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about sound recording technology salary

The musical result of a recording project is increasingly dependent upon the recording engineer, and often the recording studio itself can be regarded as a musical instrument. Our Sound Recording Technology facilities range from labs and workshop spaces to state-of-the-art studios, live rooms and booths that rival the best in the nation.

We are committed to educating upcoming audio professionals how to successfully interact with people in a creative environment. We offer guidance in musical and technical knowledge and promote mental flexibility. Enrolling in our four- year Bachelor of Science in Music with an Emphasis on Sound Recording Technology degree program means having time to discover your own creative abilities and ambitions and learning how to help others realize theirs.

This intensive and interdisciplinary program also provides a superb education in the liberal arts and sciences. The curriculum is based upon the central notion that an engineer in audio is a musician with a broad range of scientific and engineering skills.

Over the last 35 years, Fredonia’s SRT program has opened doors for many of today’s outstanding industry professionals. Recent graduates currently work in state-of-the-art recording facilities and at leading post-production facilities in the US. They are active in the creation of the newest recordings by some of the country’s most dynamic and influential artists.

F.A.Q.
Q: How large is the SRT program at Fredonia and how is it structured?
A: The Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program at this time accommodates forty full-time students. SRT majors usually graduate after four years with a Bachelors of Science in Music with an Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology degree. The course catalog gives a typical SRT course schedule over the four years. SRT courses are offered starting with the Spring semester of the Freshmen year. SRT majors enroll in SRT 105, a one-credit course designed to introduce students to the basics of sound recording technology and to the SRT student community at large, called the “Tonmeisters.” Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to complete an internship in the audio industry. We assist in placing you in the right kind of internships, which may be completed during the summer.

Q: How many students do you usually accept into the program?
A: We usually have between 50 to 70 applicants each year, and we admit from 10 to 15 new Freshmen into the program.

Q. What is the length, purpose, and nature of the internship?
A. Internships facilitate job placement. They are essential in gaining entry into the job market. Students work with the program head in finding the internship position in the specialization of their choice. Fredonia’s SRT program has existed for over thirty-five years and boasts a long list of successful graduates. There is usually no shortage of internship opportunities. Internships, however, usually require the graduate to take up residency in one of the large centers of sound recording (ie. New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville) and are often offer low pay. They normally range from 6 to 15 weeks in length. Often successfully interning at a recording facility leads to a job offer.

Q. What do you look for in a successful SRT candidate?
A. SRT candidates first need to be admitted by Fredonia, then to the School of Music and finally to the Sound Recording Technology area. Each step has its own requirements. The university usually looks for high SAT scores and evidence of excellence in scholarship. The School of Music requires a vocal or instrumental audition that must be passed with a grade of three (3) or higher (out of a maximum of five). Electric and electronic instruments and/or other instruments used primarily in popular music such as electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, drums etc. as of yet are not acceptable as audition instruments. Applicants are encouraged to review the audition requirements before requesting an audition. The SRT area looks for potential students to have a successful academic record in Mathematics, Physics and music-related subjects. Preference will be given to candidates who show talent in BOTH science and music. Evidence of dedication to work ethic and persistence will also be taken into account.

Q: Is any previous professional audio experience necessary to be considered for the program?
A: No. But in order to avoid potential disappointments we encourage you to find out more about the industry (i.e. through an internship) before you commit yourself to a four-year major in this subject.

Q: What happens to my instrumental lessons once I am in the SRT program?
A: As an SRT major you are only required to take one year of private lessons, but we encourage every student to consider becoming a double major in performance and SRT. Double majors traditionally are the most successful SRT graduates.

Q: I have been interested in music for the last few years and have been playing drums/electric guitar/bass/keyboards in various bands for some time. I am not terrible in science, but neither do I excel in mathematics and physics. What can I do to be admitted to the SRT program?
A: You have one of the most common applicant profiles. The program is competitive and unfortunately every year we have far more people interested in the program than we can accept. Applicants that do not have the required musical training on an instrument to pass the audition at Fredonia’s School of Music are encouraged to take private lessons and reapply the following year. You can also prepare for classes at Fredonia by enrolling in Pre-Calculus or Physics at your high school or community college.

