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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions from Students:

 

Is a certificate in Audio Technology or Music Business necessary?
Taking an online certification can help you land a better job.

There are several compelling reasons to get certified:

  • You need to give your resume that most wanted ‘punch’ to land your dream job.
  • You would like to know where you stand, relative to others in your field.
  • You would like to gauge your actual level of knowledge through an independent and authentic assessment system.
  • You want to show the world that your skill level is at par with the best!

What is Music Business?
Music Business, typically conjures up images of rock & roll stars, agents and producers. While this is true, if you look further you will see that there are many different career opportunities to choose from in the music industry. Today Independent artists, producers, and record labels are expected to have a full working knowledge of the record business. This lack of skills is no longer an option for anyone who plans to work in this business and not get taken advantage of. The Music business courses offered have you in business activities to encompass development and execution of business plans, marketing campaigns, operational budgets, contract negotiations, and managerial decisions. In addition our Music Business programs cover Marketing, concert promotion, media relations in the music industry and much, much more. For more information please visit: Music Industry Careers

Whatever your "passion," the information here is designed to give you some insight into the options, and helps get you started on your way to a successful career in the music industry.

What is Audio Technology?
For those of you who are looking to get your foot in the door towards a career in audio engineering, you will find that getting your foot in the door will become a way of life for you if you're to have any chance of success working as an independent in the recording industry. You need to get into the mindset that you are the one who makes things happen. You have to become an entrepreneur. To not diversify is death. If you only expect to engineer, you're already behind the curve. If you own some good gear, that helps. If you can play an instrument or two, that's even better. If you're out there in the clubs and know artists and bands and can get them in to record, that's another big plus. If you can produce, that's another feather in the possibility hat. Today home and personal recording studios are popping up in basements and spare rooms all over the world. Musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts now have access to recording equipment that could only be dreamed of in the past. This new access to technology provides artists with a new level of creative control.

What do you mean by "anytime, anywhere" education?
It means you do not have to be at a specific location at a specific time to do your work. Online learning can take place anytime of the day or night, anywhere you happen to be. While our courses are rigorous and require you to keep up with your coursework and assignments, you get to choose where and when. That's one of the great advantages of Web-based education. You can incorporate learning into your schedule without compromising your other professional and personal commitments.

When is my tuition due?
Tuition is due 48 hours prior to your semester start date.

How much is tuition?
All courses are $599.00 per course.

Are textbooks included in tuition costs?
No, the required textbooks for online courses are not included in tuition and fees. You may order them from our online store located in the course catalog.

 

How long are the courses?
All courses are 12 weeks in duration.

What are the start and end dates for each term?

Start Date
Mid-Term
End Date
Duration
March 17, 2008
April 28, 2008
June 9, 2008
12 weeks
April 15, 2008
May 20, 2008
July 1, 2008
12 weeks
May 15, 2008
June 26, 2008
August 7, 2008
12 weeks
June 16, 2008
July 28, 2008
September 8, 2008
12 weeks
July 15, 2008
August 26, 2008
October 7, 2008
12 weeks
August 15, 2008
September 26, 2008
November 7, 2008
12 weeks
September 15, 2008
October 27, 2008
December 8, 2008
12 weeks

How many courses can I take at one time?
You may take as many advisor approved courses as you would like. However, we urge students to consider how much time they have to commit to the required work prior to enrollment. If you are interested in taking more than two courses in a term, we recommend you contact your student advisor to discuss your schedule.

What computer skills do I need to have in order to take online classes?
Taking an online course uses the same skills as surfing the Web. You should know how to log onto your Internet Service, use your Web browser, use a word processing program, send and receive e-mail and file attachments, and download and install software or other files.

What are the technical requirements to take an online certificate class?
To participate effectively in the online school, you will need the following:

Computer
Minimum system requirements are listed below for Macs and PCs. However, some courses have more advanced system requirements. Extra requirements for each course are listed in the course catalog.

Minimum PC system requirements:
Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or Vista
128MB of RAM or more
Color monitor with at least 800x600 screen resolutions, 1024x768 recommended
Windows sound card, preferably with Direct-X or ASIO drivers
At least 500 MB of free disc space for downloads and plug-ins

Minimum Macintosh system requirements:
Mac OSX
128 MB of RAM or more
Color monitor with at least 800x600 screen resolution, 1024x768 recommended
At least 20 MB of free disc space for downloads and plug-ins

Web Browser
The school supports all of the following web browsers:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or 7 for PC
AOL 9 for PC
AOL 9 for Macintosh
Firefox 2 for PC
Firefox 2 for Macintosh
Safari 2 for Macintosh

What software will I need to take an online certificate class? Where can it be downloaded?
The software required to take an online certificate class is available free online. Listed below are the links needed to locate the free applications and browser plug-ins that are required for our online courses.

Adobe Acrobat Reader
Acrobat Reader can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/reader/
Apple Quicktime Player
Quicktime can be downloaded from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
Audacity
Audacity can be downloaded from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Finale Notepad
Finale Notepad can be downloaded from http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/
Macromedia Flash Player
Flash player can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox can be downloaded from http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

How much time will it take me to keep up with coursework?
A part time student (enrolled in 2 classes) on average, can expect to spend five to eight hours per week on your course depending on your experience in the subject area. For example,

  • Participating in discussions and completing assignments will probably require 2-3 hours per week
  • You should anticipate at least one hour of offline work for every hour of online instruction and participation.

