Q: How long has MOSMA been teaching Audio Production?
A: Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts has been educating students in audio production for over sixteen years.
Q: Is it difficult to be accepted? What type of experience do I need?
A: Music and/or recording experience is strongly recommended. An individual’s understanding of the recording process assures us that they have made an informed choice and are committed to entering a career in this industry.
Q: Does the Audio in Media programme qualify for student funding?
A: Yes. MOSMA is a Registered Private Vocational Institution under The Private Vocational Institutions Act. It is also designated by Manitoba Student Aid which means students may be eligible for funding via Canada Student Loans in any province or territory and or Financial Institutions (RESPs, Student Bank Loans, Employment Insurance, First Nations Bands, etc.).
Q: Is the tuition amount higher for international students?
A: No. MOSMA is a registered private vocational institution under The Private Vocational Institutions Act and is not government subsidized. Therefore tuition is equal for all attending students.
Q: What will I receive at the end of the programme?
A: A diploma is issued to students who achieve a seventy percent or higher upon completion of the programme. Students will also develop a personal portfolio exhibiting various projects they have completed throughout the programme.
Q: What type of employment am I qualified for upon graduation?
A: Graduates are qualified to enter any position within the Audio Production Industry; this includes areas in Live Sound Reinforcement, Studio Recording, Sound Design (Television, Film, Theatre, and Gaming), Technical Radio Broadcasting etc. Individuals also have the option to freelance within any of these categories.
Q: What is the class size?
A: Our class size is limited to a maximum of fifteen students per intake. At the start of the programme, students are divided into three lab groups of five and then into smaller groups for their final practicum.
Q: What is a typical day for students?
A: Class starts at 9:30am and students are expected to arrive early and prepared and be in the classroom by this time. Theory is typically presented in the first half to full morning and transitioning into practical hands-on exercises for the remaining of the day. Lunch break is from noon to 1:00 o’clock. Instructional day ends at 3:00pm followed by scheduled Lab Times until 5:00pm.
Q: What are Lab Times?
A: This is self-directed studio time where students schedule themselves for a minimum of 6 hours per week. This extra time allows students to initiate their own projects within each studio where they can review material covered during class, finish assigned projects, or experiment with their own interests. Our instructors are always available to students should they require assistance.
Q: How much study time outside of class is expected?
A: Students are expected to dedicate two hours of study time per day. This includes assigned reading from the Audio in Media textbook, reviewing class notes and practical activities such as technical ear training.
Q: How are students graded?
A: Evaluations are done through written tests, practical tests and final practicum. Students must achieve seventy percent or higher to successfully complete the programme.
Q: What are some examples of projects conducted in the programme?
A: Projects include multi-track recording sessions with various local recording artists, radio ad production, and sound design for visual media. Students will conduct both preparatory projects guided by instructor leading into final practicum where students are expected to be self-managed.
Q: Are projects graded as a group or individually?
A: Although we divide students into groups for various projects, and into smaller groups for their final practicum; students are marked for their individual performance and contribution to each project.
Q: What type of software is used in the programme?
A: To reflect industry standards; we have chosen to utilize Avid’s ‘Pro Tools platform as our digital audio workstation, Propellarhead’s ‘Reason’ for electronic music composition, and Bias ‘Peak Pro’ for CD pre-mastering. Students also have access to Apple's Logic Pro and Garage Band.
Q: Will I need a laptop and/or any software while in school?
A: We do not require students to have a laptop or any of the programs we utilize, as all projects are assigned and conducted within our facility; although students have found it helpful to have this software at home for additional practice.
Q: Is Mastering covered in the curriculum?
A: The Audio in Media programme is mainly focused on multi-track recording, capturing sound and the mixing process; although after the final practicum, students will begin developing their portfolios at which point they will be introduced to the principals of mastering including a guest lecture by Mastering Engineer Allen Hunnie.
Q: Is there job placement for students after graduation?
A: Not at this time; although MOSMA has been involved in the industry for many years and has an extensive network that allows us to refer students/graduates for various volunteer and employment opportunities.
