If any SAE students are looking for a band to record, we'd be keen
dave_gone_kiwi@hotmail.com

[ http://www.soundclick.com/heartofifths ]

S.A.E is better than MAINZ because you get free studio time. You also can go overseas and do a degree, which means, if you're planning on going overseas for your future, you're more likely to get a job with a S.A.E diploma because it is a world recognized institute. MAINZ is basically only N.Z related, costs more (because you have to buy a computer), and you don't get free studio time from what i've explored.
I recommened to anyone, if you're thinking about going into the Audio engineering area, go to SAE over MAINZ

and any SAE or MAINZ students reading this, I love you very much and if you ever need to record a band for an assignment, my band Just a Phase really need to record but we're flat broke. Cheers, Please check out our site as well

[ http://www.justaphase.phat.co.nz ]

ive nearly finished the SAE Studio Sound Certificate and have been accepted for the Diploma staring January. SAE is wicked, top quality stuff
anyone else here doin the course startin jan 2004?

I did the SAE course at SIT last year, but now Kevin (Harris, head tutor) has dropped SAE and gone with his own 3 year degree.

It comes down to this: a piece of paper isn't going to get you a job. The Studio market is already oversaturated with Engineers, so you survive by reputation. A qualification isn't worth the paper it's written on these days, you need to start out any way you can and build a reputation. Live is a good place to start, I would suggest working with as many bands as possible, and trying to hook up with those who are likely to go somewhere. You may get dragged along for the ride.

As far as SAE over MAINZ, I can't speak for MAINZ, but I've heard good things. I'll vouch for SIT in Invercargill, you're not likely to get too much work outside of the course freelancing, but if you're just starting out then you're not gonna get it regardless. The tutors down there are good, have the neccesary experience that qualifies them to teach the subject, and they're there to teach you, not show off. The one thing I'll stress is this: LEARN ALL YOU CAN. Take every second of Studio time you can get, offer to record every band in the region, take every piece of live work you can get. Be a complete information spunge. This industry goes on experience. If you had a band, who would you choose - the guy who's got an SAE Masters and no practical experience? Or the guy who learnt from the start on the job, has done numerous tours, has a solid reputation, and no qualification other than his name?

Don't be fooled into thinking a qualification will get you a job. I've gotten work in Sound companies and bands not because of my Diploma, but my experience. Sometimes even just having hands and legs gets you work. :)

[ http://sound.orcon.net.nz ]