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Recording Schools: Recording Arts School, Digital Recording Arts Schools

Individuals interested in learning about the technical aspects of producing sound, music and digital works for the music and entertainment industry can complete formal training from a recording arts school. Recording schools around the country allow students to gain hands-on experience in a recording studio, learn from professional recording artist teachers and instructors who have experience in the industry, and create a solid portfolio of work and samples for their future career.

From mixing and editing music to producing sound effects, digital recording arts schools and recording school programs provide a comprehensive and specialized educational track for students who want a rewarding career in the digital media and sound industry.

Career Options after Recording Arts School

Completing courses and formal training at recording school allows students to enter the competitive music and entertainment business with a strong skill set, knowledge and some experience in the field. Common career paths and options for those who complete a recording arts school program include:

  • Audio Recording Engineer

  • Audio Production Coordinator

  • Sound Systems Manager

  • Recording Engineer

  • Live Sound Mixer

  • Record Producer

  • Record Manager

  • Forensic Specialist

  • Audio and Video Technician

Recording Arts School Courses and Programs

A recording school typically offers a series of very specialized courses to help students gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in the competitive music and entertainment business. Typical recording arts school programs include:

  • Mixing and Mastering Production

  • Sound Studio Projects

  • Audio Technology Basics

  • History of the Audio Industry

  • Studio Management

  • Sound Synthesis

  • Working with Digital Audio

  • Commercial Production

  • Computer Based Audio Applications

Some recording schools allow students to complete a work-study program as they complete their training so that they can gain essential hands-on experience in the field and also network with other professionals in the recording and digital arts industry.

A recording arts degree may take the form of an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree or Master's degree; students who already hold a degree in business or entertainment management may choose to take specialized courses from a recording arts school for continuing education. Students who attend recording arts schools are not required to obtain a license or certification, but some specialized fields may require certification to prove competency.

What to Expect at Digital Arts Recording Schools

Digital arts recording schools are focused on educating students about basic audio recording and production, but also offering courses in digital production where students learn about synchronization systems, digital technologies for integrating audio, and working with modern-day sound systems to produce audio and other types of media. Digital arts recording schools typically offer courses such as:
  • Pro Tools Certification
  • Sound Reinforcement Consoles
  • Basic FM Transmission
  • Computer and Network Management
  • Record Label Contracts
  • Acoustic Theory and Facility Design
  • Production and Post-Production Theory

Students attending a digital arts recording school may complete a portion of their program with an internship where they learn practical skills and techniques for working in a digital arts recording studio. Internships from recording schools offer in-studio experience so that students can understand the basic operations and processes involved with creating digital media.

Some of the top digital arts recording schools around the country also offer students a chance to complete advanced training courses in commercial production, graphic design and music recording. These programs and educational tracks allow students to develop specialized skills in areas of video conferencing, virtual studio production and gain experience in some of today's most popular multimedia platforms.

Career and Employment Opportunities After Recording School

Students who successfully complete their training program from a recording schools or graduate from a digital arts recording school may choose to pursue positions in the motion picture, television, radio and broadcasting field. This is a highly competitive industry that requires exceptional skills and ongoing education in order to succeed in the field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, the number of jobs in the motion picture and sound recording industry is expected to grow about as fast as average through 2016, but many areas of the country will experience a decline in demand. The most attractive regions to pursue a career in this field are in Hollywood, CA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY and Las Vegas, NV. Some graduates may also find opportunities abroad, as many filmmakers and production studios need talented professionals to work on overseas projects on a regular basis.

Median annual earnings for audio and video equipment technicians were $34,840 in 2006, and $30,690 for broadcast technicians. Sound engineering technicians earned an average of $43,010 in 2006, and radio operators earned an average of $37,890. Salaries and employment options vary significantly by region, years of experience and type of training and education received.

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