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Plan a VisitRequest a Tour BookIPR StoreIPR students ask a lot of questions. (That's a good thing.) If you have a question that isn't answered below, call IPR at 612-375-1900.
To make it easier for you to find the answers you're looking for, the questions are organized below based on the department that would handle them:
Media Arts Schools
Admissions
Job Placement
Education
Financial Aid
Background
Other / Lifestyle
Why should I choose IPR?
Choose IPR because its faculty, equipment, and placement services give you the best chance for success after graduation.
Our goal at IPR is to provide training for employment in almost anything related to the production and business of the media arts. We are unique in that we are one of the few "production schools" in America. We specialize in training for production, (not simply engineering) which consists of three major elements: the creative skills of a producer, the technical skills of an engineer, and the business skills of an entrepreneur. Our objective is to provide you with the experience and education necessary to have a long-term career in the industry.
What makes IPR different than other production and entertainment business schools?
There are many reasons why we feel IPR is a solid choice – better teachers, better facilities and equipment, more opportunity to learn the equipment hands-on and have your own studio time (and record your own music), smaller class sizes, a Career Opportunities Department, and much more. If you're considering another school, you owe it to yourself and your future to call us and learn more about IPR.
When comparing schools, research these three main components:
Teachers: IPR boasts over 50 different instructors, ten of whom are "high-profile" teachers (Grammy winners/nominees, Platinum/Gold record recipients, Clio and Cannes award recipient, Certified “Expert” level instructors and/or other nationally recognized/published experts in their field.) Between these ten instructors, they have over 200 Gold, Platinum and Grammy-award winning records to their credit. The faculty also includes ten "Digidesign Certified Instructors" who are specialists in Pro Tools, as well as many more instructors with a wide variety of expertise in the entertainment industry.
Technology and Accessibility: IPR has 9 recording studios and over 120 computer workstations that serve as classrooms and training areas. As an IPR student, you'll have the opportunity to work on the equipment from day one - both in and outside the classroom environment. IPR offers 24 hour a day, 7 day a week access because we understand that most people 'learn by doing.' You'll also have the chance to record your own music (unlike many other recording schools), and there are no additional hourly rates or rental fees.
Jobs: IPR's curriculum is designed to train you for paying jobs immediately out of school. Our Career Services Department contacts employers to find entry-level positions or internships in the industry and match them up with students. Though the type of job you get is based primarily on the work that you put in as a student, IPR's Career Services Department can help you get your foot in the door – something most schools do not assist with.
What are the basic Admissions requirements?
The five basic admissions requirements are a high school diploma (or GED), a passing score on a college entrance exam (qualifying score on the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer), completion of IPR’s "Dynamic Needs Assessment (DNA)" survey, and passing a personal interview.
What is the interview about?
Our Admissions team is dedicated to meeting with each student individually for this career planning session. The interview gives you the chance to hear about the school in detail, get your questions answered, see the studios and workstations where students learn and train, and see if IPR is the right choice for you. The interview gives us a chance to see if you're the right candidate for IPR as well.
Do I need an appointment to interview/tour?
Yes, and it's simple to do. All interviews are scheduled by appointment directly with your Admissions Representative. These career planning sessions last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, and we will spend as much time as you need to get all your questions answered. After all, it is your life and your career, and the interview is an opportunity to see if this is right for you.
What do you look for in the interview?
Because our goal at IPR is to provide the education and experience necessary for you to have a long term career in the industry, we're looking for people that are dedicated and passionate about the music and entertainment industries. We're looking for creative people that want to be "behind the scenes" and are ready to work hard to get the professional skills needed to be successful in the music and entertainment business.
Do I need to bring a parent along to my meeting with an Admissions Representative?
Most parents are involved in the decision-making process. If they will be involved with the financial side at all, we do require that you bring one or both of your parents. You may need them as a credit-worthy co-signer on a student loan. Plus, it is to your benefit to have your folks understand IPR's credentials and career prospects.
Is there a GPA requirement?
Not at this time. Of course, we encourage you to get the best grades possible while in high school. IPR is looking for students with the dedication and discipline to become good students at IPR as well as successful entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry. In addition, there are now merit scholarships available to students based on GPA and ACT or SAT score.
Do I need a demo to get accepted?
