Audio Recording and Production, Certificate - SUNY Niagara

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Audio Recording and Production, Certificate

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Program Overview

Audio/Sound started in the Theater program in 1990. In 2001, SUNY Niagara became the first college in New York State to be affiliated with Digi-Design, and are a Certified Training Facility for them. Between 2001-2007, we saw a growth in additional course offerings and in 2008 we introduced the Audio Certificate Program. Our equipment and courses support the College’s Digital Media, Theatre, and Music Programs. We feature the largest collection of ProTools works station in the area, and boast over 50 systems, 4 HD rigs, as well as microphones, digital mixers, synthesizers and the state of the art 5.1 sound system installed in the theater. This equipment provides students with a state of the art education.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To facilitate students’ creative application of digital recording techniques in audio recording and production.
  • To prepare students with the necessary skills for entry-level positions in audio recording or production.
  • To provide practical hands-on experience in the use of digital recording software for creating audio recordings.
  • To provide students with a thorough understanding of digital recording software programs and their application in audio recording and production.
Catalog Information
Curriculum Overview

Program Learning Outcomes

The assessment of student learning outcomes is not only a key indicator of program effectiveness, it is also one of the standards of excellence identified by the Middle States Commission (Standard 5) and is required through the SUNY assessment initiative.

View Learning Outcomes.

Testimonials

Mr. Joe Schmidt,
I would like to say “thank you” to you and all of the Professors at NCCC (Niagara County Community College). I’ve appreciated the many lessons and would like to say that it’s been a great experience.
I started with the ARP (Audio Recording Production) program in 2011 with the intention of learning the world of audio engineering from a studio aspect as well as gaining an education in Pro Tools.
With many responsibilities such as a family and a full-time job, it has been a challenge and at times hard to balance. I can honestly say the professors at NCCC have been supportive and understanding along the way. They have been easy to talk to as well as willing to give extra instruction when I needed it.
I will be graduating in May of 2014 with the ARP Certificate and an Associate’s degree in Individual Studies of Applied Science. My education at NCCC has prepared me for the future both professionally and academically. This fall I plan on attending Buffalo State College and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Production.
I have applied the knowledge I have gained from NCCC with my current employer at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in the Live Entertainment Department.

Honorable Mention To:
Mr. Joe Schmidt (Theatre Tech, Lighting, ARP Advisor)
Mr. B. Borgatti (Digital Media, Visual Communication)
Mr. Taylor (Speech Communication)
Mr. Kane (MIDI)
Mr. D. Dusman (ARP)
Mr. K. Kline (Photography)
Mr. Jay Z. (Critical Listening)

Antonio H.
Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel
Production of Entertainment / Freelancer
(Sound, Light, Video, Staging, Rigging)
Buffalo, New York

Completed Certificate in Audio Recording and Production – December 2013
Dean’s List Distinction

When I made the decision to enroll in Niagara County Community College’s Audio Recording and Production certificate program, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Going into my first day of classes, I thought I knew plenty about audio but was soon proven otherwise. I learned an invaluable amount of information in just my first few weeks in the program.

Every class had a diverse mix of students with different majors and varying knowledge and skill levels. Many of the professors are professionals in the audio field; however, they taught the material in a very thorough and comprehensive way.

During my second semester of the program, lessons became more hands-on. Many classes consisted of real-world applications for the use of equipment and provided an opportunity to implement the lessons I learned in a practical way.

My second semester also opened the door to many real-world connections in the audio field. Through NCCC I made a connection with Outer Limit Recording Studio in Buffalo, NY and began a rewarding internship there. I am still meeting new professionals and finding new opportunities because of the ARP program even after my certificate completion.

Many classes consisted of real world applications for the use of equipment and provided an opportunity to implement the lessons I learned in a practical way. My second semester also opened the door to many real world connections in the audio field. – Scott Quider

SUNY Niagara’s Audio Recording and Production Certificate program is an AVID Learning Partner, providing students with training aligned to industry standards and preparation for AVID certification in Pro Tools and related workflows.

You can find SUNY Niagara listed in the official AVID Learning Partner directory here:

https://www.avid.com/learning/find-an-avid-learning-partner

To explore AVID products, tools, and the latest updates in audio and media production, visit:

https://www.avid.com/

Career information and opportunities

Audio Recording and Production, Certificate

SUNY Niagara’s Audio Recording and Production Certificate gets you recording, mixing and producing sound in two semesters. You train on industry-standard Pro Tools for music, video, games and live events.

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Last updated:

What jobs can I get with an Audio Recording and Production Certificate?

  • Audio technician
  • Music recording engineer
  • Concert sound engineer
  • House of worship mixer
  • Audio post-production for video
  • Game audio production engineer
  • Audio contractor
  • Pro Tools trainer

These are hands-on audio jobs in studios, venues and production companies.

Where can an audio career lead?

