Minnesota is most notably known for the Mall of America, which is located in Bloomington, MN. The mall is huge to say the least, it is a stunning 9.5 million square feet. Many products have originated in the state including Wheaties® cereal, Bisquick®, Scotch® tape, masking tape, and several other items.
In addition, Minnesota is taking huge leaps toward becoming more of a “green” state. Most recently they have been working on creating a power system that converts solid waste into fertilizer pellets; it also produces biogas that almost completely removes the plants’ dependency on natural gas.
The states average cost of living is only .89% lower than the national average; this means that the cost of things in Minnesota won’t be much cheaper than states such as Michigan. The average annual salary is also lower than the national average by a nominal amount, coming in at about $47,000 a year.
It misses the national average by only $46. An audio engineer working and living in the state of Minnesota can make a modest living with an average annual salary of approximately $77,000 per year.
Audio Engineering Schools in Minnesota
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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Hennepin Technical College
13100 College View Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55347 United States Tel: 952-995-1300
At Hennepin Technical College you will learn the skills needed to become a successful audio production specialist. They offer two different programs, one is the Associate of Applied Science with concentration in audio production, while the other is a diploma program with nearly the same curriculum.
You will take a variety of classes that are all geared toward learning career related skills. Some of the classes you will take are multitrack recording, studio operations, audio signal processing, and digital audio theory. As a student you will be required to learn MIDI, SMPTE applications, disk-based recording, as well as old school analog tape recording.
As an audio production specialist it is important that you have a well-rounded knowledge of the recording industry. [*]
Minneapolis Media Institute
4100 W 76th Street Edina, MN 55435 United States Tel: 952-897-1111
Minneapolis Media Institute can offer you hands-on training to help you become an audio engineer, recording engineer, studio technician, or another career path in the audio industry. You will work side by side with other students in the former Flyte Tyme studios.
Students will learn to master ProTools, Apple Logic, and Propellerhead Reason as well as various types of audio equipment in the studios. The school offers several different workstations within the studios where you can take time to practice and get an edge on the competition. [*]
IPR - The Institute of Production and Recording
300 First Ave North, Suite 500 Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States Tel: 612-375-1900
Institute of Production and Recording offers a variety of Applied Science degree programs in the audio industry including audio production & engineering, live sound & show production, music & entertainment business, as well as sound design for visual media.
You will have the opportunity to work in a hands on environment with other students to record, mix, and edit various types of audio. Along with audio instruction, you will also receive a top notch education in general education and be able to choose electives such as studio audio engineering and Guerrilla recording. [*]
The Bottom Line
Those wishing to attend school close to home, or work shouldn’t have too many issues as Minnesota has several schools dedicated to the audio engineering field.
This is especially important for those who do not wish to commute or relocate to further their education, or obtain a degree in this field.
Overall, Minnesota seems like a good choice for those looking to obtain a degree and work in the audio engineering field. The state has plenty to offer, and they are going green. Who doesn’t want to live in a state that is almost completely self-sustaining?
