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Audio Engineering Schools in Maryland

If you want to improve the sound quality of your online video, then you should check out some of the audio engineering schools in Maryland.

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If you are curious about learning more about audio engineering schools in Maryland for the first time, you may find it overwhelming to those who’ve never researched the subject previously, but you’ll become fascinated at first sight with the details you learn. 

Find out more about engineering colleges in Maryland, music production schools in Maryland, Audio engineering schools in Maryland, music production and sound engineering courses, and recording studios in Maryland. Also, read articles related to audio engineering schools Baltimore on collegelearners.

Audio engineering Colleges in maryland

In Maryland, music production programs are most commonly offered at the bachelor’s degree, though a master’s, as well as an undergraduate certificate program, are also available. Some programs may be performance-based, and students may be able to gain hands-on experience by participating in on-campus studio work or offsite internships. Admission requirements can include letters of recommendation, musical auditions, or personal statements. In addition, the sole community college on the list requires non-exempt students to take a placement test. Read on to learn about the schools in Maryland offering training in music production.

Community College of Baltimore County

The Community College of Baltimore County is a multi-campus career and transfer school, and the Essex Campus in Baltimore offers a 30-credit certificate in audio recording and music technology. The music program at the School of Liberal Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and the college is one of a limited number in the United States to enjoy this distinction.

Students take three sequential courses in audio recording and participate in an audio engineering internship. Through an introductory course in audio technology, aspiring professionals acquire a foundational background in acoustics and electronics and work with basic equipment found in a recording studio. During a music business course, students also learn about bookings, contracts, copyrights, and record manufacturing. Additional classes cover topics like live sound reinforcement and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI). Along with the technical certificate, the college offers transferable Associate of Arts and Associate of Fine Arts programs that include topics in ear training and music theory.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a research institution that was founded in 1876, and the school has nine educational divisions in the Baltimore – Washington, DC, area. In conjunction with the school’s Peabody Conservatory of Music, the university offers a highly regarded program in the recording arts and sciences, and the 6-member faculty includes engineers, music technologists, and a specialist in digital decoding.

The dual-degree program in recording arts and sciences requires five years to complete and includes co-majors in, among other areas, orchestral instruments, composition, and computer music. Training in computer science, electrical studies, and math take place at the G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering (Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus). Through the College Work-Study program, students have the opportunity to work in the school’s recording studios, and the final year of the program includes an internship at a radio, recording, or television company.

The school also has a Master of Arts in Audio Sciences, which can be completed in 2-3 years and includes concentrations in acoustical studies or recording and production. In addition to core topics in electrical, musical, physical, and psychological acoustics, students can choose coursework specific to their areas of interest.

Salisbury University

This school is located in southeastern Maryland, in the city of Salisbury, and is a member of the state university system. The Music Department is part of the Fulton School of Liberal Arts and has nearly 20 full-time, adjunct, and applied faculty members, including the Artistic Director for the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.

The department offers a 4-year program in music with a professional track in music technology. In addition to taking general courses in musical history and perception, students receive an introduction to the music industry and ear training. They also take courses in audio production and score reading, and the program culminates in a senior project and an internship.

University of Maryland – Baltimore County

The University of Maryland in Baltimore is the only public institution in the state to offer a specialized undergraduate degree in music technology. Faculty members include an assistant and an associate professor with research interests in computer music and multi-channel mixing.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology program provides students with a background in audio engineering. The curriculum consists of three components, including a music core, recital preparation, and 32 credits of specialized music technology coursework. Through core and recital work, aspiring producers have a chance to acquire keyboarding skills, pursue musicianship labs and study world music. Coursework specific to music production includes four semesters of performance studies and topics in digital signal processing, microphone placement, and stereo microphone theory. In addition, students utilize several key software programs, including Final Cut Pro, MaxMSP, and ProTools. The program culminates in a technology internship and a supervised senior project.

