So I’m looking at going to school for sound engineering (I’m in my early 40s and have no higher education). I’m wondering if this requires a bachelor’s degree or if a certificate is sufficient - there are a couple certificate programs in my area, one at the community college and one at the state university extension. I’d like to do music recording, but wouldn’t mind working in TV/films or even for Pandora (their main office is blocks away).
Since I have a mortgage, I’ll have to keep working while I go to school, which makes the prospect of 4 years unappealing. But if anybody knows anything about the field and thinks a certificate would be good enough, let me know.
No. I teach audio engineering and music production at a media college. While the Bachelor’s degree is a nice option, the most any degree is going to get you is the opportunity to get your foot in the door as an intern or entry level engineer at most places. While you might have a leg up on the candidates with an RE (Recording Engineer) Certification or an Associates, the additional material and areas covered tend to be more of DEPTH not breadth.
Where are you? As you’re talking about Pandora, I’m thinking you’re in the East Bay? Which schools are you looking at? Ex’Pression? Several of my colleagues went there, or to other media colleges in the Bay/NorCal. I’m in Sacramento, btw.
Feel free to PM with specific questions, or ask here.