Q: I have been admitted to Fredonia but NOT as a music major, and NOT into the SRT program. Can I transfer into the program after one year?
A: In principle yes, but in practice the chances are slim. You will have to reaudition the following year. In addition, there will have to be room in the program for you as a transfer student. The SRT program has a very high retention rate and chances for a transfer into the program as a sophomore are not very good. In addition, it is necessary for you to have the same science background as other sophomores (see university Calculus requirement) in order to enter the program at a later date.

Q: I am currently enrolled in the sound recording program at XYZ Community College. Can I transfer into the SRT program, having completed junior college?
A: You must have the required prerequisites to transfer (i.e.. Univ. Calculus I and II, Physics etc.) AND you must pass the musical audition. Even then, admission is only possible if space is available in the studio. Transfer is possible only into the sophomore-level of the program. We do not accept transfers into the junior-level (or higher) of Sound Recording Technology.

Q: Can I enter/transfer/re-enter the SRT program in the Spring Semester?
A: Yes, but you will not be allowed to take SRT courses until the following Fall. The knowledge acquired in these classes is cumulative and you will have missed prerequisite classes.

Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: Scholarships from the School of Music are very limited, and most are based on merit. Any available awards will be offered after the School of Music audition and admission decisions are made. (There is no application for these awards.)

Q: What do Fredonia SRT students typically do after they graduate?
A: Audio engineering is a large field with many specialized applications. Many SRT graduates enter the business as recording engineers, studio managers, mastering engineers and broadcast engineers. Some eventually open their own recording/production companies; some pursue graduate studies and become teachers; and others spend some time pursuing their elusive rock star/singer/songwriter career.

Q: When should I schedule an audition?
A: Early auditionees have better chances of being admitted into the program. We encourage you to schedule you audition as early as possible.

Q: What is the placement rate of outgoing students from the SRT program is into recording studios? What are some places of employment that past graduates have gone to? I would simply like to have a feel for where the program can take me if I am accepted. I have had my heart set on going to Fredonia ever since I read about the SRT program on the website, and after touring the campus and studios this past winter.
A: Our job placement rate of graduates tends to be high. In fact, almost every graduate from this program gets a job in the field, if they seek it. Having existed for more than 35 years, there are many Fredonia graduates working in the field, and often recent Fredonia graduates are able to draw upon these resources to find internships. Many have gone on to work at major recording and post-production facilities in the New York City area such as Sony Music Studios, Avatar, The Hit Factory, the Sound Lounge and The Audio Department.

The minor in Music and Technology is designed to provide students interested in music, media, and digital technology and the arts, with a foundation specific to the latest developments in music and technology along with a basic background in the history and theory of music. Students in other majors who have interdisciplinary interests will find this minor valuable as preparation for further studies dealing with the arts and culture and media.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Music Theory
Media
Technology
Arts & Culture

Ready to take the next step?

SAMPLE COURSES:

Music Technology
Audio Engineering
Topics in Computational Arts
Sound Structures
ADMISSION INFO:

Less rigorous than the music major, the minor is not intended to prepare students for advanced study or professional work in music. This track requires a minimum of 20 credits.

After Graduation

Your college decision isn’t really about the next four years. We get it. It’s about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Nearly 95% of SBU grads go to professional or graduate school. Here’s a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of them.

CAREER OPTIONS:

Producer
Publishing & Sync Licensing Intern
Assistant, Recorded Music
Assistant Producer
RECENT EMPLOYERS:

New York Times Opinion
Create Music Group
BMG Rights Management
iHeart Media
Related Majors

Studio Art
Multidisciplinary Studies
Music
Interested in this Minor?

Department of Music

Chair: Perry Goldstein

Office: 3304 Staller Center for the Arts

Phone: (631) 632-7330

This course will provide students with hands on experience as sound engineers in live performance settings. Students will learn all of the components of a sound system and sound enhancing equipment, including proper set up and maintenance of equipment. Students will gain experience in “tuning” a performance space, and running a soundboard during a live performance.

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

Your BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK AUDIO RECORDING SCHOOL
Looking for a great audio engineering school in Binghamton, New York? Meet the RECORDING CONNECTION, an innovative Binghamton Audio Engineering School that hooks you up as an audio student extern inside an actual Binghamton recording studio, learning directly from the pros as you study audio engineering, mixing, music production, live audio, electronic music-and its many sub-genres (electronica, dub fusion, acid house, jungle and more), club DJ and post production audio. In Binghamton, the best way to get started in a career in audio recording is by externing in a Binghamton recording studio–and that’s where we come in.

