Recording Arts Technology

Overview

Recording arts technology programs prepare people to produce and edit sound recordings for music, films, videos, and mixed-media productions.

Recording arts technology programs include topics such as:

Sound equipment operation and maintenance
Music, dialogue, and sound effects recording
Sound engineering
Digital recording and transmission

Schools

Many community colleges and two-year schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in recording arts technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in recording arts technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Computer Technology
Electronics
Music History and Appreciation

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Audio Production
Digital Editing
Music Management and Marketing
Music Theory 100
Recording Arts
Recording Software
Signal Wires, Cables, and Connectors
Sound Design
Sound Editing Techniques
Sound Reinforcement
Studio Operations
Test Equipment
Trouble-Shooting Techniques

Things to Know

Many recording arts technology programs are offered part time, with day and evening classes.

A few schools offer programs in producing and recording. These programs prepare you to become a producer or manager who works closely with recording artists. Typically, these programs do not focus on the technology but on the creative elements, including song selection, voice work, and marketing.