Live Sound and Studio Engineering Gap Year

100% Experiential-Based Learning

The Blackbird Academy is focused 100% on experienced-based learning – the same mentor-based philosophy that’s created generations of Grammy-winning engineers and producers. You learn from and have access to real professionals: engineers, producers, artists, technicians and other industry professionals. You graduate ready-to-work in professional recording studios, through regular training under real-world conditions.

You will have 700+ hours. Your schedule alternates every two weeks between the classroom and Blackbird Studio. Classroom work consists of sessions, demonstrations, guest visits, hands-on/ears-on recording training, and site visits to many incredible studios and facilities. In the Studio, students work in groups of five, in one of Blackbird’s many world-class rooms recording live musicians – giving you maximum hands-on time and contact with the musical talent, instructor, and guest engineers.