follow.

But don’t get us wrong. Education is great and so are degrees (when suited to one’s goals). Having to spend lots of hard earned money on an expensive music degree is not a prerequisite for working in the music industry. The majority of recording studio owners are not going to ask you for a degree. Instead, they want to know what you’ve worked on and what you can do. Degrees don’t automatically get you access, connections, or real world experience you can put on your resume. So, if your parents have questions, encourage them to do their research online or contact us directly. Knowledge is power. When you understand how the music industry operates, you can make an informed choice that works for you.

What is the difference between a mentor and a teacher?

Mentors usually help with career advice and guidance, while teachers teach a course. Typically, the best teachers are also mentors. With the Recording Connection, your mentor is your one-on-one, in-person instructor (a working professional audio engineer or music producer) and your Academic Facilitator also works with you remotely (telephonically and online) to oversee your progress and assist where needed.

Who endorses you?

Great question. The Recording Connection has earned thousands of professional endorsements. We do not know of any ordinary recording schools that can make that claim.

Ryan Hewitt (The Red Hot Chili Peppers, blink-182, The Dixie Chicks), Al Schmitt (Paul McCartney, Michael Bublé, Diana Krall), Niko Bolas (Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Stan Getz, KISS, John Mayer), Bob Bullock (Shania Twain, Reba McEntire, George Strait), Bil VornDick (Bob Dylan, Béla Fleck, John Oates), Carmen Rizzo (Coldplay, Alanis Morissette, DJ Tiesto), Steve Marcantonio (Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton), Rafa Sardina (Lady Gaga, Elvis Costello, The Roots), F. Reid Shippen (Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Jewel), Adam Moseley (U2, Beck, Rush, The Cure)

“I am very impressed with the way Recording Connection trains students in real recording studios and how hard they work for their students. This is a special program run by visionaries.” -Dave Pensado, Grammy Award Winner, Mixer for Beyoncé, Pink, Michael Jackson.

“I endorse this program.” -Hans Zimmer, Grammy Award-winning Composer for films including The Dark Knight and The Lion King

“I recommend this program. Excellent way to break into the business.” -Larry King, award-winning television & talk show radio host

“The Recording Connection puts students into a real world work place. Students learn first hand what it means to be in a recording session with producers, engineers, musicians and songwriters. It’s on the job career training! You learn the practical, technical, and people skills that cannot be found in any classroom. I highly recommend the Recording Connection.” -Warren Huart, producer for Aerosmith, Better Than Ezra, The Killers, The Fray, James Blunt

Do I need experience to be accepted?

No. You need a good attitude, a sense of responsibility, and a hard work ethic. Your acceptance depends on you making a lasting first impression with your prospective mentor. Our admissions staff will help you prepare for this meeting.

So what is an externship exactly?

Externs learn on the job, they learn one-on-one, from a professional audio engineer, music producer, or music business professional (for applicable programs). Make no mistake, externs are students, only with externship they get: On the Job attention. Our students learn via our eBook, materials, and from inside a real recording studio. The opportunity to get their hands dirty (so to speak). We believe the way to get a job in this business is to get inside and learn from a pro. This allows students to show what they’re made of, starting on their very first day. The ability to connect with the professionals who do the hiring. Working in music takes knowing the people who do the hiring. Our approach eliminates the searching and guesswork and places you right where you need to be to show what you’re made of.

What courses do you offer? What programs do you offer?

We offer programs in EDM, Hip Hop, Beat Making, Audio Engineering, Music Producing, Electronic Music Production, Music Business, Live Sound, DJ, Post Production for Film and TV, Advanced Audio, and more.

Where are your studio sites located?

We’re probably a lot closer than you think! With us you can go to school i.e. an externship location in a recording studio in cities in the U.S., Canada, Australia and the UK. Chances are, we have a location within easy commute distance of where you live. We are in more than 250 cities and towns, on three continents! View a full list of our US locations.

How often do I attend my private class inside a real recording studio?

