Audio Production

The Audio Production program provides entry-level information into the field of studio-based audio recording and production. The program hones the students’ skills in audio editing and engineering and applies that skill to the in-studio recording environment. Students learn theory of acoustics, electronics, and audio components, and they learn to record, track, mix, and master music within an audio facility. Importantly, students learn the industry standard audio engineering software and practice that software through the courses in the program.

The program also provides instruction on the music and broadcasting industries, and the range of professional opportunities as an audio engineer and music business professional.

Audio Engineers are professionals who work with the technical aspects of sound during the processes of recording, mixing, and reproduction. They work in a variety of settings such as recording studios, film and video production companies, live music venues, and theaters.

A diploma in Audio Production is awarded to the student upon graduation.

You’ll spend time in an actual recording studio – not just sitting in a classroom – and will emerge from the Audio Engineering programs with a unique skill set that makes you an in-demand audio engineering job candidate from day one.

With access to industry-standard equipment and audio engineering software, you’ll learn to record, edit, mix, and master projects like a pro. Gain expertise in troubleshooting equipment issues and discover how to provide stellar audio production support for concerts and events.

ACTIVATOR real-world experience. Pursue powerful, real-world experiences with ACTIVATOR! With hands-on internship programs and exclusive media collaborations with local radio, TV, and production facilities across our seven-school network – you’ll gain invaluable real-world work experiences. Get ready for live remotes and exciting live production events that put your skills directly into action – all as part of the ACTIVATOR program.

The Cleveland campus. Ohio Media School has two (2) fully equipped TV Studios and Master Control Room, in addition to eight (8) video editing stations. The School also has twelve (12) fully equipped Audio Studios and two (2) internet Radio Stations. There are six (6) classrooms, including three of which that can be combined into a single room. For teaching aids, the classrooms can remotely monitor audio production activity in the radio studios and have TV monitors with video playback equipment. The School has offices for the director, admissions, education, placement, and financial aid. The restrooms are near the classrooms. The facility is handicap accessible.

Learn from a pro to be a pro. Our mission is to provide hands-on training in industry-relevant technical environments. The instructional staff consists of seasoned professionals with years of industry experience. Upon graduation, students are prepared for entry-level positions in the industries for which they trained.

Each applicant for admission is assigned to an admissions representative. The admissions representative will direct the applicant through the steps of the admissions process, including an informational tour and meeting with financial aid. The student must have met all admissions requirements, completed all paperwork and been formally accepted into the institution by the start date of the program. Non-enrolled students observing classes do not earn attendance, grades, or academic credits. Students who are registered for classes must have all enrollment provisions resolved by the end of the second week of classes to be considered for acceptance.

Length. 8 Months (32 Weeks) – 24 Semester Credits, delivered in two terms. The School’s programs are six to eight months in length, with two (2) defined academic terms with two (2) corresponding payment periods.

Hours. Total approved hours: 576. Total clock hours, including outside work: 720. Each hour of instruction consists of 50 minutes in a 60-minute period.

Class size. Although class sizes vary, the maximum number of students to be enrolled for any one course is 35, either residential or hybrid, for a single instructor.

Hybrid and online coursework. All applicants to the School must take an Online Readiness Assessment (ORA) and earn a minimum of 80%. This assessment reviews the applicant’s basic understanding of computers and online prowess to determine suitability for hybrid and online coursework.

2026 start dates (Term 1). 6/30/2026, 7/28/2026, 8/25/2026, 9/22/2026, 10/20/2026, 11/17/2026, 12/15/2026.

Campus hours. Monday-Thursday 8am - 10:30pm; Friday 8am - 5pm; Saturday 9am - 4pm; Sunday Closed.

Out-of-class preparation. Students are expected to come to class prepared for every session, which requires reviewing notes from class sessions, completing homework assignments, practicing technical skills learned in class, and studying for exams and quizzes. Successful students apply what they have learned in class within independent preparation and study time; therefore, students must plan on spending at least one hour reviewing materials, practicing skills, and studying prior to every four-hour classroom or lab session.

Tuition as of June 30, 2026. Upon acceptance, the student will not be subject to any tuition increases that may occur from the time of this enrollment to completion of the program. However, a termination and re-enrollment in program will subject a student to any tuition increases that may have occurred since initial enrollment.

Supplies. A late fee of 5% may be charged for payments that are 10 days past due. In addition to the direct costs of the program, students will be responsible for purchasing their own supplies, such as pens, paper, and other materials. Students should supply their own headphones as well, which may bring out-of-pocket expenses to between $50-150. All course materials needed for the program are provided by the School and are included within the tuition costs.

Federal financial aid. The Media Schools are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). One of the privileges of accreditation is the availability of Title IV federal funding, commonly known as Federal Student Aid, including the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans. Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and add your campus’s school code; the school will receive an Institutional Student Information Report within 2-3 days.

College Completion Grant. The School offers a College Completion grant to any student who has completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Students are awarded $3,000 for the entirety of the program, $1,500 at the end of each semester, if the student has met Satisfactory Academic Progress for the term.

