CHILLICOTHE – When it comes to producing music, some people may think of going to big cities such as Nashville or LA, but The Rec W is here in Chillicothe to train audio engineers and music producers. Is working.
The school is the oldest junior music college in the world with its first classes held in 1977 and has since attended over 19,000 students from all over the world. Original creator Joe Water started school in one studio after he started selling instruments. Since then, the school has continued to grow and expand.
The Core Program is a five-week workshop where students gain hands-on experience and build a foundation of audio production skills. There is also her two-week advanced program that students can take after completing the core program.
Operations Manager Aaron Seagraves says the school’s focus on giving students a hands-on experience means that students are often in the studio on the second day of class. While attending lectures every day, you can immediately put into action what you have learned.
“The big thing we try to do is maximize hands-on time,” Seagraves says.
One of the ways schools offer hands-on experiences is by allowing students to participate in recording albums and EPs with local bands. In compensation for working with students, which can be time consuming, the band receives free recording time. This opportunity benefits both students and bands who may have no other place to record.
The campus has several state-of-the-art studios with new digital technologies and all the tools you need to create amazing products. The school boasts industry-standard technology, but also has vintage equipment. The original studio built in the 70’s is still part of the school. Now they use the space to help teach students about live music production. This includes concerts, plays, and other large-scale events.
General audio production skills can be used in almost any form of entertainment. This includes TV shows and movies like Shrek, Stuart Little, Men in Black and NCIS. Foley pits are a variety of small pits filled with various sonic surfaces such as gravel, metal, and paper to simulate grass. You can also experiment with creating sound effects using things you have at home. These sounds are added to most movies during post-production.
Ultimately, program students leave with TheRec W certification and a portfolio of quality work that can be used to find jobs in the audio business. They also become part of a large group of alumni who can help them make connections. Students who graduate from the program have worked with leading recording artists.
“A lot of our graduates are in the field,” says Seagraves.
Seagraves said he tries to teach students what it takes to build a career in audio editing. Instructors also work with people in the industry to ensure that what they teach benefits students. This includes all the foundations they need and how to act professionally and make connections.
“We’re trying to train people for careers,” Seagraves said.
One student, Nate Moore from Cincinnati, wants to pursue a career in music production, so he came to school to get a solid foundation. Another student, Lalo Faro, came to school from Connecticut for the same reason. Faro said he “loves” learning more production skills.
Not all students come to school to be other people’s producers. According to Seagraves, some students are artists who want to get better at producing their own music. One of his students, Tony Earlonardo, was teaching photography and video classes. He enrolled in school and learned more about audio aspects and acquired more skills that he could impart to his students.
For more information on Rec W and the programs they offer, please visit the school’s website.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Email SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on her Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_.