Institute of Audio Research

Institute of Audio Research logo.

The Institute of Audio Research, also known as IAR, is located in New York City. Students of IAR are offered a wide variety of academic programs in the field of music production and audio engineering. Students can choose from courses in audio electronics, digital music production, mixing music, and audio processing and storage, among others.^[1]

History

The Institute of Audio Research was founded in 1969. IAR started as a seminar program for working engineers. By the early 1970s, there was an enormous demand for training from people with no prior background or experience who wanted to find a way into the music recording industry. In response, IAR developed a comprehensive program that allowed the novice, in only about a year, to become qualified for work in a professional recording facility.^[2]

Program

IAR’s Audio Recording and Production Program (ARP) is a 900-hour program that exposes the student to every facet of modern recording technology.^[3] IAR provides students with training in audio engineering and production. The ARP reflects those areas of knowledge and hands-on skills that are in demand by today's audio and recording businesses. Students learn about technologies, equipment and fundamental concepts laying the foundation upon which to build a career.^[2] Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a Diploma in Audio Recording and Production. The Audio Recording & Production curriculum, developed and revised with input from IAR’s Program Advisory Committee and from ongoing participation in organizations such as AES, NARAS and SPARS, is designed so that it can be completed by the full-time student in nine months and by the part-time student in one year. IAR operates on a rolling admissions basis, with new classes beginning throughout the year. The curriculum’s components include courses in audio electronics, signal processing, digital audio, music mixing, MIDI, audio post-production and music business.

Facility

The audio school's facilities include a recording studio complex with a 96-input automated digital console, Yamaha grand piano, Hammond C3 organ with Leslie speakers, amps and a full drum set, lab rooms for hands-on signal processing operations, computer applications in audio, post-production suites, and classrooms for lectures and demonstrations.^[2] IAR’s facility offers a full range of professional audio equipment, including analog and digital consoles and recorders, vintage and DSP signal processors, digital audio workstations using industry-standard software for MIDI sequencing and digital audio production, digital multitrack automated mixers, and an extensive collection of vintage and current microphones. The all-digital studio features dual Sony DMX-R100 consoles. Currently, IAR’s computer networks feature G3 and G4 Macs, using Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Reason virtual synthesizer software and more. Multiple digital multitrack workstations afford the optimum in hands-on opportunities for students.

Faculty

IAR’s faculty is drawn from the extensive recording talent available in the New York City area. Collectively, they have garnered Grammy, Emmy, Tony and Oscar nominations and awards, plus numerous Platinum records and Gold records.^[3] The audio engineering and music production curriculum is crafted by faculty members who are deeply involved in music and audio.^[4]

Notable alumni

• Jack Douglas - Producer
• Dann Araque - Lead Guitarist of Lisa Bodnar with Whistlegrass
• DJ Yonny - DJ, Producer and Remixer for New York City's radio station WNOW-FM^[5]
• Claudio Sanchez - Lead singer of Coheed and Cambria
• Sean Carolan - Sean Carolan Project
• Vicente Tiburcio - Lead Bassist of Gunston Drive

References

External links

• Official website

Coordinates: 40°43′59″N 73°59′38″W / 40.73310°N 73.99388°W / 40.73310; -73.99388