Schools Comparison at a Glance

School NameSchool Type & SettingMusic Production Programs OfferedUndergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019)*
Community College of Baltimore County2-year, public; large suburbMusic Production and Audio Recording Technology Certificate$4,276 in-district
$7,110 in-state
$10,204 out-of-state
Johns Hopkins University4-year, private not-for-profit; large cityBachelor of Music in Recording Arts and Sciences (double major),
Master of Arts in Audio Sciences
Undergraduate: $53,740
Graduate: $55,816
Salisbury University4-year, public; a small suburbBachelor of Arts in Music with a track in music technology$9,824 in-state
$19,526 out-of-state
University of Maryland – Baltimore County4-year, public; large suburbBachelor of Arts in Music with a music technology emphasis$11,778 in-state
$26,872 out-of-state

music production schools maryland

Top Music schools in maryland

We have created a ranking of the best colleges in Maryland that offer Music Production degrees to help you find a school that fits your needs. Each school’s ranking is based on the compilation of our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial reviews. In addition, you can view our entire list of all 18 Music Production schools located within Maryland. We also provide reviews, facts, and questions and answers for schools on our site and offer you access to get valuable information from colleges and universities today.

NoCollegeLocationDescriptionReviews
1 University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD The University of Maryland-College Park offers 7 Music Production Degree programs. It’s a large public university in a large suburb. In 2015, 114 students graduated in the study area of Music Production with students earning 48 Master’s degrees, 46 Bachelor’s degrees, and 20 Doctoral degrees.  Based on 68 Reviews
2Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MDJohns Hopkins University offers 13 Music Production Degree programs. It’s a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 196 students graduated in the study area of Music Production with students earning 94 Master’s degrees, 67 Bachelor’s degrees, 25 Certificates degrees, and 10 Doctoral degrees. Based on 32 Reviews
3Towson UniversityTowson, MDTowson University offers 2 Music Production Degree programs. It’s a large public university in a small city. In 2015, 29 students graduated in the study area of Music Production with students earning 27 Bachelor’s degrees, and 2 Master’s degrees. Based on 16 Reviews
4University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MDThe University of Maryland-Baltimore County offers 2 Music Production Degree programs. It’s a large public university in a large suburb. In 2015, 22 students graduated in the study area of Music Production with students earning 22 Bachelor’s degrees. Based on 28 Reviews
5Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityBaltimore, MDNotre Dame of Maryland University offers 2 Music Production Degree programs. It’s a small private university in a large city. Based on 4 Reviews
School NameAverage tuitionStudent-Teacher RatioEnrolled Students
Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD5/56 : 122,686
University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD3/519 : 138,140
Towson University Towson, MD3/520 : 122,284
University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, MD3/523 : 113,839
Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, MD5/517 : 12,612
McDaniel College Westminster, MD5/511 : 13,003
St Mary’s College of Maryland St. Mary’s City, MD3/512 : 11,735
Frostburg State University Frostburg, MD3/520 : 15,756
Morgan State University Baltimore, MD2/518 : 17,725
Hood College Frederick, MD5/516 : 12,289
Goucher College Baltimore, MD5/514 : 12,141
Salisbury University Salisbury, MD3/518 : 18,671
Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, MD4/59 : 11,044
Washington College Chestertown, MD5/513 : 11,427
Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, MD2/532 : 114,689
Carroll Community College Westminster, MD2/526 : 13,542
Baltimore City Community College Baltimore, MD2/520 : 1

Affordable Audio Engineering Schools

Audio engineering schools are havens for anybody who gets excited by the technology of sound and harbors a desire to learn every aspect of it in order to make audio production their career. 

Enrolling in the right program at a strong audio engineering school is one of the best ways to gain a diverse set of skills that will help you make it in the audio production industry. Programs in audio engineering are designed to teach students music theory, how to operate the various features of recording equipment, live event production, audio production for movies and video games, and the business side of the recording industry. Audio engineering schools are also an ideal setting for burgeoning audio engineers to network with classmates and instructors so that they can develop professional relationships to lean on as they graduate and enter the workforce.  

