(Q 1) How large is the SRT program at Fredonia and how is it structured?

The Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program at this time accommodates forty full-time students. SRT majors usually graduate after four years with a Bachelors of Science in Music with an Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology degree. The [link] individual course listing gives a typical SRT course schedule over the four years. SRT courses are offered starting with the Spring semester of the Freshmen year. SRT majors enroll in SRT 105, a one-credit course designed to introduce students to the basics of sound recording technology and to the SRT student community at large, called the "Tonmeisters." Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to complete an internship in the audio industry. We assist in placing you in the right kind of internships, which may be completed during the summer.

(Q2) How many students do you usually accept into the program?

We usually have between 50 to 70 applicants each year, and we admit from 10 to 15 new Freshmen into the program.

(Q 3) What is the length, purpose, and nature of the internship?

Internships facilitate job placement. They are essential in gaining entry into the job market. Students work with the director in finding the internship position in the specialization of their choice. Fredonia's SRT program has existed for over twenty-five years and boasts a long list of successful graduates. There is usually no shortage of internship opportunities. Internships, however, usually require the graduate to take up residency in one of the large centers of sound recording (ie. New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville) and are poorly compensated. They normally range from 6 to 15 weeks in length. Very often interning at a recording facility successfully leads to a job offer.

(Q 4) What do you look for in a successful SRT candidate?

SRT candidates first need to be admitted by the College, then to the School of Music and finally to the Sound Recording Technology division. Each step has its own requirements. The College usually looks for high SAT scores and evidence of excellence in scholarship. The School of Music requires a vocal or instrumental audition that must be passed with a grade of three (3) or higher (out of a maximum of five). Electric and electronic instruments and/or other instruments used primarily in popular music such as electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, drums etc. as of yet are not acceptable as audition instruments, except under very special circumstances. Applicants are bly encouraged to contact the instrumental faculty directly to find out about audition requirements and expectations. After being accepted by the College and the School of Music, the SRT division would like to see in a potential candidate a successful academic record in Mathematics, Physics and music-related subjects. Preference will be given to candidates who show talent in BOTH science and music. Evidence of dedication to work ethic and persistence will also be taken into account.

(Q 5a) What can I do to become a more attractive potential candidate for SRT?

Practice, practice, practice, take private lessons with a qualified teacher and, if possible, enroll in College-level science courses during your High School years. The more AP credits you can accumulate, the fewer requirements you will have at Fredonia, which will give you the leisure to concentrate more on what interests you.

(Q 5b) Is any previous professional audio experience necessary to be considered for the program?

No. But in order to avoid potential disappointments we encourage you to find out more about the industry (i.e. through an internship) before you commit yourself to a four-year major in this subject.

(Q 6) What happens to my instrumental lessons once I am in the SRT program?

As an SRT major you are only required to take one year of private lessons, but I encourage every student to consider becoming a double major in performance and SRT. Double majors traditionally are the most successful SRT graduates. Why should you miss out on the opportunity to continue taking lessons?

(Q 7) I have been interested in music for the last few years and have been playing drums/electric guitar/bass/keyboards in various bands for some time. I am not terrible in science, but neither do I excel in mathematics and physics. What can I do to be admitted to the SRT program?
You have one of the most common applicant profiles. The program is competitive and unfortunately every year we have far more people interested in the program than we can accept. Applicants that do not have the required musical training on an instrument to pass the audition at Fredonia's School of Music are encouraged to take private lessons and reapply the following year. You can also prepare for classes at Fredonia by enrolling in PreCalculus or Physics at your high school or community college.

(Q 8) I have been admitted to Fredonia but NOT as a music major, and NOT into the SRT program. Can I transfer into the program after one year?

In principle yes, but in practice the chances are slim. You will have to reaudition the following year. In addition, there will have to be room in the program for you as a transfer student. The SRT program has a very high retention rate and chances for a transfer into the program as a sophomore are not very good. In addition, it is necessary for you to have the same science background as other Sophomores (see University Calculus requirement) in order to enter the program at a later date. Speak to the director of SRT soon.

(Q 9) I am currently enrolled in the sound recording program at XYZ Community College. Can I transfer into the SRT program, having completed junior college?

