Going To Audio Production School

edited February 2011 in General Chat
So I've decided to go back to school. I've applied for the Audio in Media 6-month course at Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts. It's their longest and most in-depth course in audio engineering and covers basically everything that has to do with sound production (except mastering). It's a pretty jam-packed course but I'm excited about it nonetheless. It's the only audio production school in Winnipeg, Manitoba, or the whole prairies area of Canada. I think the closest other one is in Ontario.

It required a lot to apply, though. I needed a transcript of my last school, my resume, a cover letter, a 300-word essay on why I want to take this course and my goals of what to do with it, and an interview with the head administrator. The whole course is $8400.00. I checked it out and I'm covered under federal/provincial student loan. But should I be accepted I have 3 weeks to first come up with a $1000 advance instalment to hold my seat (there are only 15 seats!) which is deducted from the total $8400 afterwards. I guess it's a way to filter people out as they get a lot of applications.

A friend and I went in today for a tour of the facility (which caused much drooling on my part) and handed in our applications. I should hear back in a week or two about the interview and I should be receiving a word on whether or not I've been accepted in another 4-6 weeks after that. Once I'm accepted I have 3 weeks to come up with $1000 to hold my seat. So I have about 2 months to come up with the $1000 instalment. That's the only thing that has me worried right now. Of course if I don't make it in this year (September) I'll be continually applying for the next courses (next one is in March) until I make it in!

Wish me luck, folks. I'm really excited about this opportunity...

Comments

  • edited April 2010
    Sounds exciting! Hope everything goes well for you!
  • edited April 2010
    Good luck!

    If you don't mind me asking, what kind of degree does the course offer?
    a 300-word essay on why I want to take this course and my goals of what to do with it

    I hate these things! Not because I'm lazy or anything I mean it could be worse, (TERM PAPER JUST TO GET IN) but they just seem soooooo pointless. At my school it was only 100 words. >:I
  • edited April 2010
    Actually, I didn't have to worry about much for the essay. It was hard to get started, but once I did I ended up writing an 860 word essay. Oops. It wasn't really that wordy I just had a lot to say I guess.

    Actually, I'm not sure what they provide you afterwards (degree or what). Being the only audio engineering school in central Canada I don't really have a lot of choices anyway. But really I'm not doing it for the "letters behind my name". Rather, the knowledge and education.

    EDIT: It seems the course is described as "a six month intensive, and practical learning experience designed to provide graduates with the vocabulary, primary technical skills and concepts for a wide range of entry level positions in the audio production field." But it jams a lot of information in there. A lot I don't know. And there's only so much I can teach myself.
  • edited April 2010
    a 300-word essay on why I want to take this course

    Any money, I bet you was bitching about the loudness wars :p
  • edited April 2010
    Hah! Actually I didn't....should have upon reflection ;).
  • edited April 2010
    Nah, I bet they get that stuff all the time. I'm sure they're looking for someone more creative than on a vendetta :)
  • edited April 2010
    Good luck, hope you're accepted this term and enjoy the school :)
  • edited April 2010
    I'm actually considering taking a similar path, sort of being at an impasse with my schooling right now. I'm just not certain what I would be able to do with it.
  • edited April 2010
    I want to go to school for something I love as well but just have not found the courage to make the leap... I wish I could have a job where I get to do something artistic everyday.
  • edited April 2010
    So many people have discouraged me over the years about doing music for a living. But I don't listen to any of them. I can't stand it when people tell me how I should live my life and take the "safe" road. I don't know about anybody else but I'm not happy with just "surviving" through life doing something I hate. No way. I choose to make this happen for myself and I will succeed. That's all there is to it. It all comes down to determination I guess. And now most of those same people are starting to be encouraging for once.

    That goes for everybody. If you really want to do it just do it, if you're prepared to do what it takes.
  • edited April 2010
    Good luck, mate! Hopefully, one day we'll work together on something professional and you'll tell me all about this fancy school that you went to! :D I hope everything works out for you :)
    Cheers!
  • puzzleboxpuzzlebox Telltale Alumni
    edited April 2010
    Congratulations for deciding to pursue this, especially when you have a partner and family to support - it takes real courage and conviction to make that leap.

    My flatmate has worked in various music and sound engineering jobs all his life (he's a good bit older than me!). Right now he runs a recording studio in the basement of our building and consults on studio build projects (design and stuff). It's so far removed from anything I've ever known, so for me his work and life stories are always really interesting.

    It might be tough for you, but I daresay it will also be great fun. :)
  • edited April 2010
    I had my interview last week and finally just got my letter today. I'm in!! I just need to come up with another $250 for the seat-holding/registration fee. And then set up the student loan after that.
  • edited April 2010
    Congrats! It's nice to see someone going into what they love. Now prepare to be bombarded for free advice :D
  • edited April 2010
    Congratulations! Keep us informed of how it goes :)
  • edited September 2010
    Well, my first day is tomorrow. It's only a 2 hour orientation day but I get all my material and whatnot. I'm super psyched!
  • edited September 2010
    First days are exciting! Hope it goes well!
  • edited February 2011
    Just had my final exam today. It feels good to finally be finished! Can't wait to get my marks back. Just another day where the administration and teachers take us all our for dinner and then that's it........except for the student loan I have to pay back lol. Can't wait to put my new knowledge to practical use!
  • edited February 2011
    That's funny, I spent all my day trying to mix some shitty song and hoping i'd learn a thing or two in the process, and i stumble upon this thread :p

    Best wishes regarding your marks and future gigs ;)
  • edited February 2011
    Good luck. Just remember that there's only so much you can learn on your own. I took this course to fill in some blanks I had and I found that there were a LOT more blanks than I had thought there were! Education has definitely helped me in this area. If you can afford to I suggest anybody who's in the field to do the same. It's extremely beneficial. And I had the good fortune of getting it in a totally hands-on facility. It's been fantastic.
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