Audio Production Schools

Question: I am interested in learning about audio production. Are there schools for audio production, or can I learn home by online classes?

Answer: Many schools in the major music centers (Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Atlanta & Austin) teach audio production and offer a few degree programs, but you can find audio production classes and videos online as well.

Audio Production and Audio Engineering in Colleges and Universities

If you are interested in going to school to get a degree in audio production and audio engineering, than Los Angeles, California would probably be the best place to start. LA has a great deal of audio production schools in one area, from what I can see. The last time I visited Hollywood, I saw plenty of schools advertising degree programs in audio production and engineering. Take some time to visit the area, visit the local music stores and performing rights organizations for referrals. You can also do a google search online for contact information for these colleges, universites and trade schools and see when new student orientations are being held.

Audio Production Styles

You'll definitely want to visit a few different schools and see how the programs fit the type of audio engineering that you want to learn to about. This is definitely a subjective thing and something that you will have to figure out for yourself.

Do I Need a Audio Production Degree?

One of the main reasons people go to schools for audio production is the speed at which you learn. You are completely immersed in the process of recording and live sound. However, there are other ways to become a fantastic audio engineer. Many of the best audio engineers never had formal training. Many simply learned by doing, or "apprenticing" with someone else. In all major cities, you're sure to find some great recording studios. Do a search online for " 'your city's name' recording studios" will help give you a start. Contact the studio owners and ask them if they, or anyone close by offers a chance to be mentored, or the availablity of an internship program. Some studio owners may even hire you to do odd jobs from which you can gain precious on-the-job experience setting up equipment and helping out with the audio engineering. You might even get paid to learn audio production instead of spending tons of of money to learn the same thing in the college classrooms. You'll probably not get the same structured classes, but what you really want is experience anyway! A degree wont do you any good, if you can't help a music producer create a great sound!

Home Study Production Degrees

You might want to look at audio production classes online from Berklee University. They have relatively affoardable pricing and perfect course structures which allow you to learn the tools that you'll need to in order to become an in-demand audio engineer.

You'll definitely want to look at purchasing a system like the Digidesign Digi 003 (Pro Tools LE) since Pro Tools tends to be the industry standard. There are many great books available as well, which will help you get started in a career in audio production, but from personal experience, I feel that having someone work with you will always be the best way to learn.