Audio Engineering Level 1 – Digital Technology (Live Virtual Course)

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL 2026! Audio Engineering Level 1 is SRA's foundational program, taught live online twice a week by working audio professionals. Whether you want to produce your own music or work with artists, you'll build the technical skills, earn your Seattle Recording Arts Pro Tools Professional Certification and develop the professional foundation needed to work in audio. Our live virtual classes are hands-on from day one, with small groups, real projects, personalized feedback and individual mentorship throughout. Students gain a thorough understanding of audio fundamentals, Pro Tools, music production, editing, mixing, microphone techniques, ear training and business and industry skills. Audio Engineering Level 1 can be taken as a standalone program and also serves as the prerequisite for Audio Engineering Level 2, where students continue into six months of in-person studio training. Program Length: 3 Months / Maximum Class Size: 12 students / Tuition and Gear: See the pop down menu at the bottom of the page / Next Start Date: September 2026 / Applying is easy and free. Simply complete and submit our online application form to get started today.

The Skills That Matter

Everything you need to build a professional foundation in audio. Twelve weeks of focused, practical training across the core skills of audio engineering and music production. From Pro Tools fundamentals to microphone techniques, every skill in L1 is chosen because it matters in the real world. An accelerated timeline to jump start your career in audio.

Audio Engineering

Audio Fundamentals

Audio Engineering Level 1 Program

Music Production

Pro Tools Certification

SRA Pro Tools Professional Certification

Digital Recording,Editing-and-Mixing

Digital Editing and Mixing

Ear Training

Production Based Ear Training

Effects,-Automation,-MIDI,-and-Loop-Based-Production

Creative Effects and Automation

Audio Mastering

Intro to Mastering

Microphone Techniques

Microphone Techniques

Audio Engineering

Audio Fundamentals

Audio Engineering Level 1 Program

Music Production

Pro Tools Certification

SRA Pro Tools Professional Certification

Digital Recording,Editing-and-Mixing

Digital Editing and Mixing

Ear Training

Production Based Ear Training

Effects,-Automation,-MIDI,-and-Loop-Based-Production

Creative Effects and Automation

Audio Mastering

Intro to Mastering

Microphone Techniques

Microphone Techniques

Class Structure

Classes are held twice weekly, 2 hrs/ea (Monday and Thursday evenings 6-8p Pacific Time) in a live-virtual format. Our structure includes discussion, demonstration, in-class exercises, mentorship and independent project work with personalized feedback. Students also receive a replay link for each class so they can revisit any material at any time.

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Learn with the Pros

SRA instructors are highly experienced audio professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. As studio owners, engineers and music producers ourselves, we bring a unique perspective on techniques and the industry like only the insiders can.

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Quality over Quantity

By electing to keep our class sizes small (maximum 12 students) we naturally have the time and availability for Q&A and mentorship throughout every class. Each student also receives two, private one on one mixing sessions with an instructor for even more personalized evaluation and guidance.

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Requirements

Previous experience in audio is not a requirement since we start with the fundamentals and build from there. However, any background in music, music theory and/or experience playing musical instruments are very helpful building blocks and highly encouraged. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate (or GED) by a program start date to attend.

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Applications

The application process is easy and completely free. Simply complete and submit our online application form. The final step is an informal meeting with one of our team members, a chance to connect and answer any of your questions. Students must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate (or GED) by a program start date to attend.

We can accept applications after a posted deadline in the event any seats remain open or are released. Please inquire.

Looking For More Information ?

If you have a question we are happy to help! Just send us an email to info@seattlerecordingarts.com and one of our staff members will respond within 1 or 2 business days. Or, if you'd like to chat, give us a ring at 206-623-7272.

  • SRA Audio Engineering Level 1 Course Certificate
  • SRA Pro Tools Professional Certification
  • Educational Discounts on Top Music Production Software

  • Our aim is to inspire lasting, meaningful careers. We believe this process is as unique as each individual and should begin on day one. Our small classes allow us to get to know every student personally, understand their passions and goals so we can provide thoughtful support throughout our program and beyond. Our instructors bring years of professional experience working in audio and are able to offer sage guidance as only the pros 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.

  • STUDENTS PROVIDE (or Purchase If Not Already Owned):
  • -A computer with adequate system requirements to run AVID Pro Tools. Mac’s are preferred however, PC’s work too. No less than 8GB ram is required, however 16GB of ram is more ideal, and at least 200GB storage is adequate with more always being better. Please refer to AVID's guides to system requirements and compatible operating systems for running Pro Tools.
  • -AVID Pro Tools Software (Artist, latest version) w/ iLok
  • -Audio Interface
  • -USB Midi Controller Keyboard (2 octaves or higher)
  • -HD Pro Headphones
  • -Microphone, Stand and XLR Cable
  • -Free Software Trials: Ableton Live, Celemony Melodyne, Antares Autotune, Izotope Ozone, Massey DRT

  • Tuition: $4,950 plus WA sales tax. Students will also need to independently procure (if already owned) certain audio gear items necessary for class and project work, please see the “Items You'll Need” pop-down above for a full list. The cost of the gear items is approximately $375 (if purchasing brand new), and SRA also partners with several reputable gear partners who offer special discounts to our students.

Interested in Full Studio Training ?

Our Audio Engineering Level 2 course is an opportunity for students to learn hands-on in our legendary Seattle studio, Orbit Audio. Students may apply for Level 2 after successful completion of it's prerequisite , Audio Engineering Level 1 or if they have already gained an equivalent training/experience elsewhere.