Students are expected to put in 10 hours per week. Students start off their externship at a pace of twice per week until Lesson 4 or four weeks into their training. If you’re hardworking and reliable, do not have excessive truancies/ absences, and get the okay from your mentor, we can arrange for you to go 3, 4, or 5 times per week. Many of our students spend up to 8 or more hours per day in the studio, while others choose to work around their work schedules. Either way, we are here for you. Days, nights, and weekends may be available, depending on the mentor’s schedule. Schedules are set and agreed upon by mentor and student extern.

How long does your program last?

Most of our programs are designed to last six months. Your length of time may vary based on the time you make available for your studies. A list of all our programs is here.

Can I work while I do my externship?

Yes. Many of our students work while they do the program. Scheduling is set by the mentor and student. Externs must do a minimum of two in-studio lessons per week, although we strongly encourage them to go into the studio as much as possible to observe, assist, and learn.

When do your semesters start?

We offer open enrollment, year-round, to all students. You can start at any time.

How many lessons are in your course or program?

Our curriculums are comprised of 20 lessons. Upon completion of the 20 lessons, graduates will automatically be entered into our career services program.

The Big Question: I Want to Study Sound Engineering. Where Do I Start? - Seam

Is this too good to be true?

Nope. We’re the real deal and happy about it too. Check out our Reviews page to see what actual students and mentors say about us in their own words. None of the students or mentors are fake. These are all real people who believe in our in-industry approach.

What do I get when I graduate?

You get three things when you graduate from the Recording Connection. The first is a certificate of completion. The second is a skill set that you have used in actual recording studio sessions—in other words, actual job experience you can put on your resume. The third is one year of graduate employment and job placement assistance. Helping people get themselves hired in the industry is an intrinsic part of our graduate employment and job placement success.

Once I graduate, will I be certified?

Yes. You will receive a certificate of completion, certifying that you have completed the workshop or graduated the program in which you were enrolled. Graduates of the audio engineering program will receive a certificate of completion which signifies to the music recording industry that you have enough experience to hold a position as an Assistant Audio Engineer or Audio Engineer. Upon completion, they will be an RC Certified Audio Engineer – Music Producer with on the job experience. Graduates from any of our externship along with distance education programs will have accumulated at least 6 months of real life studio experience which is something studio owners often look for when hiring.

How old do I have to be to attend recording connection?

We’ve had students in their early teens to well into their sixties and older. If you are under 18 you will need to have your parent or legal guardian approve your application. We strongly encourage applicants to get their parents involved so that we may answer any and all of their questions.

Can I still attend recording connection even if I didn’t graduate high school or don’t have my ged?

While we would never advocate not finishing high school or its equivalent, we would never hold it against you. As long as you can read, write, speak English, have basic computer skills and a passion for music, you’re eligible to apply.

Can I associate with my mentor and go into the studio after I finish the course, after I graduate?

Yes. If you are invited back to your mentor’s studio, we have no problem with that. In fact, we encourage it. We urge all of our students to show up to every class, never be late, and to be helpful. Build a relationship with your mentor that will last a lifetime.

Do you provide student housing?

Not at this time. Since you don’t have to move to attend the Recording Connection, if you already have a roof over your head, your housing is taken care of. If you have a job, you can keep it and schedule your externship around your work schedule too.

Do you take international students?

We accept international students provided they have the necessary VISA requirements. As for VISA issues, upon acceptance into our program we are more than happy to furnish a letter of enrollment for your consulate/embassy to qualify you for a visitor visa. It is recommended, however, that you attend a community college in your city of choice as they have the necessary facility and faculty to petition F1/J1 Student Visas. A Student Visa is valid for the entire duration of your studies at the community college and would enable you more than enough time to attend this program and take full advantage of our career services program afterwards.

What is included?

A private mentor in a real recording studio.
Our course curriculum taught by that mentor and overseen by an Academic Facilitator.
The opportunity to extern in that studio and make real-world connections while taking our structured course curriculum.
Your very own Student Services Representative who calls you every 2 – 4 weeks to assist you and make sure that you are going to class.
Upon graduation, a certificate of completion that certifies you as a Recording Connection Certified Assistant Audio Engineer (if applicable), plus one more full year of career services assistance.

