THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY - PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF AUDIO
Learn Studio & Live Sound Engineering
There is a need for a new model in audio education which gives students access to true working professionals and hands-on experience using a world-class collection of gear in facilities designed for one purpose: making excellent music! The Blackbird Academy addresses these needs by providing a mentor-based program where students are taught by a unique cast of professional instructors and award-win
06/02/2026
Learn studio engineering hands-on in the same rooms and on the same gear behind countless records. From live tracking and overdubs to mixing sessions and real-world studio workflow, The Blackbird Academy is built to immerse you in the process from day one.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Comment below and we’ll send you everything you need to know to start your journey as a studio engineer.
Time is running out! Applications for our July classes close by tomorrow, June 1st.
From Blackbird Academy student to assistant engineer at Addiction Sound Studios, JD Halstead shares what made the experience different:
“You’re in the rooms with real music being made, learning hands-on from engineers doing it the right way. It gives you a real jumpstart stepping into this career.”
Ready to take the next step toward a career in audio?
Comment below if you want to learn more about joining The Blackbird Academy.
05/27/2026
A glimpse at the gear Blackbird Academy students train on at Studio I, where every patch and piece is part of the learning process on the same level as real-world sessions. When Studio A is booked, Studio I is included as a dedicated edit space, proof that at Blackbird, the line between learning and working gear stays intentionally blurred.
From the earliest days of cylinder recording to today’s modern consoles, The Blackbird Academy’s Studio Program gives students hands-on access to the full evolution of studio engineering.
Applications for the July classes close June 1st. Comment below, and we’ll send you everything you need to know about joining.
Come with Multi GRAMMY-winning engineer and Live program Instructor Ernie Gonzales as he takes the Live classes from The Blackbird Academy behind the curtains of the Grand Ole Opry, the stage every country artist dreams of standing on.
Today, they’re learning the systems that support the show. Tomorrow, they may be supporting the artists who step into that circle.
Comment below to learn more about The Blackbird Academy. Time is running out to enroll in the July class.
⏰ Time is running out! ⏰
Applications for the July classes close June 1st. Comment below and we’ll send you everything you need to know about joining The Blackbird Academy.
Your path into professional audio starts with hands-on experience in real recording studios, alongside engineers and mentors actively working in the industry.
Are you ready to start your career in audio? Time is running out! Enrollment for the July class closes June 1st. Reserve your spot now!
Blackbird Academy alumni David Shivers, now an engineer at Addiction Sound Studios, talks about the opportunity that helped launch his career in Nashville.
“The six-month program at The Blackbird Academy was one of the best opportunities put in front of me when I got to Nashville. If you’re considering it, do it.”
Reserve your spot now and take the next step toward your career in audio engineering.
Comment below if you want to learn more about joining The Blackbird Academy.
At The Blackbird Academy, our students don’t just learn audio engineering, they get hands-on with the same analog gear and studio workflows that built legendary records. From learning how to properly cut tape to working inside real-world recording sessions, every experience is designed to prepare the next generation of engineers for the demands of the industry.
That immersive, studio-first approach is one of the many reasons our Studio Engineering Program helps students build real-world skills and industry confidence in just 6 months.
Ready to start your audio journey? Comment below to learn more. 🎛️🔥
Work alongside the people behind some of the most iconic records and film soundtracks in modern music. At Blackbird Academy, our Studio Engineering Program is built for aspiring engineers, producers, and mixers ready to turn passion into a real career.
Learn hands-on inside world-class studios, train on legendary analog gear, and develop the technical and creative skills used on major-label sessions every day. This is immersive, real-world audio education designed to prepare you for the industry.
Your career in audio starts here.
Comment below and we’ll send you details.
05/08/2026
Do you dream of working in the audio industry and recording studios?
At The Blackbird Academy, students get hands-on experience every day with legendary vintage gear, real studio workflows, and mentorship from some of the best engineers in the business. Learn how to engineer like it’s 1970 or 2026.
If you’re ready to turn your passion into a career, comment below and start your journey with Blackbird Academy.
Delivering a New Model in Audio Education – The Blackbird Academy provides students access to true-working professionals and hands-on experience using a world-class collection of gear – all in facilities designed for one purpose: making excellent music.
The Blackbird Academy learning environment is like no other institution's. Our students spend 100% of their time working in actual recording studios and live sound facilities, learning from top industry professionals, and using the same gear Blackbird’s professional clients use.
Our Beginning
The Blackbird Academy was started by recording and live sound engineer John McBride and his wife, country artist Martina McBride. They created Blackbird Studio in 2002, which has grown to be a top production stop for recording artists like Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Kid Rock, Tim McGraw and many more.
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |