Recommend me a Recording School?

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Bguzaldo

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I'm a senior in High school and am planning on going to school for recording arts/sound engineering I live in chicago and I'm pretty undecided at this point, my school cousler is useless for college advice unless you want to be a doctor or a laywer. I'm thinking about heading downtown to Columbia which I've heard good things about, but have also considered the 900 hour program in Hollywood at the Los Angeles Recording School. Has anyone been to a good school they'd recommend? It's getting pretty late and my parents are hounding me to apply somewhere and I can't decide what to do.

Thanks
-Barrett
 
Try to find a community college with a decent recording program, you'll save lots of money and time.

Or just intern with a studio.
 
I can't recommend a school, but a I can give a +1 for an internship at a real studio.

I went to school for Media Studies and Production at a local community college and the teacher happened to have a friend who knew Dave Hill.

Needless to say, the next week I found myself interning next to the brains behind Cranesong, LTD. (I even got a free T-Shirt out of it! Haha too bad it wasn't a HEDD-192 or something ;) )


I think the community college and internship idea works great and is light on the wallet, but a real music school would probably teach you a little more. I would say stick to the one downtown, you're parents will love you for it :D

Good luck to you, buddy!
 
A "real" music school may teach you a bit more than a community college, but the price difference is hardly worth it. Plus an internship will own either any day.
 
I'm a senior in High school and am planning on going to school for recording arts/sound engineering I live in chicago and I'm pretty undecided at this point, my school cousler is useless for college advice unless you want to be a doctor or a laywer. I'm thinking about heading downtown to Columbia which I've heard good things about, but have also considered the 900 hour program in Hollywood at the Los Angeles Recording School. Has anyone been to a good school they'd recommend? It's getting pretty late and my parents are hounding me to apply somewhere and I can't decide what to do.

Thanks
-Barrett

In short, don't do it.


http://www.seanmalone.net/News/index.html

There's a great editorial, I guess, by Sean Malone (bassist, Gordian Knot, Cynic) about whether or not to major in music on his page under October 17, and I think a lot of the same points are true for majoring in recording:

It seems that entering college or university as a musician makes it easy to decide one's major: music, as either a performer or composer (few undergrad programs have theory as part of their bachelor program). At the end of four years (or possibly five, depending on the program) you'll be bestowed with a degree that indicates you play a certain instrument or, that you compose music. Along the way you've learned much about music theory, history, perhaps some elective courses in music technology and taken part in some ensembles. You've undoubtedly learned, but now what do you do? Of course, that all depends on some of the questions you may have asked yourself along the way, (in part 1) and perhaps steps you've taken to achieve those things. But at the end of the day, in some ways, you're back to where you started before you entered school - you came in with your guitar (or clarinet, etc.) and now you're leaving with it; better for having studied of course, but what can this degree do for you?

If you plan to teach - not very much, graduate school is in your future. If you plan to try and get your band signed, go on the road and all that stuff, labels usually aren't very interested or impressed with diplomas. Many undergraduate students in music find themselves wondering what to do as they come close to finishing their degrees, and if the answer doesn't involve more schooling, it sometimes turns into a crisis situation. Again, it all depends on the type of school and program you've entered - if you've completed a tech program in engineering there might very well be a placement program for graduates. What I'm speaking about is the performance degree.

This leads me to recommend something I have seen a few undergraduate students do when they get to this point - something for which you could plan ahead before a crisis occurs: become a music minor, and major in something else. By doing so, you get almost all of the music education you would as a major PLUS training in an area that could help you find a job to support you as you pursue a music career, in whatever capacity.

A combination I often see is majoring in computer science with a minor in music performance. With the tech market still wide open, the chances of getting a job are much better than, say, getting signed to Sony at the moment. By choosing to minor in music, you will still take all of the core classes and ensembles - the main difference is usually in the amount of contact hours you have with private lessons, as well as a smaller recital requirement. This way you get the best of both worlds: the music training you are looking for, and a diploma with which you can actually do something. Immediately upon graduating with a Bachelor's degree, you have employment opportunities that a performance major could only dream of. I know it might seem hard to make this choice, especially since you've been gearing yourself up for your Berklee audition and are dreaming about days and nights spent practicing and jamming with your friends. But, try to see yourself four years from now; what's your next move? Success in the music industry, however that may be measured, has very little to do with actual talent and ability. In many ways, your success sometimes depends on the things you don't do, and the rest is just being in the right place at the right time (but you can take measures to be in the right place...)

