Imagine working together with some of the world’s greatest recording artists, creating a refined, trademarked sound that is uniquely yours. That is what audio engineering college courses prepare you for. It is both an artistic and technical field, and one in which you should obtain extensive training. The best way to do this is by going to college and studying a relevant liberal arts program, even if many audio engineers are self-taught. While it is true that much can be done in an affordable manner nowadays, with the availability of audio engineering tools for home studios and with sophisticated yet user-friendly software, the reality is that a degree always sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. It proves that you are ready to take no a task in the incredibly dynamic and unbelievably challenging field of professional music recording.
What Is Offered During an Audio Engineering Degree?
During these programs, you will take a comprehensive look at this field. You will be introduced to every element of sound production, including issues such as soundtrack and TV recording, music recording, acoustic theory, and the various tools, including software and the physical devices, required to produce music. Furthermore, you will take business courses to gain an understanding of studio management.
Today, a lot of the tools used by professional sound engineers are digital, but you will also be exposed to analogue tools, as these are still in use. As a result, you will be ready to take on positions in any studio, from a small startup to the Universal Music Group, the world’s biggest music company.
In terms of your curriculum, you can expect to learn about MIDI theory, the fundamentals of music, the multitrack lab, recording and sound technologies, sound & recording techniques, critical listening, mastering & mixing, DJ arts, and studio maintenance, to name but a few. And that is only the technical side! Also expect to take courses in math, English, budgeting, finance, business, and more.
How long such a program last depends on the type you have chosen. A diploma can usually be completed in one year or less, whereas a bachelor’s degree will take at least three years to complete, often four. Either way, you will be provided with a balanced curriculum in which you will engage both in theoretical, classroom learning, and practical studies in the studio itself. Your teachers will have important real-world experience and they will be dedicated to imparting their knowledge on you. If you complete a full degree, you can expect to also have to take part in an internship, which will give you the opportunity not just to learn as you work, but also to build an important network of professional connections, setting you up for a lucrative career once you have finished your degree.
Choosing a good school is about checking to make sure all of the above is in place. Do also speak to past and present students to find out how beneficial their program has been to their overall career.