The CRAS Faculty is Composed of Experienced Instructors

Robert Brock

Campus Director / Director of Education / Music Production Instructor

“There’s nothing more gratifying than helping someone break-down technological barriers so that they can realize their creative goals.“

Robert Brock has worked at the Conservatory since 1992. Brock serves as the Core Technologies department director and splits his time between classroom instruction and curriculum development. He is deeply involved in the support and continued development of the game audio and television broadcast audio production classes. As an augmentation to these classes, Brock led the development of manufacturer training and certification websites for Studer Vista series digital audio consoles and Audiokinetic’s Wwise game audio integration software–educational resources used by professionals around the world. Brock also spearheaded CRAS’s award winning 1 to 1 laptop program which is just one example of his passion for seeking out ways to positively impact CRAS’s learning environment and to create new opportunities for its students and graduates.

Brock is contracted with Apple Inc. as a Logic Pro mentor trainer for which he has travelled worldwide, training instructors, resellers and end-users. As a writer he has contributed articles to audio trade magazines and has contributed in both editorial and authorship roles for the Logic and Soundtrack Pro Apple Pro Training Series books published by Peachpit Press. In 2009 Brock was honored by being selected as an ADE (Apple Distinguished Educator) and served on the ADE advisory board for five years. He continues to work as an engineer, producer and audio consultant in addition to regularly performing as an accomplished keyboard player.

James Bender

Live Sound Instructor / Core Technologies Instructor

“The school speaks for itself. As an instructor, our students’ success (gold and platinum selling records, Grammy nominations, Concert Sound engineers and Post Production awards) is a testament to my wonderful co-workers ability to prepare our alumni to go out and learn, produce and realize their dreams.”

Jim is highly qualified in a number of areas including audio, video, and installation. He holds a degree in Electronics and has a variety of experiences in many aspects of the entertainment industry. Jim has spent the majority of his live sound career in “Monitor Land” for the likes of the Dixie Dregs, Dave Koz, and George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars among others. He spent 6 years away from music in project management and installation technology for a large audio/video systems firm and now directs his energies toward perfecting his skills and sharing information and his passion for the music industry as a CRAS instructor. Jim also owns and operates a DAW-based studio in Arizona.

Mark Brisbane

Music Production Instructor / Pro Tools Instructor / Core Technologies Instructor

“It’s an honor to ‘pay it forward!’ To share my experiences and see the students excel, is what it’s all about!”

Early in Mark’s career he worked for one of Hollywood’s most prolific movie-score composers, Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more). Mark then went on to work for two of Hans’ staff composers, Trevor Morris and James Dooley as their music technical assistant. While employed at Hans’ facility, Remote Control, Mark worked on such film blockbusters as Madagascar and The Ring 2. Hans suggested that Mark give film composition a try and Mark has been involved in film music ever since, co-composing the score for the SYFY original film, Eyeborgs.

Along with his position at CRAS, Mark is a well-rounded musician who has studied jazz, country, rock and blues guitar with top pros the Los Angeles area. He also works as a session guitar player and freelance engineer.

Peter Bish

Live Sound Instructor

“Teaching at CRAS gives me the ability to help people NOT make the mistakes that most of us have made when we started.”

Pete is a sound designer and engineer who has been based out of Phoenix since 1993. He is the Resident Sound Designer for Southwest Shakespeare as well as Stray Cat Theatre and Greasepaint Scottsdale Youth Theatre. He has worked with most of the theatre companies here in the valley including Phoenix Theatre, Actors Theatre, Hale Theatre, A/C Theatre Company, Nearly Naked Theatre, Arizona Opera, and Childsplay just to name a few.

He has received several regional theatre awards and nominations for Sound and Set design, several National Youth Theatre Awards for sound design and 2 Broadwayworld awards for Sound Design.

Terry Bussoletti

Music Production Instructor / Core Technologies Instructor

“I love going to work at CRAS knowing that I’m surrounded by students and faculty who have a passion for music, and how it’s made…”

Terry has spent over 25 years in Phoenix working as a pro-audio repair technician where he is certified for many of the largest musical equipment manufacturers in the country. He also works as a professional musician and is a co-founder of the Desert Gumbo Band, with which he still performs. Terry has earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from Penn State University and an Associates of Applied Sciences Degree (A.A.S.) in Electronic Engineering Technology from Mesa Community College.

