Generally, a recording arts program is set up as a bachelors degree, requiring students to do 4 years of full-time study.  Courses in a recording arts program could include music theory, digital image editing, audio repair and maintenance, digital sound software, and hands on experience in a sound studio.

Sweet Job Outlook for Recording Arts

The field of recording arts is expected to have a good job outlook over the next few years. It's estimated the recording and sound industry is expected to have between about seven percent and eight percent growth between now and 2018, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth in this dynamic field will partly be spurred by the high turnover in the music industry and continued growth in the film and multi-media industries. Those with a degree will be best positioned to take advantage of the jobs opening that occur in this competitive field.

Salary Expectations in Recording Arts Career

Those going into the field of recording arts can find some excellent jobs and salaries. For example, a sounds effects editor has an average salary of around $45,000, and a radio operator makes about $29,000 annually.  Someone employed as an audio and video equipment repair person can make a average salary of around $32,000, and a broadcast technician makes a median salary of around $26,000, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. There is some salary differentiation due to employees being members of unions, contractors, and due to length of employment. There is high turnover in this field, due to its rapid ups and downs.

Swinging Educational Programs in Recording Arts

Colleges and universities have geared up to offer some excellent bachelors degree programs in recording arts. With these programs, students will get to experience the recording arts field first hand. Some programs also offer online courses and excellent internship programs to give students real world experience before they even graduate in the field of recording arts.