About CRAS

CRAS IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THEY NEED TO SUCCEED IN THE AUDIO INDUSTRY

With over 30 years of experience in audio education, CRAS (Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences) has a proven track record of producing top-tier audio professionals. Our program is designed to provide hands-on training with the latest gear and software used by industry professionals, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for careers in audio engineering, music production, live sound, and more.

CRAS IS A PREMIER AUDIO ENGINEERING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION SCHOOL

Whether you’re already into music and recording or looking to start from scratch, in only a year, CRAS provides the education and industry connections needed to succeed and be in demand.

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A Message From our Administrator

A Message From our Administrator

Welcome to CRAS, the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences! My name is Kirt Hamm, and I have served as CRAS’ Administrator for over 30 years. I am honored to have the opportunity to introduce you to our institution, the many benefits that await you as a student, and the path that will lead YOU to your goals.

CRAS has a rich history of providing students a thorough understanding of the Recording Arts and the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of roles, by way of our purpose-built facilities, professional Audio Engineer Instructors, and our extensive network of partnerships in the Audio Industry. Whether you choose to pursue a career in Music Production, Film & TV Sound, Live Sound, Broadcast Audio, or Video Game Sound, becoming a CRAS Graduate will leave you well-equipped, in demand, and capable of thriving in the Music and Entertainment Industries in less than a year. As a CRAS Graduate, only opportunity lies ahead of YOU!

CRAS is much more than just an educational institution. CRAS is a community of enthusiastic, like-minded and devoted individuals who not only share a passion for Music and Audio Production, but share a passion for doing all we can to take our students, and Graduates, far beyond their original goals. Our faculty and staff are Industry experts who bring real-world experience to the classroom, helping you develop the skills and insights you need to excel in the audio industry. 

At CRAS, we believe in supporting you in your journey towards becoming a successful Audio Professional. For over 3 decades, CRAS has created a path towards success in Professional Audio for students and Graduates JUST LIKE YOU, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Thank you for considering CRAS, and I hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to our community.

Kirt Hamm, CRAS Administrator

The History of CRAS

The History of CRAS

First established in New York City, in 1980 a 24-track recording studio called “Songshop” offered adult training classes to novices as well as record label personnel. These classes proved to be very popular, and the increasing demand for training and hands-on experience necessitated expansion of the program to include internships with commercial studios and recording artists.

In 1987 the entire enterprise moved to Phoenix, AZ and the name was changed to “The Academy of Recording Sciences.” As the reputation of the institution gained prominence in the music recording industry, the name was again changed in 1988 to the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences, as this more appropriately reflected the nature of the institution – “to conserve, enhance, improve and promote the artistic and technical skills of audio recording by preparing students to enter the business as qualified audio recording engineers.”

CRAS’s structured programs and highly qualified teaching staff provide a professional and supportive atmosphere, which is complemented by our small class sizes allowing for individual instruction and assistance for students in engineering audio recordings. CRAS has been providing quality vocational training in audio recording for three decades. The curriculum and equipment are constantly being updated to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the music and sound recording industries. CRAS’s course offerings and subject matter have always centered around the skills and knowledge necessary for students’ success in the music industry.

Like Coke for Coca-Cola and Chevy for Chevrolet, The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences has always been called CRAS in “shorthand” by students, faculty, staff and alumni. And, like Coke and Chevy… CRAS has “stuck.” Be CRAS!

CRAS (Conservatory of Recording Art & Sciences) is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, 1740 W. Adams, Ste. 3008, Phoenix, Arizona 85007, (602) 542-5709. 

CRAS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges/ACCSC is recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions it accredits. 

Our Mission

Our Mission

The mission of CRAS is to prepare students for entry-level positions as audio engineers in the audio production industry. Through extensive hands-on training with industry standard equipment, a 1:1 student/computer ratio, and practice with current production techniques, students gain expertise in music recording, concert sound, video game, live broadcast, and audio for film and television, to move forward with their career goals. The fact that every student has a “Laptop Recording Package” (included with the cost of education) allows the curriculum to always be up to date and standardized, giving everyone at CRAS the best possible learning environment.

CRAS was founded on the philosophy that the unique nature of the recording industry requires a combination of technical skill, knowledge, and creativity. Teaching methods emphasize this through hands-on experiences with modern equipment. CRAS provides training, disseminates information, encourages positive work attitudes, and emphasizes career education enabling dedicated students to achieve success.

Our Faculty

This accomplished group of industry professionals has an impressive track record, having produced and engineered a diverse range of work including platinum, gold, and Grammy award-winning albums, as well as soundtracks for movies and TV, video game soundscapes, and corporate audio environments across a wide variety of genres.