So, to summarize, it's possible to receive the music education you've been dreaming about and at the same time, receive training in other areas, making you all the more marketable. I've seen many undergrads take business classes with the idea it will help them both as performers (contracts, etc.) or possibly as band managers. There is also a tech/music combo that makes a musician invaluable to a recording studio - there are so many combinations and possibilities. Just beware of the performance degree if you are a music major - it might very well be it's just the first step on your way to an orchestral career, but if popular music is the field in which you're most interested, take advantage of every opportunity university has to offer.

Most importantly, take advantage of the counselors the university provides. They are the ones that can best help you plan your academic career, and make suggestions if you decide to make changes along the way.

The short of it is that a degree in music leaves you with no Plan B. So, major in something you don't find too objectionable, and minor in recording while trying to score an internship with a studio on the side (as that's REALLY where you'll get your foot in the door). In 40 years, you'll probably thank me.
 
and am planning on going to school for recording arts/sound engineering

be prepaired for the catch 22 you will need experence to get a job but no one will hire you to get it. The audio feild is one of the only ones where a school means nothing less then nothing. I have friends who bus tables paying off a 30k sae schooling cause they can't get work. You want to be an engineer here is a tried and true secret. Intern till they hire you build a client base with names people know then go solo as an indipendent producer/engineer make a artist/band famous, then bust your butt keeping steady work comming in, or the worst of 2 evils. Get a small studio thing going and record every tom dick and harry that pays you. Putting out garbage music and having tracks build on your computer from 5 years ago and dead end no where projects making low money and fighting to keep every dollar you can from going to this home recordist who knows nothing about audio, but will do it cheaper then you. They come here going hey i got this great band comming to record how do I blend all the tracks togehter to a cd that they can play in a car etc.
 
be prepaired for the catch 22 you will need experence to get a job but no one will hire you to get it. The audio feild is one of the only ones where a school means nothing less then nothing. I have friends who bus tables paying off a 30k sae schooling cause they can't get work. You want to be an engineer here is a tried and true secret. Intern till they hire you build a client base with names people know then go solo as an indipendent producer/engineer make a artist/band famous, then bust your butt keeping steady work comming in, or the worst of 2 evils. Get a small studio thing going and record every tom dick and harry that pays you. Putting out garbage music and having tracks build on your computer from 5 years ago and dead end no where projects making low money and fighting to keep every dollar you can from going to this home recordist who knows nothing about audio, but will do it cheaper then you. They come here going hey i got this great band comming to record how do I blend all the tracks togehter to a cd that they can play in a car etc.

This is great advice. I wouldn't totally dismiss education - but you should do it to learn, don't expect your qualification to entitle you to a job. I think that I learnt some good stuff at my engineering course that has made me better at what I do, and wouldn't necessarily have been shown to me through an internship.
 
Check out University of Florida-Coral Gables

Back in the 70's when I was young, I wanted to attend their program. Didn't have the cash (I live in Michigan). At that time, they supposedly had a very good recording engineering program. I don't know if they still do, but it check it out anyway...good luck!
 
Check out also...

Johns Hopkins, and University of Texas. Those were a few others but out of my finanacial range...
 
Cuyahoga Community College here in Cleveland has a good program. Cleveland is also a cheap place to live.
 
i am 29 years old and i am currently attending full sail university. i have completed the recording arts program and i am currently in the music business program. i think i have a pretty balanced perspective of this whole thing as i owned and operated my own studio before, and still am currently as much as i can in my current housing situation.
for me, it has been worth every penny. of course, every penny has been MY penny. there are alot of students that screw around the whole time. i dont quite understand how they can pay so much and not take full advantage of what is in front of them. maybe they are spending daddy's money, or the reality of the loans they have taken have not hit them yet.
going to a dedicated school, you get your hands on alot of really nice high end gear. also, it is a HUGE opportunity to network and leave school with a bunch of like minded friends in the business. you must work hard and align yourself with the right people. my first month at full sail, my instructor nailed it when he said, "this is not a school you go to to decide what you want to do with your life, this is where you go when you already KNOW what you want to."
while i dont think you have to go to a "recording" school to be successful in the industry, going to a reputable one WILL give you a huge leap forward, but you must take initiative and savor every moment, take every opportunity, and maintain close relationships with your instructors and classmates.
 
