Audio engineering has always been the driving force of artistic and creative endeavors within the realm of sound.

Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios offers students the chance to sit behind the mixing board and become a crucial part of the recording process.

Although the décor is simple, the atmosphere at Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios speaks for itself. Dozens of cassettes and CDs line the walls of the entryway boasting an impressive collection of music that is impossible to ignore.

The building has several rooms that serve a multitude of purposes from music lessons to production.

Owner and blues enthusiast Reggie Langendoerfer offers students of all ages the opportunity to explore the world of audio engineering and gain hands-on experience through a nine-month training program inside the studio.

The course is designed to give students individual attention that they would not otherwise receive in a crowded school environment.

“It’s not like sitting in a big class where you can only do something for five minutes at a time,” said Langendoerfer.

Born in Munich, Germany, Langendoerfer began taking music lessons at a young age and studied classical guitar.

Langendoerfer’s love of the blues and ’50s rock ‘n’ roll led him to discover his interest in recording music, which is why he has chosen to dedicate many hours to assist students in the audio engineering program.

Students are able to gain knowledge in the field as they study the elements of recording by applying techniques and learning about equipment, such as mixing boards and a variety of software.

ProTools and ProLogic are the most popular programs available and are both ready to use in the studio.

Although most modern recording is based on computer technology, Langendoerfer also emphasizes the importance of understanding older techniques and formats such as analogue recording, which is also covered in the course.

Live events and studio recording projects are a fundamental part of the training.

Students are exposed to both settings in order to gain a better understanding of the differences between live and studio sound.

“The trainees who are interested in taking this course will also set up sound systems and learn how to mix in a live situation,” said Langedoerfer.

Trainees typically spend four to six hours per week in the studio and are provided with additional materials such as workbooks and multi-track files or CDs to practice at home.

“What is definitely helpful is if someone has a decent computer and is able to work at home with recording software, even if it’s a simple one,” said Langendoerfer.

The nine-month program gives students a total of 216 training hours at the cost of $6,800.

For those interested in audio engineering as a hobby, a shorter course is offered for $1,800.

This includes 50 hours of training, recording projects and three core workbooks that provide thorough instruction.

Upon completion of the course, many students have gone on to seek jobs as audio engineers, assistant engineers and some have plans to open their own studio.

“With the technology that’s available now, you can do unbelievable things even in a relatively small studio,” said Langendoerfer.

In addition to the audio recording program, Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios also offers CD duplication and entire album or music production.

“If you work in a recording studio you are not just hitting the record button … you have to really help organize the entire project,” said Langendoerfer.

Notable artists that have visited Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios in previous years include guitarist James Burton, who worked with Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other well-known acts.

“It was a very, very interesting experience,” said Langendoerfer, referring to the three recording projects Burton worked on at his studio.

Another well-known guest at the studio was bass player Jerry Scheff, a major influence on Langendoerfer, who also recorded with Elvis.

Many local artists such as Two Faded and jazz singer Kama Ruby have also chosen to record demos and full-length albums at the studio.

Information regarding the audio engineering course and other services offered Bakersfield Music & Recording Studios can be found at www.bakersfieldmusic.com.