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Two music recording technology students adjusting setting on a professional studio soundboard.

Music Recording Technology

Associate of Science (A.S.)

Showcase your creativity through a mix of musical talent and technical skills. Gain hands-on audio production, mixing, and studio experience as you prepare for a career in the music business.

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Associate Degree
64 Credit Hours
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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.

  • Careers in Music Recording

    The media and entertainment industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities for those with musical talent and technical skills. 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.

    Career Snapshot: Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians

    • Median Salary: $60,150 nationally
    • Entry-Level Education: Associate degree
    • Related Jobs: Audio Recording Engineer, Concert Technician, Live Sound Engineer, Music Producer, Music Technology Specialist, Recording Studio Manager

    Explore More Career Pathways: Visit Career Coach or the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare job titles, education requirements, salary data, and employment outlook.

    Where Our Graduates Work

    After graduating, you'll be ready for entry-level careers in music and sound recording — or to launch your own business. Our program helps you build a professional network and expand 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.

  • Transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree Program

    The Music Recording Technology A.S. degree prepares you to transfer to a related bachelor’s degree program. You'll take classes that align with the requirements of a future college major.

    FLCC partners with other colleges to make your transfer path easier:

    • Transfer Agreements outline how FLCC classes and credits transfer to a partner college.
    • Joint Admissions Agreements admit you to FLCC and a transfer school at the same time.

    Our advisors will help you select courses that fit your goals and make the most of your credits when you transfer.

    View Transfer Options

    Where Our Students Transfer

    Choosing a transfer college in the region where you plan to enter the music industry can help you build contacts and expand your professional network.

    Students in our Music Recording Technology program go on to earn bachelor's degrees from colleges such as:

    • Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam
    • Eastman School of Music
    • Ithaca College
    • Middle Tennessee State University
    • Nazareth University
    • 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

  • Music Recording Technology Courses

    Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

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

    View Full Curriculum

  • 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.
5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 5.1 Surround mixing suite utilizing an SSL Duality SE Console with Avid Pro Tools HDX system. 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 an affordable SUNY education at FLCC. With low in-state tuition, financial aid, and scholarships that can help reduce your program costs, you can make a confident plan to pay for college. Our financial aid team can help you review your estimated expenses and the steps to apply for aid.

Program Page Cost Statistics

$5,616

annual in-state tuition ($234 per credit hour).
Review Costs and Tuition

81%

of students are eligible for financial aid or scholarships.
Browse All Scholarships

$23M

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

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