the most frequently asked questions about GROOVE U
What is GROOVE U?
GROOVE U is a revolutionary two-year music industry career college located in Columbus, Ohio. Our program offers diplomas in:
• music ‣ production
• music ‣ business
• music ‣ live
• music ‣ video
• music ‣ interactive
• music ‣ production
• music ‣ business
• music ‣ live
• music ‣ video
• music ‣ interactive
I am considering a career in music ― why should I attend GROOVE U?
Before you consider any career in the media arts industry (music, film, and interactive media), there are a few things you should know:
• There are about 500,000 people directly employed in the media arts industry in the United States.
• Media arts industry annual revenues are about $67B (2010) and continue to grow about 2% annually.
• About 2 in 5 workers in the media arts industry are self-employed.
• Approximately 60% of those currently working in the media arts industry cite a combination of a “post-secondary vocational award” and “on-the-job training” as their most significant source of education/training. Put another way, less than 40% of workers have a 4-year (or higher) degree.
• “Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers” are projected to be among the twenty fastest-growing careers in the United States through 2018. Average growth is anticipated to be around 2.5% annually.
• Median annual wages are around $47,000.
(Examples of the many careers are listed under each area of study in the academics section, or you can download our employment outlook.)
GROOVE U has been designed from the ground-up to prepare you to lead the music industry with an entrepreneurial spirit. To find out exactly what gives GROOVE U an advantage, please explore academics.
Our students are college-age students pursuing a career in the music industry before, during, after or in lieu of a 4-year college education. We also serve musicians and adult learners seeking to gain a music industry edge, and we are working with area high schools to accommodate advanced placement high school students.
• There are about 500,000 people directly employed in the media arts industry in the United States.
• Media arts industry annual revenues are about $67B (2010) and continue to grow about 2% annually.
• About 2 in 5 workers in the media arts industry are self-employed.
• Approximately 60% of those currently working in the media arts industry cite a combination of a “post-secondary vocational award” and “on-the-job training” as their most significant source of education/training. Put another way, less than 40% of workers have a 4-year (or higher) degree.
• “Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers” are projected to be among the twenty fastest-growing careers in the United States through 2018. Average growth is anticipated to be around 2.5% annually.
• Median annual wages are around $47,000.
(Examples of the many careers are listed under each area of study in the academics section, or you can download our employment outlook.)
GROOVE U has been designed from the ground-up to prepare you to lead the music industry with an entrepreneurial spirit. To find out exactly what gives GROOVE U an advantage, please explore academics.
Our students are college-age students pursuing a career in the music industry before, during, after or in lieu of a 4-year college education. We also serve musicians and adult learners seeking to gain a music industry edge, and we are working with area high schools to accommodate advanced placement high school students.
Where is GROOVE U located?
We are currently performing a $1M renovation of the former Fifth Avenue Elementary School. This facility is located in the Short North/Victorian Village/South Campus Gateway area of Columbus, Ohio. Once completed, the public will be invited to attend our open house in the spring.
Due to our proximity to The Ohio State University, there are an abundance of student housing options within walking distance to the facility. We are also less than 500 yards from two COTA bus routes and bicycle lanes border all sides of the campus.
Due to our proximity to The Ohio State University, there are an abundance of student housing options within walking distance to the facility. We are also less than 500 yards from two COTA bus routes and bicycle lanes border all sides of the campus.
What courses will I take at GROOVE U?
When/where/what times/how long are my GROOVE U classes?
Inaugural classes are scheduled to begin fall 2012. Workshops will begin spring 2012.
A GROOVE U advisor will help you arrange your specific class schedule, and a course catalog will be available soon. The following are the general guidelines for classes, which help ensure a 4:1 lab:class ratio.
• Courses take place at the GROOVE U facility, with the exception of live sound courses which periodically occur "in the field".
• There are two 17 week terms (semesters), each academic year ― fall and spring. The fall term begins in mid-August and ends in mid-December. The spring term begins in mid-January and ends in mid-May (2011-2012 academic calendar).
• Each term has a one week break occurring around week 9; the spring break takes place at South-by-Southwest in Austin, Texas.
• Courses meet for two class sessions each week.
• Class sessions occur Monday - Thursday; I.e., there are no Friday class sessions.
• Class sessions begin mid-morning and end early evening.
• Lecture classes meet for 1.5 hours each session.
• Lab classes meet for 3.0 hours each session ―1.0 hour of lecture and 2.0 hours of lab; a 1.0 break occurs between the lecture and lab portions.
