Music schools: options and choices

Are you someone looking for a career in music recording and production and currently living in Denver, Colorado? Better yet, are you considering attending one of Denver’s music schools?

Denver has a growing music industry, many local bands, and many world-class recording studios; therefore, there is a lot of potential in Denver to make a living recording or producing. With that said, let’s look at some of your options for getting that education in Denver and the pros and cons of each:

Option 1: University music schools

Within their music departments, more and more universities already include recording and audio programs. With Denver music schools, it’s no different. Outstanding degrees that emphasize audio production are offered at the University of Denver and UC-Denver, for example.

The good: You get a broader education when you immerse yourself in a university setting; this means that you are not just limited to knowing the ins and outs of your recording profession.

The bad: A more general education usually means a lack of specialized training, and in the music industry, results matter most; therefore, having that diploma will not necessarily get you hired, nor will it automatically qualify you to compete.

Option 2: Specialized recording schools

A more reasonable option for you is to enroll in schools that specialize in recording and production. In Denver these do not exist or are not accredited so you may have to travel to find a good school.

The Good: A specialized education increases your chances of competing, especially if the school is reputable.

The bad: In order for you to be competitive, these schools have to constantly upgrade their equipment and they pass the fee on to you. This option can be very expensive. And there’s no guarantee you’ll get hired, even with job placement arrangements.

Option 3: Alternative tutoring-learning education

This option is gaining popularity in the industry as it focuses on the learn-by-doing nature of the record business. Rather than placing students in a sterile academic environment, schools using this method place students under the guidance of a qualified recording professional in a real-life studio. There are programs that have students work with local professionals, even in Denver.

The good: Since all the teaching is done in a real-time environment, this method proves to be less expensive and more efficient. Plus, this approach can help you find a permanent job after you graduate because you’ve already networked with the leading professionals in the industry. You gain experience and rapport as you learn.

The bad: This method is not yet widely known, and it may take time for it to be recognized in the larger recording community; so you may not be able to get a job anywhere out of the gate. But you’ll have the credentials and relationships to get hired within your network, so eventually your resume will make up for the lack of name recognition where you were raised.

So when you’re looking for music schools in Denver for a recording education, consider these alternatives. As with anything else, the more you know, the more prepared you’ll be to make the right decision.