While you get to choose whenever and wherever you do your online classes, it is highly recommended that you log on to your course site many times during the week to retrieve lessons and assignments, participate in discussions or chats, and upload homework.

Do I need to know how to read music to take a course?
It depends on the course. Prerequisites are indicated in the course description and requirements page. If you are still unsure, please email the Student Advisement Department at advising@mu-ed.com.

Do I need to have a music background for audio technology courses?
We know that music experience comes in many forms, from self-taught to formal training. Even though we do not require previous music or recording experience, we strongly encourage students interested in audio technology courses to have some form of musical experience and a strong love of music in diverse styles. As an audio technology student, you'll be trained to become a Recording Engineer and/or Music Producer. What is important is the same thing any employer looks for—attitude, motivation, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge!

Do I need a high-school diploma or equivalent to enroll in a certificate program or take a course for credit?
No. Actually, some of our best students are currently in high school or have recently graduated. Please contact us at advising@mu-ed.com. We'd be happy to help you find a program that is right for you.

How do I choose the Certificate Program that is right for me?
If you need advice about how to choose the course of study that's right for you, please contact our highly qualified student advisors at advising@mu-ed.com. They can help you select a program that meets your goals, interests, and schedule.

Are there specific requirements for each course?
Some courses have additional software and hardware requirements, depending on the third-party hardware and software needed for the course. Extra requirements for each course are listed in the course catalog. The system requirements vary depending on the demands of each third-party product.

How do I login for the first time?
Once you are accepted and enrolled, a welcome email is sent to you that will contain the following:

  • Login Instructions
  • Links for required material for the course
  • Orientation instructions
  • Your assigned advisor’s contact information
  • Phone, e-mail, and live chat links for technical support

I forgot my password, what do I do?
If you forget your password, click student login located at the top right hand corner of the homepage. Click the "Forgot your password" link on the login page. A new password will be generated and emailed to you. After logging into the site with this new password, you may change it to whatever you would like.

Who do I contact if I am having technical trouble with the course?
You may reach Technical support by emailing support@mu-ed.com. We will assist you with any problems you have. We will do our best to provide a response to your question or inquiry within one business day. In addition, you may use the live help feature on the home page to contact our technical support immediately.

Why do you not offer Pro Tools certification?
Pro Tools Certification is not only expensive, but is rarely used within the industry market. Pro Tools certification has shown that certification itself will not guarantee job placement, and in fact quality education and experience are the most important factors that studio production facilities require.

Certification emphasizes software techniques rather than recording and production techniques, which are most vital in our current market. We offer more than just the answers to a certification exam; our industry leading educators are focused on imparting real world production experiences that empower our students to succeed.

I have taken Pro Tools 101 and/or Pro Tools 102 at a Digidesign approved training facility. Can I transfer the courses into my certificate program?
Yes, students who have successfully completed Pro tools 101 and/or Pro tools 110 at an approved Digidesign’s training center can request to have the course waived. To do so, students must send a copy of their completion certificate along with a written request to his/her assigned advisor to have the course waived.

What is the Discussion area used for?
The Discussion section of the site is a way for users to interact with each other on a message board format. We've divided it into different topics of interest where users can swap ideas about performance, production, writing, education, business and careers. There is also a real time chat feature that allows you to chat with users who are also online.

How important is experience in the Music Industry?
Experience in the Music and Entertainment field is, in some ways, as significant as your education. The more experience you gain, the more employable you will be.

Can I repeat a course I have already taken?
Yes, students may enroll in and receive a grade for a course taken for a second or subsequent time.

If I am currently enrolled in a certificate program, can I transfer to a different certificate program?
Yes, if a student finds that the certificate program they are enrolled in is not the right one for them, the student can transfer to another certificate program. To do so, contact your student advisor for approval. Students may transfer any successfully completed courses that are required in the new certificate program.

I have completed a certificate program; can I use these courses towards a new certificate program?
Yes, if a student has successfully completed a certificate program and wishes to apply the courses within to a higher-level program, they can do so. The student will be awarded the second certificate once he/she has successfully completed the new program requirements.

Upon completion of my certificate program do I receive a certificate?
Once a student has successfully completed his/her course with a passing grade, you are issued a certificate of completion for the course and/or track completed. Students generally receive their certificate of completion within 2 week of course completion.

Do you offer courses to international students?
Yes. We have many international students taking our online courses.

Do you offer job placement assistance?
Yes, we want you to succeed in the music industry. We will take an active part in helping you find a job. For more information please visit the career service page on our website.

What should I do if I need to start the course late?
We strongly recommend that you begin your course promptly when the term begins. If you need to start the course a few days late, contact your advisor as soon as possible after the course has opened.

What do I do if I have to take medical leave?
Students who need to delay their online course or certificate program for medical reasons may be eligible to transfer their course(s) to a future term. A medical withdrawal will be considered only if accompanied by a written verification from a medical doctor on letterhead stating the student cannot complete the term due to an illness or disability. The transfer will not be allowed if a student fails to submit medical documentation to the school prior to the course ending.

The request for a medical leave must be faxed to 800-513-1638.

What style of music will Music Industry Educators train me to produce or record?
The techniques learned at Music Industry Educators will be transferable across all styles of music, from rock to hip-hop to jazz.

 
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