Belmont University’s Audio Engineering Technology program was recently named one of the best places to study audio engineering in the nation by Billboard. This is the second national ranking from Billboard this year for programs within the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, who named Belmont a top music business school in October.
“Whether you’re a math-and- science whiz or an intuitive creative, there’s a prestigious audio engineering program that can prepare you for a career as a producer — or for whatever studio path you might follow — while emphasizing a well- rounded education in the process,” writes author Steve Knopper.
Born out of the music business program – which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year – Belmont’s Audio Engineering major began in fall 2005. The program was developed as a wide study of audio technology, allowing students to explore all facets of industry including audio production, live event production, sound design for motion pictures and audio research.
“Our Audio Engineering Technology program is recognized throughout the audio industry for providing a solid technical education along with coursework that applies this learning in a creative manner from music production to creating new audio plug-ins to live event design,” said AET Program Chair Michael Janas. “Belmont's AET alumni can be found in almost every type of business in the audio industry.”
The program has continued to grow to include computer programming for audio and video game audio, one of the fastest growing facets of the entertainment industry. A Master of Science in audio engineering was added in 2016.
“If it makes a noise or records a sound, somebody has to think about it, create it, program it, build it, use it, apply it,” said Janas in the article.
Audio engineering students have access to cutting-edge facilities and technology including the Robert E. Mulloy Student Studios, a 9,000 square foot multi-studio complex, which was recently upgraded to Dolby Atmos; historic Columbia Studio A and Quonset Hut on Music Row; Ocean Way Nashville; among others.
One of 11 undergraduate programs and one of two master’s programs, Audio Engineering provides students career-launching opportunities in the entertainment business and beyond, offering students experiential learning opportunities from professional organizations to Belmont USA, Showcase Series, among others. Showcase Series has become a staple in Nashville and a hallmark example of providing real-world training, allowing student leaders to plan organize, and run five arena showcases, one outdoor festival, and four writers’ nights highlighting the musical and technical talents of Belmont students across genres.