Gilbert, Ariz., March 9, 2020 – The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS; www.cras.edu), the premier institution for audio engineering education, has a rich history of partnering with world-class manufacturers. The goal is so that its students may hear directly from those who design and produce the gear they currently both learn on as well as will utilize in their professional careers once they graduate.On Feb. 27, Steve M. Savanyu – Director of Educational Services – Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. taught his “Physics of Microphones Master Class” to CRAS students at the school’s Gilbert, Ariz. campus.
Audio-Technica U.S. is one such manufacturer that relishes the opportunity to get in front of and educate the next crop of audio engineers.
“It was a fantastic event and I really enjoyed working with CRAS students and staff,” said Steve M. Savanyu – Director of Educational Services – Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. “As an educator who works in the industry, I enjoy getting out in the field to share knowledge and to learn things from others. The CRAS students showed a passion for their craft and enthusiasm to learn. I liked spending time with some of the classes and applying techniques taught. Because we work in a relationship-based industry, building good relationships is a key to success.”
On Feb. 27, Savanyu taught his “Physics of Microphones Master Class” to CRAS students. In the lecture, Savanyu touched on how different types of microphones work using basic physics, how to apply them to recording and live sound applications, and then demonstrated some of their operating characteristics. He explained that not only did he hear from CRAS students that they thought they knew it all with a particular mic but still learned more from him, but that he also learned a few things during his time at CRAS.“It is interesting in that I cover microphones 101 on steroids, but each time I do the seminar both the students and I all learn something,” Savanyu continued. “I even picked up some cool techniques while I was there. We are all learning and that is important!”
Added David Kohr, CRAS AES Faculty Advisor, “CRAS has had a working relationship with Audio-Technica for more than 20 years, but we were introduced to Steve Savanyu at NAMM by Piper Payne who suggested that he would be great to have come and host an AES event at CRAS…and she was right! Steve is an amazing person that has such a great approach to audio education. From beginning to end he kept everyone drawn in to his presentation on The Physics of Microphones. We look forward to having him back in the fall so he can host his entire master class!”
Savanyu concluded that CRAS is a great place to learn. “In fact,” he said, “I’m a bit envious of the talent and technology the students have at their fingertips compared to when I went to school. I could see a passion and desire to learn by the students and a dedication to teaching by the staff. To the students, learn everything you can and take advantage of the gear you have access to! It probably won’t be like this in real life.”
The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences is composed of two nearby campuses in Gilbert and Tempe, Ariz. A CRAS education includes broadcast audio, live sound, film and TV audio, music, and video game audio, all taught by award-winning instructors who have all excelled in their individual fields, including sound reinforcement, audio recording and production, digital recording, troubleshooting/maintenance, and music business.
CRAS structured programs and highly qualified teaching staff provide a professional and supportive atmosphere, which is complemented by its 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 more than 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’ course offerings and subject matter have always centered around the skills and knowledge necessary for students’ success in the audio recording industries.
The 11-month program is designed to allow every student access to learn and train in all of the Conservatory’s studios which are comprised with state-of-the-art audio recording and mixing gear, the same equipment used in today’s finest studios and remote broadcast facilities, including Pro Tools 12, API Legacy consoles, SSL AWS consoles, Studer Vista consoles, and much more. All students must complete a 280-hour industry internship to graduate from the Master Recording Program II that may ultimately lead to industry employment.
For more information on the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences, please visit www.cras.edu, contact Kirt Hamm, administrator, at 1-800-562-6383, or email to info@cras.edu.About The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences
Based in the heart of The Valley of the Sun with two campuses in Gilbert and Tempe, Ariz., The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS) is one of the country’s premier institutions for audio education. The Conservatory has developed a unique and highly effective way to help the future audio professional launch their careers in the recording industry and other related professional audio categories.