Terry is a member of the Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education, and currently has his own business-Pro Audio Repair, specializing in the repair and modification of tube amplifiers.

Bobby Frasier

Music Production Instructor / Core Technologies Instructor

“I emphasize that almost anybody can learn to set up the equipment to make a recording; it’s the inter-personal relationships and communication with your artists that will set the stage for high-art to happen. These human skills will set you apart from the rest of the crowd.”

Bobby has worked in virtually every aspect of professional audio. He was first attracted to the musical arts at a very early age, starting with guitar lessons at age 8. By age 12 he was in the recording studio doing television commercials. At age 14 he was playing professionally in a rock & roll band. Having spent many hours in recording studios, making demos, making records, sitting next to recording engineers & producers, it was a natural progression to enter into full-time audio production at age 28.

Some of Frasier’s credits include working with Lyle Lovett, Del Shannon, Al Casey, Hal Blaine, Thinline, Paul Sabu, Skip Saylor, Doc Severinson, Skitch Henderson, Midori, Billy Williams, Lee Hazelwood, Joshua Bell, Snuff Garrett, Bill Conti, and many others. Frasier moved into the world of audio manufacturing, working for the #1 recording console company in the world, Solid State Logic. He then went on to work at Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Corporation as National Digital Audio Specialist, Alesis Corp. as Technical Training Manager & Yamaha Pro Audio as National Account Manager.

After living in Los Angeles for many years, Frasier returned to his native Phoenix, Arizona and took over a “few classes” at CRAS, at the bequest of Mr. Mike Jones who states, “Bobby’s extensive experience as a product specialist, doing public speaking at trade shows, and teaching people how to operate his manufacturer’s equipment made him a natural choice for the teaching environment. Plus, his extensive experience in high-pressure recording environments, made him a perfect fit for CRAS.”

Frasier still plays guitar on a regular basis, doing sessions and playing at local venues. His philosophy on the importance of music and craft are reflected in the values he emphasizes in the classroom.

Zach Duncan

Music Production Instructor / Core Technologies Instructor

“My passion for making people’s vision become a tangible thing you can look at and listen to is only surpassed by playing a part in helping others be able to do the same.”

Zach’s interest in audio began by playing in bands, doing home recordings, and always having a passion for sound in Film and Television. He attended The University of Toledo in Toledo, OH in 2003 where he predominantly studied Video Production and Television Studio Operation. It was not in him to have this love for video and not have the audio side of things covered, so he attended the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2008. After graduating from the Conservatory, Zach went on to work at.

After graduating from the Conservatory, Zach went on to work at Studio Chicago in Chicago, IL where he started as a runner, eventually working up to assisting and engineering sessions. Zach has worked on recordings in a variety of styles ranging from hip-hop to ambient noise. Outside of teaching at CRAS, Zach does freelance audio and video gigs in addition to teaching classes at the Conservatory. In addition, Zach is CRAS’ primary Final Cut video editor.

Dave Kalberg

Music Production Instructor/Multimedia Technologies Instructor

“I try to make the classroom a relaxed and comfortable environment so it’s easier for students to learn and retain information.”

Dave has over two decades of experience in recording, live sound, AV integration and video game production. He has played the guitar and has been an avid gamer since the age of eight. Dave’s love for video games began before the age of PONG, when he would play and create games on his Dad’s Apple IIe+ and Atari800 computers. His live experience includes touring as a musician and running audio for bands. During his career he worked as a Front Of House (FOH) engineer for many clients such as Merv Griffin, Jack Sheldon, GAP Fashion, Victoria’s Secret, the Johnny Walker Tasting Tour and Thrivent Financial. He’s also done custom AV integration and built video conferencing and “smart” rooms for corporate clients Alliance Medical and Equifirst.

Dave’s engineering credits include CDs for the bands Session 3, Hip Graffiti and Ties. Dave brings his passion and energy for audio engineering into the classroom where he teaches the Video Game Audio, Mastering, SSL, and Intro to Audio Recording & Production classes.

Christopher M. Gough

Musical Director

Chris is a composer and sound designer for many national television and radio advertising campaigns, including Southwest Airlines and Trailways. He has served as a songwriter, musician, arranger, and producer of dozens of albums. Mr. Gough was bestowed the Best Song Award for his work on the WKDB compilation 375 East of LA. He is a Gold Medal Award winner in film scoring at the International Film & TV Festival of New York, and is one of the first Avid/Digidesign Certified Tools Instructors in the world. Mr. Gough holds a Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Music from Loyola University, and is among the most sought-after session musicians in the Southwest.

