Learn by doing!

Our Story

About SAc academy

Sac Academy was opened to give individuals a chance to dive into the music industry. Our instructors are highly qualified and built both programs based on real-life experiences in the studio with artists. They both wrote their own curriculums to teach in the style of “on the job training”. Sac Academy stands for small class sizes and hands-on learning. We are proud to offer a program in Audio Engineering and A&R Music Production.

Sound is a very basic and simple process, which has become seemingly complicated with today’s digital technology.  Led by expert staff members, Sac Academy is committed to bringing the simplicity of sound recording and A&R Music Producing into the minds of today’s youth.

artists

Our students experience work with local and big name artists recording live in the studio, mixing and mastering their songs.

Studio recording

The majority of the recordings are tracked in our studio. All field trips to other locations will be disclosed ahead of time.

mixing and mastering

Our students will mix and master with Pro Tools and other gear in the studio. Listening closely is key!

Take a Look…

our campus

OUTDOOR LUNCH AREA
CLASSROOM A
SAC ACADEMY CAMPUS
RECEPTION
CLASSROOM B
INDOOR LUNCH AREA
CLASSROOM C

So What?

Why choose sac academy?

Students get “hands-on” training skills in recording, mixing, mastering, producing and working with artists of Sac Academy. And there are never more than 4 students in any classroom setting.

This video depicts a session consisting of horns, strings, full rhythm section, and 3 vocalists recorded “live” in the same room and without the use of headphones. That is what students will do in our programs.

50+

years of experience

60+

artists recorded

70+

platinum riaa awards

1,000+

vinyl records mastered

Meet us!

our staff

robert honablue

Robert brings almost 50 years of engineering experience to Sac Academy.  He started out as a recording engineer for CBS Records in NYC, partnered with George Benson in George’s home recording studio, and worked at Motown Recording Studios in Los Angeles.  Robert has earned well over 70 certified RIAA platinum records with artists like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Santana, Led Zeppelin, Barbra Streisand, and many, many more.  Robert was the founder and Director of The Honablue Institute of Audio Engineering, Inc., which was endorsed by George Benson, Darius Brubeck, the late Les Paul and the late Dave Brubeck.

tatyana ivanilov

Tatyana has been building her knowledge of music since she could talk. She is a musician, classically trained in piano and violin. She has conducted choirs, ensembles, and groups. Tatyana recorded local artists, as well as worked with better-known artists like George Benson and Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge). Based on Tatyana’s knowledge and expertise, the A&R Music Producing curriculum is designed to create highly skilled music producers, whose classroom experiences revolve around “real-life” recording sessions. In addition to hands-on experience, students gain technical knowledge, specialized listening skills and the confidence and ability to work with music professionals.

ANOTHER TEAM MEMBER COMING SOON!

Learn about the music business in 1 semester…

our programs

audio engineering

The audio engineering program is one semester long and is split up into 4 different phases: introduction, recording, mixing and mastering. The following are some of the topics that will be covered in each phase.

phases 1 & 2

introduction & Recording

  • Hand lettering
  • Microphones, Transducers, and Amplifiers
  • Recording Console
  • Introduction to Pro Tools
  • Musical Instruments
  • Recording in the Studio

phase 3

mixing

  • Special Effects
  • Equalization
  • Compressors and Noise Gates
  • Reverb
  • Mixing in the Studio

phase 4

mastering

  • Vinyl, Cassettes, and DATs
  • Outboard Equipment
  • Equalization
  • Mastering Computer Programs
  • Hands-on Mastering

A&R music production

The A&R Music Production program is one semester long and is split up into 4 different phases: introduction, production, working in the studio and mixing. The following are some of the topics that will be covered in each phase.

phases 1 & 2

introduction to a&r music production

  • Producer and Executive Producer
  • Music Genres
  • Documentation Strategies
  • Introduction to Pro Tools
  • Selecting Session Musicians
  • Song Arrangement

phase 3

studio work

  • Studio Recording
  • Working with Session Musicians
  • Working with Artists
  • Working with Audio Engineers
  • Charts and Sheet Music

phase 4

mixing

  • Equalization
  • Reverb
  • Compressors and Noise Gates
  • Stereo Imaging
  • Hands-on Mixing

How Much?

