Now Enrolling for Spring 2021
Program Update: We are now offering Audio Engineering in a new format. In short, the previous year-long course is now split into two shorter stand alone courses: Level 1, focusing on foundational elements of audio and its digital applications and held entirely in a live virtual format, and Level 2, focusing on more advanced, hands-on studio techniques with hardware gear and live sessions.
Audio Engineering Level 1 – Digital Technology (Classes Start March 2021)
Whether you want to produce your own music or help others with theirs, you will gain the necessary skills and experience to create high quality, professional audio productions. With home studios blossoming in the digital age, this is the perfect time to jump in on new opportunities for creative commerce. We’ll cover a wide foundation of audio fundamentals, AVID Pro Tools Training and Certification, Ableton Live, music production, editing, mixing, mastering as well as business and industry training. Level 1 can be taken on it’s own, but also serves as the prerequisite for those who wish to continue onto the Level 2 and gain the full studio training experience in person.
This course is 24 weeks long and our maximum class size is 12 students. Classes are held twice weekly (3 hours each) in a live virtual format led by SRA instructors who are highly experienced audio professionals. Our format allows for Q&A, interaction and mentorship in real time. During the course, students will additionally receive a private one on one session with an instructor to personally evaluate and guide on their mix practices and techniques.
Tuition includes a specially curated Professional Tool Kit of educational items including a Macbook Pro Laptop, software and hardware gear plus all books and class supplies. See the pop down menu below for a complete list of all items.
Learn These Skills and Techniques:
- Audio Engineering
- Music Production
- Pro Tools Software User Certification
- Ableton Live
- Digital Recording, Editing and Mixing
- Mastering
- Microphone Techniques
- MIDI Sequencing and Loop-Based Production
- Effects Techniques and Plug-in Automation
- Ear Training
- Business and Industry Skills
and much more
See the pop down menus below for the fine details about upcoming courses, applications, tuition and more. Also be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page as well.
Audio Engineering Level 2 – The Studio Experience (Classes Start March 2021)
Gain a powerful foundation of creative, technical and business skills to work professionally in the studio and beyond. Building on Audio Engineering Level 1 as a prerequisite (or equivalent education) to attend, we take a deeper dive into more advanced techniques, equipment and hands-on project work in the studio. Our training takes place in one of Seattle’s premiere recording studios, Orbit Audio owned by SRA’s Founder Joe Reineke, a multi-platinum record award recipient who has engineered and produced hundreds of albums and tracks for artists worldwide. You’ll learn in the same studio artists such as Macklemore, Halsey, Alice in Chains, Vance Joy and Lil’ Yachty come to work, to name just a few of our clients. We believe that an advanced education of this importance needs to happen hands-on, with small class sizes and in a real working environment. Like Joe, all SRA instructors are accomplished audio professionals who offer a wealth of knowledge from years of first hand experience. All throughout, students receive individualized mentorship while gaining valuable project experience and an empowering skill set for hireability and lasting success.
We’ll cover advanced microphone techniques, outboard gear and hardware effects, tracking and mixing on the console, analog tape, commercial studio training, live studio sessions with a diverse community of artists, music production, business skills and more. During the course, each student will additionally receive two private one on one session with an instructor to personally evaluate and guide on their micing and console mixing techniques. Students finish with several days of studio time to independently engineer a musical group of their choice.
This course is 24 weeks long, with classes held typically held one full day each week (Saturdays) onsite. Our maximum class size is 8 students. Tuition includes all books and class supplies, plus students receive a Grammy U membership where they will be invited to special events and exclusive opportunities through the PNW chapter of The Recording Academy (Grammy’s).
“My experience was unbelievably amazing in every way. Learning in a small class was not only beneficial, but crucial, in my opinion. As a graduate, I feel I can confidently apply for work at any number of recording studios and be an asset there. It was one of the best years of my life, and I’d do it again in a second.” -Sindri E. – See what else SRA graduates have to say about their experience.
Learn These Skills and Techniques:
- Audio Engineering
- Advanced Music Production
- Analog and Digital Recording and Mixing
- Console Training and Functionality
- Advanced Microphone Techniques
- Hardware Effect Techniques
- Studio Training
- Live Artist Sessions
- Acoustics and Design
- Business and Industry Skills
and much more
See the pop down menus below for the fine details about upcoming courses, applications, tuition and more. Also be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page as well.
Audio Engineering Level 1 – Digital Technology:
Classes meet twice a week in three hour sessions, and are held in an entirely virtual live format led by SRA instructors. Classes are Wednesdays from 5-8p and Saturdays from 9:30a-12:30p.
–Spring 2021: This course runs from March 17th 2021 through September 3rd 2021. Applications due by Sunday, February 7th.
Audio Engineering Level 2 – The Studio Experience:
Classes meet in person one full day each week on Saturdays from 9:30a-6p.
–Spring 2021: This course runs from March 20, 2021 through September 3, 2021. Applications due by Sunday, February 7th.
Interested in applying? Please see the section “Applications & Requirements” tab below for more details and to download an application kit. Early applications are always encouraged since space is limited.
