Certificate programs are educational courses in a particular field of study that result in a certification of completion as opposed to a traditional degree. Technical and vocational schools through the state offer certificate programs for students interested in the technical side of music. Some community colleges also offer certificate course in this field. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Recording School offers a Certificate in Recording Engineering that can be completed in as little as one year. Students receive instruction in the concepts of session recording, live sound, advanced audio workstations and the use of recording and mixing consoles. Located in San Diego, The Recording Arts Studio offers a Certificate in Audio Production that can also be completed in less than a year. The Recording Arts Studio program includes comprehensive study in the art of mixing, sound processing with waves, audio recording techniques and editing. Students are also trained in time management and recording terminology. Both programs offer job placement assistance upon successful program completion.
Diploma programs are non-degree alternatives to bachelor degree programs that focus on a particular field of study and typically are more comprehensive than certificate programs. Based out of San Francisco, the Audio Institute offers a Diploma in Studio Recording and Engineering that typically can be completed in less than four months of full-time study. The course is provided through a home-study based curriculum in which students work at their own pace and includes studies in digital recording techniques, vocal recording, correcting out-of-tune mistakes and mastering final mixes. Located in Pasadena, The California College of Music offers diploma and certificate programs in Engineering and Music Production, which consists of studies in microphone techniques, live sound reinforcement, basics of turntable technology and the history of recording and science of sound. California College of Music programs typically can be completed in less than one year and both full- and part-time classes are available.
Two-year programs offered by community colleges can result in an associate degree in such fields as digital audio production, recording arts production and commercial music. Located in Sacramento, the American River College offers an Associate of Arts in Commercial Music. Students in this program study the business of commercial music, publishing and music contracts. They also receive instruction in audio engineering, music enhancement, mixing and music promotion. Cerritos College, located in Norwalk also offers an Associate of Arts in Commercial Music. This program consists of the study of recording techniques, popular American music, the history of rock music and the use of synthesizers. Both programs can be completed in two years and provide financial aid programs for students who qualify.
Four-year programs offer Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees in the recording arts through digital arts, film or music curriculums. The Art Institute of California's Media Arts program offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Audio Production. The program is taught through traditional classroom lecture and hands-on training at the school's Los Angeles campus. It includes comprehensive study in music theory, electronics, recording techniques, sound design, audio to video recording and interactive media and professional development. Loyola Marymount University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Recording Arts program at its San Bernardino campus. The curriculum includes comprehensive studies in production sound techniques, digital sound editing, recording technology and the nature of sound. Students are also educated in the history of music and in musical theory. Both schools offer job placement assistance to graduates and tuition assistance.