David Kohr

Music Production Instructor

“I am an Instructor and the Faculty co-advisor to our Student Chapter of AES (Audio Engineering Society) here at CRAS. I love being able to help others understand the Art of Audio Engineering.”

David has been working at CRAS since 2014. In addition to teaching Pro Tools and Core Technologies, David is the Faculty Liaison for the CRAS Student Audio Engineering Society – the most active student chapter in the country. With AES, David helps students hold weekly meetings, events, gear builds, guest speakers, studio tours and more!

Jeff Harris

Audio Recording & Production Instructor

“The collective Industry knowledge and experience of our instructors and staff creates a unique real-world learning environment for our students.”

Jeff Harris is an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Jeff’s industry involvement began at the renown Record Plant Studios in New York in the early 70s. He then traveled to Los Angeles, and during a 18 year tenure at The Village Recorder, served as Supervisor of Electronic Studio Maintenance, Chief Recording Engineer, and General Manager. He was a US sales engineer with Fairlight Instruments of Australia marketing the world’s first audio sampling computer keyboard system. Additional work as an Industry consultant followed with a move to Seattle. Jeff ultimately settled in Arizona in 1991 where he operates Artefact Studio Services, a studio design and consulting firm servicing studios in the greater Phoenix area. He is also in demand as an independent engineer. For 16 years Jeff has worked at The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences as an instructor and is currently the Technical Department Manager overseeing the operations of ten recording studios and the broadcast audio facilities. Jeff is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Audio Engineering Society.

His credits include Animation’s “Obsession”, Supertramp’s “Breakfast in America”, Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake, & Palmer), Ian Hunter, Weird Al Yankovic, Herbie Hancock, Muhammad Ali, Bernard Lavilliers, The Phoenix Symphony, Wayman Tisdal, The Kingston Trio, Paul Cotton of (Poco), Esteban, Warren Zevon and George Benson. In the realm of film, he has been involved with sound design for Disney’s “Tron”, “The Seventh Sign” with Demi Moore, and Stephen King’s “Creepshow”. His television postproduction work includes many national commercials and the 1988 ABC Network Fall Campaign.

Nancy Scharlau-Murman

Music Production Instructor

“In the classroom I try to relate as much information to the real world as possible. I want our graduates to be prepared to step into entry-level jobs with the right skills to take it to the next level.”

Nancy Scharlau is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Her passion for recording live music eventually led her to relocate to San Francisco where she worked as a staff assistant / engineer for six years at Different Fur Recording. While in the Bay Area, Nancy had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of artists including, George Winston, Primus, Faith No More, Bobby McFerrin, Thomas Dolby and Henry Butler. She is also the owner and operator of Joey Mobile Recording.

Nancy brings 20+ years of engineering experience to her students, and says, “The audio industry is always changing so I find it very exciting to be in a continuous learning cycle. As soon as I learn something new I can’t wait to pass it along to the students.”

David Labounty

Music Production Instructor

“Seeing students grasp concepts and then use those concepts to record in the studio is the most rewarding experience… it happens everyday.”

A guitar player since his teens, David LaBounty has performed and engineered with Great Atomic Power, Lik Shotz, and The Atomic Zeroes. Before instructing at CRAS Dave worked with an A/V company and as an instrument technician. David is also a veteran guitar luthier. His most exciting experience was touring as a tech with noted jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale. Since starting with CRAS in 1998, his own studio has grown and now accommodates many local acts, ranging in styles from Country to Hip-Hop.

Scott Murray

Music Production Instructor / Pro Tools Instructor

“I came to CRAS in 2009 to be involved with audio on a daily basis, and to help others learn the audio-craft.”

Scott has been involved with various facets of audio recording and production for over 10 years. Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles in 2002, he began working at Image Recording, which was at the time, Chris Lord Alge’s studio (Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Bruce Springsteen and more…). Starting as a “runner,” Scott worked his way up to an office assistant position, learning the ropes of the studio environment along the way. After a few years embedded in the “mainstream music machine,” he branched out to do live sound at the Echo and Spaceland. Working at these venues introduced Scott to countless inspiring musicians, DJs, and promoters.

Scott began freelance engineering in 2007, doing national tours with Sea Wolf, Darker My Love, Film School, and the Eulogies. Also, when not on the road, he began recording and mixing live sessions for the Part Time Punks radio show (Broadcast on Los Angeles station KXLU).