You could spend upwards of 50 thousand dollars to go to an audio engineering trade school somewhere, or you could spend a fraction of that amount and go to audio engineering school in a real recording studio. The choice is clear! Get on the inside track, and get your education in a real-world environment. Our audio recording school alternative is the smartest, most cost efficient program available.

To APPLY for our Binghamton Audio Engineering School, click here.
Located in southern New York near the Pennsylvania border, the town of Binghamton is home to around 45,000 people. Considered an artistic/cultural hub for the region, Binghamton is also home to the acclaimed Binghamton University with an enrollment of around 14,000 students. Noteworthy musicians and bands with connections to Binghamton and/or the university include country singer Tim Malchak, jazz pianist and singer Dena DeRose, and popular singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson.

The local music scene is comprised of local bands and artists from a variety of genres, and a number of area recording studios accommodate their needs. If you are considering a career in audio as a recording engineer, live audio engineer or music producer, Binghamton provides a small-town alternative to the big city craziness of New York City.

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!

RECORDING CONNECTION IS AUDIO EDUCATION UPGRADED FOR 2021
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FEATURED BINGHAMTON 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.

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Close to Home or In Your Home
10 Miles, 10 Blocks, Or 10 Seconds from Your Future as a Music Industry Professional
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IMMERSIVE MUSIC PROGRAMS
Work with the Stars and Amplify
The secret to the RECORDING CONNECTION’s success is our mentor-apprentice (extern) approach. During our inexpensive, 6-month course, you’ll be paired with a working industry professional who will personally train you during real recording and audio projects. Along the way, you’ll make important industry contacts that usually lead to future work. Over 70 percent of our graduates go on to permanent recording industry jobs, many times even before they finish our program. Enroll in our Binghamton Audio Engineering School today, and you could be next.

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
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RECORDING CONNECTION IS AUDIO EDUCATION UPGRADED FOR 2021
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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.

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.

View all Frequently Asked Questions

Learn from the Engineer that records Deadmau5
Learn from the Engineer that records Deadmau5
Hans Zimmer has met with Founder of the Recording Connection and gives his thumbs up to the program
Hans Zimmer has met with Founder of the Recording Connection and gives his thumbs up to the program
An Engineer for Jack White teaches Recording Connection students
An Engineer for Jack White teaches Recording Connection students
Learn audio from the producers and engineers that have worked with Skrillex
Learn audio from the producers and engineers that have worked with Skrillex
Snoop Dogg’s producers teach our students
Snoop Dogg’s producers teach our students
Learn music production from Taylor Swift’s music producer
Learn music production from Taylor Swift’s music producer
Student Nick E. Beats makes beats for Fetty Wap, becomes 2X Platinum producer
Student Nick E. Beats makes beats for Fetty Wap, becomes 2X Platinum producer
Audio Engineer for U2 is a Recording Connection Teacher
Audio Engineer for U2 is a Recording Connection Teacher

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OUR STUDENTS & TEACHERS
STUDENT
MILEY KNOX
PLACES 2 BEATS WITH WU-TANG AFFILIATE

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Miley Knox
GRADUATE
ROLAND RODAS
BUILT A THRIVING MASTERING STUDIO

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Roland Rodas

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RAMY MORALES
GOES 5X PLATINUM, SIGNS WITH SONY/ATV

Ramy Morales
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ECHO GABRIEL
GETS HIRED AT GLOBAL GIANT PSAV

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Echo Gabriel
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JAMILA NICOLAS
HIRED FOR LIVE SOUND AT ROCKWELL HALL

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Jamila Nicolas
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4000+ POSITIVE VIDEOS, REVIEWS, AND QUOTES FROM STUDENTS & GRADUATES

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Miley Knox
“
You’ve got to put in your effort. You have to show the studio you’re actually going to show up, you’re going to be there, you’re going to work hard, and you know your stuff.

• Recording Connection grad Jake Kiyokane, Los Angeles, CA
  AMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
  WITH RECORDING CONNECTION
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1

New York Is Just the Launching Pad.

We’ve got locations everywhere, including throughout New York. No need to relocate to attend the Recording Connection—we can train you right here in Binghamton. The other guys don’t come close. Advantage: Recording Connection.

2

Learn on the Latest Gear When You Attend the Recording Connection.

