Online Audio Production Schools

This article looks at what to expect when looking for audio production schools. Sound recording and reproduction uses electrical and mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves of voice, instrumental music, and sound effects.

The two kinds of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording. Audio production is a field that is expanding and growing as technology advances. While the recording engineers of the past were forced to work with analog recordings and reel-to-reel tapes, the modern sound engineer has many more tools available to them. Due to this fact, the sound quality of today's music and other recordings is generally far better than that of the past. With these advances in recording technology, new challenges are presented to the recording engineer and this has created the need for audio production schools to teach prospective sound techs and engineers the skills they need to succeed in this business. Related careers include sound engineering, audio recording, and entertainment management.

Music & Entertaiment Programs

Full Sail University

• M.S. in Entertainment Business
• M.S. in Entertainment Business with electives in Sports Mgmt
• M.S. in Internet Marketing Graduate Programs
• M.S. in Education Media Design & Technology
• Master of Fine Arts in Media Design

International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT)

• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Recording Arts

Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts

• Digital Film making
• Photography
• 3D Animation
• Audio Production

The Los Angeles Recording School

• Music Production
• Digital Recording
• Audio Postproduction for Film and Television

The Los Angeles Film School

• Associate of Science in Film
• Associate of Science in Game Production
• Associate of Science in Computer Animation

American Intercontinental University (AIU)

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production (BFA) with a concentration in Audio and Sound Recording

Media & Communication Programs in Canada

University of Canada West

• Bachelor of Arts - Media and Communication
• Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications

Audio Production Education and Training

Producing sound in a studio environment is a science of recording, mixing, syncing and mastering sound to create the various effects used in music and other media. The recording engineer must have a thorough knowledge of the elements involved in creating aesthetically pleasing sounds and a complete working knowledge of how his or her recording equipment can be used to create the desired result.

While there are no formal education requirements to work in this field, the various degrees and certificate programs offered by audio production schools can go a long way towards helping an studio engineer create a higher paying career for themselves. While most entry-level sound production jobs can be obtained with the education gained in a basic certificate course, the higher paying positions often go to those with formal degrees including areas like music management.

The most common formal degree offered at audio production schools is the Associate of Applied Science in Media Art. With the audio production classes and training received from audio production schools in the process of earning this degree, you will learn that producing music is about much more than just recording. Courses may include:

• Audio technology
• Studio management
• Music mixing and mastering
• Acoustics and audio fundamentals

It is a form of communication and the methods employed in the recording process have an effect on how effective that communication is. At audio production schools you will be taught the basic elements of today's technology and how to apply these skills to real world situations that you will encounter in the working environment.

In the majority of audio production schools, you will also receive hands on training and create a portfolio of your work to introduce yourself to prospective employers. By putting in the time to create this portfolio, you are able to get a clear understanding of both the basic principles and the application of working in the studio environment.

Audio Production Careers

When you study at an audio production schools offering courses in sound and recording, you can expect to learn the skills needed to record and master sound in the studio environment. An audio engineer is also known as a sound engineer or recording engineer. Many audio engineers utilize their talent and skills by working with musicians, musical artist, actors and other performers to produce professional high quality audio recordings. Audio production careers may include:

• Recording engineer
• Audio technician
• Audio editor
• Broadcast engineer
• Sound effects editor

Many audio engineers work in advertising, broadcasting, multimedia, live sound reinforcement, and even video games. A studio sound engineer is responsible for audio recordings in the e studio including microphone setups, audio restorations, rewiring setups, MIDI setups. A mastering engineer is responsible for performing the final editing of video or audio products. A live sound engineer is responsible for balancing sound as well as voice of instruments.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Outlook

According to the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Department of Labor (BLS), the job outlook for sound engineering industry is promising even though this is a highly competitive field. The report also states that the job market for audio engineering is expected to continue to grow through 2018 by nearly 13%, although certain portions of this job market are not expected to advance as quickly as other areas. Median figures reported for 2010 by the BLS were:

• Sound engineering technicians - $47,080
• Audio and video equipment technicians - $40,540
• Broadcast technicians - $35,120

In the detailed report, it also points out that the sound engineers of 2010 reported an average annual income of $47,080. Jobs in this industry are expected to grow at the average rate of 10% throughout the next decade (2010 to 2010). While it is to be clearly understood that this is an average figure and some professional sound engineers made much more, other earned far less.

Jobs in this industry are expected to grow at the average rate of 10% throughout the next decade (2010 to 2010).The lowest reported annual salary for this position in 2008 was less than $23,790. In most cases students were graduates of audio production schools.

Online audio production schools and music technology degrees