The Blackbird Academy

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

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03/07/2025

🎉🎊Congratulations to our June 2025 Graduates!!🎓🙌

*Studio Engineering*
Jinny Anthony, Will Auringer, Richard Bassett, Jonathan Callanta, Evan Clay, Russ Cooper, Nicholas Cummings, Jackie Danza (Platinum Award Winner), Cade Gallagher, Darren Halik, Robert “Scott” Harris, DeNarius Martin, Jace Napoli, Kelli O’Berry, Hayden Radcliffe, Kayli Swanson, Jericco Vera, and Jackson Williams.

*Live Sound Engineering*
Samuel Crespo, Caleb Ellis, Reese Fleming, Walker Gaeta, Keagan Lawrence, Christian McCullough, Lola Newman, Max Shaffer, Devon Slack, and Myra Van Dasselaar (Platinum Award Winner).

02/07/2025

🎉Congratulations to our June Graduates!!🎓🙌

*Studio Engineering*
Jinny Anthony, Will Auringer, Richard Bassett, Jonathan Callanta, Evan Clay, Russ Cooper, Nicholas Cummings, Jackie Danza (Platinum Award Winner), Cade Gallagher, Darren Halik, Robert "Scott" Harris, DeNarius Martin, Jace Napoli, Kelli O'Berry, Hayden Radcliffe, Kayli Swanson, Jericco Vera, and Jackson Williams.

*Live Sound Engineering*
Samuel Crespo, Caleb Ellis, Reese Fleming, Walker Gaeta, Keagan Lawrence, Christian McCullough, Lola Newman, Max Shaffer, Devon Slack, and Myra Van Dasselaar (Platinum Award Winner).

14/06/2025

06/06/2025

🎤🎹🎸with artist Robert Ross and a whole lotta A-listers!! From day 1️⃣, you start learning hands-on. for the JULY 7th START DATE! Get info: http://bit.ly/BBAcontact

1. Miles McPherson (Drums/Percussion)
2. Eddy Dunlap (Steel) - Blackface Deluxe
3. Jacob Lowery (Bass - May 26)
4. Mark Hill (Bass - May 27)
5. Chris Condon (EGT)

05/06/2025

Preston Cooper is getting ready for CMA Fest at !
Want to rehearse at our Live Sound School? 🎤 Shoot an email to 💌 [email protected]

28/05/2025

🌟 A huge shoutout to Bryce Boynton for spending the day with us and giving a deep dive on Lawo’s mc²36! We learned so much! 👏🎚️
Our next start date is July 7! Get info 🤟 http://bit.ly/BBAcontact

03/05/2025

Happy ! We ♥ our digital consoles, but this week is all , baby. Because analog is the way to learn ! The senior class is working on large-format analog .

The next start date is July 7. Get info 👉 bit.ly/BBAcontact

31/01/2025

at the school! Our school is also a rehearsal venue, and the students get the gig!

📸

1️⃣Student Engineer Sam FOH, getting some levels.
2️⃣Student Engineer Sven mixing on the Allen & Heath dLive S5000.
3️⃣&4️⃣Student Engineers Myra and Devon setting up.
5️⃣ Student Engineer Christian in monitor world. That’s 👀
6️⃣ Stage left.
7️⃣ Kevin on keys.
8️⃣Nathan on drums (thanks, Nathan, for the last minute save) and Doug on EGT.
9️⃣ Student Engineer Myra FOH.
🔟 For Trip’s mom, because Trip loves his new hat.
🕚 view of the “live” room and your “best six months ever.”

14/12/2024

Our last-day tradition for the Studio Engineering class is a throwback to the beginning—we make a recording on a c. 1905 Edison Triumph Phonograph. Thanks to “Wax” Cylinder Audio Engineer Martin Fisher and the amazing for making magic. This phonograph was the “workhorse” of its day. It both records and plays back. 🎄🛷❤️ .

19/11/2024

The legendary George Massenburg talks EQ, atmos, and more with a class in Studio C! 🐐🎚️

Our Story

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.

When interviewing interns and employees for Blackbird Studio, John would ask various questions about production such as: “What is your favorite kick drum mic?” The answers revealed that many graduates of audio programs had little hands-on time in a recording studio. Another question whose answer shocked him was “How much did your education cost?” John quickly realized that not only did grads still have a lot to learn, but they were also saddled with debt. After talking about the ideas they had regarding audio education, John and Martina founded The Blackbird Academy. John hired Carma DiCianni, Mark Rubel and Kevin Becka, all longtime audio engineers, musicians and educators, and they went to work creating the program.

Our mission is to deliver excellence in audio education, in the least amount of time, and for the lowest investment possible.

Students graduate with a high degree of both practical and theoretical knowledge of the trade, giving them the best foundation to establish and build careers in the music industry. Realize your potential by taking part in The Blackbird Academy experience!

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Website

http://www.theblackbirdacademy.com/

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

The Blackbird Academy

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Contact the school

Website

Opening Hours