FAQ
Where
are APRA classes held?
Do we get to use new technology or just music store gear?
Are there jobs out there when I get done?
Where are APRA graduates employed?
So what’s the cost of the course?
Can I get the government to pay my tuition?
How do I qualify to be accepted into the courses?
Can I bring my folks on my tour?
How do I apply for classes?
Do I have to be experienced in sound or be a musician to
apply?
How do I get into the advanced classes?
When
do classes run?
How much money can I make?
Who are the instructors at the academy?
The BEACH Advanced Audio Production Inc located three blocks north of the Saddledome and we’re the home base for all APRA classes. We’re considered Alberta’s premier recording studio and we’ve hosted recording artists such as Paul Brandt, The Tragically Hip, Colin James, Usher, Midnight Oil, Silversun Pickups, Ill Scarlett, Finger Eleven and Leahy to name a few. In sound for film and television, The BEACH has created product for NBC, CBS, ABC, CBC, CTV, GLOBAL, Disney, Paramount Pictures, SONY and a host of other internationally recognized companies.
Do we get to use new technology or just music store gear?
State of the art digital, analog and computer gear adorn the 3 production studios and large classroom/workstation lab used by APRA students. Class size is small & �hands on, and every student is fully involved in production, recording and project implementation.
Are there jobs out there when I get done?
The entertainment business is one of the largest industries in the world. It encompasses radio, television, recording, video, film production, the internet, live sound and any venue where audio is an element. Businesses are constantly looking for qualified, enthusiastic and highly talented individuals who are willing to invest the time and energy into securing a career in music, production or entertainment. Graduates with a good attitude, great communication skills and a willingness to succeed will be first in line to seize industry opportunities that are right for them.
Where are APRA graduates employed?
Students have found positions in recording studios like Music Centre Canada right here in Calgary, production companies like Corkscrew Media and audio/visual houses like Sharp’s A/V. Several home studios have been opened by successful graduates as well. The BEACH has employed both full time and freelance students, and one of our graduates even found work at WNBC in New York on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Some have found positions as live sound and staging technicians at Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean and touring bands are using APRA grads for club and concert work.
So what’s the cost of the course?
APRA has chosen to offer
professional industry focused classes as opposed to a general hobby styled program.
Because of this, unnecessary information has been eliminated along with thousands of
dollars in extra tuition fees. As a triple tiered program, you only take the classes
that you can afford, suit your career goals and satisfy your interest level. APRA
has priced their 12 week Sound Arts 101 course at $7,500 with GST included, with advanced music and post production classes running the same. There are package deals if all classes are taken together, which in the end can save you some money.
It would be advised to check out other schools offering similar classes; Trebas,
Columbia Academy, The Harris Institute, Full Sail, OIARTS and Fanshawe College in
London, all offer similar styled programs, but APRAs recording studio immersion
concept is totally unique.
Can
I get the government to pay my tuition? No, APRA is an industry active
vocational organization and does not offer or include general academic studies of
any kind. We are not accredited and do not intend to make application for this
status. Please understand that you are not going back to school to
repeat old classes, or involved in studies other than professional audio, and
industry sound production. Our main criteria is that applicants have a sincere
willingness and strong desire for a long term career in music and entertainment.
This industry is not for everyone but those that are successful are in it for
life. How
do I qualify to be accepted into the courses? Make an appointment for a
tour of the facility and an in depth interview with the Recording Arts Administrator.
These discussion will reveal whether or not classes are suitable for you and your
career aspirations. The only way to know for sure is to come down and check it
out. Can
I bring my folks on my tour? We absolutely encourage
parents to become involved in the careers and aspirations of their sons
and daughters. It is the wise judgments made at this time that guide proper
life decisions for years to come. You can apply for
classes by clicking here, or call for an appointment and
come for a tour of the facility and a personal interview. Do
I have to be experienced in sound or be a musician to apply? Musical
skills or home studio experience are definitely an asset, but much more
important is a willingness to learn and be fully involved in entertainment
and audio for the long haul. How
do I get into the advanced classes? Advanced classes in both Music
Production and Post Production are offered to graduated of Sound Arts 101 who have
a 75% or better grade point average. Classes are very small and are fully project
based. Working hands on is the key to the advanced classes and students graduate
with over a hundred hours of studio and production time under their belt. This
practical studio experience builds confidence and allows these graduates to display
their skills to potential employers by presenting a portfolio of their work from
the projects they have been involved in during the course. APRA runs classes
twice a year, in March and September. As individual hands on class size is
limited to 10, it is imperative that you book a spot well in advance. Financial compensation in
the entertainment industry ranges from pizza crust and cold coffee to a significant
income for those with credits, reputation and award status. In Calgary studios pay
from $10.00 - $35.00 for project work and as much as $85.00 per hour for feature
film mixers. Toronto pays upwards of $100.00 hourly for commercial production
specialists and award winning freelancers. Success breeds success the more you have
to offer a client,the more they are willing to pay for your services. Your entire
career revolves around a strong and creatively sound reputation.
Who are the instructors at the academy?
The instructors are not just teachers, but accomplished professionals in their own right. The curriculum was developed by Lanny Williamson a long time veteran of the recording industry. He is a voting member of The GRAMMYS, The JUNOs and has been a producer/engineer in such centers as London, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and Toronto. APRA instructors are industry pros with backgrounds as musicians, performers, producers and technicians. The APRA staff is without doubt the cream of the crop from the western Canadian production community.
