Music Recording Technology AS

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.

Associate Degree

64 Credit Hours

In-Person

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 art form and a business.

Career Outlook

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.

You'll find careers at recording studios, concert halls, media and entertainment companies, and venues of all sizes. Some job opportunities include:
- Audio Recording Engineer
- Concert Technician
- Live Sound Engineer
- Music Producer
- Music Technology Specialist
- Recording Studio Manager
Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more.

Where Our Graduates Work

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.

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.
- Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
- Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.
VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

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

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

Professional Music Equipment and Technology

The following professional-quality music recording equipment is available for use 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

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:
Music Theory Placement Exam

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 questions. You'll be tested on your ability to read sheet music, identify major and minor keys, interpret time signatures, and other foundational music skills.

Learn More About Placement Exams

5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system.

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.

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"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 '21

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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. Our financial aid counselors will guide you through the process and help you understand college costs.

$5,376

per year for in-state tuition ($224 per credit hour).
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76%

of students are eligible for financial aid or scholarships.
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$18M

in financial aid was disbursed to our students last year.
Learn About Financial Aid

Related Programs

Music Recording Technology

Program Overview

Career Outlook

Where Our Graduates Work

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

Where Our Students Transfer

A Holistic, Hands-On Music Education

Professional Music Equipment and Technology

Sample Courses

Music Theory Placement Exam

Prepare for the Music Theory Placement Exam

World-Class Recording Studios

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Related Programs

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Music Recording Technology

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