I do want to go on to work in the field, get a job at a studio and all that and I'm not saying, "recommend me a college that will look good on paper!" I really just want to know of a place I can go and just obtain a crazy amount of knowledge. I've been completely self taught, as I'm sure most of you have been as well, for the past 2 years but I still don't feel confident enough to go into a studio and ask for an internship or a job because when I do that I want to be able to blow them away so they know I'm for real.

I know "getting a job in the field" is pretty much impossible and I'm wasting my time on "these stupid dreams of mine" but I'm serious when I say I'm gonna do everything in my power to do what I love. Every since my first MR-8 recorder I knew this is what I wanted to do. Yes I'm aware I'm a "stupid teenager" and am most likely completely naive, almost obvivlious to the real world but I'm gonna bust my ass to make my life a living dream.

Thanks for the advice so far
-Barrett
 
I do want to go on to work in the field, get a job at a studio and all that and I'm not saying, "recommend me a college that will look good on paper!" I really just want to know of a place I can go and just obtain a crazy amount of knowledge. I've been completely self taught, as I'm sure most of you have been as well, for the past 2 years but I still don't feel confident enough to go into a studio and ask for an internship or a job because when I do that I want to be able to blow them away so they know I'm for real.

I know "getting a job in the field" is pretty much impossible and I'm wasting my time on "these stupid dreams of mine" but I'm serious when I say I'm gonna do everything in my power to do what I love. Every since my first MR-8 recorder I knew this is what I wanted to do. Yes I'm aware I'm a "stupid teenager" and am most likely completely naive, almost obvivlious to the real world but I'm gonna bust my ass to make my life a living dream.

Thanks for the advice so far
-Barrett

no one is calling you a "stupid teenager" or telling you "your dreams are stupid". personally, i was just giving you some insight into my experience. take it or leave it, i could care less. may want to check your attitude a bit, or work on your communication skills. your reply was received by me as a bit cocky.
 
Also, if you think you are good and this is what you want to do, check out Indiana University. Their music school is consistantly ranked above and around Juliard and Eastman. The recording arts program is extremely competitive, but you get a ton of hands on exerience recording the various ensembles. They only take 17 kids a year though, so you gotta kinda know what your doing ( i didn't get in). And if you get a decent scholarship its not to expensive, I think I could have gone for about 4,000 a year not including housing.
Also, consider a music technology course. IUPUI offers one in Indianapolis which is what I will be doing, you get a more broad education with everything to do with music tech like software, recording, media production, etc. Might give you a few more possiblities when graduated. Only problem is that the final audition is tomorrow (wish me luck!). So no matter what you do I'd apply NOW to anything.
good luck,
James
 
Dude... if you seek knowledge...

then you have a lot of really good suggestions here. This isn't about a piece of paper. This is about some really good recording programs.
 
no one is calling you a "stupid teenager" or telling you "your dreams are stupid". personally, i was just giving you some insight into my experience. take it or leave it, i could care less. may want to check your attitude a bit, or work on your communication skills. your reply was received by me as a bit cocky.

I'm sorry, I guess my message came off the wrong way. I'll admit my communication skills are dreadful. I guess I just wanted you to all know I know the odds are against me but I'm still determined, not cocky, just determined that's all. I did sincerely appreciate your in sight, I've already received information from full sail and have considered it an option. Sorry if I offended you or anyone else that has tried to help me in this thread. I do deeply appreciate everyone's feedback. I have a history full of self esteem issues so I can assure you I didn't mean to come across as cocky. (consequences of terrible communication skills)
 
They only take 17 kids a year though, so you gotta kinda know what your doing

Hahah I don't think I'm Indiana university material! I'd be lucky to get in if they took 17 hundred kids!

Oh and GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks for the advice
-Barrett
 
a good school can help you with those communication skills. ;)

Hahah I think it's clear I'm a lost cause at this point! But I'll definitely have to put that to thought when picking a school.

Thanks again,
-Barrett
 
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