No, a demo of your work is not required at this time. Experience is certainly helpful but not necessary. Many of the skills you will need to be successful in the industry are taught here at IPR.
How do I get started toward enrollment?
If you're interested in moving forward, the first easy step is to mail in the enrollment application. The application doesn't commit you to coming, nor does it admit you to school, but it does save you a seat for when you would like to attend, and it also locks in your tuition rate as of your start date while you attend – regardless of tuition increases.
Is there an application fee?
There is a $50 registration fee to be submitted with your application. If you are mailing in your application, a check or money order is accepted.
What happens after you receive my application?
Once we get the application, we then provide you with our "Welcome Pack," which contains a Financial Aid application, High School transcript authorization form, college transcript authorization form, and an immunization form, which are for you to fill out and mail back as soon as possible. We would then proceed to do the personal interview when you can visit, meet with Financial Aid, and take the college entrance exam if necessary. If all goes well in the interview, and all your requirements are met, you may receive an acceptance letter within a few weeks.
Should I graduate high school first before I send my application?
Not necessarily. While a high school diploma or GED is required to start IPR, most prospective students submit an application long before they graduate high school. The college planning process can be long, so it may be worthwhile to apply and work toward acceptance while still in high school. The application also "saves your seat," avoiding any waiting lists for enrollment.
Is there a college entrance exam?
Yes - you may meet this requirement one of three ways: EITHER a minimum of 21 on the ACT, a 990 on the SAT (Composite Math & Reading), or an Accuplacer exam meeting IPR’s minimum requirements. The Accuplacer is designed by the College Board (makers of the SAT), and a sample questions can be found at http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/accuplacer-sample-questions-for-students.pdf. The Accuplacer takes about an hour to two hours, and is generally given here at IPR. We test in three main areas: reading comprehension (a minimum score of 35 is required for admission), sentence skills (minimum score of 54 for admission) and arithmetic (minimum score of 21 for admission). In many ways it is like the ACT test, where you read a paragraph about a subject, and answer multiple choice questions based on what you read. There may be study guide books available in book stores or libraries.
Do you have other locations?
No, IPR is not a "franchise" with multiple locations. At our downtown Minneapolis location, you'll get your education and training at our impressive facility of 9 recording studios, over 120 multimedia computer workstations and numerous other creative environments.
Why would I travel away from home to go to a school?
Those who are serious about becoming successful in this industry will do whatever it takes to get the proper professional training to position them for success. Much like the aspiring actor or actress would travel to Hollywood or New York City to maximize their opportunities; our students come to IPR from all over the country and around the world to learn from our esteemed instructors at our first-class facility.
Does IPR help students get jobs?
Absolutely! IPR's Career Services Department helps you find a job when you're near graduation. Our goal is to help you find a job, though internship opportunities are available if the student wishes to expand their industry experience. While not a 'guarantee' of finding you work, which is based on your performance at school, our Career Services Department is a tremendously valuable helping hand toward getting you on a career path.
What can I expect from the Career Opportunities Department at IPR?
Our Career Services Department will work with you one-on-one to help you find paid positions, internships, or freelance opportunities relative to your education and experience. We can also assist you with résumé writing, interviewing and follow-up procedures. The IPR Career Services Department offers assistance for years after you graduate.
What kind of jobs do you train for?
In the broad sense, our goal is to train for anything related to recording audio or involving the music and entertainment business. Our students have found opportunities in audio production (film, TV, videos, commercial advertising, music recording, etc.) and entertainment business (record labels, management, and promotions). There is a wide array of jobs in the industry, from entry-level internships to freelance opportunities to jobs that require extensive knowledge and experience. Producers and engineers are needed not just to make records, but also to work in TV, radio, film, theatre, advertising and more.
What is the length of the A.A.S. Degree?
Each Degree is two academic years (usually completed in eighteen to twenty-four months), though you are welcome to continue taking classes beyond the 98 required credits. Some students finish their program in slightly less time, but we prefer you take your time to get the experience you'll need to get hired.
How much homework or work outside of class will I have to do?
You should expect weekly homework and reading assignments. As a general rule, IPR suggests that you spend twice the amount of your scheduled class time reading, working on homework assignments and completing lab projects. Later quarters will require a greater amount of studio time for independent project requirements.
