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Top Audio Engineering Schools in North America

Jeremy Alves | March 29, 2024

Top Audio Engineering Schools in North America

Getting started with audio engineering, music production, and related specialties can be the perfect career choice for the right person. However, once you’ve decided it’s the right career, you need to decide how to land your first job.


Attending an audio or music engineering course is the best way to start your career. But which school should you pick?


It’s crucial to begin by answering a few questions and then evaluating reputable audio engineer schools to find the right choice for you. In this article, we’ll answer these questions and give an overview of the top schools to help you get started.


Audio and Sound Engineering FAQ



Considering a career in audio engineering involves plenty of questions about the best way to proceed. So, before we explore some reputable schools to consider, let’s answer some common questions to help you hone in on the best choice for you.

  • Why Should I Attend an Audio Engineering School?

    Starting a career in audio engineering requires a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, including a strong understanding of how to use the hardware and software involved in the field. It can be a challenge to acquire all this knowledge and skill on your own.


    Audio engineering schools focus on preparing you for working in this field. A sound engineering course can be a certificate, diploma, or degree program — each has different pros and cons, and they can all help you get your foot in the door. 


    The exact type of program and school you choose will affect your experience, but overall, you’ll learn theory, practical skills, develop a portfolio, and establish connections in the industry. All of these elements prepare you for a successful career after graduation.


  • What is the Demand for Audio Engineers?

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for broadcast, sound, and video technicians at 2%, as fast as average growth. The BLS also says these positions generally require postsecondary education, meaning anything beyond high school, and that specific education requirements vary by position.


    The BLS combines several types of audio-visual positions. Zippia has its own data focusing on audio engineering, estimating a job growth rate of 10% from 2018-2028, exceeding the average. 


    The above statistics focus on the United States, but we’re looking at all of North America. The Canadian Job Bank describes moderate growth, which is the average employment outlook for audio and video recording technicians in Ontario.


    Ultimately, career prospects will vary based on where you live, your education credentials, and any work experience. Keep these moving pieces in mind as you build your new career.


  • How Do I Choose the Right School of Audio Engineering?

    Attending the right school for your career goals is a crucial decision. The most essential factor is what type of program and specific school is best suited to meet your needs. Defining your immediate and future career goals is the best way to start evaluating potential schools and programs.


    Choosing a school that focuses on a very specific field of the Audio Industry can be very limiting and isolate your potential work opportunities post graduation. Identifying with a school that will expose you to as many possible jobs and networking opportunities gives young graduates and aspiring audio engineers a better chance to diversify their skill sets, and find what you're most excited to do for a job.


    Those looking to get started in the field quickly may want to choose a diploma program, as will those with limited financial resources. However, a university degree can help create a more well-rounded education, but it will take longer and have higher costs. 


    As we explore the top audio engineering schools, keep in mind that the best school will be different for everyone based on goals and needs.


  • How Long Are Audio Engineering Programs?

    The length of audio engineering programs varies between programs, with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees taking two and four years, respectively. More focused certificate and diploma programs are generally much shorter.


    While the timeframe is a crucial factor to consider, the skills and knowledge gained from the program are the more critical elements. Conducting your own research by taking a tour of the school, meeting and speaking with past graduates of the program can be great starting points to determining if you align with the program and curriculum.


    Additionally, credentials are a vital aspect of landing your first job. A diploma from a reputable school or university will help you stand out more than a certificate.


  • What Does it Take to Become an Audio Engineer?

    Looking broadly at the industry, you need practical experience and a strong understanding of theory to start working in the field. Employers typically specify the technical skills they need, such as the software and hardware you’ll use. 


    Education requirements vary by each job listing, and earning credentials will help you stand out from other candidates and help convey your expertise, especially when you don’t have any work experience. Requirements also vary by focus, as music engineering programs cover different topics than live sound engineering.


    Higher-level audio engineer positions will usually require a blend of work experience and credentials. Starting with entry-level positions paves the way for these higher-level positions, but it’s essential to consider future requirements when choosing the right program.