• Private lessons meet for 1.0 hours each session ― 1.0 hour in a one-on-one setting with your instructor and 1.0 hour in a group setting.
• Each summer, you will complete an internship ― 10.0 hours per week.
Additionally, GROOVE U will offer adult education programming, workshops, and summer camps throughout the year, with the majority of this programming occurring during the summer.
A GROOVE U advisor will help you arrange your specific class schedule, and a course catalog will be available soon. The following are the general guidelines for classes, which help ensure a 4:1 lab:class ratio.
• Courses take place at the GROOVE U facility, with the exception of live sound courses which periodically occur "in the field".
• There are two 17 week terms (semesters), each academic year ― fall and spring. The fall term begins in mid-August and ends in mid-December. The spring term begins in mid-January and ends in mid-May (2011-2012 academic calendar).
• Each term has a one week break occurring around week 9; the spring break takes place at South-by-Southwest in Austin, Texas.
• Courses meet for two class sessions each week.
• Class sessions occur Monday - Thursday; I.e., there are no Friday class sessions.
• Class sessions begin mid-morning and end early evening.
• Lecture classes meet for 1.5 hours each session.
• Lab classes meet for 3.0 hours each session ―1.0 hour of lecture and 2.0 hours of lab; a 1.0 break occurs between the lecture and lab portions.
• Private lessons meet for 1.0 hours each session ― 1.0 hour in a one-on-one setting with your instructor and 1.0 hour in a group setting.
• Each summer, you will complete an internship ― 10.0 hours per week.
Additionally, GROOVE U will offer adult education programming, workshops, and summer camps throughout the year, with the majority of this programming occurring during the summer.
How long will it take me to complete a GROOVE U diploma program?
The typical full-time student should be able to complete the diploma program in two years, including the required industry internships.
Most students do not see any signifiant financial advantage to attending less-than full-time, although part-time courses are available.
Most students do not see any signifiant financial advantage to attending less-than full-time, although part-time courses are available.
What academic level will I obtain when I graduate from GROOVE U?
Students who complete a GROOVE U diploma program receive a diploma in music industry studies, with their area(s) of study listed as specializations. Areas of study are listed in academics.
Is GROOVE U accredited?
GROOVE U is seeking conditional pre-accreditation from an accrediting body authorized by the US Department of Education. Our goal is full accreditation within five years.
We will also fully comply with our regulatory agency — the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.
A word about accreditation…
There are numerous accrediting bodies of various reputations. Some are national and some are regional. Most accredit only individual programs, not entire institutions. Contrary to popular belief, receiving a degree from an accredited program in no way guarantees a transfer of credit to another institution; each institution is free to accept or reject a degree, regardless of accreditation.
It is also important to note than in higher education, accreditation is continual process. It is sought, evaluated, and then maintained by the institution. Likewise, it also moves from stages, from conditional pre-accreditation, to evaluation and review, to fully accredited and then to maintenance and renewal.
We recognize the value in all forms of education. To that end, we are already working with several partner institutions to articulate (i.e. transfer) the credits to a a student earns at GROOVE U to 4-year institutions.
We will also fully comply with our regulatory agency — the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.
A word about accreditation…
There are numerous accrediting bodies of various reputations. Some are national and some are regional. Most accredit only individual programs, not entire institutions. Contrary to popular belief, receiving a degree from an accredited program in no way guarantees a transfer of credit to another institution; each institution is free to accept or reject a degree, regardless of accreditation.
It is also important to note than in higher education, accreditation is continual process. It is sought, evaluated, and then maintained by the institution. Likewise, it also moves from stages, from conditional pre-accreditation, to evaluation and review, to fully accredited and then to maintenance and renewal.
We recognize the value in all forms of education. To that end, we are already working with several partner institutions to articulate (i.e. transfer) the credits to a a student earns at GROOVE U to 4-year institutions.
Who are GROOVE U's instructors?
Our courses are taught by veteran media arts industry professionals/educators with decades if experience in virtually every aspect of the media arts industry. Each and every instructor has either been an entrepreneur and/or managed a small business.
For more information on specific individuals, please explore people.
We will begin advertising and accepting applications for open position during the winter of 2012.
For more information on specific individuals, please explore people.
We will begin advertising and accepting applications for open position during the winter of 2012.
How do I apply to GROOVE U?
The admission process begins when you submits an application form. The application includes:
• Application form.
• Copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID).