As one of the most unique programs in the Rocky Mountain region, Recording Arts prepares graduates to work as audio engineers with many contemporary styles of music recording and editing. Students learn from expert faculty on professional equipment while building career-ready portfolios, covering technical fundamentals and then move beyond the basics to explore theories supporting advanced problem-solving and technique, as well as creative music mixing strategies.

Where Do Recording Arts Graduates Find Careers?
Graduates are working in live sound, sound for gaming, post production sound on video and film, radio, sound design for web applications, and, of course in music studios. CU Denver alumni have won Emmy awards for sound mixing on Game of Thrones, own recording studios, are touring internationally with bands, are DJ’s and EDM artists, and are working with cutting edge companies in the entertainment industry.

Audition Track Vs Non-Audition Track
Recording Arts is offered as both Audition and Non-Audition Track. The Non-Audition Track is designed for students who seek careers working behind the scenes in the music industry. There are less performance classes in this major which allows for more recording arts elective courses. Students in the non-audition track are eligible to do our new 4+1 option that allows students to earn both a bachelors and a masters degree in Recording Arts in just five years.

The Audition Track is designed for students who want a lot of both recording arts and performance classes in the curriculum. It’s perfect for students who want performance to be a big part of their future career and also want extensive recording arts skills as well. This allows for more career flexibility. Audition track students choose one of the same instruments as we offer for music performance and must pass an audition to enter the program.

Audition Track Primary Instruments Include:
Bass Electronic Digital Instrument Percussion Violin, Viola
Cello Guitar Piano Voice
Drum Kit

How To Apply

Recording Arts – Non-Audition Track
For the Recording Arts – Non-Audition Track Program, applicants just need to apply to CU Denver and be admitted in order to pursue this major. No additional music application requirements are required.

Recording Arts – Audition Track
For the Recording Arts – Audition Track Program, the first step is to apply to CU Denver. After being admitted to CU Denver, there are additional music specific application requirements including an audition. Please note that the audition can be scheduled prior to CU Denver admission. The audition forms for each instrument and complete information about the audition track requirements can be found on the HOW TO APPLY page in the music section.

For more information about the Recording Arts program and audition track programs, email the College of Arts & Media at CAMinfo@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-7400. If you would like to visit campus to tour our music facilities and learn more about our programs, you can view all of the visit day options here.

For full information about degree requirements and curriculum visit the program page on the CU Denver catalog

Students in 2021 have the option to enroll online or in-person while pursuing a degree in audio engineering and music production. It is a growing field that opens the doors to many different types of opportunities – all having to do with sound design. But with the way the world is now, you want to know that you can feel safe when you study. Along with each incredible school and learning facility, we will see what safety measures are being taken to ensure your health.

Liberty University – 100% online programs at associate, bachelor?s, master?s, and doctoral level.
Liberty.edu

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From creating musical scores in movies to orchestrating sound systems for live events to designing beats for songs, audio engineers focus on the science behind the art of music, many of which attend the best audio engineering schools.

Possible career pathways include a recording engineer, sound designer, creating video game audio content, television show scoring, location recording, live sound reinforcement, and audio system maintenance. Choosing the right music degree can help you determine where you want to take your music career and what school to choose.

For 2021, we’ve reevaluated each school and added information to relevant audio engineering programs. We also removed the Art Institutes from this list as many campuses have been shut down. Our newest addition, Academy Of Art excels in online education offering both AA and BFA degree options.

See More: Be sure to also take a look at our guide for online music schools and our list of universities offering online music education degrees.

Most audio engineering programs consist of a four-year degree that combines general education requirements with music and production courses. Whether you earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), or Bachelor of Music (B.M.), you’ll study the fundamentals in acoustics, music theory, MIDI sequencing, Pro Tools, Ableton, Logic (and other software), and audio recording. Online courses are available, but sound design can require hands-on education.

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School considerations should include the access you have to sound studios and recording labs, student-run programs, and labels, high-tech equipment, and apprenticeships with renowned artists and organizations.

You can also enter a two-year audio engineering program to earn an associate’s degree that gets you an entry-level position in the industry or a master’s degree that enhances your career. Professional certifications in software programs, such as Pro Tools, typically require 12 weeks of study.