  • Audio and video system designer
  • Audio sales engineer
  • Acoustical consultant
  • Audio software designer
  • Audio research and development manager
  • Audio educator

Some of these careers need more experience or education beyond the certificate.

Sources

How much can I earn?

Median yearly pay in the U.S., May 2025
JobMedian per year
Sound engineering technicians$73,130
Broadcast technicians$59,570
Audio and video technicians$58,100

Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.

Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook?

  • Audio and video technicians: Jobs are expected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than average.
  • Sound engineering technicians: Jobs are expected to drop 3% from 2025 to 2035.
  • Broadcast technicians: Jobs are expected to drop 3% from 2025 to 2035.

The average for all jobs is 3%. There are still about 9,800 openings each year for broadcast, sound and video technicians, mostly from people retiring or changing careers. Hands-on experience helps you stand out.

Sources

Where do audio professionals work?

  • Recording studios
  • Concert and event venues
  • Theaters and performing arts
  • Radio, TV and streaming
  • Film and video production
  • Video game studios
  • Houses of worship
  • Sports arenas, hotels and schools

Many audio jobs include evening, weekend and holiday work, especially for live events. About 11% of technicians are self-employed.

Where have SUNY Niagara students worked?

  • Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino: live entertainment production, including sound, lighting, video and staging
  • Outer Limit Recording Studio: internship

Connections made through the program have helped students land local internships and jobs.

Sources

How do I get started?

  1. Learn recording, mixing and production in Pro Tools.
  2. Earn AVID Pro Tools certifications at the beginner and intermediate levels.
  3. Finish your 31-credit certificate with a hands-on practicum.
  4. Start working in audio, or keep going toward a degree in music, theatre or digital media.

SUNY Niagara is an AVID Learning Partner. The certifications prepare you to become an AVID Pro Tools Operator, an industry-recognized credential.

What equipment will I use?

  • More than 50 Pro Tools workstations, including 4 HD systems
  • Professional microphones, digital mixers and synthesizers
  • A 5.1 surround sound system in the theater

You cover music recording, location sound, commercials, audio for video and TV, live sound, game audio and music notation.

Which courses prepare me for these jobs?

  • ARP 100 Audio Production Experience
  • ARP 101 Introduction to Pro Tools
  • ARP 110 Essentials of Pro Tools
  • ARP 173 Music Notation with Sibelius
  • ARP 201 Advanced Audio Recording & Production
  • ARP 210 Post Production Techniques
  • ARP 211 Music Production Techniques
  • ARP 212 Audio Recording & Production Practicum
  • MUS 102 Foundations of Music Theory
  • MUS 150 or THA 150 Introduction to Sound
  • MUS 190 Critical Listening and Acoustics
  • MUS 191 Electronic Music and MIDI

You learn from working audio professionals and practice on real projects.

Sources
Apply now

Last updated:

Gallery

A large Arturia MatrixBrute analog synthesizer with knobs, sliders, buttons, and a digital matrix display sits on a stand. A pair of headphones rests on the top left corner of the synth.
Six people stand in a gymnasium near audio equipment, some smiling and posing. Blue bleachers and white streamers are in the background. One person raises their arms enthusiastically.
A man in a teal shirt smiles for a selfie in front of a display of various microphones arranged on a purple cloth, with informational posters on the wall behind him.
Two men pose for a selfie in front of a colorful mural with the words HIP HOP and a large face. One man gives a thumbs up, and both are smiling under bright lights in an outdoor setting.
A person operates audio and computer equipment at a table near a window, while a group of people inside a well-lit room interact and browse items on tables.
A group of students sit at desks with Apple computers in a classroom. Some smile and give thumbs up, while others look serious or relaxed. The room has white walls, blue panels, and a door at the back.
A group of people stands and watches as two men operate DJ equipment on a table under a covered area. Some people are wearing hoodies and hats, and the setting appears to be outdoors near a blue wall.
Three people sit on folding chairs outside at a sound mixing station with audio equipment and laptops, under a tent on a sunny day. A stone wall and green grass are in the background.
A band setup on an outdoor stage under a white tent, with drums, speakers, and microphones. A person stands at a mic while others set up equipment. Grass, cars, and a blue sky are visible in the background.
A group of students sits in a music classroom, each working at keyboards and laptops surrounded by music equipment and instruments. An instructor stands near a projector screen at the front of the room.
A group of people at an outdoor event at night; two women and a man in blue shirts sit at a control panel, one woman works intently, while others stand behind them, smiling and giving thumbs up. Crowds and lights are in the background.
An audience sits on folding chairs under a pavilion at night, watching a live band perform on a lit-up stage. Colorful lights illuminate the scene, and a soundboard is set up in the foreground.
A professional audio mixing console with numerous sliders and knobs, a microphone, speakers, and computer equipment in a recording studio setting, with a window showing another room in the background.
A rack of audio and electronic equipment, including patch panels with many cables plugged in, audio interfaces, and labeled devices. A yellow label with MTRX-194519 is visible at the top of the rack.