For voice actors, audio engineering schools are the perfect destination to go to master the art of recording. No matter how experienced a performer you are, honing your audio engineering skills can mean the difference between producing amateur-sounding recordings filled with plosives, poorly mixed tracks, and other unwanted noises—compared to being able to churn out impressive, high-quality audio that won’t require extra editing effort from your clients. 

When you’re setting out to research different audio engineering schools, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. You’ll likely want to consider the school’s location, program duration, tuition costs, and where alumni from these audio engineering schools have gone on to work. 

To help you find the program that’s suited for your specific needs, we’ve compiled a list of the most esteemed audio engineering schools throughout North America. Without further ado, here are the top 15 audio engineering schools for aspiring audio engineers in 2021. 

Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology 

Location: London, Ontario

Program Length: 11 months (46 weeks)

Degree: Diploma in Audio Recording Technology

Tuition: $32,450 CAD

Overview: The Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology’s program is the only program of its kind that prepares students to enter any field in the audio industry. With only one program and one start date per year, OIART provides an intensive educational experience consisting of 650+ hours of hands-on training and 650+ hours of in-studio class time. The school is known for its high completion rate. 

Sample Curriculum: The school offers distinct creative paths that lead to careers in Music Production, Live Sound & Event Production, and Audio for Visual Media. There are courses that span almost every aspect of the audio production and music industries, including Music Production, Music Theory, Audio for Video Games, Sound Design, Lighting Design, Acoustics, Modern Recording Techniques, and more. 

Famous Alumni: Audio engineers who are graduates include Dan Brodbeck (known for working with Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries), Rob Nokes (founder of Sounddogs.com), Matty Green (LA-based recording engineer and mixer who has worked with Ed Sheeran), Ryan Castle (known for work with Sheryl Crow), Wayne Lemmer (sound designer with credits on Kung Fu Panda and Transformers), and Voices Founder and CEO David Ciccarelli. 

Full Sail University

Location: Winter Park, Florida

Program Length: 29 months (online)

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Audio Production

Overview: Full Sail’s Audio Production bachelor of the science degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to conduct business as an independent audio creator. Areas of study range from pop culture and music business fundamentals to production and post-production techniques, in addition to foundational material like college mathematics and professional writing. (Full Sail)

Sample Curriculum: Fundamentals of Music Business, Contemporary Production Techniques

Famous Alumni: Hall of Fame inductees Gary Rizzo and Sebastian Krys. Full Sail alumni have mixed, recorded, or assisted on 18 of the past 24 Grammy winners in the Album of the Year category. 

Fanshawe College 

Location: London, Ontario

Program Length: 30 weeks (in 2 semesters)

Degree: Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Audio Post-Production

Tuition: $6,860 CAD

Overview: Fanshawe College’s Audio Post-Production program is a highly specialized, advanced program in the theory and practice of all phases of producing creative sound for film, television, gaming, web animations, live audio, video, and all new media forms. Concept building is emphasized through various means: audio production and surround sound design and mixing, field recording, ADR, Foley, live sound, and game sound techniques. Students are engaged in individual and collaborative projects involving practical and process-oriented instruction, working with other graduate certificate programs and departments within the College, as well as an independent lab time. This specialization prepares students well for career opportunities within the audio production and post-production industry. (Fanshawe College)

Sample Curriculum: Multi-leveled courses that cover Audio Post-Production Theory, Practical, and Lab.

Famous Alumni: Musicians Les Stroud, Emm Gryner, William Peter Randall, Trevor Morris, and radio hosts Ted Roop and Greg Brady all attended Fanshawe College. 

