I suggesst asking questions here to start, then hitting up a local studio with some clout and ask to assist for free. It will be free and just as valuable. The top schools are VERY expensive and you would end up starting at the same position that you would had you never went at all. I know three people that went to XPressions in Emeryville CA that is highly regarded and none of them would ever do it again had they had the chance. They all said they'd spend the money on gear and start recording for free for awhile, as well as assist in local studios for hands on and training.

Both approaches are valid.....MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee has a well regarded 4 year program and nice facilities. Their job placement rates are pretty high, and it's within an hour of Nashville. There's lots more than country music going on here. I run a commercial studio and haven't done a country CD yet (mainly because I don't like country that much!). The curriculum there can put you into many different types of jobs within the industry, but their engineering school is very comprehensive. I didn't go there, but have run into many folks in the area who have and think they got good skills there.

Here is another suggestion!

Find yourself a good recording studio and book yourself some time there. Take a band with you and tell the engineer you are the producer and that you would love him/her to do it up right for you. Make a recording and pick the recording engineers brain, as to what he/she is doing and why. It's like private instruction! You don't need no stinkin' skool! Besides, it can be a lot cheaper that way.

Cheap JAP
Ms. Remy Ann David

wow thanks everyone. Maybe ill just try getting everything i can out of you guys then take it to a local studio for advice. lol. thanks. as always for your help.