You can offset the tuition for every audio engineering program on this definitive list with financial aid, scholarships, loans, and grants.

Top 23 audio engineering schools in 2021:
Middle Tennessee State University
New York University-Steinhardt
Carnegie Mellon University
Berklee College of Music
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
The Los Angeles Film School
American University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Denver
Drexel University
Full Sail University
University of Hartford
Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences
Institute of Production and Recording
Belmont University, Nashville
MI College of Contemporary Music
Virginia Tech
Indiana University
Texas State University
Lawrence Technological University
University of New Haven
Academy of Art
Middle Tennessee State University
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University
Website
MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry is recognized as one of the largest and best audio engineering programs in the world. A B.S. in Audio Production and a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Recording Arts & Technology are available.

Undergraduates are encouraged to pursue a technical minor, such as Electro-Acoustics, Computer Science, or Entertainment Technology. The campus offers six recording studios and separate lab spaces for mastering, cinema mixing, post-production, and MIDI.

MTSU has put together a great plan in regards to the safety of their students. It is too late to sign up for spring semesters but as long as outbreaks do not reach critical numbers, they are planning on resuming full services by August 3, 2020. Check out their 3 Phase Plan and Safety Measures here.

New York University-Steinhardt
Location: New York, NY

NYU Steinhardt
Website
While studying for your undergraduate, master’s, or doctorate degree in Music Technology at NYU-Steinhardt, you are able to experiment in 13 studios, including the 7,500-square-foot James L. Dolan Music Recording Studio. An industry leader in technology, the facility supports recording, teaching, and research projects.

The internationally recognized program offers more than 40 diverse courses in music technology, including sound engineering, multimedia production, and software development. Interns are placed with premier recording studios, music scoring houses, symphonies, and theaters in the Big Apple.

To learn about the NYU Steinhardt general information, they have a whole page where you can branch out and see each area that you might have questions on available here. If you are wanting to specifically see what their plans and prevention methods are, check out their Safety and Health page here.

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You’ll find a bunch in our sample pack marketplace.

Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University
Website
The prominent performing arts college added a Music & Technology degree program in 2009 to train students in the electrical engineering and computer science aspects of the industry.

While earning your B.S. in Music Technology, you’ll study everything from calculus to harmonies to Pro Tools software skills.

In the Master of Science in Music & Technology program, you direct your course of study by choosing an emphasis, such as technologically assisted composition or performance, computer music systems, or instrument design.

CMU is ready and prepared to provide a safe environment as you can read here. At the beginning of the spring 2021 semester, they maintained online teaching for the first 2 weeks before moving back to in-person courses. They even provide a link to monitor current cases and the history of cases both on campus and in the county in general.

Berklee College of Music
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Berklee College Of Nusic
Website
A Music Production and Engineering degree from the prestigious Berklee College of Music gives you access to award-winning mentors and premier recording studios that are filled with the industry’s latest equipment and open 21 hours every day.

You gain hands-on experience in everything from synthesis technologies to digital audio editing to producing music compositions.

Berklee Online also offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Electronic Music Production and Sound Design along with a variety of specialist, professional, and master certification courses.

Through Coursera, you can access their online courses with a free 7-day trial.

Berklee is a harder school to prepare for Covid with how many campuses there are as well as having international students. But they take the precautions between quarantining and health clearances for the safety of all on campus. Learn more by clicking here.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Location: Lowell, Massachusetts

Univeristy of Massachusetts Lowell
Website
The Sound Recording Technology program is the largest division of the UMass Music Department. Notable recording, production, and broadcasting professionals lead the bachelor’s and master’s degree curriculum.

You train in a 1,200-seat concert venue, six recording studios, eight studio labs, and 30 practice rooms. A musical entrance audition is required. A combo bachelor/master’s degree can be earned in five years and comes with a technical or production concentration.

UMASS is requiring students to check a symptom checklist and if they are experiencing any of those symptoms, you are asked to stay home. They have a phone number and email available to students and faculty to contact health specialists with any questions or concerns. To see more details regarding their plans and requirements, click here.

