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Explore the recording arts certificate at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's recording arts certificate features a robust, interdisciplinary curriculum that addresses diverse interests in both sound and technology. The program offers students a foundation in musicianship, design and recording technology, as well as opportunities to explore specific interests in areas like composition, design, music history, physics of sound and business.

The 18-credit program includes both required and elective courses, as well as an internship and firsthand experience in a recording arts studio. This real-world experience, combined with a rigorous curriculum, prepares students to meet the challenge of making a studio recording or a live recording that captures the quality of an actual performance.

Acceptance into the program may be limited due to available resources, internships and needs of the program. An application is required. 

Why recording arts at UW-Eau Claire?

Internship experience. As part of the recording arts certificate curriculum, you'll spend 30-plus hours in a recording arts internship, gaining direct experience in the field. You may find yourself in a professional or community-based music setting, cultural setting, educational organization or a local business, making connections and gaining valuable new skills. 

Endless career options. Knowledge of the recording arts can lead you to interesting and exciting career paths that you may never have considered before, from sound designers to mix engineers. 

Direct access to top-of-the-line facilities and equipment. We are proud to partner with the Eau Claire community's newest performance venue, Pablo Center at the Confluence. This state-of-the-art facility is home to many UWEC classes, rehearsals and performances. It also houses a recording studio, where students can gain real-world experience recording music.

What can I do with a recording arts certificate from UWEC?

A variety of jobs are available to those with a recording arts background. Job opportunities include:

  • Mix engineer. Mix engineers work on records, making creative choices that influence the effects, balance and tonality of every element that’s been recorded. It is a job that often lies right in the middle of technology and art, requiring technical knowledge of gear and processes, but allowing for an endless world of creative possibilities in helping shape others' music.
  • Mastering engineer. A mastering engineer takes the mix that a mix engineer has created and puts the final touches on it before it goes out the door. A more precision-driven field, a mastering engineer concerns themselves with the overall qualities of the song, like loudness and overall tonal balance.
  • Live sound engineer. Live sound engineers are responsible for making a performance come to life. They may work at a particular venue or tour with a group. For large productions, it can take multiple engineers to make a show happen. From running the mainboard to making sure the musicians can hear themselves to ensuring that the microphones are all operating on the correct radio frequencies, it takes a lot of fast-paced work to pull off a show.
  • Sound designer. Sound designers are responsible for the sounds you hear in movies, on TV and in video games. They record sounds for footsteps, door creaks and all those little human touches that make a scene seem real. Sound designers might create soundscapes for outdoor areas or make sure that an explosion really catches your attention.

Recording arts certificate curriculum

Through fascinating coursework, you will record sound within live and studio contexts and learn how to use digital recording software for mixing and editing. Elective, interdisciplinary courses throughout the minor — including those in business, communications and journalism, mathematics and theatre — will broaden your perspective on the basic principles of acoustics and sound within a variety of real-world contexts as well as prepare you for the competitive recording arts industry. 

What classes do recording arts students take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the recording arts certificate in the UWEC catalog.

Apply for the program here

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Department information

Photo of a camera in front of theatre seats

Music and Theatre Arts

Haas Fine Arts Center 156
121 Water Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Visit the Music and Theatre Arts department website