University of Washington 

Location: Seattle, Washington

Program Length: 8 months

Degree: Certificate in Audio Production Techniques

Tuition: $5,787 USD

Overview: In the University of Washington’s three-course certificate program, students explore the technical principles and creative skills required to complete professional sound projects. You’ll study the basics of editing, mixing, storage media, and the mastering process. You’ll get experience with acoustics, microphones, and analog and digital recording, and you’ll apply your knowledge to create a pro-quality audio project for music or film. (University of Washington)

Sample Curriculum: Principles of Audio Production, Audio Production Project: Music, Audio Production Project: Video

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Program Length: 4 years

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sound, Master of Fine Arts in Sound

Overview:  The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Sound Department program’s studio offerings are complemented by courses in the history and theory of sonic arts, physics, acoustics, electronics, and traditional music. Faculty includes internationally renowned specialists in composition, improvisation, computer music, sound installations, radio art, cognitive psychology, instrument design, critical theory, curatorial practice, and software and hardware development. At the end of each semester, students are invited to participate in Waveforms, a presentation of work including performances and video. (School of the Art Institute of Chicago)

Sample Curriculum: Sonic Experience, Sound and Image, Sound Installation

Berklee College of Music

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Program Length: 8 semesters

Degree: Bachelor of Music in Music Production and Engineering

Overview: The music production and engineering experience at Berklee prepares you to enter the current music production field as an effective professional in any number of roles within a landscape of rapidly evolving tools and techniques. Your experience will prepare you to appropriately adapt to the changing demands of the recording industry. Through in-studio classroom experience, hands-on project work, and exposure to resident and visiting industry professionals, you will:

  • develop an informed and critical aesthetic vision;
  • gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of complex technical systems;
  • learn to collaborate effectively with others in numerous musical settings through participation as an engineer and producer;
  • learn to define quality using both musical and technical criteria, and to apply those criteria to your work and to the work of others; and
  • refine your communication and time-management skills in the context of multidisciplinary productions. (Berklee College of Music)

Sample Curriculum: Critical Listening Lab, The Business of Music Production, Multitrack Recording Techniques

Famous Alumni: K-Pop songwriter Kenzie (Yeonjung Kim)

Art Institute of Atlanta

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Program Length: 4 years

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production

Tuition: Approximately $96,300 USD for the entire program.

Overview: In the Art Institute of Atlanta’s Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production program, students begin with acoustic, musical, and electronic audio basics while working with digital computer-based audio recording and editing programs. Students build on this foundation to study advanced musical production and engineering, Musical Instrument Digital Interface systems (MIDI), audio-to-video, and advanced mixing and mastering, as well as interactive media, media business, project management, and professional development. The program provides a creative, structured environment that encourages, even demands, a combination of hands-on experience and technical knowledge using the kind of equipment found in the industry today. A portfolio to showcase the student’s skills in a variety of audio formats to present to prospective employers is required. Audio Production graduates are prepared to seek entry-level positions at production companies, record labels, radio and TV stations, recording studios, CD and DVD manufacturing facilities, mastering studios, audio post-production for film and video, and sound design for games and the Internet. (Art Institute of Atlanta) 

Sample Curriculum: Music Theory for Audio Professionals, Synthesis & Sound Design, Video Production for Audio

Los Angeles Recording School

Location: Los Angeles, California

Program Length: 36 months

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Audio Production 

Tuition: Tuition Cost Dependent on Financial Aid Benefits. 

Overview: As part of the Los Angeles Recording School’s Bachelor of Science in Audio Production program, students work in classroom environments designed to emulate real-world production facilities. Students use professional studios and workstations featuring: SSL 9000K Series Console, AVID Pro Tools digital control surfaces, ICON D-Control control surface suites, dub stage, Foley/ADR suites, and the historic IVAR Theatre. Students have exclusive access to entertainment professionals who visit the Recording School to share their insights and experience.

