Do you have the kind of attitude that says “I am the one who makes things happen?” Combine that with a love of music, and a career in audio engineering may be right for you.
There are many audio engineering colleges that offer degrees in sound and audio also known as audio production and audio recording. Please explore the audio production schools sponsored by this website and read our stories to determine if this career is right for you.
Schools for audio engineers tend to be at the cutting edge of audio technology, and you'll learn some of the best music production degree techniques as well as the best way to get into the field of sound engineering.
Once you’ve made the determination, enter your zip code into the search bar at the top right of the screen and find an audio engineering school and colleges near you. Allow our website to be your guide in choosing the program that is right for you!
What is Audio Engineering?
Audio engineering is not just about the knowledge of machinery and equipment used for recording, synchronizing, mixing or reproducing music, voices or sound effects. An audio engineer must also possess one other very important skill – good hearing.
Being able to pick up the subtleties of pitch, tone and volume of voices or instruments can make or break your career in audio engineering. This is why audio engineers sometimes are referred to as sound engineers.
What is an audio engineer?
Audio engineers deal with the technical aspect of recording, mixing and producing sound for a variety of media outlets. One of the most popular sources of employment for audio engineering is the film and music industry, which ranks as the second-highest earning source of income for those in this career. They are responsible for producing and reproducing the audio in movies, music and television programs.
In addition to the technical aspects of the career, sound experts also are responsible for maintaining – and sometimes repairing – equipment used for audio mixing and production.
These engineers also must keep up with current trends in technology, and customize their work to best serve the new and existing products on the scene, including iPods, MP3 players and other hand-held devices.
For example, in the last year, sound technicians have created specially-mastered versions of songs and albums for devices such as the iPod, which compresses the data in order to fit it on the device. Compression can degrade the quality of sound of music or other media. Apple currently is employing audio experts who have focused their energies on correcting this issue so its customers can have a more enjoyable audio experience.
Education
Many entry-level positions in the industry require only that a person have a high school diploma, or a GED (General Educational Development) certificate, to be hired. Some employers are willing to train the right candidate; however, those who start jobs in this industry without formal education are subject to a lower wage and fewer opportunities.
Completing an associate or bachelor’s degree program in audio engineering will not only provide more opportunity for hiring, but also an initial wage that is higher than for those without formal education in the industry.
So where do you go to become a trained audio engineer? That depends on your ultimate career plans.
While creativity goes a long way in helping to secure future employment in the industry, those without the technical knowledge that makes audio engineering work will fail to fully expand their horizons – and their career-advancement opportunities.
There are a variety of programs available to train students. When looking for a program, students should make sure they will be learning about the design and operation of audio recording devices, sound reinforcement and the audio equipment commonly used in the industry. Any training or degree program which does not offer these basics will be a waste of time and money.
Most audio-engineering programs at colleges are considered part of the undergraduate level in the music department, or part of the college’s arts and sciences division.
Top-rated audio engineering programs not only teach the basics of audio, but also offer the opportunity to intern with professionals already in the business. The best programs also are accredited through one of the accrediting agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Accrediting Schools, the National Private Schools Accreditation Alliance and the National Association of Music Education.
The first audio-engineering school was the SAE Institute, which originated in Australia, and provided specialized sound courses. Since its inception, the institute has opened many worldwide locations, allowing for more students to experience its excellent training program. Students at SAE receive accredited audio engineering degrees.
In the United States, the first four-year degree program was offered at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. Students who completed the course earned a bachelor of music degree in music engineering technology.
Other top schools for audio engineering degrees include the American University in Washington, D.C.; the University of Denver; Belmont University in Nashville; and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Earnings and Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 14,930 audio engineers working in the United States as of March 2012. The mean hourly wage for someone in this industry is $26.98 per hour, or $56,110 annually. Wages for the industry increase an average of 2.5 percent annually.
Top earners in this field work for architects and engineers, with an annual salary of $80,800. The film and music industry also produced high wages for audio engineers at $73,470 annually.
The best states in which to live if pursuing an audio engineering career include Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, New York, Washington, D.C., Minnesota, Arizona and Oregon.
Audio engineers are some of the most sought-after professionals in the recording industry. A lot of musicians nowadays are getting more and more interested in recording technology as a wise career choice, as it allows them to be involved in their passion (music) and have more lucrative opportunities. Becoming an audio engineer or an audio mixer is easy as long as you follow the guidelines discussed here, which are all geared towards helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Articles related to Audio Engineering
Become an Audio Engineer
Audio engineers are some of the most sought-after professionals in the recording industry. A lot of musicians nowadays are getting more and more interested in recording technology as a wise career choice, as it allows them to be involved in their passion (music) and have more lucrative opportunities. Becoming an audio engineer or an audio mixer is easy as long as you follow the guidelines discussed here, which are all geared towards helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
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Getting an Audio Production Degree
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
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Recording Arts Degrees
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Articles related to Audio Engineering
Become an Audio Engineer
Audio engineers are some of the most sought-after professionals in the recording industry. A lot of musicians nowadays are getting more and more interested in recording technology as a wise career choice, as it allows them to be involved in their passion (music) and have more lucrative opportunities. Becoming an audio engineer or an audio mixer is easy as long as you follow the guidelines discussed here, which are all geared towards helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Read More ...
