Mc Nally Smith College-Music

I don't know what was going on with McNally Smith several years ago, but it has obviously improved a lot. I am currently attending the school and have no reason to complain about anything. The teachers are all great. They may not be "teachers," but they know their stuff and can help anyone who cares enough to improve. As for finding jobs, it is not the school's responsibility to take students by the hand and find them a job. The music industry is a "make it happen yourself" type of industry. Yet, the school still has the career center which is available to alumni and current students. I haven't been at the school long, but I have already learned much more than I saw as possible. All the students I talk to LOVE this school and can't wait to come back everyday. What you get out of McNally Smith all depends on your work ethic and passion. If you do all your work and are reliable, you will walk out of the school with many opportunities. If you live the typical college lifestyle and put off homework and party, you'll fail in the long run. That's just the way it is. :)

Posted 11/03/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

First of all, if you are a musical prodigy, you have had years and years of music instrument or vocal lessons. Mom and Dad has already signed you up for Berklee, Julliard or dozens of other music colleges all over the country, and are now scoping out a talent agent for your next move. You should also be booking paying gigs at or above scale and networking your music and recording demos with your bandmates - (which is the way most of the instructors at McNally Smith have gotten their chops).If you have read David Foster's new book: "Hit Man" about his rise from a hardscrabble Victoria, Canada working class lad to the top Hollywood music producer, you know that making it to the big time involves more sacrifice than convincing Mom, Dad and the student loan system to dump twenty five to thirty grand on such a low potential music education. If you are conned into believing that a music production and engineering degree from McNally - Smith is going to get you in to the Record Plant (Hollywood) or House of Blues, (Nashville) you are in for a rude awakening. I wasn't in the top of my class in music production or engineering, but I know that most of the currently employed music management people in big labels have 4 year or MBA business degrees from the top 300 Universities in the U.S. If you want to play keys, drums, horns or whatever, play guitar much better or sing - you are further ahead if you go to a Community College and get a two year business or Associates degree, and save your money to complete your four-year degree at a major university. If you want to improve your music proficiency, take private lessons and jam, jam, jam with people in music venues like rock, jazz and country bars, churches, choirs and youth symphonies. There are many touring bands looking for your help and talent as well. One thing that I learned: TV and radio stations, as well as advertising agencies go through a ton of non-paid interns, and prefer the four year communications or music majors from the big colleges. I wanted a Pro Tools and AVID certificate from the staff at McNally Smith, and found that the Technical Colleges are more accredited and much cheaper. To be fair, many people have graduated from M/S School of Music, and already possessing the drive and ambition to succeed, are making a living in the music business. The other seventy to eighty percent that did not, still pay their student loans and have gone on to other educations or other careers. Think about the money, as others have noted. You might even double your course load in a Tech or Community college and get a certificate in Mac or P.C. Microsoft or even get a great job in computer networking and use your spare time and cash on your home project studio!

Posted 12/26/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

First I started when they were switching in 2004 from Musictech to McNally Smith. They said they were nationally accredited. This was a lie! The credits are not worth anything! Let me explain even the on-line schools will not accept them much less any other college/university. As one college registar told me my diploma was not even worth the paper it was written on. Problem though is my diploma was to be mailed after graduation only it never came and despite phone calls I never received it. Then there is the financial aid problem meaning you end up with student loans you never took out just for starters. Forget help finding a job. Upon graduation they totally ignore you and leave you with no help despite all the promises that they will walk you through finding a job.
My advise stay away from this school and just go to an established college/university.

Posted 12/15/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Do you see yourself serving tables in your mid thirties? How about a rewarding career at jc pennies? I have never seen a university turn out more retail and service people. If you must attend an orientation session at this school ask about percent of graduates working in their fields.

Posted 08/03/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I started attending McNally Smith when it was still Musictech, and it's amazing to me how far I've come as well as the school since I graduated.

I think the best thing they have done was established a career center, every college should have one, and even though it wasn't there while I was in school Debbie and her crew are still willing to help me now.

Great school, great environment, great experience.

Posted 12/26/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Mcnally Smith is a scam. The classes are barely even classes. It's hard not to get an A. Some of the instructors aren't really even teachers. they're just friends with the administration. Everyone gets into this school. They try to make you think it's some little gem of a school and that you're lucky to get in. It's a joke and they just want your money.

Posted 06/14/07 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I am a graduating student of Musictech College (now McNally Smith College of Music) and I have been very happy with my time studying music business. The faculty have had extensive experience in the industry and are very willing to give up their free time to help you. The opportunities and connectons within the school are priceless. Check it out!

PROS: Excellent teaching
CONS: Classes won't transfer to many other schools

Posted 12/09/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Have you ever thought about using music and technology? How about becoming a rockstar? With top industry musicians and washed-up artists, Musictech is the place to be!

PROS: great staff and faculty, top of the line studios and equipment
CONS: money (price)

Posted 11/02/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

The new name wasn't listed on the site, so I will review under the old name, Musictech. I am enrolled in the Recording Engineering program and I am enjoying it immensely. The faculty is very knowledgeable and excellent teachers, and the studios are of good quality(from what I hear from other students, of much higher caliber than it's competitors in the region, though I haven't had a chance to check for myself). I am in an associates degree program, and sometimes wish it were a Bachelors degree. The only real gripe I have is that I am having some schedule issues with this new semester that is just begining.

PROS: Excellent faculty, great facilities.
CONS: Price, no current option for Bachelor degree, scheduling.

Posted 08/31/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?