TUITION

Students should “never” be burdened with high tuition costs – especially when it entails a lengthy student loan that often takes years to repay! The adage “Education is wasted, unless it is freely given away” means a lot to us at Sac Academy. Therefore, our tuition costs are far less costly than our competition, which makes it affordable for everyone.

audio engineering

  • Tuition
  • Books and manuals
  • Equipment
    • Equipment includes a laptop, headphones, interface, 1 year subscription to Pro Tools
    • Students get to keep all of their equipment!
Robert Honablue, teaching students in the studio
Tatyana with Debbie Sledge (from Sister Sledge)

a&r music production

  • Tuition
  • Books
  • Equipment
    • Equipment includes laptop, headphones, interface, 1 year subscription to Pro Tools
    • Students get to keep all of their equipment!

Technology

equipment

Recording studio

  • Recording DAW
    • Pro Tools
    • Waves Mercury Bundle
    • MOTU 24 i/o
    • Power MAC G5 Tower
  • Recording Console
    • Sound Workshop Series 34 32 Mic Input / 24 Buss
  • Monitor System
    • UREI 811B Speakers
    • Bryston 4B Power Amp
    • Samson SERVO 500
  • Microphones
    • Neumann / Shure Sennheiser / Behringer
    • AKG / Samson / Rode Groove Tube / MXL

Mixing / mastering suite

  • Mixing DAW
    • Pro Tools
    • Waves Mercury Bundle
    • Tascam US-1641 Interface
    • Power MAC G5 Tower
  • Monitor System
    • Adam A7X Speakers
  • Outboard Gear
    • TC Electronics Finalizer
    • Orban 642B Parametric EQ
    • Behringer Ultra Curve
  • Mixdown Recorders
    • Sony CDR-W33
    • Tascam 42B Recorder

Endorsements

What Professionals Say about sac academy

george benson

Grammy-Award Winning Artist

“When I was approached by Robert Honablue and Tatyana Ivanilov about their concept for developing a school of Sound Engineering and A&R Producing, I was very interested. They both are masters in their crafts and it is rare privilege to have their level of experiences passed onto future generations. Sac Academy will be a tremendous asset to future engineering and producing students. Robert and Tatyana’s eagerness to share their passions to teach further illustrates their commitment to education.”

darius brubeck

Jazz Keyboardist

“Robert Honablue has had the training and work experience that adds up to knowledge that is more than just technical. It is historical. That he wants to focus on education at this stage in his career provides a special opportunity for learners and will draw people who are serious, creative, and motivated to him. Sac Academy will be a tremendous asset to the California communities – and beyond – at large. It is the school’s goal to develop the next generation of successful leaders in the sound recording field.”

debbie sledge

Grammy-Award Nominated Artist

“It is with great pleasure that I recommend and express my full support for Sac Academy. Founders, Robert Honablue and Tatyana Ivanilov, are now sharing his years of professional experience in the field of production and audio engineering with select students. My experience working with Tatyana was great! She is talented, focused and professional. I look forward to working again with the talented team at Sac Academy.”

stanley banks

Studio Musician

“Within my first five years as a professional bassist, I landed the gig with 10X Grammy Winner, Vocalist, & Guitarist, George Benson.  I was fortunate enough to be on a number of those hits. About 30 years into my tenure with Mr. Benson, I decided to take a course on recording to see what sound was all about. After taking Robert’s course, I can now professionally hear and know what I’m doing. Robert takes you through the scientific history and art of sound and also shows you how to “see” the colors of what you’re hearing. This course should be a requirement of any musician or vocalist thinking of going professional.”

Testimonials

What former students Say About sac academy

omari edwards

Former Student

“Studying under Robert Honablue was a golden opportunity. I had the pleasure of having one on one training. I knew going into the program that it would be more hands on than bigger schools like SAE, Full Sail or IAR. The program was also a lot more affordable. During my training we learned about microphone types and placement, live sound miking and mixing, studio recording and mastering. We took field trips to other studios, met and spoke to artist considered living legends, and had the chance to set up live sound for an orchestra. Every day was actual hands on experience in a functioning professional recording studio. The knowledge I gained during this course is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Anyone who dreams of being an Audio Engineer should take advantage of this affordable program.”

tisa mack

Former Student

“I have always had a passion for music and dreamed about going to school for something in music. After a lot of hits and misses, I stumbled upon Robert’s School in Brooklyn. I reached out to him to enroll and worked under Robert Honablue as he taught me everything from scratch! The lessons were very meticulous, fun and filled with so much knowledge you will stay on your toes and learn so much. His teachings have “seasoning” and he definitely pours his passion into his lessons. Robert has prominent connections in the business, in which I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I haven’t heard music in this light ever; my audio engineer ears are always on!”

