A Message From our Administrator

Welcome to CRAS, the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences! My name is Kirt Hamm, and I have served as CRAS’ Administrator for over 30 years. I am honored to have the opportunity to introduce you to our institution, the many benefits that await you as a student, and the path that will lead YOU to your goals.

CRAS has a rich history of providing students a thorough understanding of the Recording Arts and the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of roles, by way of our purpose-built facilities, professional Audio Engineer Instructors, and our extensive network of partnerships in the Audio Industry. Whether you choose to pursue a career in Music Production, Film & TV Sound, Live Sound, Broadcast Audio, or Video Game Sound, becoming a CRAS Graduate will leave you well-equipped, in demand, and capable of thriving in the Music and Entertainment Industries in less than a year. As a CRAS Graduate, only opportunity lies ahead of YOU!

CRAS is much more than just an educational institution. CRAS is a community of enthusiastic, like-minded and devoted individuals who not only share a passion for Music and Audio Production, but share a passion for doing all we can to take our students, and Graduates, far beyond their original goals. Our faculty and staff are Industry experts who bring real-world experience to the classroom, helping you develop the skills and insights you need to excel in the audio industry. 

At CRAS, we believe in supporting you in your journey towards becoming a successful Audio Professional. For over 3 decades, CRAS has created a path towards success in Professional Audio for students and Graduates JUST LIKE YOU, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Thank you for considering CRAS, and I hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to our community.

Kirt Hamm, CRAS Administrator

The History of CRAS

First established in New York City, in 1980 a 24-track recording studio called “Songshop” offered adult training classes to novices as well as record label personnel. These classes proved to be very popular, and the increasing demand for training and hands-on experience necessitated expansion of the program to include internships with commercial studios and recording artists.

In 1987 the entire enterprise moved to Phoenix, AZ and the name was changed to “The Academy of Recording Sciences.” As the reputation of the institution gained prominence in the music recording industry, the name was again changed in 1988 to the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences, as this more appropriately reflected the nature of the institution – “to conserve, enhance, improve and promote the artistic and technical skills of audio recording by preparing students to enter the business as qualified audio recording engineers.”

CRAS’s structured programs and highly qualified teaching staff provide a professional and supportive atmosphere, which is complemented by our small class sizes allowing for individual instruction and assistance for students in engineering audio recordings. CRAS has been providing quality vocational training in audio recording for three decades. The curriculum and equipment are constantly being updated to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the music and sound recording industries. CRAS’s course offerings and subject matter have always centered around the skills and knowledge necessary for students’ success in the music industry.

Like Coke for Coca-Cola and Chevy for Chevrolet, The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences has always been called CRAS in “shorthand” by students, faculty, staff and alumni. And, like Coke and Chevy… CRAS has “stuck.” Be CRAS!

CRAS — The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency under the Provision of Chapter 33, Title 38, US Code and subsequent legislation.

Our Mission

The mission of CRAS is to train students for entry-level positions as audio engineers in the audio production industry. Through extensive hands-on training with industry standard equipment, a 1:1 student/computer ratio, and practice with current production techniques, students gain expertise in music recording, concert sound, video game, live broadcast, and audio for film and television, to move forward with their career goals. The fact that every student has a “Laptop Recording Package” (included with the cost of education) allows the curriculum to always be up to date and standardized, giving everyone at CRAS the best possible learning environment.

CRAS was founded on the philosophy that the unique nature of the recording industry requires a combination of technical skill, knowledge, and creativity. Teaching methods emphasize this through hands-on experiences with modern equipment. CRAS provides training, disseminates information, encourages positive work attitudes, and emphasizes career education enabling dedicated students to achieve success.