A 'sound' education for show business

SAE (School of Audio Engineering) HAS made its Indian debut in Chennai.

SAE Technology College is among the first and largest audio and multimedia colleges in the world. For those looking at a career in entertainment technology related areas, this promises to be a one-stop shop. ``We do not believe in entrance tests and the like. We counsel students to find if they are suitable. Then we suggest a course based on their needs and aspirations,'' says Rathish Babu, CEO, Access Atlantech, who has been granted license to run the college here. Access Atlantech specialises in information technology and consulting services. ``Chennai is the headquarters for Indian and Sri Lanka. This is the first time that the operations of the SAE are being run by a third party,'' he adds.

Rathish says that the growing needs of Indian entertainment industry had him thinking some time back. The technology needs had to be met and it was no longer possible to get the specialised numbers required through the traditional ``hands-on'' methods. He looked around for a while till he came up with SAE. The firming up of the alliance took sometime, he adds. ``SAE has a presence in over 15 countries. Plans are on to open as many as 18 colleges here and in Sri Lanka,'' he says.

Right now, there are three batches at the Chennai college, one set which began in June, the next in August and the last in November. A diploma takes seven months to complete while a degree takes nearly twice that time, 13 months. ``We have an arrangement with the University of Middlesex. They provide the avenue for SAE to offer a full University education and degrees. What we may think of in the near future is a Government recognition for the courses,'' he says.

Besides, Walt Disney has entered into a cooperative relationship with SAE to train students in sound engineering. All students attending the SAE audio programmes may be eligible for a Walt Disney entertainment internship.

SAE courses include a sound certificate programme, audio engineering programme, recording arts degree programme, music business programme, multimedia designer programme and multimedia arts degree programme.

The teachers come from Singapore and Australia to the GN Chetty road-Chennai centre to teach. The courses are expensive, but cheap compared to taking them abroad, assures Rathish.

Some history now: SAE was established by producer/engineer Tom Misner, ``to commence work in a studio of any professional broadcast facility today, one must have a solid grounding in technology, consisting of both practical and theoretical knowledge...In addition to teaching audio and multimedia topics, it is part of the SAE concept to teach communication skills which are important'' to one's success.

By R. K. Radhakrishnan

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Kalki statue unveiled
Next     : Talk of the town