junior gary charles

Former Student

My course entailed recording, mixing and stage preparation which included microphone placement for drums, piano, vocals and other instruments. The experience and knowledge that I gained from this course enabled me to enhance the quality of sound in my church setting. For the last two years I have had the opportunity to work with AJ Sound Company. The knowledge that I gained through stage preparation, qualified me to share uniquely the mic’ing of the drum kit and many other difficult assignments. Robert Honablue is an excellent teacher and engineer. I will encourage anyone to attend this school. He is a great master of this art and I am grateful and thankful for my growth and success. This is where you separate the professionals from the amateurs.”

Shantal hunte

Former Student

“Studying under Robert Honablue was my first introduction to what a potential career behind the music scene looks like. Before attending his school, my understanding of engineering was limited to what I saw on television. Robert’s hands-on teaching style helped me learn the fundamentals of engineering: from understanding how to mic instruments in a live recording, to identifying the proper instrument placement during mixing. We did all of this using analog, reel to reel tape! I can confidently say that my time as a student of Robert changed my appreciation for engineering as a profession.”

rachelle rigor

Former Student

“Learning how to record and mix live sound with Robert Honablue has been an unforgettable experience. The knowledge I’ve gain through his audio program has given me tremendous confidence and professionalism in the studio.”

charlotte michelle

Former Student

“My experience with Robert Honablue was fantastic! I had the opportunity to learn within a real world context at my pace. We worked on actual projects in studio and on location. I even have an album credit!”

judd nielsen

Former Student

During my time, studying under Robert, I learned how to be comfortable and productive in the studio environment. Crucially, I also learned hot o hear a mix. You have to learn how to listen before you can learn to mix. Robert’s approach to teaching engineering starts with listening. My ears opened up to the different mixing techniques like compression and gate, but most importantly level and panning. Robert’s perspective as a person who learned in the analogue world is invaluable. He would often say ‘Listen with your ears, not your eyes.’ and my personal favorite, ‘If you can’t hear it, it’s not there.'”

cannon carter

Former Student

“Training in Sac Academy was an invaluable experience. Robert Honablue’s expertise has made me a capable and successful audio engineer. Through him I had the opportunity to build an excellent working relationship with George Benson and other music industry legends.”

Students in Class

gallery of professionals

GEORGE BENSON AND TATYANA
ROBERT, DEVIN AND GEORGE BENSON
STANLEY BANKS, ROBERT AND NATALYA
ROBERT, TATYANA AND KEN HIRSCH
ROBERT AND GEORGE BENSON
KAREN, DEBBIE SLEDGE, NATALYA, ROBERT,
JONI SLEDGE, AND ROSELYN
ROBERT, NATALYA AND KENNY BARRON
ROBERT AND DAUGHTERS (RISA AND RANE)
ROBERT AND DEBBIE SLEDGE
RON CARTER, TATYANA, ROBERT AND CODY
TATYANA, RANDY WALDMAN, ROBERT AND NATALYA
ROBERT CUTTING VINYL
EDWIN SANTOS
DEVIN, ROBERT, SERGEY, JUSTICE,
DEBBIE SLEDGE AND CARL SLEDGE
CD ALBUMS PRODUCED AND MIXED BY TATYANA AND ROBERT FOR GEORGE BENSON
PHAROAHE MONCH AND ROBERT
GEORGE BENSON, ROBERT AND TATYANA
BERNARD PURDIE AND ROBERT
ROBERT, DAVE BRUBECK AND JUDD
NATALYA, LES PAUL AND ROBERT
DEBBIE SLEDGE
DEVIN, OMARI, DARIUS BRUBECK, CHARLOTTE, ROBERT, SHANTAL, BOB AND NATALYA
DEBBIE SLEDGE, TATYANA AND CINDY
DAWAN, CALVIN KEYS AND ROBERT
VITALIY, TATYANA, DEBBIE SLEDGE,
ROBERT AND NATALYA
TATYANA AND GEORGE BENSON
NATALYA, GEORGE BENSON AND ROBERT

The Music Business on the Record

podcast

episodes that we’ve streamed:


find it on these platforms:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Podcast Index
  • Listen Notes
  • Samsung Podcasts

Just some of our

PROFESSIONAL vinyl CREDITS