Keith Morris

Live Sound Instructor

“The students coming through CRAS will learn more in 11 months than it took me 11 years to figure out on my own.”

Keith has spent the last 30 years in many different rolls in the audio business. Starting in the 1980’s as owner of ESP Sound & Lighting he provided sound and lighting systems for concert acts such as Pantera, Tool, Peter Frampton, and hundreds of other top touring bands. ESP also designed and installed many sound systems for churches, night clubs, and lecture halls like; Lattie F. Coor Auditorium at ASU, Sikh Darma Temple of Phoenix, Radiant Church, Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar” in Phoenix, The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas and many, many more. Morris served as front of house (FOH) engineer for the band UFO and also mixed their Werewolf’s In London live CD. Keith has also engineered Front of House for the Michael Schenker Group and John Norum (former guitarist for the band Europe) and Force it Live in Japan.

Tony Nunes

Music Production Instructor / Manufacturer Liaison

“The quicker and better you understand the tools of the trade, the more transparent they become, allowing you to concentrate on making records!”

At CRAS, Tony primarily teaches Solid State Logic large format console recording and mixing production along with theory and applications of dynamic processors. Tony became obsessed with recording his own music at an early age, and later he turned it into his career. While living in New York City, Tony worked at Classic Sound studios where he recorded orchestral and symphonic music, including sessions at the historic Carnegie Hall. Tony also worked on recordings for artists such as Ravi Shankar (Live at Carnegie Hall); André Previn (Live at the Jazz Standard); David Finck; Broadway musical writer William Finn and The MET Chamber Ensemble conducted by James Levine.

In Arizona, Tony has worked with a varied roster of artists like The Foo Fighters, Jessie McGuire Mel Brown and Evanescence, for whom he has done mixes for their Yahoo! Music Live Sets. Rounding off his resume, Tony has also done work for instrument manufacturers such as Fender Musical Instruments and Hughes & Kettner. He is also a contributing writer for Mix Magazine.

Glen O’Hara

Audio Business Instructor / Core Technologies Instructor

“Today, more than ever, it’s a “freelance” music industry; which is quite the advantage for CRAS graduates.”

Starting at SoundMaster Recording in Chicago back in 1971, Glen is in his fifth decade in the music/recording industry. “Back then, we had an 8-track Scully tape machine, and thought we died and went to heaven! Working with gear and microphones now viewed as ‘vintage’… It was great!”

Glen started his own label back in the ‘90s, which focused on 5.1 channel, surround music. During this period he garnered much personal experience in contracts, distribution, copyright, trademark, and many other topics that Glen teaches today in the CRAS Audio Business Department. Glen is a US Naval Air veteran, involved with underwater acoustics – a fascinating tangent dealing with properties of sound underwater.

Gerald Schoenherr

Music Production Instructor / Core Technologies Instructor

“Audio engineering is a dance between science and art. The science can be taught and it’s my goal to make it as non-intimidating and easy to understand as possible. The art comes from the individual, and is informed by each individual engineers personal experience. That can’t be taught, but it can be shared. At CRAS I’m surrounded by people who know the same science, but because of their individual experiences each contribute something unique and exciting to the art of audio engineering.”

Gerald’s first audio engineering gig was as the student engineer of his high school radio station. Since then, Gerald has worked at the Southern Folklife Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill as an audio restoration engineer and as Studio Manager and Assistant Engineer at Flying Blanket Recording in Mesa, AZ and has worked on sessions for a number of local artists including: The Ataris, Black Carl, Gospel Claws, Mergence, Psyphen, Safe Haven, Calabrese, Take Over And Destroy to name a few.

Rick Allen

Music Production Instructor

“These are magical times to begin a career in sound. The many avenues to make a living with audio are expanding daily. I feel privileged to expose CRAS students to all the possibilities… and take my responsibility to prepare them for that journey personally.”

Rick’s passion for post-production includes Foley, sound design and sound effects. He spends his time in his studio surrounded by gear (including his Moog modular system) creating sound design for custom projects and libraries. He also spends time out in the field collecting original sound effects. His credits include projects for Disney, Sony Pictures, HBO, American Express, and Cartoon Network.. You can hear the sounds he created for Sample Logic’s innovative software instrument, Assault, in Grand Theft Auto V. He’s lectured about audio at events at Dartmouth College and NAMM, and taught production at Indiana University. After speaking at a CRAS AES event, he was so impressed with the students that he asked if he could join what he considers to be an incredible team of educators at CRAS.

