Music Recording Technology

Associate in Science (A.S.)

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:

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.

View Studios and Equipment

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FLCC Music Recording Studios

Photo gallery tour of our music recording studios.

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:

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:

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