The Los Angeles Film School
Location: Los Angeles, California

The Los Angeles Film School
Website
Earn your A.A.S. in Recording Arts in the heart of Hollywood’s entertainment industry. This 18-month program covers everything from live show productions to mixing a record to post-production for movies. Prominent industry insiders often stop by campus, and every student receives a loaded MacBook, professional mic, and headphones. You also graduate with your Avid Pro Tools certification.

As of January, their in-person instruction is on hold. This does not mean that it will remain that way for the rest of this semester or for fall 2021. To keep up to date on all information regarding Covid, click here

American University
Location: Washington, D.C.

American University
Website
Earn your B.A. in Audio Production or B.S. in Audio Technology at the nationally recognized American University. Both programs concentrate on sound synthesis and studio management, but you specialize in music, communication, computer science, or physics.

The combination of art and science along with seven on-campus studios provides a well-rounded education for making your mark in the audio engineering industry. The school also offers graduate certificates and master’s degrees in audio technology and production.

AU seems to be offering primarily online courses for their spring semester. They do not seem to have announced plans regarding the fall semester of 2021 yet, but to see what their current course of action is click here.

Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology
Website
The Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology offers masters and doctoral degrees for innovative artistic and technological advancements. The research-centered department, which is part of the School of Music and the College of Architecture, provides industry-leading courses in robotic musicianship, music information retrieval, digital signal processing, and music theory to train the next generation of audio technologists.

Georgia Tech is ahead of the curve offering testing for Covid on campus as well as suggesting weekly testing. To learn about all of their measures and campus guidelines, click here.

University of Denver
Location: Denver, Colorado

University of Denver
Website
One of the nation’s premier performance schools, the Lamont School of Music accepts only 300 students annually. Earning your B.M. in Recording and Production provides you with in-depth training in instruments, music theory, analog synthesis, and digital audio work. Classroom instruction is equally balanced with time in the three electronic and production studios. Students participate in more than 300 performances each year on campus and at regional festivals.

The University of Denver provides on-campus isolation and quarantine spaces for students. You can also keep up with the tests and cases on their Coronavirus Dashboard.

Drexel University
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drexel University
Website
At the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, you can earn a general B.S. in Music Industry degree but specialize in music technology and production. Since the program focuses on the industry and not performance, students do not have to audition. Music composition and audio production technique courses are balanced with the business and legal sides of the industry. You have access to six recording studios and two audio labs as well as a student-run concert production company and award-winning record label. Every student completes two summer co-ops with music-focused organizations. You can opt to attend school for a fifth year to complete your master’s degree.

Face-to-face instruction will begin on January 25 at Drexel. For all questions that students may have regarding Covid, there is a phone number and email available with all other Corona info available here.

Full Sail University
Location: Winter Park, Florida

Full Sail University
Website
A self-described “technological and creative playground,” Full Sail University supplies three audio engineering pathways that result in a B.S. in Recording Arts, Music Production, or Show Production. The Central Florida campus provides more than 110 studio and production environments, including Full Sail Live, a high-tech music venue.

Your training includes mixing on-stage sound for live bands, engineering artist recording sessions, and editing audio for student-developed shows and games. Full Sail’s online Audio Production courses let you earn your A.A. in 20 months.

Full Sail has an amazing online program and offers full courses that way. Students seem to have the option to return to campus for in person learning but they are keeping it at a voluntary level and not as a requirement.

University of Hartford
Location: Hartford, Connecticut

University of Hartford
Website
The majority of UH students are working toward their B.M. in Music Production and Technology. The four-year curriculum emphasizes acoustical and electronics engineering. The school believes that “the ideal music production professional should be a musician first and technician second,” so students must audition with a classical or jazz piece. More than 400 performances are recorded each year in the professional Hartt Recording Studio on campus.

The University of Hartford is on campus again with its own guidelines and resources that you can access here.

Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences
Location: Gilbert, Arizona

Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences
Website
You graduate from this premier training program with proficiency certifications in 14 leading audio engineering hardware and software systems, including Logic Pro, Melodyne, Auto-Tune, and Pro Tools. Graduates often gain entry-level employment with broadcast, film, and video game companies.