Commercial audio studios exist in a highly competitive industry. To survive they need to have the latest gear on hand. With the Recording Connection, you will be learning at just such a studio. Guess what? That means you’ll have plenty of hands-on access to the latest and best equipment available.Most school’s gear is second or third generation. Don’t get stuck in their generation gap. Advantage: Recording Connection.

3

No Classrooms In Sight.

You’ll be working in a recording studio, not a classroom. A classroom is no place to learn the skills of audio engineering, so we don’t waste your time with them. All our learning takes place on-the-job. Advantage: Recording Connection.

4

Learn From a Mentor One-on-One.

While in the studio, you’ll also have private lessons with a mentor. You’ll be learning one-on-one about the art and craft of audio engineering. With us, you are always number one. Advantage: Recording Connection.

5

Our Mentors Are Amazing.

You’ll be working with an industry veteran who has many years of experience under his or her belt. Our mentors have worked with the biggest names in music, and many have Grammy Awards and Gold records. Under your mentor’s leadership, you’ll be prepared to make a name for yourself, just as he/she did. Their teachers listen to the Gold Records our teachers produce. Advantage: Recording Connection.

6

Job Placement For Students.

Many of our students get hired by their mentors, seeing that they’ve actually been trained by them! If that doesn’t happen, never fear. We offer employment assistance to all our students who need it. The other guys give you a cold-call lead list when you graduate. Advantage: Recording Connection.

7

Recommended By the Pros.

You’ll be working in a program that has been recommended by professional musicians like Russell Simmons and Bryan Adams. In fact, we’re the most recommended audio school by industry professionals. You can count the number of pros who recommend the other guys on one hand. Advantage: Recording Connection.

8

Become an Industry Insider.

Gaining “insider status” in this industry is one of the biggest hurdles most up-and-comers face. With our program, it’s nonexistent, because we get you on the inside from the very beginning of your course. The other guys are on the outside, looking in. Advantage: Recording Connection.

9

Free Tutoring.

We offer free tutoring to any student who needs it. If you get stuck on an assignment, we’ve got your back. Unlimited private tutoring. Advantage: Recording Connection.

10

Connections.

Connections are the name of the game. The problem is, it’s nearly impossible to make connections sitting in some classroom. By training you on-the-job, we put you in position to make hundreds of connections that can help advance your career. Real world music industry connections. Big Advantage: Recording Connection.

Choosing a college to earn your degree or diploma in Audio Engineering or Music Production is a weighty decision.

While a few decades ago there were only a handful of programs to choose from, now there are dozens of outstanding programs, and perhaps a hundred or more schools in the U.S. alone where you could study to be an Audio Engineer and Music Producer.

The fact that there are now so many places to choose from is a sign that careers in audio engineering have become more specialized and demanding. Getting comprehensive training is also seen as a requirement to entering the profession, and should at least provide a distinct advantage to those who want to succeed in what’s become a highly competitive sector of the global music and media entertainment industries.

If you are considering where to go for a degree, my advice would be to look at quite a number of schools first and do some serious research. This should include making a visit to the school to speak directly with current faculty and students. During your visit, try to imagine what daily life would be like if you were to attend that school.

Organize your educational and career priorities, desires, and needs. You might look first to see what programs, if any, exist close to home. You might consider choosing a school based on the notable successes of their alumni. Cost will also likely be a factor. Write everything down on paper so you can compare your notes easily in one place.

Your ultimate choice of college doesn’t need to be on any of the top 10 lists. There are many good programs at state schools and community colleges. The main point is that the training you receive should prepare you to enter the field. You will also have opportunities to network with other future industry professionals while attending school.

Most graduates pursue internships immediately after earning their degree, so a solid record of placement for internships might cause you to favor a certain program.

Our list of the 10 best audio engineering degree programs includes:

Berklee College of Music
Drexel University
Middle Tennessee State University
Belmont University
SAE Institute
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
NYU/Steinhardt
Frost School at University of Miami
Thornton at University of Southern California (USC)
University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell
In this article, I give a brief overview of ten U.S. music schools with excellent audio engineering programs. All of the schools and colleges on the list are worthy of consideration if you want to earn your degree studying audio engineering. The schools listed are not in any particular order. At the end, I’ll also mention several others worthy of consideration.