Getting an Audio Production Degree
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
Types of Degrees
Read More ...
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
Types of Degrees
Articles related to Audio Engineering
Become an Audio Engineer
Audio engineers are some of the most sought-after professionals in the recording industry. A lot of musicians nowadays are getting more and more interested in recording technology as a wise career choice, as it allows them to be involved in their passion (music) and have more lucrative opportunities. Becoming an audio engineer or an audio mixer is easy as long as you follow the guidelines discussed here, which are all geared towards helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Read More ...
Getting an Audio Production Degree
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
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The best audio engineering schools can open a lot of career opportunities for individuals who are interested in music production, sound engineering and audio production. Audio engineering involves the knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance; these pieces of equipment are necessary in the everyday operations of recording stations, TV networks, radio stations, movie production houses and concert promoters.
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
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Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
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Getting into the music industry can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the skills and technical expertise that various companies are looking for. With the multitude of eager applicants aspiring to break into the entertainment and music industry today, you need to have a significant edge, something that will set you apart, so you can get to that dream job the quickest – and least challenging – way possible. One of the best ways to get to that highly in-demand job is to go the route that countless sound engineers have gone, and get as much training and experience as you can.
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
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Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
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It has always been said that to be able to achieve professional success, you have to decide where your true passion lies and from there set a course towards making your way to the career you’ve always wanted. Some of the most sought after jobs in the world today involve the music industry in one way or another, and more and more people are looking for the easiest ways to get into the industry’s most fulfilling, not to mention most lucrative, careers.
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Read More ...
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Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
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Not everyone is blessed with the gift of being able to entertain live audiences with the most enticing combination of songs; this is also the reason why not everyone has the ability to become a DJ, whether in a professional or in a more casual setting. Becoming a DJ does not only involve having the passion for spinning records in front of an eager audience; if and when you decide that you want to pursue this profession, you will still have to have the technical skills needed to pull off such an intensely technical, as well as creative, career path.
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Read More ...
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
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Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
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Read More ...
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
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Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
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Read More ...
The success of most of the musical performances you will ever get to watch involves not only the biggest recording artist’s talent and charisma, but also the skills and hard work of the professionals who work behind the scenes. These are the audio engineers that make sure that the digital music and sound effects complement the whole program, so that the audience will have the best experience listening and watching their favorite music superstars.
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Read More ...
Getting an Audio Production Degree
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
Types of Degrees
Read More ...
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Read More ...
Getting an Audio Production Degree
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
Types of Degrees
Read More ...
Since 1985, SAE Institute has offered only the best training for its students. It has created an atmosphere dedicated to creative students from around the world who wish to “do, learn and create.”
The institute originated in East London, United Kingdom, but has since branched out to locations in North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa. In North America, it has locations in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York and San Francisco.
The institute offers undergraduate degrees in the following disciplines:
• Sound/Audio Engineering
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Audio engineers are some of the most sought-after professionals in the recording industry. A lot of musicians nowadays are getting more and more interested in recording technology as a wise career choice, as it allows them to be involved in their passion (music) and have more lucrative opportunities. Becoming an audio engineer or an audio mixer is easy as long as you follow the guidelines discussed here, which are all geared towards helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Read More ...
Getting an Audio Production Degree
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
Types of Degrees
Read More ...
SmartSchoolFinder has compiled a list of some of the top audio engineering blogs. Keep them as resources for your career and education!
An Audio Engineer's Blog
An innovative and technical look at audio engineering. Plenty of examples and great for an enthusiast.
The Music Lounge
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Audio engineers are some of the most sought-after professionals in the recording industry. A lot of musicians nowadays are getting more and more interested in recording technology as a wise career choice, as it allows them to be involved in their passion (music) and have more lucrative opportunities. Becoming an audio engineer or an audio mixer is easy as long as you follow the guidelines discussed here, which are all geared towards helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Read More ...
Getting an Audio Production Degree
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry? Along with countless other aspiring professionals who want to take a shot at working in this highly competitive field, you may very well be looking for every opening related to the industry.
Read More ...
Recording Arts Degrees
Recording Arts
Do you enjoy music, but aren’t exactly a songbird yourself? Can you spot a great tune when you hear it? Do you enjoy working with electronic equipment? If so, then a career in the recording arts might be right for you.
Those who earn a degree in Recording Arts will be qualified to operate recording devices to edit and produce music/audio tracks for the film or music industry.
Types of Degrees
Read More ...