Southwestern College
Center for
Recording Arts
& Technology
Professional Audio Education in San Diego
Launch your career in audio engineering, music production, and sound design. Train on world-class equipment in studios designed for hands-on learning.
Why Southwestern Recording?
Our Recording Arts & Technology program combines technical excellence with creative expression, preparing you for a successful career in the audio industry.
Hands-On Learning
Work in professional recording studios from day one with industry-standard equipment and software.
Industry Connections
Network with working professionals and gain real-world experience through internships and collaborations.
Career Ready
Graduate with a portfolio of work and the skills employers demand in the audio industry.
Affordable Education
Community college tuition rates with financial aid available. Quality education without the debt.
Degrees & Certificates
- Commercial Music — Certificate
Program Duration
2 years (full-time)
Total Units
31-35 units
Format
In-person with hands-on studio time
Five Professional Studios
Train on industry-standard equipment across five studios, from our flagship SSL room to dedicated electronic music production suites.
Studio A — Control Room
Our flagship recording space features an SSL Duality SE console, Pro Tools HDX, and a full complement of outboard processing. Designed for professional tracking, mixing, and mastering.
Studio A — Tracking Room
A spacious live room with world-class acoustics, hardwood floors, and room for a full ensemble. Features a grand piano, isolation booths, and high ceilings for natural ambience.
Studio B
Intimate tracking and mixing environment perfect for smaller sessions, overdubs, and post-production work.
Studios C & D
Production suites equipped with professional DAWs and monitoring for music production, editing, and mixing coursework.
Studio E
Dedicated electronic music production and sound design lab with MIDI controllers, synthesizers, and surround monitoring.
A Legacy of Excellence
From a vision to train the next generation of audio professionals to a world-class facility serving the San Diego community.
The Beginning
In 2007, the Center for Recording Arts & Technology (CRAT) was inaugurated at Southwestern College under the vision and leadership of Jay Henry, a Grammy-nominated engineer and producer. The state invested $6.5 million to build a facility that would rival professional studios anywhere in the world. Jay passed away in 2020, but his legacy lives on through the program he built and the students it continues to inspire.
World-Class Facilities
The investment created five recording studios, production labs, and mastering suites equipped with the same gear used by top professionals. The facility was designed from the ground up for education, with acoustics by studio designers and equipment from SSL, Avid, and more.
Community Impact
Since opening, the program has trained hundreds of audio professionals who now work across the music, film, podcast, and live event industries. Located in Chula Vista, the program serves one of the most diverse communities in Southern California, making professional audio education accessible to all.
Courses & Curriculum
From music technology fundamentals to professional work experience, our curriculum covers all aspects of modern audio production.
Music Technology
RA&T 100 / MUS 100
Introduction to music technology, digital audio workstations, MIDI, and electronic music production fundamentals.
Electroacoustic Composition
RA&T 105 / MUS 155
Creative sound design and electronic composition using synthesis, sampling, and digital audio processing.
Music Business / Career Overview
RA&T 110 / MUS 150
Overview of the music industry including publishing, licensing, contracts, royalties, and career planning.
Recording Techniques
RA&T 120 / FTMA 111 / MUS 151
Microphone selection, placement, and tracking workflows. Learn to capture great sound at the source.
Audio Recording Technology I
RA&T 121
Advanced recording, mixing, and signal processing techniques in a professional studio environment.
Audio Recording Technology II
RA&T 122
Capstone studio course covering advanced mixing, mastering, and professional session management.
Recording Techniques for Mixed Media
RA&T 131 / FTMA 121
Sound design and recording for film, television, and multimedia. Dialog editing, Foley, and final mix.
Intro to Computer Programming — Audio Focus
RA&T 141
Programming fundamentals applied to audio applications, automation, and creative coding for sound.
Intro to Electronics — Audio Focus
RA&T 151
Electronics fundamentals for audio: circuits, signal flow, soldering, and equipment maintenance.
Live Sound
RA&T 171
Live sound reinforcement including system design, mixing, stage setup, and event production.
Professional Audio Work Experience
RA&T 290
Supervised work experience in a professional audio environment. Apply classroom skills in real-world settings.
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world industry knowledge to the classroom.
Nakul Tiruviluamala
Program Lead
Audio engineer, technologist, and educator leading the Recording Arts & Technology program at Southwestern College.
What Our Students Say
Hear from graduates who launched their careers through the Recording Arts & Technology program.
“Before Southwestern, I didn't even know what a DAW was. Two years later I was running sessions and mixing records. This program changed the trajectory of my life.”
Recent Graduate
Class of 2024
“The faculty treat you like a colleague, not just a student. I walked out with real credits, real skills, and a reel I'm proud of.”
Recent Graduate
Class of 2023
“I came in wanting to make beats. I left knowing how to record a full band, mix for film, and wire a live sound rig. The breadth of what you learn here is incredible.”
Recent Graduate
Class of 2023
“The work experience course put me in a real studio with real clients. That internship turned into my first paying gig before I even graduated.”
Recent Graduate
Class of 2024
Come Work With Us
We believe great music is made through collaboration. Our studios are open to the community — whether you're an independent artist, band, podcaster, or creative professional looking for a world-class space to bring your project to life.
Request a session in our studios and work alongside our students and faculty. It's a chance to access professional-grade facilities while supporting the next generation of audio engineers.
What to Expect
Professional Studio Access
Record in Studio A with SSL Duality SE console, Pro Tools HDX, and a world-class microphone collection.
Student & Faculty Support
Our students gain real-world experience by assisting sessions, and faculty provide guidance throughout.
Community Collaboration
We welcome musicians, vocalists, producers, and podcasters from across San Diego and beyond.
Flexible Scheduling
Fill out our booking form and we'll work with you to find the right time for your session.
Ready to Record Your Future?
Take the first step toward your career in audio. Apply to Southwestern College's Recording Arts & Technology program today, or reach out with any questions.
Southwestern College
900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Admissions Information
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester: Priority deadline in May
Spring Semester: Priority deadline in November
How to Enroll
- Complete the free Southwestern College application
- Attend orientation and complete assessment
- Meet with a counselor to plan your courses
- Register for classes — no prior experience required
Open enrollment — no high school diploma required. Southwestern College welcomes all students 18 and older.
Financial Aid
Community college tuition rates apply. Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are available. Many California residents qualify for free tuition through the California Promise program.
Questions? Email us at [email protected]