Hi there, I'm new here. I am 21, and just about to graduate university with a pretty useless arts degree. I have been looking to go to some sort of technical college for audio recording. I live in Toronto and am considering going to The Audio Recording Academy (TARA), which has campuses in Toronto and Ottawa. First of all, has anyone heard of this school? I am interested in it mostly because the class sizes are small (24, divided into 4 groups of 6), and because all the classes themselves take place inside the studio, rather than a classroom. Furthermore, the course seems to put a heavy emphasis on hands-on training in the studio. In fact, I believe it's mandatory to sign up for two 4-hour studio sessions each week per student.

Anyways, as far as my audio background goes, it's not extensive by any means. In fact, it's pretty paltry. I have played guitar for 5 years or so and consider myself more than competent in most genres. I have been involved in music in some form or another most of my life, whether it was violin as a child, baritone in my school band, or guitar currently. I do not sing, but have an ear for pitch. I find myself constantly picking apart songs I hear for structure, chord progression, etc. I have some knowledge of music theory but not extensive.

I have taken a beginner's course in audio technology in university (did well, got an A) and am currently about to take the advanced version of the course this term. My real weakness is my near total lack of knowledge in anything technical about recording. I have minimal experience on things like Pro Tools, and am simply clueless about the recording/editing process. Of course I hope to learn these things in school, but will it be a detriment if I go into the school with so little background in recording/editing? I mean, I know enough about the various parameters of EQ, modulation fx, delays, reverbs, overdrives, etc from my experience with various electric guitar fx processors, but that's about it.

So do you think I have at least a basic foundation to get into the audio recording industry? Keep in mind, I do not want to limit myself to just artist music but would love to work in film, television, commercials, live events, you name it. As much as I'd love to make hit records for a living, I'd just as well enjoy working in any or all of those fields. Any input would be great, thanks

I went to a school in Madison, Wisconsin. When I enrolled, I had less knowledge of recording than you seem to have now. I had played drums a few years and was just picking up guitar. I had only done very basic recording and mixing in Sonic Foundry's Acid software. The classes started with no assumptions made about what everyone knew to start with. I quickly picked up the basics, and soon was comprehending some of the more advanced things. I graduated very confident of my skills.

Obviously, you're looking at a different school, but if you're passionate and willing to put in the effort, I think you'll do fine.