What is a typical class size?
Classes at IPR are taught in both lecture and lab/studio format. The majority of your classes will be in a recording studio in a "hands-on" environment, where we have a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1. This guarantees that you will get a hands-on education, as well as personal attention. Lecture classes can generally vary in size from 10 to 60 students. In IPR's computer labs, you will have a 15:1 student/teacher ratio, and you'll have your own workstation, which includes Pro Tools and other production, design and media oriented hardware and software, a Yamaha Motif Keyboard, and an Apple Macintosh Computer.
When are your classes?
For most students, IPR is a full-time day school. Classes are offered Monday through Friday, anywhere between 8AM and 8PM. Most students carry 15-16 credits per quarter, which is about 16-20 hours of class time per week, which works out to be 2 to 6 class hours per day. Of course that doesn't count homework time, or available computer lab or studio time when you can practice outside of class. IPR is on a quarter system, so every three months you will start a new set of classes. For select students, IPR also offers an evening track. Students with full-time work commitments (for example, working professionals who want to enhance their competitiveness in the industry) may opt to extend their coursework over a greater length of time, taking classes between 5PM and 10PM on weekdays, and occasional weekend classes.
How long are most classes?
Class times vary from 2 to 4 hours in duration. Most classes occur twice a week for a total of 3 to 6 hours, and many courses are taught in a lecture/lab format that follow a 2 hour lab and 2.5 hour lecture schedule.
Are there breaks between quarters?
Yes. Our quarters go ten weeks of class, then a one or two week break between quarters. Between Spring and Early Fall quarters, students enjoy a seven week summer break. While many students chose to stay close to campus and continue to use the facilities to practice their craft during this time, many also use this as an opportunity to travel home and spend time with their families. Since we're on a quarter system we have start dates in January, April, late July/August, and October.
What software and hardware platforms will I be using?
Students are exposed to a wide variety of cutting-edge software at IPR, including the newest versions of Digidesign's Pro Tools (the industry-standard), Logic, Final Cut, Adobe Creative Suite, Ableton Live, and others. Many classes at IPR also utilize exciting "soft-synth workstations" like Reason and others from Apple, Digidesign, Native Instruments, and more, including a vast amount of virtual instruments and plug-in effects.
Will I need to purchase my own computer to complete my IPR assignments?
Not necessarily. IPR's computer labs and studios are open extended hours beyond regularly scheduled class times. As a student, you can utilize the computer labs throughout the day and book studio time for projects according to your schedule. While some students do purchase their own computers for school, it is not required. Those that wish to purchase computers or professional recording equipment are eligible for student discounts through the IPR Pro Audio Outlet.
How much is tuition?
From October 2009 through September 2010, estimated tuition for the Audio Production/Engineering A.A.S. Degree is approximately $39,960 for the entire 2-year Degree program (average $20,000/year), and the Music & Entertainment Business A.A.S. Degree is approximately $33,060 (not including books and lab fees). Because of our large array of elective classes, the total tuition depends on which classes are taken. Tuition and lab fees are subject to change.
What Financial Aid is available for me?
Financial resources can vary based on qualifications. IPR currently offers state and private funding that could cover tuition, lab fees, books, and even living expenses. If you are a Minnesota resident, you also may qualify for the Minnesota State Grant. Once we receive your admissions application, you can discuss your budget with our financial aid department.
Is it necessary to be a musician to be admitted into IPR?
No, not necessarily. It does help, especially if you want to be a producer. Producers are involved in song structure and arrangements, but these things can be learned in your music theory classes. However, your strengths may be in the technical end of engineering, in post-production (television, film & video), or even in the entertainment business side. There are many avenues of possibility that are taught at IPR.
What if I am a musician?
For any aspiring engineer or producer, a musical background is always beneficial. While we are not a "performance" school, being a musician helps you here in many ways. First, many musicians have an understanding of music theory and song structure, and most have an ear for pitch and for talent – all which help in the role of a producer. Second, if you are a performer, you'll be able to record your own music and learn how to promote it. Third, you'll be able to apply what you've learned into practical use when recording your own music. Lastly, the networking opportunities at a school like IPR are outstanding. Whether it's networking to schedule gigs with a new friend's band, meeting fellow students to collaborate with, or teacher/producers to give you constructive advice, the people you meet at IPR can change your life.