Tuition includes a MacBook Pro equipped with progressive track recording software. The 42 credit program runs for 48 weeks on campus and through internships.

CRAS provides links to resources from both CDC as well as the Arizona Department of Health Services on the home page of their website.

Institute of Production and Recording
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Institute of Production and Recording
Website
The IPR College of Creative Arts quickly trains you for a career in audio engineering. The A.A.S. in Audio Production and Engineering degree is centered on core musical concepts and technical skills with courses ranging from song arrangement and chord structure to advanced recording and editing techniques. A.A.S. degrees in Sound Design for Visual Media as well as Live Sound and Show Production are also available. The Minneapolis campus includes six labs and seven studios that are open 24 hours, which are available to new graduates for one year.

IPR can reopen a lot easier with its current state regulations and plans. That being said, they plan on starting their reopening plan as of June 1st. To learn more about it, click here.

Belmont University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Belmont University
Website
Nestled in the nation’s country music industry, the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business Department provides a B.S. and B.A. in Audio Engineering Technology. The science-slanted degree includes courses in circuit theory, hearing science, and audio engineering physics. The program requires students to complete a minor in a career-related discipline.

Belmont has put in every effort between the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021 to be able to reopen safely and continue in-person learning. With their sacrifices and hard work, they have begun their process which you can learn about here.

MI College of Contemporary Music
Location: Los Angeles, California

Website
The Musicians Institute Audio Engineering Program provides a unique blend of small, hands-on classes with state-of-the-art equipment and recording spaces to prepare aspiring engineers for the demands of the audio industry. As an MI Audio Engineering major, you’ll learn how to function in today’s professional audio production environments – recording studios, venues, post-production houses, and/or film houses.

MI has begun their own particular online learning with an information session happening on February 11. Click here to learn how to be a part of it. to keep up to date with all Coronavirus updates with MI, check out this page.

Virginia Tech
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Tech
Website
The School of Performing Arts Music Technology program has a 50-hour and 70-hour degree option. Both center on creative techniques in recording, production, and audio technologies. Each student develops a personalized course of study that caters to their specific interests. An off-campus recording studio offers 3,500 square feet of space filled with high-tech equipment.

Through their dashboard, Virginia Tech offers a way to monitor cases and testings on campus here. To keep up with their latest updates, take a look at their welcome dashboard.

Indiana University
Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Website
With the college’s Department of Recording Arts emphasis on hands-on production experience, only 15 students are admitted into the A.A.S. and B.S. programs annually. You will log more than 1,000 hours in the studio during your four years of study, work with the IU record label, and intern with the Jacobs School of Music performances.

IU has put together a list of resources for students regarding their health and wellness with Covid. To read through their listings, click here.

Texas State University
Location: San Marcos, Texas

Texas State University
Website
TxState’s College of Fine Arts & Communication offers a B.S. in Sound Recording Technology. The 120 semester hour courses range from music literature to mixing techniques to electronic instrumentation. Most classes meet off-campus at Fire Station Studios, a two-story space that includes a massive cutting room, video editing suite, isolation booth, and control room. Students must audition for the competitive program with a musical instrument.

All information regarding TSU’s roadmap and safety measures can be found here. They keep you up to date with daily reportings of both students and faculty.

Lawrence Technological University
Location: Southfield, Michigan

Lawrence Tech
Website
Your creativity and technical savvy-ness are challenged in this B.A. in Audio Engineering Technology program. After learning the fundamentals, you’ll advance to operating and maintaining modern recording equipment, multimedia components, and network systems. The off-campus recording studio and electronics lab equip you with the skills needed to use Pro Tools and MIDI for mixing, producing, and digital recording.

Currently, Lawrence Tech is offering a hybrid program of in-person and online learning as many other schools are. To read all of their updates and suggestions, click here.

University of New Haven
Location: New Haven, Connecticut

University of New Haven
Website
UNH offers a B.A. and B.S. in Music and Sound Recording, which are both grounded in music theory, musicianship, and sound recording technologies. The science components include electrical engineering, the physics of sound, and calculus classes. Professional instructors guide the small classes as you learn how to run a computer-based studio. The three campus studios feature professional-grade equipment that caters to beginners and advanced learners.