You must have the required prerequisites to transfer (i.e.. Univ. Calculus I and II, Physics etc.) AND you must pass the musical audition. Even then, admission is only possible if space is available (see previous question). Transfer is possible only into the sophomore year of the program. We do not accept transfers into the junior year (or higher) of Sound Recording Technology.

(Q 10) Can I enter/transfer/re-enter the SRT program in the Spring Semester? Yes, but you will not be allowed to take SRT courses until the following Fall. The knowledge acquired in these classes is cumulative and you will have missed an entire semester of classes.

(Q 11) Are there scholarships available?

Only in the most unusual circumstances. Even then, most scholarships are based on merit and are a way for us to acknowledge your talent. As a consequence, they do not tend to reduce the tuition by much.

(Q 12) What do Fredonia SRT students typically do after they graduate?

Audio engineering is a large field with many specialized applications. Many SRT graduates enter the business as recording engineers, studio managers, mastering engineers and broadcast engineers. Some eventually open their own recording/production companies; some pursue graduate studies and become teachers; and others spend some time pursuing their elusive rock star/singer/songwriter career.

(Q 13) When should I schedule an audition?

Early auditionees have better chances of being admitted into the program. I encourage you to take advantage of this fact and audition as early as possible. Contact the music office online at www.fredonia.edu/som/auditioninfo.asp or by telephone at (716) 673-3151 for details.

(Q 14) How long would I have to pay an out of state tuition, if I do at all ? Please contact the music office at (716) 673-3151 or via the Internet at www.fredonia.edu/som/ to request a brochure and required application materials.

(Q 15) Last year I was a music education major at Fredonia. This semester I had to leave Fredonia and the music program due to financial problems. But next semester I am looking into returning to Fredonia and applying for the SRT program. I was wondering if I would have to reaudition since I was just a music major for a year. I took mostly music courses all year and have most of the requirements already for first year SRT's. I would also like to know if there are any other requirements for applying for the SRT program and if the courses I took last year would count towards the SRT degree.

I am afraid you will have to reaudition on your instrument. The requirements for music education majors are different than for sound recording majors. In addition, unless you are reapplying as a Freshmen, you will be asked to have fulfilled all requirements which come with the completed Freshmen year, i.e.. University Calculus I and II, and applicable music courses. (See curriculum). Most College Core Curriculum courses (CCC) will count towards your SRT degree. Despite your having had all the required course work done, however, you will have to see whether there is room for you in the SRT program. Unless there are some dropouts in the Freshmen year, chances may be slim. Come see me as soon as possible.

(Q 16) My daughter/son is currently a high school senior. S/He wants to major in music recording or music business. While we have been able to find a few schools that offer this curriculum without an audition, most, like yours, require one. My daughter/son currently plays piano, guitar and drums, but I don't think s/he could pass an audition. Could you please tell me what the audition requirements are? Also, if s/he chose the music business route, would s/he have any classes in recording? Could s/he possibly pass an audition maybe as a sophomore and transfer into this major?

Please contact the respective instrumental instructor directly for audition requirements. We do not hear auditions. Our interest in you as a qualified applicant lies in proven abilities in science, math and ear training. SRT Students are encouraged to enroll in a Music Business Minor, but SRT classes are restricted to Sound Recording Technology majors ONLY. There exists the possibility that S/He could transfer into the program as a Sophomore. This depends on whether s/he has taken all other required classes and passed the instrumental audition, AND space availability in the program.

( Q 17) What is the placement rate of outgoing students from the SRT program is into recording studios ? What are some places of employment that past graduates have gone to ? I would simply like to have a feel for where the program can take me if I am accepted. I have had my heart set on going to SUNY Fredonia ever since I read about the SRT program on the web site, and after touring the campus and studios this past winter.

Our job placement rate of graduates tends to be high. In fact, almost every graduate from this program gets a job in the field, provided they want one. Having existed for more than 25 years, there are many Fredonia graduates working in the field. Recent Fredonia graduates are able to draw upon these resources to find internships. Many have gone on to work at major recording and post-production facilities in the New York City area such as SONY MUSIC STUDIOS , AVATAR , THE HIT FACTORY , the SOUND LOUNGE , and THE AUDIO DEPARTMENT .