The Recording Conservatory of Austin

I studied at The Recording Conservatory of Austin. The immediate hands on style of training has provided me with a swiss army knife of skills. The instructors are inspiring and really great. I find myself in a hole during a mix and i’ll remember a tip from a mixing class that brings it home, every time. Bouncing ideas off of fellow students is really helpful too. My schooling at TRCOA was worth every penny.

Deciding to do the full program has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you really want it, if you’re ready to work for it and work in the music industry, there is no better place to go. The studio is beautiful and filled with state of the art equipment available 24 hours a day, one on one classes with an array of incredibly smart and talented teachers and all of the tools necessary to build a business into something extraordinary. As others have said, it’s definitely not for everyone. It is a lot of work, but worth every second.

About halfway through the final portion of the program, I have to say that TRCoA has given me the tools, knowledge and experience required to prepare me for the challenges that await in such a competitive industry.
There is a lot of individual responsibility required to make it through the course successfully. The school is structured in a way that revolves around your drive and motivation. That is to say there isn’t help along the way. I’ve made some really great friends through my time at TRCoA, and everyone is really supportive. There’s a real sense of community and camaraderie with the instructors and other students in the curriculum. On an institutional level, John and the staff help you through the whole recording, mixing and mastering process.
From booking my first band to mastering my first project, I never really felt lost or overwhelmed.
John’s hand picked instructors are also key parts to why I enjoy TRCoA so much. Everyone is very knowledgeable, friendly and able to help you with any issue or problem you may run into.
I’d say one of the biggest advantages is the unfettered access to the studio. 24÷7÷365. The doors are wide open and ultimately work around what schedule works best for you. I’ve spent my fair share of nights up until 530a mixing and on other days I’ve woken up at 6a just to get in early. I can’t even imagine how another recording school would teach the material effectively without that much practical, hands-​on access to the gear.
The only reason I’ve marked ⁴⁄₅ is because the program might not be for everyone. As I had mentioned earlier, I never felt overwhelmed… but there definitely isn’t a lot of hand-​holding either. If you’re unable to make the project deadlines or contact artists on a regular basis you’ll fall behind. That said, my time at The Recording Conservatory of Austin has been fantastic.
If you’ve got the motivation, drive and passion… this school is perfect for you

John Stinson does a sensational job running this studio. The studio has one of the most beautiful views in Austin I have ever seen. The staff is helpful, friendly and professional. I can’t think of another place in Austin that would match this type learning environment. Anyone who attends is lucky to learn from the absolute best at TRCOA.

I am an active student at The Recording Conservatory of Austin. I am now, as a result of their instruction, facilities and contacts, a full time working engineer working with both local and top label acts. The program is intensive and comprehensive. The gear we work with both in and out of the box are always in excellent condition and are kept current to modern day major studio standards and in many cases better. However, the real gem in this school is the immense amount of knowledge that circulates throughout the studio. It is a haven for learning and career development for those who are truly serious about a career in Audio Engineering.
I recommend this school with every ounce of my conviction.