FAQs

• I want to be a producer. Will Future Rhythm teach me what I need?
• How long does it take to complete the different certification programs?
• Can I really learn everything in a condensed time period?
• How does Future Rhythm's curriculum and facility compare to other schools?
• What different certifications are available?
• How do I decide which class programs are for me?
• I usually can learn production applications on my own and/or I already use some of the different audio production applications and consider myself proficient in them. Why should I get training?
• What do the different certifications do for me?
• Do I have to take the exams?
• Will Future Rhythm teach me how to use analog recording equipment?
• Will I need to schedule lab time outside of class hours?
• Is additional lab time available to me if I'm interested?
• What kind of equipment should I have before enrolling in class?
• Where can I purchase production gear/applications for the lowest price?
• What careers do Future Rhythm's training prepare me for?
• Does Future Rhythm offer job placement?
• How can I pay for my training?
• Does Future Rhythm offer on-line training?
• What are Future Rhythm's free seminars about?

 

 

I want to be a producer. Will Future Rhythm teach me what I need?

Future Rhythm offers certificate programs in all necessary production skills and industry standard applications. To be successful as a producer in today's audio industry requires a combination of understanding concepts and practical applications of digital audio, music theory, sound engineering, composition, audio editing, and mixing and knowing industry standard applications such as Digidesign Pro Tools, Propellerhead Reason, and Logic Pro. Future Rhythm training will get you where you want to be and answers the common question of how do I make my work "sound good?”

How long does it take to complete the different certification programs?

If desired, classes can be completed in as short as 2 weeks to 2 months—depending on which program you choose. Classes are always happening and students can move from one class to the next at their own pace. Passing exams are required to obtain a certification in addition to attending class.

Can I really learn everything in a condensed time period?

The Future Rhythm training model is designed for the current or aspiring audio professional who wants to get in and out of training as quickly as possible so they can utilize the obtained production skills. Though classes are condensed, they run all day long, complete in 2 or 3 days, and are equivalent to many full semester classes at traditional schools. We also offer our students the ability to retake classes free of tuition charge for at least one year. You will not find an offer like this at any other Digidesign Pro School.

How does Future Rhythm's curriculum and facility compare to other schools?

Future Rhythm is an authorized vocational school in the state of California. As such, our curriculum and facility has met all of the standards required for training. Our curriculum differs from other production schools because it focuses on "need to know” material. We eliminate the boring filler and outdated material you find in other school's courses and focus on what you really need for success in audio production. We keep our class sizes small for an intimate and more personal training experience.

What different certifications are available?

Future Rhythm Production Certificates are available in the following 4 specialization fields:

• Future Rhythm Music Producer Professional
• Future Rhythm Audio Post Producer Professional for Video
• Future Rhythm Audio Producer Professional
• Future Rhythm Multi-Media Producer Professional

Within these 4 Future Rhythm Certificate Programs, there are a number of industry certifications available. Industry Certifications can be obtained within one of the Future Rhythm Certificate Programs or by itself. These are all the available industry certifications:

• Digidesign Pro Tools Music Production Operator
• Digidesign Pro Tools Post Production Operator
• Digidesign Pro Tools Music Production Expert
• Digidesign Pro Tools Post Production Expert
• Waves Certified Professional
• Apple Logic Pro Level 1 User
• Apple Final Cut Pro Level 1 User
• Apple Final Cut Pro Level 2 User

How do I decide which class programs are for me?

Let us help you decide. Fill out our survey, "not sure which program fits you best?”, and your answers will tell us which class program would be best for you.

I usually can learn production applications on my own and/or I already use some of the different audio production applications and consider myself proficient in them. Why should I get training?

Training will present you with many alternative workflows and help you accomplish things that either you didn't know, or that you never would have known was possible. Individuals often put value on the equipment and software they have but not on their own education for learning them. It is the skills you possess that will make you an asset in the audio production industry, not the gear. Training will ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment from the various equipment and production applications you may own.

What do the different certifications do for me?

In the competitive audio industry it is important to have a great resume. Obtaining the different Future Rhythm and industry certificates improves your resume and allows you to better market yourself to potential employers. By obtaining an industry certificate from companies such as Digidesign and Apple will list you on their Website as an industry professional.