Once you dive into the audio world, you will start learning sequencing and synthesis, mixing concepts and techniques, Avid Pro Tools to live sound production, and much more. Every student trains on analog and digital consoles in professional recording studios. (Los Angeles Recording School)

Sample Curriculum: Analog & Digital Recording, Live Sound Production, Audio Post-Production for Film

Famous Alumni: Los Angeles Recording School alumni have worked with Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Sheryl Crow, and Janelle Monaé, as well as on the films ArrivalBlack Panther, and the TV show Stranger Things

Media Tech Dallas

Location: Dallas, Texas

Program Length: 15 months

Degree: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Recording Arts

Tuition: $24,000 USD

Overview: The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Recording Arts Program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary for employment in the audio and recording industry. You will get firsthand experience in the many different aspects of audio recording and audio engineering while learning in a professional environment. The facility provides both digital and analog recording equipment that can be found in the many professional studios around the world. Working with modern Digital Audio Workstations, students will learn about the functionality of microphones, speakers, acoustics, troubleshooting, and then integrating such skills in hands-on live and studio recording, editing, mixing, and working in post-production. Students will also learn the role of the producer, music theory, songwriting, and a survey of the music business including publishing and copyrighting of music. The core classes combined with the required general education courses provide a well-rounded education. The coursework provides an effective combination of in-class lectures as well as live, hands-on training in the recording studio, bringing real-world experience to the classroom. The Faculty includes seasoned professionals in the audio industry. Besides having a plethora of professional experience to share with students, the faculty continue to work in their field as well as teach, giving the student valued, up-to-date information about the ins and outs of their career. (Media Tech Dallas)

Sample Curriculum: Live Sound Engineering, Business of Music, Pro Tools certification

Vancouver Film School

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Program Length: 12 months

Degree: Diploma in Sound Design for Visual Media

Tuition: $28,750 CAD

Overview: Discover professional-level sound design techniques in a demanding production environment that closely echoes the industry. Grads of Vancouver Film School’s Diploma in Sound Design for Visual Media program are some of the most successful and sought-after professionals in the entire Sound Design industry. (Vancouver Film School)

Sample Curriculum: Production Sound Mixing, Game Collab. project, Intro to Professional Skills

Famous Alumni: Graduates from Vancouver Film School’s Sound Design for Visual Media program have worked on a number of recent high-profile movies and video games, including Black PantherCaptain MarvelWonder WomanDead Rising 4, and League of Legends.

LaSalle College Vancouver

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Program Length: 6 quarters

Degree: Diploma in Professional Recording Arts

Tuition: $38,520 CAD

Overview: Through rigorous study of theoretical concepts, industry practices, and hands-on production techniques, students in the Diploma in Professional Recording Arts program work to develop the technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities needed to become professional engineers, technicians, and producers. Students learn the fundamentals of acoustics, audio engineering principles, digital audio editing, analog and digital audio mixing, music theory, among other skills. LaSalle College Vancouver’s Audio Production program shows students how to record, edit, mix, and master digital audio using industry-standard professional recording studio technology, including sophisticated Solid State Logic recording consoles. Students explore everything from producing live and studio music to designing sound for film, radio, TV, web, live performances, and other venues. (LaSalle College Vancouver)

Sample Curriculum: Fundamentals of Audio, Music Theory, Synthesis & Sound Design, Psychoacoustics

Famous Alumni: Alumni have worked with such industry giants as Electronic Arts Studio, Bardel Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, The Armory Studios, and Michael Bublé.

Recording Arts Canada

Location: Montreal, Quebec or Toronto, Ontario

Program Length: 1 year

Degree: Sound & Music Production 

Tuition: $18,455 CAD

Overview: Guided by a Grammy-winning producer, Recording Arts Canada offers sound and music production training in world-class facilities. Their Sound and Music Production program combines essential theory, vital hands-on training, and career support so students can start landing professional opportunities within a year. (Recording Arts Canada)

Sample Curriculum: Audio Consoles, Electronics & Technology, Aesthetics of Music, Studio Production Techniques

Famous Alumni: Recording Arts Canada alumni have worked with Drake, Shawn Mendes, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. 

