Choosing the right audio engineering school to meet your needs can be an overwhelming task at first. After all, there are plenty of options to pick from. Some are in a more traditional college setting and offer you a degree once the required courses are completed. Others are more vocational in nature and offer only instruction on topics related to your future career and certify you as an audio engineer at the end of the program. 

The truth is, there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to attending an audio engineering school. There are no set rules as to what type of school you should attend, only guidelines for picking the one that best matches what you want out of your education. 

If you are looking to attend an audio engineering school, here is a list of some of the top qualities to look for before making your final decision. 

Choosing an Audio Engineering School

1. State-of-the-Art Equipment. 

Technology is ever-changing and having access to relevant audio engineering equipment is a must. Make sure your school has the most updated versions of software and equipment that is presently being used in the industry. 

2. Hands-On Instruction. 

Having access to the state-of-the-art equipment your audio engineering school has is the most practical and efficient way to become an expert. 

3. Foundations. 

It is not enough for your chosen school to offer hands-on training. A solid foundation in music and sound theory, basic business practices, and things such as a good communication, listening skills, and critical thinking are all important qualities of a good audio engineering school. 

4. Connections. 

The school you attend should able to get you in touch with professionals in the audio engineering industry. One of the best ways to avoid the struggle to find employment post-graduation is to tap into the networks you created while attending audio engineering school. This exposure will open many doors. 

5. One-on-One Instruction. 

Personalized instruction from your teachers is important for mastering the skills required to become a successful audio engineer. Check to see that the school you are interested in offers some individualized training. 

6. Affordability. 

The investment you put into your higher education has the potential to reap many rewards. Make sure the school you are interested in offers cost-effective tuition rates to prevent loads of debt upon graduation. 

7. Actual Work Experience. 

Aside from lectures and simulated hands-on experiences, working on real jobs while enrolled in school will help you in many ways. You will gain insight into what the profession of audio engineering is really about so that you can choose a specialty niche to focus on. It will also teach you how professionals perform their jobs in the field of audio engineering and what you can look forward to once you graduate and become an audio engineer. 

8. Tailored Courses. 

Creating a niche for yourself is important once you enter the field of audio engineering. That is one of the ways to break into the competitive profession and create a reputable name for yourself and your services. Make sure the school you choose offers courses in the area you are interested in. One-size-fits-all does not work in audio engineering. 

9. Job Placement. 

Providing a career center to help graduates with employment after graduation is very important. Since audio engineering is such a competitive industry, and standing out can sometimes be difficult as an entry-level audio engineer, having that extra hand to help guide you to landing your dream job is vital to your success post-graduation. 

10. Alumni Support. 

Look into what type of support the school you are researching offers its alumni. Oftentimes, alumni receive extra job placement support, continued relationships with industry professionals, and access to special events, all of which can be valuable to your progressing career.

It is important that you research each audio engineering school you are considering attending to make sure all of your needs are met. With so many options available, it is important to know what separates the high-quality audio engineering schools from the average everyday ones. 

If you are thinking about attending an audio engineering school in the Maryland area, consider the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts. With hands-on training using the best equipment available, solid foundational lectures, industry-professional instructors, a 70% job placement rate, and so much more, Sheffield Institute may be just the right place for you.