MONUMENTAL
CAREERS START
HERE.
If you’re looking to learn music production in San Diego, Studio West and The Recording Arts Center (TRAC) offer hands-on training designed to help you develop real-world audio skills in a professional studio environment. Whether you’re just getting started or aiming for a career in audio engineering, our programs combine technical instruction, creative exploration, and practical experience to prepare you for today’s music and media industries.
Hands-On Music Production Training in San Diego
At Studio West, learning happens inside an active, world-class recording studio – not a classroom simulation. Students gain direct experience with industry-standard equipment, professional workflows, and modern production tools. This immersive approach allows you to build confidence quickly while understanding how music production actually works in real studios.
Audio Engineering Fundamentals: Build a Strong Foundation
The Audio Engineering Fundamentals course is an ideal entry point for beginners, musicians, and creatives who want to understand how professional audio is recorded, mixed, and produced. This evening program covers core concepts such as signal flow, microphones, digital audio workstations, basic mixing techniques, and studio etiquette. With guided hands-on sessions, students develop a solid technical foundation while working directly in Studio West’s renowned facilities.
Professional Diploma in Recording Arts
For those seeking a deeper, career-focused education, the Diploma in Recording Arts program at TRAC provides comprehensive training across all areas of audio production. This full-time program covers recording, mixing, mastering, post-production, live sound, and music business fundamentals. Students work extensively with industry-standard software like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live, while building portfolios that reflect professional-level skills.
Train in a World-Class Recording Studio
Studio West has been a cornerstone of the San Diego music scene since 1971. Students train in the same studios used by professional artists and engineers, gaining experience that translates directly to real-world opportunities. Small class sizes and experienced instructors ensure personalized guidance and mentorship throughout your education.
GI Bill Approved Music Production Education
Studio West and TRAC proudly support veterans. The Diploma in Recording Arts program is approved for VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, helping eligible students pursue music production training while making use of earned benefits.
Why Study Music Production at Studio West in San Diego
With decades of industry experience, hands-on studio access, and programs designed for both beginners and aspiring professionals, Studio West offers a practical path to learning music production in San Diego. Whether you’re exploring a creative passion or building a long-term career in audio, our programs are designed to meet you where you are – and help you move forward with confidence.
We live the “professional” in Professional Audio every day. Our love for the process runs deep.
FEELING LIKE YOU BELONG HERE? LET’S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER.
[We’re really, really proud]
OUR GRADS ARE FINDING SUCCESS EVERYWHERE.
TRAC Diploma graduates enter the world of Professional Audio with the confidence and skills that can only come from an industry-focused hands-on education. Our Alumni have found success across the instrustry, and whether they’re running live sound in major venues or on tour, engineering in some of the best studios in the world, establishing themselves as independent producers, or working on the next big blockbuster film, we couldn’t be prouder of our grads!
Jacob Powell
SIR STUDIOS, NEW YORK
“I didn’t know anything about audio other than the fact that I wanted to do it as a profession. Even though I learned years worth of knowledge and experience at TRAC, I believe the biggest thing I gained from the program was my network. I got the job at SIR Studios NYC literally because a former classmate vouched for me. I even got recording gigs in Brooklyn with an Australian rapper and a Nepali producer as a result of a recommendation made from a former classmate in California. I also recorded an entire album with an artist I worked with as a student who happened to also live in NYC. I cannot say enough to stress the benefits of my time at TRAC. It has been a life changing and career advancing opportunity that I encourage anyone looking to go into this field to pursue.”
After graduating from The Recording Arts Center in May of 2016, Jacob interned at Studio West and at the La Jolla Music Society Summer Fest before landing a job as an audio engineer at SIR Studios in New York City.
Sam McCormick
PLAYSTATION STUDIOS, SONY
“A lot of what we learned at TRAC is stuff that I do every day. I’m editing audio using techniques we learned, and the way we learned to do VO and Post sessions is exactly how we do it here. The classes in Studio A were probably the most profound experience I had in the program. The foundation in analog signal flow that we learned is essential to understanding the business. You can walk into any studio and that stuff is transferable.”
Sam graduated from The Recording Arts Center in January 2016, and interned first with Studio West, then with Hans Zimmer Studios, where he was quickly hired to assist with music for numerous television pilots. Currently Sam is working as an engineer and audio editor for Sony’s Playstation Studios.
Jordan Cantor
EASTWEST STUDIOS, LA
“It was always a dream of mine to work (at EastWest Studios.)You can feel the history here, it’s in the walls. A ton of what I learned at TRAC is stuff that I do every day now. Whether it’s setting up to track drums, knowing my way around Pro Tools, or knowing all of the mics and outboard gear. There’s a certain handfull of stuff that’s in every studio, and when I get an email from an engineer with their room setup, I’m able to know exactly what everything is and exactly how to set it up.”
Jordan graduated from the Diploma Program in 2021, and was immediately brought on as a runner at Larrabee Studios in LA, working under famed mixing engineer Manny Marroquin. She soon moved on to EastWest Studios where she currently works as Assistant Engineer for some of the world’s best engineers and producers.
Steven Groot
TURNING POINT, SD
In October of 2016, Steven graduated from TRAC. A few days later he saw a posting for a Sound Mixer and Editor job at Turning Point, a non-profit Christian organization in Lakeside. The job required 5 years of experience. Without this experience, Steven applied anyway. After a lengthy interview process that required four meetings, he was the top candidate and was offered the full time position of Sound Mixer/Editor. Steven works collaboratively with members of the television, radio, and digital media teams to provide audio mixes.
