Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences The Cras MRP II program focuses exculsively on what you need to know. Your career Request information Open house Virtual tour Follow us

The majority of the CRAS curriculum is dedicated to music and audio production.

MRP II is a 34.00 credit program, taught over 42 weeks. On-campus hands-on study consists of 30 weeks and internships over a 12 week period. Classes meet Monday through Friday for four hours per day. There are additional hours scheduled on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Students may also be required to complete assignments outside of classroom studies.

Our objective is to train students for entry-level positions in a variety of areas of the music, audio and recording industry. An education from CRAS is well rounded and prepares you to enter into the world of audio – “the career of your dreams.”


Master Recording Program II (MRP II)

Audio Recording and Production - 15.5 Credit Hours
The majority of the CRAS curriculum is dedicated to music and audio production. We teach the latest recording techniques in a professional environment on high-end professional gear. CRAS is open around the clock to give you maximum hands-on time to hone your production skills.
AR101 Audio Recording & Production
Basic Principles of Sound
Microphones and Microphone Techniques
Equipment
Recording Lab
Basic Recording Techniques
Basic SSL Signal Flow Lab
Music Production
Automated Consoles
Critical Listening
Student Preparation for Internship
Audio Industry Employment Opportunities
Internship Research Cities and Facilities
Internship Duties and Tasks
AR201 Audio Recording & Production
Solid State Logic Console and Computer Theory and Application
Advanced SSL Tracking, Overdubbing and Mixing Clinics
Post Production Theory, Techniques and Project
Advanced Recording and Production Procedure
Commercial Production Techniques and Project
Time-Based Processor Method
Dynamic Processor Application
Session Etiquette and Procedures
Reference Monitor and Amplifier Instruction
Acoustic Theory and Facility Design
Resume Preparation
Internship Preparation and Arrangement Process
Internship Placement Guidelines Interview Techniques


Music Business - 2.00 Credit Hours
Although it’s a creative field, music is also a business. In order to thrive as a well rounded, audio professional, you must have a keen understanding of copyright law, contracts, licensing, promotion and artist management. Our Music Business classes receive high praise from students both while they’re in the program and after graduation.
MB101 Music Business
Introduction to Music Business
Publishing & Music Income
Copyright Part I
Copyright Part II
Studio Ownership, Record Production
Record Labels
MB201 Music Business
Introduction to Advanced Music Business
General Topics, Songwriting Contracts
Record Label Contracts
Other Contracts
Trademarks, Recording Engineer Contracts
Interview Techniques, Final Examination


Digital Recording - 5.00 Credit Hours
Computer-oriented audio production drives today’s music business. To be competitive, an audio professional must be proficient over a wide range of software products. Our professional and dedicated faculty along with the top-level gear in our studios, labs and classrooms, provide valuable knowledge and experience using the same production tools the pros use.
DR101 Digital Recording
MIDI Basics
Computer Based Audio Applications and Compatibility Issues
Fundamentals of Digital Audio
Synchronization Systems
Digital Technologies Integration for Audio
DR201 Digital Recording
Digital Studio System Configuration
DAW Control Surfaces
Surround Sound
Advanced Signal Processing
Digital Audio Production Techniques
Audio for Video Games


Pro Tools - 2.50 Credit Hours
More than any other software, Pro Tools is the current standard recording software throughout the world. In order to prepare students for the audio recording industry, they are trained in every aspect of Pro Tools from a real world point of view. Constantly updated to stay in-step with industry standards, the exercises and scenarios presented to students in class represent a realistic expectation of “what to expect” in studios around the world. This training includes advanced editing and mixing, session setup and procedures, signal flow and digital routing, and much more.

The Pro Tools education at CRAS prepares students to work with the best system operators in the country, and gives them the resources to continue their Pro Tools education.
PT101 Avid Pro Tools
Introduction to Pro Tools systems and windows
New session configuration
Editing, track comping, and Fades
Importing Files
Managing system power for Pro Tools
Session backup and collaboration
PT201 Avid Pro Tools
Introduction to Pro Tools mixing concepts and session preparation
Mixing with plug-ins
Routing with aux sends
Submixing and parallel compression
MIDI in Pro Tools
Automation and final mixes
Troubleshooting Pro Tools


Sound Reinforcement - 2.00 Credit Hours
Live sound and live recording are among the fastest growing segments in the audio industry. Our 6,000 sq. ft. live sound classroom offers leading-edge gear and software from manufacturers such as Dolby, Yamaha, Lab Grüppen and more. In Live Sound classes, students learn the latest sound reinforcement concepts in a real world venue.
SR101 Sound Reinforcement
Introduction
Signal Distribution
Sound Reinforcement Mixing Console
Signal Processing in Sound Reinforcement
Large Speaker Array Concepts
Final Exam and Proficiency
SR201 Sound Reinforcement
Introduction to the Digidesign Venue D-Show Console
Console setup
Hands-On, Front-of-House and Monitor Mixing
Wireless Concepts


Troubleshooting and Maintenance - 1.00 Credit Hours
Our troubleshooting courses teach you to get the job done when the occasional curve ball comes your way. These classes also stress the importance of regular maintenance as a way to minimize downtime. You’ll learn skills like soldering techniques and the use of multimeters, as well as basic concepts such as Ohm’s Law.
TM101 Troubleshooting/Maintenance
Basic Electronics
Test Equipment
Soldering Lab
TM201 Troubleshooting/Maintenance
Computer Networking Data/Configuration
Business and Storage Systems
Tape Machine Alignment
Intro to CLASP