Stephen Nebgen

Audio Business

“Entertainment is two words – show business. It is an important part of a successful music career to understand the business side of the music industry. Having seen so many young people make mistakes with terrible consequences, it gives me great pleasure to be part of the CRAS family and help these students start off on the right foot with their career.”

Mr. Nebgen has been practicing entertainment law for over twenty (20) years and been involved in the entertainment industry for over forty (40) years. His clients include film, television and theatre companies, actors/actresses, musicians and many authors and painters. He counsels clients regarding business formation, intellectual property matters in copyright and trademarks, contract negotiations, and other corporate law matters.

Mr. Nebgen is also a producer with credits in film, television, theatre and music.

Mr. Nebgen received his undergraduate degree from Fordham University in Religious Studies, graduating summa cum laude. He then attended The University of Texas School of Law, where he co-founded The Texas Review of Entertainment and Sports Law (“TRESL”).

Alan Leggett

Music Production Instructor

“I love helping young talent and independent labels create a marketable product with great production and great sounds. At CRAS I get to see every student in their first week. I see their brains expand and their excitement build – and many months later I sometimes see their names on platinum records.”

Prior to becoming an instructor at CRAS, Alan worked at Psyko Ranch Studios, as well as Conway Recording and El Dorado Studios in Los Angeles. He has worked on albums for a variety of artists including Marjorie Fair, Opiate for the Masses, Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Mya, Bad Religion, R. Kelly and The Game. In addition to his work at CRAS, Alan is an independent engineer and producer who has produced, engineered, and mixed works for independent artists and labels such as Rozaline, The City Speaks, Gemini Records, Goodbye to Pretty, Seed, Small Planet Audio, American Voodoo Records, Sunday Afternoon, Nhi, Vokél, After the Burn, The Spore, Outlaw Entertainment Group, Rising Pain, PC Music, Antidote, and Carbide.

Sam Beckley

Music Production Instructor

“I never had an individual mentor to look up to or learn from when I started my own audio career.  I would now consider CRAS my mentor.  The education I received as a student myself almost 20 years ago gave me the skills and confidence I needed to learn from my mistakes and shape my own successes in this industry.  I now feel honored to be able to be a part of this team and give to our students what CRAS empowered me with many years ago.“

Sam owned a multi room recording studio in Chicago for over 20 years. Developed and instructed the audio recording program offered at Aurora University in Illinois, as well as private engineering and production lessons.  He has recorded and/or mixed artists including Grammy award winning drummer Kenny Smith.  Multi-platinum producer Earl Talbot, legendary blues guitarist Bob Margolin, Joshua Welton (Prince), Chris Redd (Saturday Night Live), Frazier Boi, Lord infamous (three six mafia), and Twista, among many others.

Brandon Valfre

Music Production Instructor/Core Technologies Instructor

“Being a part of the CRAS family is amazing. Helping others to achieve their ambitions in the Audio Industry and seeing their success stories is extremely gratifying. The knowledge students obtain prepares them for the real world and is always on par with the newest technology that is available.”

After graduating from Columbia College in Chicago with a Bachelors in Audio Design & Production, Brandon completed an internship and was hired at a predominant studio in the Chicagoland area.  He rose to become one of the most in demand engineers in the area, regularly being booked over a month in advance. Brandon worked on projects or mixes involving Twista, Lil Durk, and many others in the Chicago music scene along with projects including songwriting and band production. Experience working in live sound along with being an A1/A2 for Corporate audio events in Colorado. Before coming to teach at CRAS Brandon taught music production and audio engineering at a school in Denver.

Brian Stubblefield

Live Sound Instructor

“The lessons I learned as a student at CRAS are tools I use everyday in my audio business. And have been invaluable to me throughout my career. The opportunity to be able to help students connect with these lessons and make them tools of their own is an honor in itself.”

Brian is a 2006 CRAS Graduate and has been working steady in the live sound industry since the day he left campus. Using his knowledge learned at CRAS coupled with his prior business experience as a restaurant and music venue owner as well as hotel food and beverage director, Brian has built a thriving multi-faceted freelance audio business. Brian’s live sound work goes beyond his production manager and FOH duties for music venues, houses of worship, outdoor concerts and festivals. He also works as a lead audio engineer for large corporate events and conventions. 