Need Based Grant. The School also offers a Need Based Grant, when funds are available, to independent students not eligible for the Pell grant, dependent students whose parents have been denied the Plus Loan, and students who do not qualify for the College Completion Grant. All students must have a completed financial aid file and submit the application for the Need Based Grant.

Veterans. The School is approved for the training of Veterans.

Monthly payments. If you do not qualify for federal student aid or you are simply looking for other options, Media Schools offers the option to pay for your college education in monthly installments, interest-free.

The Audio Production program is made up of eight 3-credit courses across two terms, as approved in February 2026 and enrolling as of June 2026.

MED110: Media Fundamentals. This course introduces students to the contemporary broadcasting and digital media landscape, emphasizing the convergence of radio, television, streaming, podcasting, and social media, including the impact of artificial intelligence. Students develop foundational performance skills for both audio and video platforms. For preproduction, these foundational skills include microphone technique, vocal delivery, on-camera presence, framing, and lighting. In post-production, foundational skills include the basics of Adobe Premier Pro (video editing) and Adobe Audition (audio editing). The course explores current job roles in the media industry, professional expectations, and workplace etiquette. Students complete introductory projects integrating basic audio and video recording while building confidence in presenting and communicating across multiple media formats.

MED120: Audio and Video Production Essentials. This course provides hands-on training in the essential tools, equipment, and software used in modern audio and video production. Students learn operation of audio consoles, microphones, and digital audio workstations (DAWs) for recording and editing sound. Video instruction emphasizes camera operation, exposure, composition, and introductory editing techniques using industry-standard software. Emphasis is placed on creating technically sound content for broadcast, streaming, and social platforms. Students produce short audio and video projects demonstrating proficiency in core production workflows.

AUP110: Fundamentals of Audio. This course covers the fundamental science of sound, including acoustics, psychoacoustics, frequency recognition, and the nature and behavior of sounds in audio-related work. This course begins with training ears for sound, as well as what students will be listening for throughout their audio careers.

AUP120: Audio Equipment: Analog and Digital. This course covers all major components of an audio system, including microphones, equalizers, mixers, signal processing and effects, loudspeakers and crossovers, power amplifiers and impedance, and cabling. The course gives students a hands-on approach to identifying, storing, shipping, setting up, and tearing down all major components of both a live and studio setup. Students learn proper maintenance, storage, and setup of both analog and digital formats. The course then covers mixing principles and concepts, including gain structure, EQ, routing, signal flow, and a range of brand-specific console operations.

AUP210: ProTools and Studio Recording. In this course, the student learns all aspects of the ProTools environment as the key software for audio production and engineering. The student learns inputs, outputs, tracking and mixing, effects and mastering, and all areas of the software. Students practice some basic tracking techniques as they begin to master the software.

AUP220: Audio Studio and Live Remote. This studio intensive course focuses on recording and tracking in both studio and live settings. Students learn proper micing and troubleshooting during recording, multi-track recording of separate instruments, importing of recorded beats and tracks, and focus on establishing effective inputs. Students successfully record multiple instruments within the course and prepare for mixing tracks in further coursework.

AUP230: Special Topics in Audio Production. This course uses ProTools to produce, edit, add effects, and perfect compositions post-recording. The course allows students to hone their skills at audio engineering within a computer-based environment and master those products to industry-standard levels. Students perfect their creativity, skills, and ear and bounce products to multiple formats for delivery.

AUP240: Audio Portfolio and Professional Launch. This capstone course guides students through the creation of a professional portfolio showcasing skills in audio production. Instruction includes personal branding, resume development, interviewing skills, and best practices for freelancing or entry-level employment. Students finalize an industry-ready portfolio, develop an internship or career plan, and complete a professional review of their work with faculty guidance.

Audio Engineers are professionals who work with the technical aspects of sound during the processes of recording, mixing, and reproduction. They work in a variety of settings such as recording studios, film and video production companies, live music venues, and theaters.

Career services. The School maintains a full-time Career Services Department to assist graduates who successfully complete programs of study. Job inquiries are received and processed continually from employers seeking graduates to fill vacancies on their staff. Assistance is given to graduates in the preparation of recorded audition material, continuity samples, resumes, and applications for employment. The School does not guarantee job placement. Ohio Media School may withhold job placement assistance for students who are not in academic and financial good standing with the School.

Graduation and employment. In the Ohio Media School Cleveland campus’s 2025 report to ACCSC (reporting period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), the Audio Production program — reported as a 6-month program — had 25 students enrolled in the cohort, a 84% graduation rate and a 74% employment rate.

Attendance. Students are expected to come to class for all scheduled class days. Regular attendance is a key component to academic success. Missing regular class sessions may result in course failure, delay in graduation date, or termination from the program. The School does not have leaves of absence (LOA) or independent study options. To help students achieve satisfactory academic progress (SAP), the campus Education Department may issue warnings throughout each semester to those students who have missing or incomplete coursework. This warning may also report excessive absences and/or inadequate lab hours. If deficiencies are not completed by the end of the quarter when SAP is officially calculated, additional steps may be taken including transfers to other classes or dismissal from the program.

Graduation. To graduate and receive a diploma, a student must satisfactorily complete all required courses with a grade of D or higher, have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, and satisfy all financial obligations to the school to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a diploma and transcripts.