Internship - 6.00 Credit Hours
The Conservatory’s internship program is the only one of its kind in U.S. audio education. A requirement for graduation, this program gives you the opportunity to gain a real world perspective on what you’ve learned. It also gives you a foot in the door to an industry that has become increasingly selective when choosing prospective employees
IN101 Internship
Completion of Internship duties
Various audio tasks including demonstration of studio skills
IN201 Internship
Internships provide the student with a valuable, hands-on, real-world educational experience
Further practical application of skills and techniques in the field
Understanding day-to-day facility operations and protocol
Hands-on, in-studio experience

MRP II - TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 34.00




Master Recording Program (MRP)

Audio Recording and Production - 7.5 Credit Hours
The majority of the CRAS curriculum is dedicated to music and audio production. We teach the latest recording techniques in a professional environment on high-end professional gear. CRAS is open around the clock to give you maximum hands-on time to hone your production skills.
AR101 Audio Recording & Production
Basic Principles of Sound
Microphones and Microphone Techniques
Equipment
Recording Lab
Basic Recording Techniques
Basic SSL Signal Flow Lab
Music Production
Automated Consoles
Critical Listening
Student Preparation for Internship
Audio Industry Employment Opportunities
Internship Research Cities and Facilities
Internship Duties and Tasks


Music Business - 1.00 Credit Hours
Although it’s a creative field, music is also a business. In order to thrive as a well rounded, audio professional, you must have a keen understanding of copyright law, contracts, licensing, promotion and artist management. Our Music Business classes receive high praise from students both while they’re in the program and after graduation.
MB101 Music Business
Introduction to Music Business
Publishing & Music Income
Copyright Part I
Copyright Part II
Studio Ownership, Record Production
Record Labels


Digital Recording - 2.50 Credit Hours
Computer-oriented audio production drives today’s music business. To be competitive, an audio professional must be proficient over a wide range of software products. Our professional and dedicated faculty along with the top-level gear in our studios, labs and classrooms, provide valuable knowledge and experience using the same production tools the pros use.
DR101 Digital Recordings
MIDI Basics
Computer Based Audio Applications & Compatibility Issues
Fundamentals of Digital Audio
Synchronization Systems
Digital Technologies Integration for Audio


Pro Tools - 1.5 Credit Hours
More than any other software, Pro Tools is the current standard recording software throughout the world. In order to prepare students for the audio recording industry, they are trained in every aspect of Pro Tools from a real world point of view. Constantly updated to stay in-step with industry standards, the exercises and scenarios presented to students in class represent a realistic expectation of “what to expect” in studios around the world. This training includes advanced editing and mixing, session setup and procedures, signal flow and digital routing, and much more.

The Pro Tools education at CRAS prepares students to work with the best system operators in the country, and gives them the resources to continue their Pro Tools education.
PT101 Avid Pro Tools
Introduction to Pro Tools systems and windows
New session configuration
Editing, track comping, and Fades
Importing Files
Managing system power for Pro Tools
Session backup and collaboration


Sound Reinforcement - 1.00 Credit Hours
Live sound and live recording are among the fastest growing segments in the audio industry. Our 6,000 sq. ft. live sound classroom offers leading-edge gear and software from manufacturers such as Dolby, Yamaha, Lab Grüppen and more. In Live Sound classes, students learn the latest sound reinforcement concepts in a real world venue.
SR101 Sound Reinforcement
Introduction
Signal Distribution
Sound Reinforcement Mixing Console
Signal Processing in Sound Reinforcement
Large Speaker Array Concepts
Final Exam and Proficiency


Troubleshooting and Maintenance - 0.50 Credit Hours
Our troubleshooting courses teach you to get the job done when the occasional curve ball comes your way. These classes also stress the importance of regular maintenance as a way to minimize downtime. You’ll learn skills like soldering techniques and the use of multimeters, as well as basic concepts such as Ohm’s Law.
TM101 Troubleshooting/Maintenance
Basic Electronics
Test Equipment
Soldering Lab


Internship - 6.00 Credit Hours
The Conservatory’s internship program is the only one of its kind in U.S. audio education. A requirement for graduation, this program gives you the opportunity to gain a real world perspective on what you’ve learned. It also gives you a foot in the door to an industry that has become increasingly selective when choosing prospective employees
IN101 Internship
Completion of Internship duties
Various audio tasks including demonstration of studio skills
IN201 Internship
Internships provide the student with a valuable, hands-on, real-world educational experience
Further practical application of skills and techniques in the field
Understanding day-to-day facility operations and protocol
Hands-on, in-studio experience

MRP - TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 20.00
CRAS Grad
Career Opportunities
Recording engineer
- Music
- Soundtracks
Game audio designer
- Video games
- Apps
- Mobile audio
Live sound engineer
- Concerts
- Stage monitors
Radio production
- Location remotes
- Live radio
Corporate media tech
- Hotels
- Conference centers
- Boardrooms
TV/video scoring engineer
- Background music
- Voice over/narration
Movies
- Foley engineer
- Dialog replacement
- Sound effects
Manufacturer’s specialist
- Product rep
- Product specialist
Environmental sound design
- Malls
- Airports
- Public spaces
Live stage/theater sound
- Musicals
- Drama
- Lectures
And more!