About CRAS
CRAS is a unique and potent combination of great facilities, great technology, and great faculty.
At CRAS we’re about teaching the skills and concepts you need, so you’ll be ready to start your career in recording the day you graduate.
First established in New York City, in 1980 a 24-track recording studio called “Songshop” offered adult training classes to novices as well as record label personnel. These classes proved to be very popular, and the increasing demand for training and hands-on experience necessitated expansion of the program to include internships with commercial studios and recording artists.
In 1987 the entire enterprise moved to Phoenix, AZ and the name was changed to “The Academy of Recording Sciences.” As the reputation of the institution gained prominence in the music recording industry, the name was again changed in 1988 to the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences, as this more appropriately reflected the nature of the institution – “to conserve, enhance, improve and promote the artistic and technical skills of audio recording by preparing students to enter the business as qualified audio recording engineers.”
CRAS’s structured programs and highly qualified teaching staff provide a professional and supportive atmosphere, which is complemented by our small class sizes allowing for individual instruction and assistance for students in engineering audio recordings. CRAS has been providing quality vocational training in audio recording for three decades. The curriculum and equipment are constantly being updated to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the music and sound recording industries. CRAS’s course offerings and subject matter have always centered around the skills and knowledge necessary for students’ success in the music industry.
Like Coke for Coca-Cola and Chevy for Chevrolet, The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences has always been called CRAS in “shorthand” by students, faculty, staff and alumni. And, like Coke and Chevy… CRAS has “stuck.” Be CRAS!
CRAS — The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency under the Provision of Chapter 33, Title 38, US Code and subsequent legislation.
A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, CRAS.
This web site provides an overview of the school, our mission, philosophy, course offerings, faculty, and the Master Recording Program.
By browsing our site, you have indicated something important about yourself. You feel drawn to the music business. Most likely you did not choose music as much as music chose you. If your real fulfillment in life comes from the creation and production of music, whether it is audio recording or audio for video, gaming or film, no other occupation will satisfy you.
Today you are at the crossroads of an important career decision. Where will you be tomorrow? Will you be overwhelmed by the technological advances that are occurring in the music and recording industry… or will you take an active part in this development and growth? As an ambitious student, the choice is yours. CRAS can pave the way to a successful career through specialized, quality training and instruction.
A review of this web site will acquaint you with the many opportunities available for trained specialists. The faculty and staff of CRAS are dedicated to providing outstanding educational experiences and industry-recognized programs. CRAS enjoys a proud reputation for the excellence of our graduates and their placements in the field of music production and recording. I encourage you to accept the challenge of the future! I look forward to welcoming you to the growing family of CRAS graduates who are building careers and shaping the future of the music and recording industry.
If you have any questions after reviewing our web site, please e-mail us or call us.
Sincerely,
Kirt Hamm
Our Mission
The mission of CRAS is to train students for entry-level positions as audio engineers in the audio production industry.
Through extensive hands-on training with studio standard equipment, a 1:1 student/computer ratio and practice with current production techniques, students gain the expertise to move forward with their career goals.
The fact that every student has a Laptop Recording Package (included with the cost of tuition) assures that our curriculum is up to date and standardized, giving everyone at CRAS the best possible learning environment.
The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences was founded on the philosophy that the unique nature of the recording industry requires a combination of technical skill, knowledge and creativity. Teaching methods emphasize this through hands-on experiences with a wide variety of modern and vintage equipment. CRAS provides training, disseminates information, encourages positive work attitudes and emphasizes career education, enabling dedicated students to achieve success.