Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

Are you passionate about sound and eager to turn that passion into a thriving career? The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS) offers an immersive, hands-on experience designed to transform aspiring audio enthusiasts into qualified audio recording engineers. Living by its motivating motto, "Cras people make it," CRAS is a private for-profit technical school dedicated to preparing you for the dynamic world of music production and live sound.

CRAS's rich history began in 1980 in New York as Songshop, a 24-track recording studio that quickly became a popular hub for adult training classes. Recognizing the growing demand for practical, industry-relevant education, the institution expanded. In 1987, it made a pivotal move to Tempe, Arizona, initially rebranding as The Academy of Recording Sciences, before solidifying its identity in 1988 as the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. This name change perfectly encapsulated its mission: to "conserve, enhance, improve and promote the artistic and technical skills of audio recording."

Academically, CRAS is distinguished by its intensive hands-on approach and commitment to real-world experience. Students benefit from comprehensive training that goes beyond theory, including crucial internships with commercial studios and recording artists. The 2000 opening of a satellite campus in Gilbert further enhanced this practical learning environment, providing an expansive live sound room where students can hone their skills on professional-grade equipment, mirroring industry standards.

The true measure of CRAS's success lies in its alumni. The school boasts an impressive track record of graduates making significant impacts across the recording industry. A testament to this is the remarkable achievement at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where 47 different CRAS alumni contributed to pieces nominated in 42 different categories. With a vibrant student body of 619, CRAS is not just an institution; it's a launching pad for your professional journey in audio.