Metalworks Institute

Location: Mississauga, Ontario

Program Length: 1 year

Degree: Diploma in Audio Production & Engineering

Tuition: For information on tuition, contact an Admissions Counsellor at 905-279-4000, toll-free at 1-866-783-2200, or via e-mail at admissions@metalworksinstitute.com.

Overview: The Audio Production & Engineering Diploma program incorporates the progressive recording and production skill-sets required to succeed in today’s high-tech audio recording environments. From music creation to music production, this program has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving world of recording, including both large-format recording and ‘in the box’ technologies. The vast experience of Metalworks Studios has infused this curriculum with a wealth of knowledge derived from over 40 years of real-world success, resulting in a program designed to optimize future career opportunities. (Metalworks Institute)

Sample Curriculum: Musical Styles & Genres, Principles of Electricity & Electronics, Songwriting Analysis

Famous Alumni: Metalworks alumni have gone on to work at Entertainment One, Bell Media, Sony Music, Corus Entertainment, and OVO Sound.

Middle Tennessee State University

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Program Length: 4 years

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Audio Production

Overview: The state-of-the-art teaching and production facilities housed within MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry are the result of input from industry professionals, award-winning acoustic design consultants, faculty, alumni, and students. Facilities include two large music recording studios (A & B), three smaller recording studios (C, D & E), an audio post-production studio, a mastering lab, a 12-seat electronic music lab, a 16-seat digital audio workstation lab, a mixing lab, a “catch-all” audio editing lab, and a live sound “café”. From large-format recording and mixing consoles to control surfaces to leading-edge outboard gear, controllers, audio software, and sample libraries, our facilities and resources allow students to apply fundamentals, principles, and techniques without limitation. (Middle Tennessee State University)

Sample Curriculum: Digital Audio Technology, Survey of the Recording Industry, Sound for Picture, Audio Signals, and Systems

Famous Alumni: MTSU production graduates have worked on gold and platinum-selling recordings and Grammy award-winning productions. The long and impressive list of artists and producers MTSU graduates have worked with include Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Luther Vandross, Josh Groban, Bruce Springsteen, The Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Alan Jackson, Michael Buble, Randy Travis, Diane Warren, Donna Summer, Alison Krauss, Richard Marx, Dolly Parton, John Mayer, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael McDonald, Natalie Merchant, Cher, Paul Anka, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, and a host of others.

Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music 

Location: Los Angeles, California

Program Length: 1 year

Degree: Certificate in Audio Engineering

Tuition: $16,350

Overview: 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, a valuable experience provided by our audio engineering school. 

Aside from obtaining an audio engineer degree, you’ll be taught by industry-experienced instructors in our audio engineering classes. You’ll also gain practical experience on professional-level consoles and recording equipment. Audio engineering majors at MI will leave the program industry-ready, after getting the chance to work with artists, mic’ing up session players, and do final mixes. Altogether, you’ll be developing sophisticated technical and organizational skills that are vital to today’s successful engineers. (MI College of Contemporary Music)

Sample Curriculum: Recording Techniques, Recording Theory, The Business of Audio, Musicianship for Audio Engineers, Mixing Essentials, Vocal Production

Famous Alumni: Anderson. Paak, Bishop Briggs, and Mark MacKay—to name a few. 

Choosing the Right Audio Engineering School for You

Selecting the audio engineering school that is best suited to your specific needs will require a great deal of thorough research, and your final decision will likely be based on a range of factors: the amount of money you’re prepared to spend, the industry you’re striving to work in, and the particular equipment and skills you hope to enhance your expertise in. 

No matter the audio engineering school you choose to attend, enrolling in an audio engineering program is an investment in your future and will help you flourish in the growing sectors of audio technology and the recording arts. 

Voice actors can benefit enormously from attending audio engineering programs because they are then prepared to perform their own editing and professional recording work, which instantly makes them more favorable to clients. Your voice-over demos, auditions, and finished recordings can only profit from professional instruction in audio engineering. 

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