Applications: SRA accepts applications on a “rolling” or first come basis, so early submissions are encouraged as our maximum class size for virtual courses is 12 students, and for in person courses just 8. The process entails an application form, a written essay, personal/professional references, a most recent transcript and a couple elective components such as including letters of recommendation and work samples if available. The final step is an interview/meeting with the school, which can take place in person or by phone depending on your location. A $75 processing fee will be due at the time of submission and all applicants will be notified in writing if they have been accepted or not. Those accepted will be given the opportunity to confirm or decline enrollment.
Click to download an SRA Application. Please see the “Upcoming Courses & Schedule” tab for information for our next enrollments and application deadlines.
Requirements:
As an independent arts academy, we consider a host of factors including grades from a recent transcript, but do not review academic testing such as SAT scores. In addition to our courses being very advanced, fast paced and setting the bar for technical education, SRA students must maintain and graduate with a 3.2 or higher GPA in order to earn the course certificate, so we are seeking the brightest students who are driven and serious about learning. We also require a passion for music and creativity, a sincere desire to be of service in this industry, being a team player, responsibility, dedication, a great attitude and a readiness for success. Students need to be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate (or GED) to attend our programs. Students who will graduate and be of age by a program start date may apply in advance. Our courses are taught in English, so all applicants must be fluent.
Audio Engineering Level 1 Requirements: Previous experience or prerequisite training in audio is not a requirement, however, background in music, music theory and/or experience playing musical instruments are very helpful building blocks, and are both highly encouraged and ultimately preferred. Our advice for individuals without any experience playing a musical instrument yet is to start now, and gain at least one year of dedicated daily practice. Piano is a great foundation. Experiment with composition, play music with other people and most of all have fun!
Audio Engineering Level 2 Requirements: Students who would like to attend the Level 2 and gain direct studio training and project experience will need to have completed Audio Engineering Level 1 with SRA. We will also consider students who already have an equivalent background in education and/or working experience with priority given to SRA Level 1 graduates. In this case, individuals would need to demonstrate their competency in and understanding of the necessary skills from Level 1 to a satisfactory level in order to attend.
You’ve got to have the right tools for every job. As a SRA student, you’ll receive a Professional Tool Kit* of complete hardware and software equipment for recording, mixing and mastering at no extra cost to tuition – and its yours to keep. You’ll learn and grow with these tools throughout our program, gaining first-hand project experience and graduate with your own working studio already in progress.
MacBook Pro Laptop
AVID Pro Tools 12 Software W/ iLok
Ableton Live
Celemony Melodyne
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Interface
USB Midi Controller Keyboard
HD Pro Headphones
Shure SM57 or SM58 Microphone
Mic Stand and Clip
XLR Cable
All Textbooks and Course Materials
*Students attending who live in the greater Seattle area may receive these items directly through SRA, individuals living outside the area who are unable to pick up their items in person will need to procure certain items independently and will receive a reduced cost equal to the items value.
Audio Engineering Level 1 – Digital Technology
SRA Audio Engineering Course Certificate and Diploma
AVID Pro Tools User Certification
Educational Discounts on Top Music Production Software
Audio Engineering Level 2 – The Studio Experience
SRA Audio Engineering Course Certificate and Diploma
2 Year Grammy U Membership
Industry Partner Gear Discounts
Educational Discounts on Top Music Production Software
We offer monthly virtual tour nights, this is a great time to see our unique campus, meet instructors and learn more about the programs. For a full listing of upcoming Tour Nights and Open Houses, please visit our Events and Campus Tours page.
Our aim is to inspire lasting, meaningful careers. We believe this process is as unique as each individual and should begin on day one. By electing to keep our class sizes small, we are able to get to know every student personally, understand their passions and goals so we can provide thoughtful support and guidance throughout our program and beyond. Our instructors bring years of professional experience working in audio and are able to offer the kind of support only seasoned professionals can. We are always happy to call on our extensive network in the northwest art, music and gaming communities to make an introduction or help connect graduates with meaningful opportunities in their field of choice.
Audio Engineering Level 1: Tuition for this course includes all books, class supplies, and the Professional Tool Kit* which includes a Macbook pro laptop, software and curated selection of recording equipment. See the pop down tab on this page titled “Professional Tool Kit” for a full list of all items. Tuition is $11,450 ($9,000 Tuition / $2450 Professional Tool Kit items). *Students attending in the greater Seattle area may receive all Professional Tool Kit items directly through SRA. Individuals living outside the area will need to procure the items independently, with the exception of all software downloads and will receive a reduced tuition reflecting the amount of each item. Additionally, if a student already owns any of the Professional Tool Kit items (equivalent or better), they may opt to waive receiving these items in exchange for a tuition discount.
Audio Engineering Level 2: Tuition for this course includes all books, class supplies, and educational items. Tuition is $14,975 ($14,840 Tuition / $135 Educational Items).
Payment Plans: SRA offers payment plans for qualifying students taking our Level 1 and Level 2 Audio Engineering courses. Plans do not involve any loans or lending, but are legal financial contracts between SRA and the student through a third party. All contracts require a 50% tuition down payment at the time of enrollment with the remaining balance paid in monthly installments from 6 to 30 months. While enrolled, payments are completely interest free, with low rates after graduation. Eligibility is based on an approved credit application. Please email or call 206-623-7272 to request more information.