If you’re looking for an audio engineering program in California consider yourself pretty lucky. California has a TON of schools available for those looking into audio production as a career.
What’s even better is that is doesn’t matter whether you live down south or up north (San Francisco) there are still plenty of schools to choose from.
If you have questions about any of the schools, hit the “get more info” button and they’ll help you out.
Featured Audio Schools in CA
The Art Institutes
Programs:
- Audio Production (BS)
Your creativity is a big part of who you are and where you’re going. To take it, and your future, as far as you want, you need an education that’s focused on developing your talents and putting you on the path toward the creative career that stirs your imagination.
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Advanced Training
Programs:
- Home Entertainment Networking
Advanced Training (ATA) is a small veteran-owned family business with an emphasis on student satisfaction and outcomes.
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Pyramind
880 Folsom San Francisco, CA 94107 United States Tel: 415-896-9800
Pyramid training, located in San Francisco, offers 6 different programs, so you can obtain the knowledge required for your dream job. They offer electronic music, rock & acoustic, music & sound for picture, the core – 8 month, the DSP – 4 month, and build your own.
Each of these programs will help you achieve a hands-on education that will help land you the job of your dreams. [*]
SAE Institute of Technology - Los Angeles
6565 Sunset Blvd. Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States Tel: 323-466-6323
SAE has two locations in California, one in Hollywood and the other in San Francisco. The only program they offer is their Audio Technology Program Diploma. It is a nine month course if you go full time, or 18 months if you attend part time.
Enrolled students receive an Apple Laptop that includes ProTools LE system, Waves certification Bundle, NI Komplete, Logic Studio, and Ultrasone Headphones. The program itself covers a plethora of material from Basic sound theory to mastering and remixing. [*]
Recording Connection
8306 Wilshire Bld. Beverly Hills, CA 90046 United States Tel: 800- 295- 4433
Recording Connection of Hollywood is one of the top schools in the state and features mentors such as Jay-Z, U2, Kendrick Lamar, and Justin Timberlake.
The school offers several different programs to help you pursue your dream career. Their programs include audio engineering, music producing, electronic music production, hip hop/beat making, touring DJ, Pop and R&B, Rock & Roll, Country music production, Live sound engineering, music business, post production audio, and advanced programs. [*]
Hollywood Recording Workshop
24863 Del Prado Dana Point, CA 92629 United States Tel: 949-280-6748
Hollywood Recording Workshop offers several different courses to students looking to learn in a hands on, one on one environment.
They offer courses in ProTools tracking, ProTools editing, ProTools mixing & mastering, ProTools advanced editing and mixing, Reason 4.0, MIDI, Song analysis, Applied Music, Acoustics, Electronics, Vocal coaching, Keyboards, Guitar, Digital video production, Mac OSX.
You can opt to take individual classes over a 10 or 12 week period. You can also choose to enroll in their platinum which takes 5 months or the diamond recording program, which is a 6 month program. [*]
Musicians Institute
6752 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028 United States Tel: 800-255-7529
Musicians Institute is located in Hollywood, and offers Performance, alternative, industry, and degree programs. Their programs include Bachelor of Music, Associate of Arts, Certificate, Non-Certificate, Audio engineering, Independent Artist Program, Music Business, Guitar Craft, and many more.
Some of their degree programs are geared toward specific styles of music so it is important to do your research before choosing a program. MI offers hands on training with professionals that actually work in the music industry. [*]
Online Schools
This list was made up of the best “on-campus” audio production schools in California. If you decide for any reason that you would prefer to learn from home, check out this list of online programs.
Music in Southern California
In Southern California (Los Angeles & San Diego) you will find the center of the music universe. (As far as commercial companies go) Most of the biggest “labels” in the country reside there and this means music studios are abundant.
Additionally, Southern California is home to many live performance venues, meaning more audio jobs. Lastly, the average salary for California audio engineers is pretty high. Only a few other states (ie. New York, Massachusetts) average higher paydays.
However, all these positives come with a few negatives. The cost of living in California is very high and competition can be tough for beginners. So get a good education, and be ready to work. The schools listed above are all good options to get started.
Summary
California offers beautiful weather, beautiful beaches, snow covered mountains during the winter, and the largest entertainment industry in the world all located in one place. There is plenty to love.
But if you decide to enroll in school in CA, be ready to work. There are a lot of people who want to produce music for a living, so you need to stay focused. Get yourself educated, and find a way to stand out.
If you have any questions for any of these schools, just hit the “request info” button and fill out your info. They can help you out.
Good luck and stay hungry!
