Online Audio Recording Program

This article discusses what to expect from an audio recording program. An audio recording degree is awarded to students who have studied and practiced the art of recording, mixing, and mastering music.

Audio engineers work on the installation, design, and operation of sound recording and sound broadcasting equipment. Audio recording engineers work in recording studios to apply skills earn in audio and music recording, editing, mixing and mastering sound so as to create a final, finished audio or video product. Audio engineers also work in film, movie and television sound production, advertising, and multimedia projects. They are trained in the use of sound equipment like speaker systems, signal processors mixer consoles, microphones, tape decks, and digital audio applications. Earning an audio engineering degree is a first step starting a career in audio engineering, and formal education is often obtained from a school of audio engineering. Related professional areas include music management, audio production, and broadcast engineering.

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 Recording Education and Training

Audio recording courses are currently taught at many major universities, community colleges, and at specialized music schools. Today, students can achieve an Associates degree in the subject or a Bachelors degree, and there are a number of other professional certifications that are available. People who are able to record and master sound properly are in demand in many industries, including music, television, film, radio, and at businesses. Even the Internet is experiencing an increase in demand for sound engineers and services such as news papers and news agents add more multimedia to their websites.

Students who enter a sound engineering program will be taught the theory and practice behind recording sound. Students in the audio recording program will learn through a mixture of music theory based courses within the classroom and practice based courses in a studio. Every student can expect to learn the principles of digital and analogue sound as well as common techniques used for reproducing sound. Some of the core audio recording courses that students may be introduced to include:

• Making Music With MIDI
• Digital Audio Principles
• Properties of Sound

Students will also take courses in Mixing, Mastering, and Microphone Techniques as well as Sound Reinforcement for Live Venues and possibly Ambisonics. Students will also work with a wide range of industry standard software packages, such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro.

In order to increase the chances of getting a job after graduation from a audio recording program, students should obtain professional certifications demonstrating that they are competent in the leading software that is used in the music industry. The most widely used software is currently Pro Tools and Logic. However, Pro Tools dominates the recording industry, while Logic is more suitable for producers.

Audio Recording Careers

Graduates of a audio recording program can apply for a wide range of jobs in several different industries. For example, they may apply for work with clubs and live music venues as well as educational institutions and large businesses that handle corporate events.

All of these institutions require a skilled team of engineers to mix their live sound and create accurate recordings for future playback. Engineers can also work in professional recording studios for music, film, and television.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists some of the responsibilities for broadcast and sound engineering technicians as:

• Install audio, video, and lighting equipment
• Record speech, music, and other sounds
• Synchronize sounds and dialogue in audio-visual settings
• Operate, monitor, and adjust audio and video equipment
• Set up and break down equipment for events and performances
• Convert video and audio records to digital formats

Within the studio environment, employees handle a wide range of duties, including setting up equipment for a recording session, monitoring levels, choosing effects chains, mixing, and mastering sound. Some may also go onto becoming producers. A small number of graduates will work in radio monitoring the mixing boards and some even work for Internet based productions.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Outlook

The average salary range for an entry-level position for those who attend a audio recording program in the broadcast and music industries ranges from $18,500 to $30,000. Those who work in professional studios tend to earn more than those who work in live broadcast. 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

However, it is important to note that most graduates will start off working as unpaid interns before they are able to secure a paying position. With experience, a professional may be able to command a salary over $82,000 per year.

Jobs in this industry are expected to grow at the average rate of 10% throughout the next decade (2010 to 2010). However, jobs for graduates of a audio recording program are highly competitive and it may be easier to secure a position in a small town, rather than a large city.

Online audio recording program offerings and music technology degrees