I want to dive into audio engineering in college and am curious about which schools have the best rep. Any advice on where to apply, especially if they have good hands-on labs or facilities?
There are several colleges known for their strong audio engineering programs.
Berklee College of Music is renowned for its Music Production & Engineering (MP&E) program. The curriculum at Berklee combines technology, performance, and business, aiming to create multi-faceted audio engineers.
NYU's Steinhardt School offers a Music Technology program that places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience. The program owns several multi-studio facilities which are equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University has the Recording Arts and Sciences program. This program prepares students for a broad range of career paths in the audio industry.
University of Southern California (USC) has a Music Technology program which takes a similar approach, combining audio engineering principles with an extensive music curriculum. Music Technology at USC's Thornton School of Music is known for emphasizing creativity, innovation, and musicianship in addition to technical expertise.
In all these programs, you'd get a hands-on experience in well-equipped labs and studios and learn directly from experts in the field. Remember to research each program thoroughly to understand its exact offerings and to ensure that it aligns with your specific career goals in audio engineering before applying.
Always consider the type of hands-on work you're likely to be doing, the opportunities for internships or co-ops, the school's connections in your future industry, and the type of resources the college or university will be able to offer you in your field of study.
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