Researching Music Schools

November 9, 2011

Music schools can offer aspiring audio engineers, music producers, film composers, and studio managers an excellent education in the artistic and technological aspects of the recording industry. Unfortunately, they can also saddle cash-strapped students with mountains of debt that they will spend years paying off. It's clear that those who wish to enter the recording industry need to learn their craft before applying for a job. After all, no one wants to hire someone who has no training or experience in the field. What's not as clear is which schools can provide the right kind of education, and what they offer in addition to academic coursework. These days you can't assume that earning a degree will lead to earning big bucks, particularly in the entertainment industry. Any music school that you consider should have a proven track record of success when it comes to what kinds of work their graduates find.

Anyone researching different music and recording schools should also consider the following:

• Can I keep my job? If you are independently wealthy or your parents are footing the bill for your music education, congratulations. You can skip ahead to the next paragraph. But for most Americans, cash is tight, and students are often crushed under the weight of their student loan obligations. If you are planning to work your way through music school to help deflect the cost, you'll need to make sure that the program you choose is flexible enough to allow you to keep your job.

• What is a music degree worth? We know what a traditional recording school costs-- somewhere between $15,000 and $50,000. But what is that degree really worth? Not all that much, as it turns out. Music schools churn out thousands of graduates a year, all vying for the same coveted jobs. Yet as with the entertainment industry in general, employers like to hire from the inside. It can be hard for outsiders to break in, even those with degrees from the "best" music schools. It often comes down to who you know.

• Will I make professional connections? This may be the most important element to consider. Without these connections, you will have a very difficult time finding work in the real world, no matter how well you did in school. Look for music schools that provide students with internships, apprenticeships, or mentorship programs that allow them to work one-on-one with industry professionals. You should have the experience of working in a real recording studio alongside engineers, producers, and musicians, not only to hone your craft, but to make those connections. These opportunities will always be provided at the best music schools.