Going to School for Audio Engineering...Advice?

magneezius · #1 10-14-2008, 03:49 PM

Well Im going to school in January. I will be going to the SAE institute in Hollywood, Ca.
I will be taking the Audio Technology Program to hopefully Become an audio engineer. I plan to follow up with my schooling to get my BA degree in Byron Bay, Australia. The diploma and degree programs are both only 12 months each so I could hopefully be finished within a few years. I was just hoping to get some advice from any fellow TB'er who can lend me some pearls of wisdom.......

heres a pic of where I'll get to be working:

Timi · #2 10-14-2008, 04:09 PM

I think it depends on how much knowledge you already have.

If you currently know nothing about audio engineering, don't do it yet. Learn the basics yourself, then use SAE as a place to practice your skills (of course you will learn lots there, but I think its a waste of the facilities if you are only starting to get a grasp on things when you are about to leave).

On the other hand, if you can already make really good recordings and just want a piece of paper that says you have studied you should think again. You might get a bit bored and you could spend the tuition fees on some pretty decent gear.... I'm sure most people don't care if you are a qualified audio engineer, its whether or not you are actually good that counts. How you get good is irrelevant.

If you are somewhere in the middle it will be ideal for you. Just remember its a lot of money to train for a very competitive industry. I wish you the best of luck though.

magneezius · #3 10-14-2008, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the Input.

My current situation is I went to School originally to become a Teacher. I decided that wasn't for me so I got my Real Estate License and became an agent. However ever since I got my first recording studio when I was 18 I always have been recording music in my spare time just for fun. As of recently the Economy has tanked and I lost my job. I decided it was time for a change in a field that I really love. MUSIC. I know im taking a chance here, But I learned if you Risk nothing then you gain nothing. another thing is Im young, unmarried, and have no kids so I figured if I was going to do this then now is the time. I guess wish me luck....

winston · #4 10-16-2008, 12:00 AM

If you don't already, record as often as you can--by yourself, with others, at home, in studios, at live venues. Also be aware that engineering is as much a service profession as a technical/musical one--people skills, patience, and integrity are very important.

Everything you learn about acoustics/electricity/electronics will set you apart from people who can push a mouse around in Pro Tools but don't understand fundamentals. Learn to align tape decks and troubleshoot/repair/re-cap older equipment and you could have a lucrative side gig as a tech.

A recording degree is no guarantee of getting a studio job but if you love recording and have a strong work ethic you should be able to make some good connections at school.

I highly recommend the Tape Op and Pro Sound Web forums.

As you note, now's the time to go for it, especially since you're young & free. Good luck!

bonzo4880 · #5 10-16-2008, 09:38 AM

since you already have some experience with engineering you are on the right track. plenty of people think that they can go to school for audio engineering with minimal or no experience and come out and get a job. its about what you know and who you know. going to a good school helps you meet people and get opportunities - but you have to have the skills and drive to make it happen. the field is very competitive and having a degree doesnt prove anything - having your name in the credits on a recording is. i started interning at a studio two and a half years ago and am now an engineer. i started with minimal skills and learned it all on the job. other interns come in with a degree and experience with great gear on $100,000 consoles - but dont have real world experience and can't make decisions. I dont have an engineering degree (although I do have a BS degree), but I already have a resume of 15-20 cds and a lot of experience running sessions, mixing, etc. You have to go into a program with a certain base skill set - otherwise the information is more theoretical than practical, since you have spent more time studying it than using it. And bottom line, just like a lot of other jobs, you have to WANT IT.

bongomania · #6 10-16-2008, 09:43 AM

Another thing- I've seen too many trade school graduates (in every field) walk around like they know everything, making big pronouncements about the right way and the wrong way to do everything, when they don't know jack. Don't be that guy.

magneezius · #7 10-16-2008, 10:44 AM

thanks guys for all the feedback on the matter. Its much appreciated. Im at a real turning point in my life. And since recording school has been a life long dream I decided to give it my all. I've been working in a career that im good at but now I want to work at something I love. I have no ego about recording, and don't expect to become the next recording mogul. I simply want to work in a career that I love and work with people who see that. Im sure the job market for recording school grads is competitive, but I look forward to the challenge. The best thing about school is I get to get away from this Incredibly small town I've been living in. I hope school gets me networking with people of the same interest and goals.