<p>Wow. A lot of that sounded like what I was looking for in a school. I can give you a school that fits all but one of those requirements. </p>
<p>The University of Miami (Florida)</p>
<p>obviously, the one it doesn’t fit is the distance. But here is how it fits all the others. </p>
<p>There are two technical aspects to the audio. Music Engineering is based through the school of music, does require an audition, music classes, etc. but focuses on the recording studio a lot. Audio Engineering is based through the college of engineering, has no audition, is more heavy in the sciences and maths, but covers recording as well as the science behind it all. The degree would be electrical engineering with an audio concentration. </p>
<p>UM is definitely not an engineering only school. If you decide engineering isn’t for you, there are more than enough other programs that you wont have to transfer just because you change majors. </p>
<p>Miami is not huge but its not tiny. You can look up the statistics if you want to know more, I think we are at about 10,000 students. </p>
<p>While it is obviously farther than you were looking for, this means a) better weather (where else can you study for your december finals in your swim suit) b) great financial aid options. Yes, it is private, but there are numerous need based AND merit based awards available c) a great city for the music industry… need I say more and d) a audio/music list serve sponsered by our program and alumni that emails to all of us students. I get at least 2 job emails a day, with gigs, internships, and long-term positions. </p>
<p>If you have any questions on the audio based programs in Miami, feel free to let me know. I know I had the hardest time finding audio programs so the best of luck to you.</p>