10 of the Top Schools for Audio Engineering
Note that putting a “Top 10” list together for anything is an exercise wrought with complexity. It’s super difficult to decide which schools to include or leave out. For my list, I considered different factors, such as size of the program, location, facilities, faculty, costs, alumni success, length of operation, affiliations, degrees offered, and so on.

I wanted to provide a sampling of excellent programs as a starting point for students to help with their initial research. Over time, programs can change, so I tried to make the information as up to date as possible for our current academic year. At the end I have also included a few additional schools not included in the list, but also worthy of consideration. The link to each school is also provided. Schools aren’t listed in any particular order.

Berklee College of Music
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Berklee has one of the largest and most established programs in Music Production and Engineering (MP&E). They also have majors and minors in Sound Design, Electronic Production, Film Scoring, and Video Game Music. A four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Music (B.M.), students must apply separately for acceptance to the MP&E major. Good math and physics test scores and good grades in all subjects are required for admission to the major.

Berklee also offers a Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation at their campus in Valencia, Spain. Berklee owns and operates the legendary Power Station Studios in New York City where many famous musicians have recorded. Students operate the studios there. Berklee also has online courses, certificates, and degrees focused on music production and audio engineering.

Drexel University
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Drexel offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Industry Studies. Students can choose to focus on music technology and production within the Recording Arts and Music Production concentrate.

With tracks for musicians and for non-musicians, playing an instrument is not a requirement for all. Students get real-life experience working at Drexel’s independent record label, Mad Dragon Records. Drexel works very hard to place every graduate in a job or internship.

Belmont University
Just two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, very close to the music industry, Belmont’s Entertainment and Music Business Department offers a B.S. and a B.A. in Audio Engineering Technology. Students take courses in audio engineering, physics, electronic circuitry, and other science-oriented subjects, and are also required to complete a minor in an industry-related discipline. Belmont University advertises that it is a “Christian Community” for learning and service.

Middle Tennessee State University
Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to the immediate southwest of Nashville, MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry benefits from proximity to the recorded music industry and state-of-the-art facilities. The program is frequently cited by Billboard Magazine as a top 10 school for Audio Engineering and Music Business in the U.S.

One of the largest audio engineering programs in the country, they offer a B.S. in Audio Production and a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Recording Arts and Technology. Undergraduates majoring in Audio Production also pursue a technical or industry minor, such as Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, or Video and Film Production.

SAE Institute
With six campuses in the U.S. and fifty locations worldwide, SAE has offered Audio Engineering programs since 1976. The accredited programs in Audio and Audio Technology lead to the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree or the Audio Diploma. In the U.S., SAE has locations in New York City, Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco, Chicago, and Nashville.

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Centrally located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, Tri-C’s Recording Arts and Technology program occupies the Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts. This 75,000 square foot facility is a joint project between the College and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, and houses superb modern recording studios, a concert hall, and the archives of the Rock Hall. The Center also houses media and recording arts programs, an animation laboratory, keyboard classrooms, dance and theater studios, along with music technology and editing suites.

Tri-C’s programs lead to a Certificate or Associate Degree of Applied Science in Recording Arts and Technology. Tri-C is one of the largest and best-rated community colleges in the country, and has an articulation agreement (2 + 2) with Berklee College of Music in Boston where students can complete their Bachelors in just two years after transferring from Tri-C with an Associate’s.

NYU/Steinhardt
Programs in Music Technology at NYU/Steinhardt in NYC lead to the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Master of Music (M.M.) and Ph.D. in Music Technology. They also have a Tonmeister advanced certificate for graduate students. The facilities comprise thirteen studios, including the 7,500-square-foot James L. Dolan Music Recording Studio.

NYU/Steinhardt is recognized as an industry leader in technology, teaching and research. The school offers more than forty courses in music technology, including audio engineering, multimedia production, and software development for sound engineering. Located in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, students benefit from proximity to top recording studios, music publishing houses, symphonies, jazz clubs, and Broadway theaters.

Frost School of Music
Housed at the University of Miami, Frost offers a four-year Bachelor of Music (B.M.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.), plus a Master of Science (M.S.). Students in the undergraduate programs pursue traditional music studies in performance, history, and theory while learning the art and science of recording, mixing, and signal processing. In addition, students gain technical skills in areas such as electrical engineering and computer science.