Administration

Administration

Kirt R. Hamm
Administrator

Robert Brock
Campus Director
Director of Education

JR Hamm
Director of Admissions

Becky Fimbres
Director of Compliance/Registrar/ADA Liaison

Jason Pohlman
Director of Student Financial Services

Conor Lynch
Director of Student Services

Jason Losett
Director of Information Technology

Blake Weeks
Project Staff Manager

John Ellis
Technician

Jeff Harris
Technician

Haley Kennedy
Receptionist – Gilbert

Kim Johnson
Receptionist – Tempe

Admissions

Admissions

JR Hamm
Director of Admissions

Danielle Vaughn
Admissions Representative – High School

Fernando Felix
Admissions Representative – High School

Debra Armstrong
Admissions Representative

Rena Baker
Admissions Representative

Jen Court
Admissions Representative

Kaleigh Marks
Admissions Representative

Kristi Zimmerman
Admissions Representative

Kendall Straley
Admissions Representative

Cantina Hall
Admissions Representative

Raquel Garrison
Student Planning Coordinator

Advisory Board

Advisory Board

Candace Stewart
Eastwest Studios – Chairman, Studio Manager

Paula Salvatore
Capitol Studios – Vice President

Sylvia Massy
Studio Divine – Owner

Student Financial Services

Student Financial Services

Jason Pohlman
Director of Student Financial Services and Compliance and Title IX Officer

Crystina Duncan
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

Meliza Jackson
Student Financial Services Representative

Teri Penman
Student Financial Services Representative
VA Liaison

Educational Services

Educational Services

Robert Brock
Campus Director
Director of Education

Abbey Boyer
Student Academic Coordinator
ADA Student Coordinator
Covid Liaison

Fran Magurany
Student Academic Coordinator

Brandon Valfre
Student Academic Coordinator

IT Department

IT Department

Jason Losett
Director of Information Technology

Student Services

Student Services

Conor Lynch
Director of Student Services
Intern Coordinator

Eric Fleming
Intern Coordinator

Rachel Peller
Intern Coordinator

Rachel Ludeman
Employment Coordinator

Faculty

Faculty

Adam Rogers
Music Production, ProTools

Alan Leggett
Music Production Instructor

Bill Gibson
Live Sound Instructor
Music Production Instructor

Brandon Valfre
Music Production Instructor
Core Technologies Instructor

Brian Stubblefield
Live Sound Instructor

Cade Crandell
Music Production Instructor

Carlos Colon
Music Production Instructor
Multimedia Technologies Instructor
Pro Tools Instructor

Clifton Graham
Music Production Instructor
Multimedia Technologies Instructor

Cory Patterson
Multimedia Technologies Instructor

Dave Kalberg
Music Production Instructor
Multimedia Technologies Instructor

David Labounty
Music Production Instructor

Gerald Schoenherr
Music Production Instructor
Core Technologies Instructor

Glen O’Hara
Audio Business Instructor
Core Technologies Instructor

Hannah Cirrando
Live Sound
Music Production

James Bender
Live Sound Instructor
Music Production Instructor
Core Technologies Instructor

Jason Weiner
Music Production Instructor

Jeff Harris
Core Technologies Instructor

John Ellis
Music Production Instructor

John Larosa
Music Production Instructor

Kevin Weichel
Teaching Assistant

Mark Brisbane
Music Production Instructor
Pro Tools Instructor
Core Technologies Instructor

Nancy Scharlau-Murman
Music Production Instructor

Paul Richards
Music Production Instructor

Richard Stockton
Live Sound Instructor
Multimedia Technologies Instructor

Rick Allen
Music Production Instructor

Ryan Baker
Live Sound Instructor
Music Production Instructor

Ryan Diemer
Live Sound and
Multimedia Technologies Instructor

Scott Murray
Core Technologies Instructor
Music Production Instructor

Stephen Nebgen
Audio Business Instructor

Tony Nunes
Music Production Instructor
Manufacturer Liaison

Manufacturer partners

Manufacturers have recognized the significance of establishing a relationship with emerging audio professionals, and a considerable number have formed partnerships with CRAS.

Get your hands on professional gear and software

CRAS is equipped with some of the most advanced gear and equipment in the audio recording and engineering industry.

CRAS (Conservatory of Recording Art & Sciences) is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, 1740 W. Adams, Ste. 3008, Phoenix, Arizona 85007, (602) 542-5709.

CRAS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges/ACCSC is recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions it accredits.

CRAS and its staff are members of AES (Audio Engineering Society), ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), AASFAA (Arizona Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.), NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), APSA (AZ Private School Association), National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. CRAS is approved for training by the Department of Education, AZ Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Workforce Development, AZ Rehabilitation Association, and AZ State approving Agency for Veteran’s training. 

If you have any questions regarding our school or the career opportunities that are available to CRAS graduates. Please call us at 800-562-6383. We look forward to speaking with you.