Choosing a Recording School

Are you looking for the right recording school? With so many options, it can be hard to know which program is best for you. There are so many elements to consider. When weighing the pros and cons of different schools, it's good to have a little checklist to see if they line up with what you're looking for. While every student has their own particular needs, below is a general list of questions to ask yourself about any recording school you're considering.

1. What courses are offered? This is so basic that many students may overlook it. Get your hands on schools' course catalogues and take a look at the classes they have. Do they sound exciting? Do they cover the areas of recording that interest you most? If your goal is to be, say, a recording studio manager and you're not seeing many courses being offered on the business side of the industry, then clearly that school isn't right for you. You should attend a school that excels at teaching exactly the type of skills you'll need to succeed in your particular area of interest.

2. What's the cost? A traditional recording school will typically cost somewhere in the range of $15,000 to $50,000. Make sure that you're very clear on the costs of any school you may apply to. In addition to tuition, you'll want to take into account the costs of books, room and board, and any required software or technology you must purchase. Unfortunately, the costs can really add up. If necessary, check out what type of scholarships or student loans are available to you.

3. Must I relocate? For most recording schools, the answer is going to be yes. Most schools have a campus where you'll need to go to attend classes. If this will prove difficult for you--particularly if you have a full or part-time job--investigate online courses as well as apprenticeship programs that allow you to learn where you live.

4. Can I intern? Internships are often the bridge between schooling and paid employment in the real world. Internships allow you to get your foot in the door, to hone your craft and make valuable professional connections. Some schools require internships, some simply encourage them, and some prohibit them, believing them to be a distraction. Know which kind of school you're dealing with.

5. Are career services offered? You go to school to get a job, right? So find out what kind of career services potential recording schools offer. Some go out of their way to help graduates obtain work, and others feel their job is done once the diploma's been handed off. Making sure that you'll have support when looking for a job is the only way to make your recording school experience worthwhile.