New Audio Recording and Production Certificate Offered
SANBORN, N.Y. (Nov. 13) — State-of-the art equipment, instructors who “have a finger on the pulse of the sound business”, and a program coordinator who has done professional stage work for The Rolling Stones, Metallica and Pope John Paul II are just a few of the outstanding features being offered by Niagara County Community College’s newest certificate program in audio recording and production.
Beginning in January 2009, students will be able to earn a one-year certificate in audio recording and production from NCCC -- a unique program that no other school in Western New York offers.
“UB doesn’t have it. Buffalo State doesn’t have it. We have it,” said Joe Schmidt NCCC associate professor and audio recording and production program coordinator.
“We are the first school in this area to offer a certificate in sound recording. And even four-year schools don’t have what we have equipment-wise,” Schmidt said.
Designed to prepare students with the necessary skills for entry-level positions in audio recording or production, the certificate can be a college student’s first step toward a career in the recording industry or a means for working professionals to gain recognized credentials in sound recording.
“There’s a huge need for trained professionals in the field, “ said Schmidt. “There are employment opportunities worldwide waiting for students who compete this program.”
Students enrolled in the program will receive broad-based training in music recording and mixing, location sound, critical listening and editing skills, commercial production, audio for video and television, record production and live sound reinforcement during their required 31 hours of course work.
Schmidt also plans to incorporate internships with local radio and television stations and prominent professional musicians into the certificate program.
According to Schmidt, the program will offer students hands-on access to the largest collection of Pro Tools sound recording equipment in New York State, as well as instructors who together bring over 25 years of real-life experience to the classroom as professionals in the recording field.
“Having attended two other universities and guest lecturing at a few others, I can honestly say that, dollar for dollar, NCCC is the best investment a prospective entertainment technician can make,” said NCCC alum and Broadway sound designer Ken Travis.
Upon completion of the certificate program, students will be prepared for employment with recording studios, concert production companies, churches, theme parks, film and video production houses, theatres and in other sound-related careers.
