Additional Information
Once upon a time, recording engineers could learn their trade on the job.
That's no longer the case. For example, recording engineer Karen Kane went
the self-taught route but wouldn't recommend that to anyone these days.
"The schools are fantastic now," she says. Without a solid education behind
them, Kane doubts many hopefuls would get internships at recording studios.
"There are many recording studios, but a lot of them are struggling. There
would only be a handful, maybe five or eight studios, that are at a point
where they can take interns. It's very difficult to get a position."
At one time, the Federal Communications Commission required broadcast technicians
to be licensed -- this is no longer the case. Still, some professionals may
seek certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
The Berklee College of Music in Boston offers a highly respected music
production and engineering program. It allows students to mix with musicians
from Japan, Germany, Italy and France.