Established in New York City, 1980, a 24-track recording studio called “Songshop” offered adult training classes to novices as well as label personnel. The increasing demand for training and hands-on experience necessitated expansion of the program to include internships with commercial studios and recording artists. Relocation to Phoenix and the name change to “The Academy of Recording Sciences” was accomplished in 1987. As the reputation of the institution gained prominence in the music industry, the name was changed in 1988 to the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences. This name more appropriately reflects the nature of the institution, to conserve, enhance, improve and promote the artistic and technical skills of audio recording by preparing students to enter the business as qualified audio recording engineers.

The Conservatory’s structured programs and qualified teaching staff provide a professional and supportive atmosphere. Complemented by small class sizes and one-to-one computer access, students receive individual instruction and assistance in engineering audio recordings. The Conservatory has been providing quality vocational training in audio recording for three decades. The curriculum and equipment is constantly being updated to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the music industry. Course offerings and subject matter have always centered around skills and knowledge necessary for student success in the music industry.

Historical Timeline

1980-The school’s originator begins offering adult education classes at “Songship” Studio in New York.

1987-The program is named the “Academy of Recording Sciences” and moves to Phoenix, AZ.

1988-The name is changed to the” Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences,” and the school is licensed by the state of Arizona.

October 1990-The Conservatory is accredited by the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools-NATTS now known as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

May 1992- Community Technical Institutes(CTI0 purchases the Conservatory and the Student Services (Internship) department is established, marking a major turning point.

Fall 1992-Robert Anderson becomes the first Conservatory graduate to receive a Gold record (CeCe Peniston’s “Finally” single).

Fall 1993-Dona Roth becomes the first Conservatory Graduate to receive a Platinum record (Marc Cohn’s Eponymous album).

February 1994-The Conservatory is re-accredited with no stipulations by ACCSCT.

January 1999- Andrew Garver becomes the first Conservatory graduate to be nominated for a Grammy (Rhino Records “Have A Nice Decade” Anthology).

February 1999-The Conservatory is re-accredited with no stipulations for the second time by ACCSCT.

Fall 2002-Ground is broken in Gilbert, Arizona for a new 25,000 square foot facility, topographically recreating the four studios, three labs, and administrative offices of the Tempe location. Additionally, a 6000 square foot live sound venue is constructed in the Gilbert location.

November 2003-Classes are held for the first time in the satellite facility in Gilbert.

February 2004-Darrel Thorp and Moka Nagatani become the first Conservatory Graduates to win Grammys; Thorp for Radiohead’s “Hail To The Thief” (Best Engineered Album-Non Classical) and Outkast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love below” (Album of the year) and Nagatani for Outkast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love below” (Album of the year).

July 2004-The Conservatory is re-accredited with no stipulations for the third time by ACCSCT.

June 2005- The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology recognized the Conservatory as a 2005 ACCSCT School of Distinction.

October 2005-The Conservatory becomes charter sponsor of (2005) TEC Hall of Fame Awards at yearly Audio Engineering Society Convention.

October 2006-Audio Kinetic Established educational partnership with the Conservatory resulting in the addition of a game audio curriculum using the Wwise audio pipeline solution for game audio.

March 2007-Receives Game Audio Network Guild Award (G.A.N.G.) award presented at the 2007 Game Developers Conference.

June 2007- The Conservatory installs the L-Acoustics Kudo Line array, a top sound reinforcement line array in the industry, and offers a student a certificate in the operation and set up of the system.

December 2007-Introduces studio in a bag, to the Master Recording Program II. Every student beginning with the December class will receive a laptop package with their books and supplies.

January 2008- The Conservatory’s Control room D upgrades to Digidesign’s C|24 Control surface to offer a state-of-the-art production environment.

November 2008- The Conservatory is re-accredited with no stipulations for the fourth time by ACCSCT.

August 2009- The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (formally known as ACCSCT) recognizes the Conservatory as a 2009 School of Excellence.