Thinking about going into recording, does this look like a good school?

[KingCrimson]

http://www.trebas.com/mtl-eng/index.html

Thanks a lot, I'm just wondering that if i got into a school like that if it would lead me anywhere in the recording fields. I have heard of some recording schools where it basically only qualifies you as a soundman to low paying gigs

[sarcastro83]

Originally Posted by KingCrimson

http://www.trebas.com/mtl-eng/index.html
I have heard of some recording schools where it basically only qualifies you as a soundman to low paying gigs

I've heard the same thing said about Trebas, here in Toronto. I'm not so sure about their reputation in Montreal.

I've heard really good things about Metalworks. They're also in Toronto.

They're also insanely expensive...

Basically, buyer beware.

[bmc]

Fanshaw College in London Ontario used to have an excellent program. Hard to get into. They used to limit entries to around 20 students a year.

Ryerson might have a progam as well.

[crimson_basser]

From the people ive talked to who have gone to it, they all said that its insanely expensive, and that they jobs they promise you are mostly out of province, and quite often out of country.

And as with many other fields, the recording industry is all about connections. You could be more qualified than some other dude, but he might know the right guy. It's hit or miss.

The best way to do it, is get a hold of equipment and start doing your own stuff, and making a name for yourself. Though, that's not even guaranteed to get your anywhere.

[SuperDuck]

I personally would recommend against it. Getting a degree in "recording", regardless of institution, only means you'll have a lot of debt when trying to get into a field that has gotten exponentially overcrowded in the last 20 years.

Trust me - I've been there, done that, got wise and got out. If you spend your time/money studying recording you will be qualified to that and only that. I would recommend getting a technical degree of some kind (like engineering) and using those talents to pursue a career that could be related to (but is not limited to) audio.

edit: To clarify, when I say "engineering", I mean mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc. not "recording engineering".
edit: Fixed misspelling of the word "technical", to avoid the irony

[Calebmundy]

"Stay away from Full Sail" is the implied rule for sure in Nashville, although I am sure there are people who have done well from there. All of those recording trade schools have ups and downs. If it's not too too expensive, you might learn enough to get you in the door with people who could move you up. I spent $100k on a music degree, so I sort of wish I could've done it in a year for a quarter the cost. SAE seems to have a decent rep.

[crimson_basser]

Originally Posted by SuperDuck

I personally would recommend against it. Getting a degree in "recording", regardless of institution, only means you'll have a lot of debt when trying to get into a field that has gotten exponentially overcrowded in the last 20 years.

Trust me - I've been there, done that, got wise and got out. If you spend your time/money studying recording you will be qualified to that and only that. I would recommend getting a technical degree of some kind (like engineering) and using those talents to pursue a career that could be related to (but is not limited to) audio.

edit: To clarify, when I say "engineering", I mean mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc. not "recording engineering".
edit: Fixed misspelling of the word "technical", to avoid the irony

This pretty much sums it up. I was thinking of doing the same thing you are a few years ago, and was advised against it. I would take a course in it maybe, but i dont think paying that much money is worth what can be learned alone. Plus, recording and mixing is an art form, you learn how the tools work, then it's all up to you to make the magic happen.

That cant be taught, you have to develop it. Ive learned quite a bit about this stuff by buying books on it and reading online.

A degree in sound engineering only gets you so far. Im not suggesting you never do recording, but take SuperDucks advice and get in the field. Acoustics, studio design, maybe electrical engineering, and you can build/design studios or equipment.

That could be worth looking into as well.

[L-A]

To say that they can't teach to to be creative or have taste is stating the obvious. However, if they provide a good technical base, and help you gain a better eye for what is or is not right, then it can be worth it.

If you're "fluent" with the tools you have a good advantage over someone who might have slightly more taste in mixing but can't find his way around a proper setup. The school is there to help you get the "tools" part down.

[StanFan]

I have a friend who went to Trebas in Toronto, but he went there more for his own interests, not for a career in recording. Not sure what the program consisted of, but it was well beyond being a soundman at a concert hall. And yes it was expensive.

[Sandvich Hero]

Better look at which public Cegeps gives Electrical Engineering (DEC or AEC). Some have the Audiovisual specialization, in which you will do a bit of audio, lighting, camera work, as well as general electronics (mostly the first 2 years) and even some picture and video editing (photoshop, 3D Max). The diversification might help in tougher times ...
Don't know which cegep offers it in Mtl though, I was in Quebec city at the time (Limoilou).

And that's not a first hand experience, since I did Telecoms, but the guys seemed to enjoy it

[The Golden Boy]

FWIW, I have a friend who works at a big kids' studio, and they always have an unpaid intern. I don't know how to go about getting one of those unpaid "jobs." You'll learn a lot, but you're not going to be doing technical stuff.