<p>I haven't read the whole thread, so forgive me if I am repeating something someone else suggested. I noticed early on that your stepson was thinking about music production, and that he likes computers. Also, that he wants to go out of state. And reading between the lines, I'm wondering if a 4 year commitment to some place might not be realistic. With that in mind, I am going to suggest this place:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sae-nashville.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.sae-nashville.com/</a></p>
<p>
[quote]
SAE Institute, Nashville is located in the heart of the Music Row District. Music Row is located between 16th and 17th Avenue South, minutes from downtown, and offers hundreds of professional studios within walking distance from the school. From the moment you tour the Nashville facility, you will know that SAE Institute takes audio training seriously.</p>
<p>Immediately surrounded by some of the best technology available, you can't help but appreciate the breadth of the program. With over 20 studios and workstations, SAE offers students the production and learning tools necessary to prepare themselves for a career as a successful audio engineer or producer.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>SAE has a number of locations, and higher level degrees are offered elsewhere. However, we have friends who have a son who very much fits your stepson's description, who has finally settled, after several false starts, in Nashville, working toward the certificate.</p>
<p>Another school you might want to look at is Middle Tennessee. Pretty easy to get into, and has an excellent "recording industry" program.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mtsu.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.mtsu.edu/</a></p>