I am interested in becoming an audio and visual technician but don't know which college would best for me to pursue such a career. What colleges would be recommended and what courses should I take?

Hi Andrea - I'm not sure about what schools offer in the Bay area, but as a starting point, I suggest you take a look a the UCLA Extension website and look at the Entertainment Studies program. They offer certificates in various different subjects related to the film and music industries. The courses related to music engineering and visual production should be relevant. In truth, you'll get the same sort of stuff at different colleges, but they may just be described differently in the course catalogue. Additionally, if you're interested in doing that as a job, you might be able to do the certificate in lieu of pursuing a four-year degree right now. This can give you some time to earn a bit of money and get some experience under your belt. If you're specifically interested in getting a four-year degree, look at the music program at the college you like and BE SURE they offer courses in music mixing/audio engineering!! It is important to know that MANY colleges with fine and competitive music programs DO NOT offer basics of mixing!! (It's astounding to me that a person with a four-year degree in music graduates with no idea how to record, and yet people with no college can go learn the basics of how to put a microphone up to an amp or in front of a trumpet.) Best of luck!