Top Music Production and Engineering Schools in North America


There are plenty of sound and audio engineering schools throughout North America, but it can be challenging to understand which ones are worth your time and money. The right school for you depends on knowing your career goals and how much you’re willing to invest in your education.


So, we’ve put together a concise list of schools with excellent reputations to get you started evaluating possible options.

Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology

London, Ontario


OIART is a specialized school that offers a one stop music and sound engineering programs focused on various specialties in the recording industry, including live sound, audio for visual media, and music production as one single course. 


Our single Audio Recording Technology program focuses on providing students with hands-on experiences as well as a strong, foundational understanding of sound and audio theory.


OIART students are better prepared for their new career in music and sound engineering, thanks to smaller class sizes, one-to-one access to instructors, state-of-the-art facilities with leading-edge technology, and job placement assistance at graduation. Plus, all OIART students receive lifelong career support.


By attending OIART, you gain valuable industry experience covering, Music Production, Live Sound Engineering, Location Sound and Audio for Post Production at a fraction of the cost when compared to traditional college and university programs.

Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music

Los Angeles, California


MI offers a one-year certificate in audio engineering. The institute’s program covers recording techniques, recording theory, and working in audio engineering. Those interested in a focus on music engineering in the US may wish to consider this institute. The school is one of the most reputable audio engineering colleges in the United States, with several notable alumni. However, you should budget accordingly as living in Los Angeles will increase your costs significantly.

Recording Arts Canada

Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario


The sound and music production program at Recording Arts Canada is led by instructors with real-world experience, and the school has world-class facilities. Their leading program includes 900 hours of specialized training condensed into a 1-year program. This curriculum covers a range of topics used in music production, sound design, and audio engineering.

The Los Angeles Film School

Los Angeles, California


The renowned Los Angeles Film School is at the heart of Hollywood’s entertainment industry, making a strong choice for those interested in audio work in broadcast, TV, and movies. The school offers an 18-month associate of applied science of recording arts, covering a wide range of topics and practical schools to prepare for the workforce. You’ll also need to consider your budget as the cost of living in Los Angeles is high.

Metalworks Institute

Mississauga, Ontario


The Metalworks Institute is an extension of Metalworks Studios with various programs covering music production, live sound engineering courses, audio engineering, and business management. The institute provides hands-on experience with the latest equipment and instructors with industry experience.

Vancouver Film School

Vancouver, British Columbia


The Vancouver Film School offers a diploma in sound design for visual media, which may be the perfect fit for some future students. The program provides a range of skills that focus on sound design techniques in a production environment. You won’t only focus on films, but the program also covers working in the gaming industry and producing sound mixing.

Start Your Career in Audio Engineering & Music Production with OIART


Picking the right school is a crucial decision for your future career. Begin by understanding your goals, available financial resources, and the time you want to dedicate to education. From there, evaluate specific programs as related to your needs.


OIART is one of the leading schools for sound engineering Canada. Our experienced instructors and world-class facilities work to provide you with theoretical and practical skills so you can confidently enter the workforce. 


Are you ready to start a new career in audio design or sound engineering? Learn more about the OIART Program and why our graduates are the most successful after graduation.

OIART is the #1 Audio Engineering School for Student Employment and Completion Rate

OIART is the #1 Audio Engineering School for Student Employment and Completion Rate

*Employment rate in field of study six months after graduation. All statements regarding program performance such as Top, Rated the Best and #1 are based on the latest KPI survey results comparing each campus's Music Production and Recording Arts Technology program. OIART: Audio Recording Technology. RAC: Sound & Music Recording. Harris Institute: Audio Production Program. Metalworks Institute: Audio Production & Engineering. Trebas: Audio Engineering and Production/DJ Arts. Fanshawe: Music Arts Industry.

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OIART's Audio Program Includes:

✓  Small Class Sizes

✓  On Site Facilities

✓  Industry Leading Instructors

✓  Post Grad Support & Guidance

✓  Exclusive 11 Month Program

Top Reasons Why You Should Choose OIART.

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