• Official copy of high school transcript or GED.
• Two letters of recommendation - one from a teacher/instructor and one professional recommendation from a non-relative.
• $55.00 application fee.
There is no audition requirement, and your aptitude as a musician or an artist is not a factor for admission. You may optionally submit recorded (audio or video) demo material. We do believe that those who have the best opportunities for success in the music industry are also musicians and artists. Every full-time student enrolled in GROOVE U is also enrolled in private lessons. These lessons will increase your musical aptitude and give you an edge in the music industry.
While all of the above are factors in determining admission, no single factor is more important than the entrance interview. After we receive and process your application, we contact you to arrange for a one-on-one interview to help you determine if GROOVE U is the right fit.
Once accepted, you submit a $195.00 deposit. Neither the deposit nor the application fee are refundable, but they are applied towards your first term's tuition.
• Application form.
• Copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID).
• Official copy of high school transcript or GED.
• Two letters of recommendation - one from a teacher/instructor and one professional recommendation from a non-relative.
• $55.00 application fee.
There is no audition requirement, and your aptitude as a musician or an artist is not a factor for admission. You may optionally submit recorded (audio or video) demo material. We do believe that those who have the best opportunities for success in the music industry are also musicians and artists. Every full-time student enrolled in GROOVE U is also enrolled in private lessons. These lessons will increase your musical aptitude and give you an edge in the music industry.
While all of the above are factors in determining admission, no single factor is more important than the entrance interview. After we receive and process your application, we contact you to arrange for a one-on-one interview to help you determine if GROOVE U is the right fit.
Once accepted, you submit a $195.00 deposit. Neither the deposit nor the application fee are refundable, but they are applied towards your first term's tuition.
How much does it cost to attend GROOVE U?
"Cost" is somewhat of a loaded term, and that's the reason so many institutions are evasive about it. When evaluating the cost, many factors come into play, such as tuition, fees, books , expenses, housing, transportation, meals, etc.
If you were to research all the media arts industry programs across the United States, you would discover that the average total cost of attendance is around $1,000/academic week inclusive. "Specialty" colleges can be as much as 50% more (I.e., $45,000/academic year) while community colleges can be as much as 50% less (I.e., $15,000/academic year), but the vast majority of programs cost about $30,000/academic year. According to ABC News, in 2010 the average cost of a four-year degree was $140,000 — and climbing.
The cost of GROOVE U is directly competitive with the vast majority of programs, and we believe we have more value-added than any of the competition. In addition, our tuition includes:
• The Technology Assistance Package (TAP) — laptop, hardware, software, and web hosting.
• Annual attendance at the South-by-Southwest music industry conference.
• Private music lessons.
• Internships.
• Seminars hosted on-campus and involving media arts industry professionals.
• All materials/no fees.
Our tuition is anticipated to be $24,998 per academic year. GROOVE U will have a full-time financial aid advisor on staff to assist you with your individual financial aid package and help you coordinate with lenders. Because financial aid eligibility, scholarships, housing, and transportation needs all impact the bottom line, please speak with our financial aid advisor to assist you in determining your total individual cost.
If you were to research all the media arts industry programs across the United States, you would discover that the average total cost of attendance is around $1,000/academic week inclusive. "Specialty" colleges can be as much as 50% more (I.e., $45,000/academic year) while community colleges can be as much as 50% less (I.e., $15,000/academic year), but the vast majority of programs cost about $30,000/academic year. According to ABC News, in 2010 the average cost of a four-year degree was $140,000 — and climbing.
The cost of GROOVE U is directly competitive with the vast majority of programs, and we believe we have more value-added than any of the competition. In addition, our tuition includes:
• The Technology Assistance Package (TAP) — laptop, hardware, software, and web hosting.
• Annual attendance at the South-by-Southwest music industry conference.
• Private music lessons.
• Internships.
• Seminars hosted on-campus and involving media arts industry professionals.
• All materials/no fees.
Our tuition is anticipated to be $24,998 per academic year. GROOVE U will have a full-time financial aid advisor on staff to assist you with your individual financial aid package and help you coordinate with lenders. Because financial aid eligibility, scholarships, housing, and transportation needs all impact the bottom line, please speak with our financial aid advisor to assist you in determining your total individual cost.
I'm interested and have more questions ― how can I find out more?
Filling out an interest form is the best way to stay informed about upcoming GROOVE U events and information sessions, or to arrange a meeting with one of our advisors. Members of the media and all other inquiries may contact us directly.