Music Recording Technology

Associate in Science (A.S.)

Two music recording technology students adjusting setting on a professional studio soundbound.

Showcase your creativity in a field that relies on musical talent as much as it does on tech skills. Learn professional sound editing techniques directly from experts and producers in the field. Build your professional network and prepare for a career in the music industry.

Career Outlook: Broadcast, Sound, and Studio Technicians

The media and entertainment industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities for those with musical talent and technical skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for broadcast, sound, and video technicians to grow 10% by 2030, which is faster than the overall job growth rate. The median annual wage for technical music careers was $48,790 in 2021. Music recording professionals may find work in live performance centers, studios, film and video game development, or on tour with bands.

A.S. Program Overview

Build confidence as both a musician and technician with our immersive, hands-on program. You'll hone your musical skills — ear training, notation, and music theory — while mastering modern sound recording technology. Spend time in the studio working on projects that matter to you. By the end of the program, you'll mix and master an album according to industry specifications, and understand how music is both an artform and a business.

A Holistic, Hands-On Music Education

Personalized, one-on-one guidance is a central feature of this program. In addition to private music lessons with faculty, you'll work closely with classmates on projects of all sounds and styles. Collaborate on recording projects that show you how to manage sound dynamics, normalize audio levels, and develop quality control strategies — so you can prepare tracks for commercial release.

You'll also perform with one of our many music ensembles:

  • The College Singers
  • Finger Lakes Camerata
  • Finger Lakes Chorale
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Vocal Jazz Ensemble

World-Class Recording Studios

Practice modern recording techniques in our five state-of-the-art recording studios. Designed by the award-winning architect and acoustician John Storyk, our studios feature world-class soundboards and all the equipment regularly used in the music industry.

Studio sizes range from small to large — so you can find the right acoustic fit for any project from a solo performance to an entire orchestra.

FLCC Music Recording Studio

Equipment and Technology Available at FLCC

Equipment Brands and Models

Soundboards

API Vision 48-channel console with automation, two API 1608 32-channel console with automation, Duality Delta SE 48-channel console, Avid 24-channel digital console
Speakers and monitors Dynaudio BM15A studio monitors, Avantone Pro CLA10, Avantone Mix Cubes, Aviom Pro 16 Headphone system

Preamps and compressors

Avalon, Neve, Universal Audio, A Designs, and Groove Tubes
Amplifiers Fender Deluxe guitar amplifier, Ampeg BA 210 bass amplifier
Microphones Telefunken, Neumann, Earthworks, Royer, Sennheiser, Electro Voice, Shure, Audio Technica, Beyer, AKG, BLUE, sE Electronics, Audix, Crown, and Schoeps
Percussion and drum sets Yamaha Stage Custom drum kit with Zildjian cymbals
Pianos and keyboards Yamaha C7 Grand Piano, Fender Rhodes 73 Suitcase Piano
Computer System

Apple Mac Studio computers running Avid Pro Tools Ultimate

Required Student Equipment

  • Portable Hard Drive: 250 GB or more, 7200 rpm (formatted for Mac)
  • Headphones: Audio Technica ATHM50, Sony MDR 7506, or AKG K240MKII

Recommended Student Equipment

  • Computer: Mac Pro or Mac Book Pro
  • Pro Tools Software: Any hardware with the latest version of Pro Tools Software

As you enter the program, you'll take a music theory placement exam that helps us determine your best course mix for the first semester. There is no audition required to enter the program.

Prepare for the Music Theory Placement Exam

Study for your music theory placement exam with our sample questionsAdobe Acrobat, PDF. You'll be tested on your ability to read sheet music, identify major and minor keys, and interpret time signatures — among other essential music skills.

Learn More About the Placement Exam

Student Spotlight

"I choose FLCC because when I first came here on a tour and saw the soundboards, it was just such good energy that I knew I had to be here."

— Maria Hubbel, '22

Join Audio Engineering Society

Be part of an active community of musicians and technicians. Audio Engineering Society is an international organization that unites audio engineers, artists, scientists, and students worldwide. The organization promotes the music and broadcast industry through professional development opportunities and supporting new research. FLCC's local chapter connects students, so they can share ideas, study, and work on recording projects together.


A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will:

  • Evaluate the quality of individual sounds and finished recording with respect to genre.
  • Communicate in a professional manner through oral and written means with musicians, engineers, and industry professionals.
  • Create and/or perform musical pieces in order to have a shared experience with the musicians with whom they interact.
  • Apply industry standards of hardware, software, and technical skills to enhance the creative process.

Career Pathways

After graduating, you'll be ready for entry-level careers in music and sound recording — or launch your own business. Our program helps you build a professional network and increase your job opportunities. Graduates of our program work at live event venues and recording studios in Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse, Buffalo, and beyond. Others relocate to work in a specific music scene, such as Nashville.

You'll find careers at recording studios, concert halls, media and entertainment companies, and venues of all sizes. Some job titles include:

  • Audio Recording Engineer
  • Concert Technician
  • Live Sound Engineer
  • Music Producer
  • Music Technology Specialist
  • Recording Studio Manager

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Our A.S. degree program is an excellent first step toward earning a four-year degree in music production and recording arts. Choosing a four-year school in the region where you plan to enter the music industry can help establish contacts and build your professional network.

Previous graduates have continued their music recording education at a variety of colleges and universities, including:

  • Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam
  • Eastman School of Music
  • Ithaca College
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Nazareth College
  • SUNY Fredonia
  • SUNY Oneonta

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Our Music Recording Technology faculty bring a wide range of talent and real-world experience. They hold master's and doctorate degrees from institutions such as Eastman School of Music, SUNY Buffalo, and Ithaca College.

Faculty members are classically trained and practicing musicians. Many are working composers with a portfolio of commissioned work. Others have professional experience as audio engineers and working with musicians across the country.

Meet Music Recording Technology Faculty


FLCC Student Experience

This unique program has a combination of hands-on and real-world, preparing students for a career in the music industry.

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