The M.S. audio program only accepts students who completed an undergraduate degree in computer science or electrical engineering.

USC/Thornton School of Music
Part of the University of Southern California (USC), Thornton is a conservatory-style music school in Los Angeles offering a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Production. Their Music Technology programs are designed for musicians who want to integrate digital music production with other industry disciplines such as composition, performing, arranging, and live recording of acoustic instruments.

Their students benefit from stellar faculty who also work in the industry, proximity to film studios, and access to industry players. Thornton has an innovative approach to blending music technology with cross-disciplinary art forms such as visual media and art.

Umass Lowell
Situated in northeastern Massachusetts, the Sound Recording Technology program is housed in the Music Department. UMass Lowell also offers a Masters of Music (M.M.) degree. Audition on a musical instrument is required for admission (voice is also an instrument). Students can earn a Bachelors and Masters degree combined in five years.

Also Worthy of Mention
The following schools are also notable and worth a look.

American University
Located in the nation’s capital, AU offers undergraduate programs leading to the B.A. in Audio Production and the B.S. in Audio Technology, plus a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Audio Technology. Programs concentrate on sound synthesis and studio management, and students specialize in music, communication, computer science, or physics.

The Audio Technology Program blends the art and the science of audio with music technology. Core courses are in sound synthesis, audio production, electronics, physics, and using digital audio workstations. They have state of the art recording studios, live performance spaces that can be used for recording, and even a synthesizer collection. They offer a minor in Audio Technology for students not enrolled in the major.

Full Sail University
Located in central Florida near Orlando, Full Sail started out in 1979 as a recording school offering courses in Audio Engineering. Their curriculum has expanded to include programs in many other technical and creative disciplines. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are available in Recording Arts, Audio Production, and Show Production. They also offer a Certificate in Audio Production which can be completed in as little as five months.

Some of their programs are online or campus only, while others are blended with both online and on-campus courses required. Their campus has numerous modern recording environments ranging from full recording studios to live venues.

Carnegie Mellon University
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon offers a Music and Technology B.S. as a joint project between the School of Music, the School of Computer Science, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Undergraduates take courses in Recording Technology, Audio Engineering, Computer Music, Music Composition, Music Performance, Music Theory, and Pro Tools.

There is also a Master of Science in Music and Technology, where students choose to focus on Technologically Assisted Composition or Performance, Computer Music Systems, or Instrument Design.

Musicians Institute
In Los Angeles, Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music (known as M.I.) has an Audio Engineering program offering a Certificate in Production. Students can focus on music business or songwriting along with Sound Engineering. Musicians Institute is an international music school with many alumni working in the music industry worldwide.

In Closing
Remember that there are many outstanding schools that are not on this list. It’s worth consulting other resources such as the Audio Engineering Society (AES), or various blogs covering audio engineering and music (production) education. You can always call up any school and ask to speak with someone in the department, such as the Chair, Program Leader, or a member of the faculty.

Gather all the information you possibly can, and be sure to visit the school, unless you are planning to earn your credential online.

It’s also advisable to speak with professionals in the field to see what they advise. You might even ask to speak with a graduate of the program you are considering, to ask them how well they feel the training they received prepared them to enter the industry. Earning your degree or certificate in Audio Engineering should be an investment that will pay you back many times over, in terms of learning, and also with job satisfaction.

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FAQ
What major is audio engineering?
Alison Stolpa (Careers in Music Staff)
Audio engineering degree programs have names such as Music Production and Engineering, Music Technology, Audio Production, Recording Arts, Audio Technology, Sound Recording, and, of course, Audio Engineering.

What the major is called depends on the school. Be sure to do your research to see that the audio engineering schools on your list offer the courses and experience you want!

How do I become an Audio Engineer?
Alison Stolpa (Careers in Music Staff)
These days, most Audio Engineers start by attending an audio engineering degree program.

In fact, the steps to becoming an Audio Engineer are as follows:

Attend an audio engineering program.
Get experience through campus recording studios or radio stations.
Get an internship at a recording studio.
Interview for entry-level Runner or Assistant positons at studios.
Work your way up to an Audio Engineer role over several years.
Are Audio Engineers in demand?
Alison Stolpa (Careers in Music Staff)
Yes! Audio engineering is a great choice for a music career. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics1 projects the demand for Audio/Sound Engineers to grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028. This growth rate is faster than the average for other occupations.