Does IPR help find housing?
Yes. While IPR does not have on-campus housing, our Student Services Department works with all students individually to find a student's needs, budget, etc., and we have many options for local housing - whether you want your own apartment or want to keep rent low by sharing with other IPR student roommates. Contact your Admissions Representative for more details.
I will need to work part-time; where can I find work?
There are many options for part-time work since we are only three blocks from downtown, where there are lots of restaurants, theaters, and retail stores. We recommend that students try not to work more than 10 hours a week if you can afford it –you'll want to spend as much time as possible at IPR honing your skills. Our Career Services Department also has some great resources to help and recommendations on where to look and how to get started. We even have student loans that can potentially cover up to $500/month in living expenses.
Where do students park?
There is a large parking lot across the street from IPR, and our Student Services department can help you to get a parking pass, which ranges from $50-80 per month.
Are there bus lines nearby?
Yes, in fact there's a very good metro bus line, and there is a bus stop just across the street. We have the full metro maps, including the new 'light rail' network.
How do I get to your school?
We are located at 312 Washington Avenue North on the northwest side (or 'Warehouse District') of downtown Minneapolis. You can go to websites such as www.MapQuest.com or maps.yahoo.com. Contact your Admissions rep for parking details and appointment times.
What is there to do in Minneapolis?
Lots of things! Minneapolis/St. Paul (aka the Twin Cities) is a growing metropolitan city of about 3 million residents, yet outside of the downtown areas has a 'small-town' feel to it. Overall, the Twin Cities are known as an artistic, culturally modern environment.
Music: There is a vibrant and diverse music scene, with many bands to see at a variety of clubs and concert halls. It's a popular tour stop for most big-name musical acts, and we have the fourth-largest jazz scene in the US. The underground alternative rock and hip-hop scene is growing quickly. There is also a wide variety of quality radio stations. Theater: There is a strong theater scene, with Minneapolis ranked at number two in the country for theatres per capita, second only to New York City. Art: There is also a deep art scene, with many art museums and galleries, including one of the world's most famous art museums, the Walker Art Museum, as the centerpiece. There are also a variety of art fairs, local showcases, and festivals. Outdoors: If you like the outdoors, this can be a paradise of camping, hiking, bicycling, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling, and many more activities to get involved in. More: There are also a great deal of other features, including professional sports teams, great radio stations, shopping (including the Mall of America), and nightlife. Our people are friendly too – they've earned the nickname, "Minnesota Nice."
Minneapolis/St. Paul and its' surrounding suburbs have consistently ranked in the top ten in "Best Cities to Live" in Money magazine over the last few years, and was recently named "Most Rockin' City" in Esquire magazine. According to Kiplinger's magazine, the Twin Cities were named the second smartest place to live in the US. Minnesota has a comparatively low cost of living, low crime rates, and high 'quality of life' factors.
What is the weather like in Minneapolis?
It can get a bit cold in the winter months, although the spring, summer, and fall are especially comfortable, and Minnesota's changing seasons can paint a picturesque landscape. The winter months give you a chance to stay indoors and focus on your craft to get your career in gear while not being distracted. Because our studios and labs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there are plenty of opportunities for you to expand your skills. Since you are in school for a short time, choose a school not for the weather, but for the quality of your education. Once you have the professional assets you need, you can choose the location you want to live for the rest of your life.
What's the next step for me?
Hopefully you've researched and found that no other school gives you the opportunities to get the right experience, the teacher credentials, the quality of studios and technology, and a Career Opportunities Department to help you land a career in the industry! If you're local, call us to set up a personal tour to check out the studios and facilities here at IPR. If you're from out of town, contact your Admissions Rep to request our Phase II package, which includes comparison worksheets, admissions application, and much more! You may also at any time mail in the Admissions Application from the literature package, which saves your seat for when you'd like to start. Your Admissions Representative will contact you shortly after and discuss the next steps.
If you'd like to learn more about IPR, please feel free to contact an Admissions Representative to help answer your questions, toll free at 866-477-4840. Get your questions answered and take your career to the professional level! GET EXPERIENCED! (REQUEST MORE INFORMATION)