UNH has a readily updated dashboard with an alert level as well as information regarding their current spring semester available for all, here.

Academy Of Art
Location: San Francisco

Website
Academy Of Art has its campus in the heart of San Francisco, long known for its culture and appreciation for the Arts. Their audio production degrees include associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees.

On top of that, their programs are available completely online. This is perfect in the current learning state of the world. They have already created a well-designed learning experience completely online.

Where To Go From Here
It is important to go to a school that specializes in audio engineering. Other schools will not have the latest technology, and if you are not working with the best tools, then you are not as familiar as you possibly can be with the tools that you would be working with at a prestigious studio.

Audio engineering is a field that is growing very rapidly. Be sure to weigh your options and find a school that is the best fit for you before enrolling.

Choosing the Right Audio Engineering School for You
By now, you’ve probably realized that there are plenty of options to study audio engineering in schools across the country. The real task is deciding which is the right one for you. All of the schools we’ve mentioned on this list are reputed, taught by industry experts, and are equipped with state-of-the-art sound technology.

But the real reason why students decide to go to a particular school is much more personal: though great teachers and equipment act as prerequisites. Before you get overwhelmed trying to choose from a list of seemingly perfect options: let’s get a better understanding of your own requirements.

Location
This doesn’t apply to just audio engineering: most students select their school based on the city/state they want to move to. In some cases, it’s close to home, and sometimes as far as possible. However, there’s more to a location since you’re planning to study audio engineering. If you aim to work in famous professional recording studios, you know the importance of networking in audio engineering society.

Choose a school that is ideally in a city where there’s a strong music performance and sound production culture. For example: if you plan to move to LA after school, it may not be the wisest idea to study in Tennesee. The networking you do with your fellow students and teachers in a school will be most effective in the same city, as you’ll get to form connections with the professionals in the industry closest to you. Moving to a completely different city than the one you studied in will invariably mean that you have to start afresh with your networking.

However, this isn’t a rule set in stone. There are plenty of audio engineers who are successful by merit of their experience and skills in audio post-production alone, without having to bank on their network connections.

We make the argument that it can’t hurt to have both — a bachelor’s degree in audio engineering from a top school as well as a strong network of music producers, audio engineers, sound engineers to help your launch into the music business.

Access to Equipment
Every school claims that they have all the latest sound equipment to give their students the right exposure and experience: but there isn’t always an equal playing field.

There’s a big difference between having recording technology on campus and students having the opportunity to work with this sound recording technology all the time.

Sound equipment is expensive and is constantly being revamped in the industry: and it isn’t always feasible for some schools to restock on new recording technology every year. However, that puts their new students at a disadvantage: who graduate well-versed in audio production tools and audio engineering technology that the music industry has long moved on from.

You should find out the specifics of the audio production equipment that’s available in the school, and also take a look at the music production curriculum. Looking at the curriculum can be key to understanding how much time is really allocated towards working hands-on with audio technology, and how much is allocated towards learning theory in a classroom.

Your exposure to digital audio workstations is important and will play a big role in preparing you for the live sound production career ahead of you.

Talk to Alumni and Faculty
There’s no better way to do your background check before you take the plunge on a music degree in a recording school than to actually speak to the students who went there before you. And no, reading testimonials from a brochure is definitely not enough — if you want authentic insight about the audio engineering degree experience, you’ll need to snoop around and track them down! Most schools will proudly claim their alumni if they’ve made it big in the music industry and recording industry.

If you read reviews before going to a restaurant, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take the time to find out what the audio engineering classes and experience will be like from someone who went there. Focus on the recording techniques they picked up, their career as a music producer, and how their bachelor’s degree in audio engineering helped them achieve this.

Worst case scenario, they don’t provide valuable insight but you’ve done some valuable networking.

Conclusion
No matter what you choose, there are few better ways to launch yourself into the music industry than arming yourself with an audio engineering degree from one of the top audio engineering schools in the country. And even though the journey ahead can’t be easy, we’re sure you’re going to gain valuable audio engineering skills and become a music producer to reckon with. Good luck!

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