Philadelphia's Recording Connection School of Music Recording offers students the opportunity to attend class in real recording studios, learning under master audio engineers in one-on-one sessions. Students will be exposed to bands, music producers, audio engineers, music business executives and studio owners; students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to break into the recording business. Courses teach students how to deal with clients, run a studio, and what it takes to become a recording engineer. Students will also participate in a six-month apprenticeship depending on their concentration of choice.
The Art Institute of Philadelphia offers an Audio Production degree program, which teaches students theoretical concepts as well as technical skills of music recording, mixing, and editing. Students learn skills in a hands-on environment, using industry-related equipment. Courses in the program include music theory, electronics and music recording techniques; instructors bring real-world experience to the classroom. Students who graduate from this program have the skills and knowledge to seek entry-level employment as audio engineers, radio producers and promoters.
The Recording Connection encourages students to apply for admission online at its website, or by phone. The student will be contacted by an admission's counselor and participate in a telephone interview with the head of admissions, who will then personally decide if the student meets the institute's requirements for admission.
Applicants --- as of February 2011 --- to The Art Institute of Philadelphia must submit a signed application for admission, signed enrollment agreement, a $50 application fee, a written essay of approximately 150 words on a topic of the Institute's choice, a high school transcript and copy of diploma, SAT or ACT scores and official transcripts from any other colleges or universities previously attended.
In February 2011, students at the Recording Connection have the option to pay the $7,750 tuition in full, avoiding finance charges, or to finance tuition through student loans with Sallie Mae. All registration fees and educational materials are included in the price of tuition.
The Art Institute of Philadelphia has financial aid, including private loans and grants, available for prospective students. Financial aid is based on individual economic circumstances, determined by a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.