Mix Magazine - November, 2001

Over the past decade, many new recording schools have opened their doors for business. With very few exceptions, these institutes of higher learning fall into one of two categories: the specialized trade school or a dedicated recording program within an existing college or university. This trend appears not only to be a refection of the industry's need for trained audio professionals, but to mirror the desire of many aspiring musicians, producers and recording engineers who are chasing their dream to work in the recording industry - a textbook case of supply and demand.

On the downside, a degree in audio engineering does not guarantee a job and may not give the graduate all of the skills that he or she needs to be employable in the real world. The key that unlocks this door is a school that has demonstrated its ability to interface with the industry and offers a curriculum that covers not only recording basics, but training that addresses the specialized needs of the state -of-the-art, 21st century facility as well. An innovative and effective internship and job placement program is also an important factor in choosing a school. Enter the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, AZ.

The Conservatory (henceforth known as CRAS) is one of the schools that has emerged from the pack, receiving accolades from its students, graduates and from the pro audio community at large. Without a doubt, CRAS has come a long way in the past decade. While enrollment at CRAS is relatively small (currently no more than 400 students a year) in comparison to other recording schools, this is not necessarily a bad thing, and, in fact, it helps create a sense of community that is shared by the students, instructors and administrators.