Since its inception, F.I.R.S.T. Institute has fine-tuned three unique and highly successful programs in Recording Arts and Show Production, Digital Filmmaking and Video Production, and Graphic Design and Web Development.
These educational programs are based on a philosophy that provides students with the technical skills, experience, and knowledge to gain entry-level employment and embark on a fulfilling career in the many fields of the modern Digital Media industry.
A Word from The Director
F.I.R.S.T. Institute is continuously expanding its campus, equipment, staff, and now, its programs. The Director of F.I.R.S.T. Institute, Donney Smith, comments on the release of the extended programs.
“I am in awe of how much our institution has flourished over the past 15 years. We are proud to host a growing alumni group that has gone on to shape the Digital Media industry in Central Florida and across the globe. In an effort to keep up with the everchanging industry, we have further polished and refined our programs for our students. We want our graduates a step above the rest and always aim to give them the best knowledge that sets them up for success in the future. We are excited to announce that our March 2019 students will enjoy the benefits of our newly developed programs. Here’s to another 15 years of academic excellence!”
About F.I.R.S.T. Institute
F.I.R.S.T. is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education (CIE) and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
This academic institution designs its programs with the student in mind by focusing on small class sizes, hands-on teaching methods, and industry related projects.
F.I.R.S.T. Institute puts a large emphasis on its Career Development department whose sole purpose is to help students search, apply, and interview for jobs. All of the faculty are required to be working industry professionals while teaching. This allows for an extensive professional network of which the students are able to play a part.
The New Extended Programs
The extended program rollout affects all current programs of F.I.R.S.T. Institute. Classes are being redesigned, reimagined, reordered, and split out so that emphasis can be placed on relevant aspects of today’s industry.
The current programs include 744 hours, and F.I.R.S.T. Institute is adding an additional 156 hours in the release of the extended programs.
F.I.R.S.T. Institute still allows its students to graduate in less than one year as the programs will stay at their original length of 11 months, but students will benefit from more hours dedicated to instruction time, lab hours, and Career Development courses.
F.I.R.S.T. Institute Graduate Reviews
Luis Lasanta, a graduate of the Recording Arts program, now works as a Recording Engineer at GLAD Empire with feature Latin artists. He credits the Career Development courses at F.I.R.S.T. Institute and says, “the staff there gives you everything you need to become successful in this industry.”
Nathan Passafume is a graduate of the Recording Arts program as well. He went from intern to paid employee as an Audio-Visual Technician. Nathan mentions that his favorite part of F.I.R.S.T. was the “personal, hands-on relationship that you have with your instructors.”
Nicholas Cain, a Film graduate at F.I.R.S.T. Institute, now owns his own production company. He credits F.I.R.S.T. for its “hands-on experience” and the ability to have his own “creative freedom” during his studies.
Wes Hall, a graduate of the Film & Video program, worked on a feature film and now is an Audio-Visual Technician at one of the largest full-service production and global event planning companies. He appreciated that the work was “self-driven,” but that F.I.R.S.T. “provided all the equipment to succeed.”
Jansen Bernuy, a Web & Graphics grad, is now a Graphic Designer and Visual Content Manager. He mentions that he got the “ultimate experience” at F.I.R.S.T. with its “campus environment, facilities, staff, and their desire to want to teach various creative outlets.”
Paolo Rendon, another Web & Graphics grad, now works to promote bands in the Orlando area by creating marketing campaigns. Paolo appreciated being able to ask questions and feel “accomplished” during his time in the classroom.
The Recording Arts & Show Production Program
This Recording Arts program is designed to teach anyone how to record, mix, master, and produce music whether it be for artists, television, movies, video games, live shows, and more. Students learn hands-on in real studios as they start with introductory concepts and move into advanced techniques in recording arts, audio engineering, music production, live sound reinforcement, and more. The demo reel of audio projects compiled during the program sets students up for success in the job market. The new program will include 665 hours of instruction and 235 hours of lab time, totaling 900 hours.
The Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Program
The F.I.R.S.T. Institute Film & Video Production program is for anyone interested in making commercials, television broadcasts, documentaries, short films, feature films, and more. The program is designed to guide students through all aspects of high-definition cinema and video production, and broadcast. Starting at the basics and moving to industry-standard techniques, students receive hands-on education and experience with up-to-date technology found in the field. Students are given projects to develop their skills as they would apply them in the real world, and then compile these for their professional portfolio. The new program will include 665 hours of instruction and 235 hours of lab time, totaling 900 hours.
The Graphic Design & Web Development Program
The Web & Graphic Design program teaches students basic computer skills and multimedia design fundamentals and later moves into advanced topics. Students work up to high level graphics and programming techniques using industry-standard software and equipment. Using digital art and design, coding, content management systems, and more, students are able to build their own professional website to showcase all of their projects completed during the program. The new program will include 665 hours of instruction and 235 hours of lab time, totaling 900 hours.
Looking Forward
F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s programs offer classes in Monday-Thursday blocks with morning, afternoon, and evening classes to fit most schedules. Visit www.first.edu for more information.
The next program start date is Monday, March 18, 2019. Students starting on this date can graduate as early as February 2020.
Enrollment is open now.
Media ContactCompany Name: F.I.R.S.T. Institute (Business/School)Contact Person: Alan ForbesEmail: Send EmailPhone: (407) 316-8310Address:2309 Silver Star Road City: OrlandoState: Florida 32804Country: United StatesWebsite: www.first.edu
