May 18, 2026

Introduction to Audio Engineering, (Small Class, 55 Hours)

All of our audio engineering programs have similar course descriptions, though differ in their relative degrees and intensity of theory and application.

Course description:

This 55 hour option is our entry level program where the students work in small groups with the instructor and focus on various areas of audio engineering.  Program enrollment includes Avid Pro Tools software and an Avid recording system interface, the 7th edition David Miles Huber “Recording Studio Handbook” and a “Pro Tools Official Courseware Manual”.

Program time allotment:

– (45) hours of intensive “one on one” instruction with the engineer/instructor in both Cue’s control rooms and studios.  Included in this time is the recording and mixing of a “real recording artist”.

– (5) hours of Learning Lab time where the student practices and hones his or her new audio engineering skills.  Assignments are given along with general experimentation of various audio processing, recording and mixing software.

– (5) hours of unassisted “mixdown” time in Studio “A”, “B” or The Red Room where the student commands the helm of the “driver’s seat”.  Building confidence and fluency with their knowledge of engineering in the control room is achieved most effectively through repetitive implementation of their new skills.

Topics typically covered include:

  • Studio setup application and theory
  • Microphone selection and placement
  • Audio signal processors :  Mic preamps, equalizers, compressors, limiters, and multi-effects generators – with an emphasis on both analog rack mount units and software “plug-ins”
  • Analog and digital recording systems
  • Recording, editing and mixing
  • Analog and digital mixing consoles
  • Studio monitors and the critical listening environment
  • Acoustics and waveforms
  • Studio psychology and managing client expectations

Additionally we facilitate discussions pertaining to industry related “job and career” requirements, peripheral knowledge and skills that accentuate the applicants credentials, and a mock-up job interview with the school’s director or course administrator.

Upon successful completion of the 55 hour program, Cue Studios’ Center for Audio Engineering awards a “Certificate of Completion” to the graduated student.

After the course, the student is encouraged to schedule an internship at Cue where he or she will observe and render tasks, while gaining first hand knowledge of the inner workings of a successful recording studio business.

Schedule a free interview

If you’re serious about your audio education, call our course adminstrator at 703 532 9033 to schedule a meeting with an instructor.  You’ll meet in the studio/classroom and observe first-hand the environment and equipment used in your program.

If you would like to enroll in this program, click here for our online shopping cart.

“One on One” 10 Hour Audio-Primer Course:

Course description:

This course provides a seldom found opportunity to sit side by side with an accomplished recording engineer in a multi-platinum awarded recording facility.  This “audio-primer” is custom tailored to meet the needs of your personal audio pursuits and desired education.  The course will encompass the use of audio equipment and software, proper recording techniques and “tricks”, as well as industry employment requirements.  This valuable knowledge is gained thorough the use and explanation of our world class studio equipment and a question / answer process with an acclaimed recording engineer / instructor.

Whether you’re interested in learning your way around Pro Tools, how to pitch correct voices with specialized “plug-ins”, or just how to properly record drums and guitars, it’s our desire to provide the perfect learning environment to assist in meeting your needs.

Schedule a free interview

If you’re serious about your audio education, call our course administrator at 703 532 9033 to schedule a meeting with an instructor.  You’ll meet in the studio/classroom and observe first-hand the environment and equipment used in your program.

Fee:   $950

If you would like to enroll in this course, click here for our online shopping cart.  Next, proceed to contact our course administrator at 703 532 9033 to arrange your private class.

* This is a non-certificate awarding course.  For “Certificates of Successful Completion”, please consider our longer programs by clicking here.

Proper Microphone Placement

Studio Session Setups

Digital Workstation Fundamentals

Hearing Mic Placement Changes

Learning How to Use “Outboard Gear”

Refining Microphone Placements

One of the Center’s (6) Audio Studios

Mixing and Solo Instrument Tracking