John Ellis

Music Production Instructor

You don’t choose your path, your path chooses you. You just have to choose whether or not to follow it. There are many paths placed before you, so choose wisely. Just remember, there are no shortcuts to any place worth going!

At 4 years old, John Ellis started in music playing piano. When he got to high school in 1983, the cool thing was to be in a rock band. Therefore, John decided to also take up guitar. Having an interest in electronics, he built his first guitar and amp. Senior year John became the keyboard / rhythm guitar player for a popular local rock band which led to a record deal.

Blown away by the experience in the recording studio, he decided to attend Berklee College of Music in 1987 to pursue his love for music. In 1990, John graduated Berklee with a Bachelor Degree in Music Production and Engineering.

In 1992, John opened Prism Sound Recording Studio in the Boston area, offering full production services in addition to recording mixing and mastering for many well known artists.

In 2005, John started another company, Dramatic Audio Corp., designing and manufacturing audio signal processors.

In 2018, John relocated to Arizona to become an Instructor / Tech for CRAS in addition to producing, engineering and running Dramatic Audio.

Kris Yancey

Audio Business Instructor

“Working as a teacher at the CRAS affords me a rare opportunity to teach students in an environment that unequivocally prepares them for the ‘real world’ of audio engineering. Rarer still, my role as a teacher affords me to not only teach them about that ‘real world,’ but how to conduct themselves in it without forsaking humility, respect, or honor.”

Before attending the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, Kris studied at the University of Arizona and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Arts with an emphasis in sound. During his time at the University of Arizona, Kris was heavily involved in radio, having worked at 1570AM KAMP Student Radio, as well as 92.1 KFMA (modern rock), 96.1 KLPX (classic rock), and 91.3 KXCI (independent community) in Tucson, AZ. At KAMP, Kris worked as Human Resources Director and Metal Music Director for the station for 2 years, and on-air talent for 3 years, hosting a daily, 2-hour metal music show on the station. Kris has also worked as a journalist for metal music publications Metal Review (now Last Rites), Teeth of the Divine, and Deadtide, having interviewed a wide variety of artists including Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, Skeletonwitch, and Nile, among many others. Kris has also worked on various film projects as a sound designer and dialogue editor, and currently teaches for the Audio Business department at the Conservatory.

Cory Patterson

Audio Production Instructor

Cory has worked as the head audio engineer for the Improv Comedy Club in Tempe, Arizona, where he provided live sound support and recording services for SNL’s Darrell Hammond, Comedy Central’s Carlos Mencia, actors Kevin Pollack and Nick Swardson, Fear Factor’s Joe Rogan and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham among many others. Aside from teaching at CRAS, Cory continues to work as a freelance audio engineer; who’s clients include Alice Cooper’s restaurant/live venue Cooperstown, FOX 10 Phoenix and the NFL among others. He also received credit on the Nick Swardson “Party” record and the Todd Glass record “This Pig”, bot for Comedy Central Records. Cory is certified in the operation of EAW’s Smaart software, Avid Pro Tools, the JBL VerTec line array audio system, and audio of IP distribution software Dante. He is also a certified instructor for Audio Kinetics video game audio integration engine Wwise.

Before attending the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, Cory attended Northwest College in Wyoming, where he received an Associates degree in Music.

Paul Richards

Audio Production Instructor

“There is a true excitement and satisfaction to introduce an audio concept or process, and watch that new piece of information take root in the students, grow into an understanding and then appreciation for how it will serve and benefit them in their path forward. Seeing those “light bulbs” come on and the value of the experience come to life in our students is something I seek every day.”

Paul’s love for audio engineering started as a student at Michigan State University, playing in bands and being recorded for student projects at nearby Lansing Community College. In the twenty five years since, he has worked with the Arizona School for the Arts (recordings which won the school a scholastic Grammy award), Arizona State University’s School of Music, as well as several local Phoenix bands. For the past 10 years Paul has served as the recording engineer for the M3F Festival (McDowell Mountain Music Festival) where he has recorded touring artists such as The Roots, Beck, The Avett Brothers, Umphrey’s McGee, The Shins, Bon Iver, Gary Clark Jr., and Lettuce among others. For 14 years Paul taught classes in the API analog console, synchronization and analog tape machine alignment curriculums. Currently, in addition to teaching classes on the Solid State Logic large format analog console, Paul serves as the Director of Licensing for Tresona Multimedia, working with music publishers all over the world.