By Jonathan Widran
World Class Audio Education: With two locations, in Gilbert and Tempe, AZ, the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS) is a premier institution for audio education for those with the drive and ability to become audio recording engineers in a multitude of media. With a curriculum focused on what students need to know to begin a career in the recording arts, CRAS’ mission is to train students for entry level positions in a variety of areas of the music industry as well as game audio, live sound, broadcast and post production for film and TV.
Why CRAS Is Unique: In addition to its 36-week on-campus program, students must complete 280 hours of an internship (whose location and facility is chosen from their own wish list). All students are equipped with a Macbook Pro, Sennheiser mic and Pro Tools software with a Native Instrument audio interface. The online educational delivery system CRASconnect allows students to access their curriculum 24/7. They also have full access to 12 recording studios. CRAS graduates have won Grammy and Emmy Awards, and its lobby walls have gold and platinum albums including Adele and Drake featuring audio work by its graduates.
Recent Expansion: Over three decades, CRAS’ course offerings and subject matter have centered around the skills and knowledge necessary to students’ success in the industry. With a 45,000 sq. ft. teaching space—including a 6,000 sq. ft. venue dedicated to live sound education at the Gilbert facility—the school offers 17 manufacturer supported certifications (some mandatory, some extracurricular). While the emphasis remains on music production—including laying a foundation via analog recording—students also learn about audio for film and video and commercial production (audio for radio and TV commercials). CRAS recently built out an entire control room to launch its expansion into audio for live broadcasts; they also built a 42 foot mobile broadcast unit (MBU). Both use Studer Vista consoles.
Contact CRAS, 800-562-6383, http://cras.edu