Do I have to take the exams?

Taking the exams are optional and only are required if you want to achieve certification.

Will Future Rhythm teach me how to use analog recording equipment?

In our recording and engineering classes, students learn the core principles of sound in the analog world. As recorded sound starts off analog before it is converted in the digital domain, we feel that it is important for students to understand the basic core concepts. However, the truth of the matter is individuals will not likely have access to most expensive analog equipment in the real world. Therefore, focusing on million-dollar recording consoles and boutique gear is not our priority. The analog gear that is important for students to learn is either presented in our Basics of Recording and Engineering class, or can be duplicated on analog signal processors from techniques learned in class using digital signal processors.

Will I need to schedule lab time outside of class hours?

All lab assignments and projects are completed during class hours. We find that with many other schools you are left getting little to no hands-on time with equipment during class. This forces you to book lab time outside of class hours in order to complete assignments. We don't think you should have to wait until you are in class to learn that the school doesn't have enough equipment for you to get hands-on use during class hours. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your free time for something you can accomplish during class.

Is additional lab time available to me if I'm interested?

Yes, additional lab time is available to be scheduled by appointment during business hours.

What kind of equipment should I have before enrolling in class?

It is advised that you either own or have access to whichever applications you are learning in class. Imagine taking guitar lessons but not having access to a guitar to practice the things you learn. You would be at risk to forget what you learn at a much faster rate. If you don't own the applications you are receiving training in, you should strongly consider purchasing them as soon as you can.

Where can I purchase production gear/applications for the lowest price?

Future Rhythm is an authorized re-seller for most of the hardware and software that relate to training we offer. Many of these items will be available to students at special discount pricing that isn't available to the public. If we can't get the product you are seeking we can tell you the best place to get it. Students who apply for student loans often can get any gear/applications that relate to the training either as part of a "training kit” or as an additional expense included in their loan.

What careers do Future Rhythm's training prepare me for?

Students that have taken our classes or programs are better prepared for careers in a variety of fields. Examples include: Music/Audio Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Engineer, Mixer, Sound Editor, Sound Designer, Audio Post Production Engineer, Broadcast Engineer/Technician, Film/Video Editor, & Audio Equipment Technician.

Does Future Rhythm offer job placement?

Future Rhythm does not offer any job placement, however we do keep a Job Board posted to help! Also, students that become certified will get the advantage of being listed on industry websites as a certified professional. Access to logos for use on websites, business cards, and other marketing collateral are available with industry certifications.

How can I pay for my training?

There are many options for paying for training. The 3 most common are paying upfront, paying as you go, or a student loan. If you pay up front we give 10% off our advertised price. If you pay-as-you-go, 50% would be required up front, and then the remaining 50% of each class would be due on the first day of that class. For either of these methods we accept cash, check, and visa or MasterCard credit cards. Student loans are available through SLM Financial which can be applied for directly from our website, or through TFC Credit Corporation which can be applied for by contacting us. In addition to these 3 options, there are other payment routes that students have explored and been approved for. These consist of payment by the "Workforce Investment Act” for those collecting unemployment, insurance companies for those injured and eligible for workers comp, and various grants.

Does Future Rhythm offer on-line training?

All of our training is offered in person and not on-line. Although on-line training has become a popular method for obtaining information, when dealing with production training that revolves around artistic creativity there is no substitution to hands-on learning. Interacting in person with an industry professional is irreplaceable. There are multiple advantages to learning in a classroom. Getting access to hardware and software that you otherwise wouldn't is one reason. This exposure can be helpful for making decisions on your future purchases and is valuable if you aspire to do production work at different facilities. Also, being in a class with other students often builds relationships that can lead to various networking and project collaborations. We do have some free podcasts demonstrating some tips and tricks.

What are Future Rhythm's free seminars about?

Future Rhythm's free seminars are an opportunity for individuals to get a glimpse of some of the production techniques that are taught in our classes. We break down different production applications and describe how our different programs work. It is also a way for individuals to meet us and see our facility.