It's been a long-held debate that has been going on in the recording industry since it began, is it better to have qualifications or experience? We recently covered this discussion on a Production Expert podcast.

Now a Louisiana based recording college thinks they have the answer, so students don't have to choose. In September 2020 Bogalusa Recording School will be offering the world's first course that lasts for 40 years.

Head of the faculty at the college Maddie Pluesku explained the reasoning behind the decision; "We find the number one reason students give for not doing college courses is that studios tell them they need experience. As time goes on, students will be able to show they have it with our course... we think it's genius." She went on to say; "We also have a plan to create zero unemployment, and that is to have students leave school at retirement age."

When we asked what other benefits the course could offer she said; "We think having more senior students in the class will help the younger members avoid being punched in the face by studio owners when they say dumb shit. That has to be a bonus."

Reaction to the idea has been positive, with over two thousand applications from those planning to leave school next year. However, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has some concerns about how the course will be funded citing the chance of any student who completes the full term of the course unlikely to pay back the debt in their lifetime.

Pluesku dismisses this concern; "FAFSA has no idea how the audio industry works obviously. Even when a student leaves our college in their early twenties, they never earn enough in the business to pay back the debt."