ComplaintsforRecording Radio Film Connection, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  05/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In October 2023, I joined a Recording, Radio, ****************************** audio engineering and music production program. Promised one-on-one mentorship with a real music producer or audio engineer, I instead served as unpaid labor for a mentor 45 miles away. Despite claims of local mentors, mine provided minimal guidance, leaving me to figure out the course's online component alone, and zero actual teaching on how to use the mixing board. Academic advisors prioritized pushing through exams over addressing concerns. Sessions meant for learning were often led by absent mentors or clueless substitutes, who would ask me what I was doing there. I once worked two back-to-back weekends 10-hour days, for engineers that were not my mentors, mine was who knows were, and they both just kind of put up with me because I think they felt bad. Despite voicing concerns, little changed. My mentor's sporadic availability and eventual admission of unsuitability further highlighted the program's disorganization. After four months and a $14,785 loan, I gained minimal studio experience and fell short of the crucial skills needed. This "school" lacked structure and relied on students to navigate its shortcomings. I sent two official withdrawal notices, with zero response, other than the advisor asking to talk to me, which I believe was an attempt to talk me into staying. They can keep the non-refundable fee's, which is $2,785, but please give me back the $12,000, which I still owe more on my loan. I need help, the payment is $307 month for like 5 years.

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  We spoke with **** and he has agreed to try and continue with us. We are thrilled we could help him. We are working with him. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/21/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Recording Connections is a fraudulent program. Very unprofessional administration. No one's ever at the school working that is in management. They falsely advertise "Job Placement" upon completion of the program it's a scam to get tuition fees I've been out the program for 4 months I haven't been placed on a job and I'm not having an emails returned for 4 straight months. I want to be refunded for the waste of an experience. Horrible staff the mentors are failed musicians and not worried about training any new students. They just want a tuition fee. This school needs to be shut down and the staff arrested for fraud

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  The school bought him a computer to help him. ****************** is also delinquent on his loan. He has told the BBB that he is happy with us.  After getting kicked out Mr. ******* disclosed to us he is struggling. We have tried everything to help him with his personal issues. We have forgiven his loan and wish success overcoming his personal challenges. We have removed him from Collections. We have withdrawn him from the school and wish him success. We have cancelled his loan so he is free and clear

  Customer response

  06/15/2024

   
  Complaint: 21575485
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I don't accept ****'s response. In fact with this response I hope any future students of researching this program don't waste their time. I provided emails confirming I was never dropped from the program and this response is a testament to the waste of time this program is. They will say anything to mislead others. **** hasn't contacted me since giving me a fictitious certification for audio engineering. Once I sought out the "career services" department the web of deception began to unravel. The "laptop" I was given was a used office **** Inspiron likely gifted to the program through educational non profit organization; ******** Inspiron isn't even compatible with hip hop beat making software, which is what I enlisted the help of **** to further my career in. So although I accept the sentiments of dropping the loan I was charged for training I didn't receive, I'd also like to receive my $1094 I paid for materials I've yet to see besides a used **** Inspiron laptop I was given as a compromise to a previous complaint filed 4 months into the program. I want my tuition fee of $1094 for materials returned then I will acknowledge my agreement with the **** as voided; Until then I will still grievances for the emotional distress, liquidated damages like commuting to a studio ************************************************************* stay for training with the software I needed to become a music producer, which is what I sought out to do. Was also not made aware students could be dropped from **** unqualified "mentor" studios without any prior warnings or incidents. I wish I would've taken the bad reviews left about this facetious sham institution. I just want all of my money back and I'll sever all ties with these hustlers 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  06/17/2024

  We have 5500 amazing success stories with our program. Our grads have won Grammy Awards, CMAs, Work all over the industry. We reject that this is fraud. Or a scam. Absolutely reject this name calling and erratic behavior. Our graduates have gone on to work with ******, *************************, ********** our graduate some are now Rockstars and professional DJs who play Bonnaroo and Coachella, we have all of their names and their success stories all over our websites. These are all legitimate students who took our program and now thank us for their success so we categorically refuse to exchange communication with people who hurl insults and lies at the company we have given ************ every opportunity to succeed with our program if he would like to behave maturely and call us we will be happy more than happy to extend ourselves for the seventh time to try and make this work for him.

  
  

  The proof that we are not a scam which by the way is slander is with the 5000+ success stories, all of which are on our websites 

  Customer response

  06/22/2024

   
  Complaint: 21575485
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I asked for a return of my tuition fee; The fabrication of their administration is definitely unnecessary. I waited 4 months for them to find an inconsistent "remote mentor"; I received repetitive self help videos all related to the insertion of hi hats; These pre recorded lessons are all recorded documented situations. If the Recording Film Connection program has any successful students that have come through thier program it's definitely due to selective promotions; I can attest that you will not be rewarded based on merit from The Radio Recording Film Connection program. I traveled 60 miles from my home to be "mentored". I had to cycle through multiple affiliates of the program to not only be denied the use of equipment used to music produce but I didn't learn a thing about music production in one of  the worst most unprofessional experiences I have been unfortunate enough to witness. In total 10 months of my time was wasted by the most inconvenient, uninformative mock educational programs. I don't know whom they graduated but from my own experiences this program did not help in anyway towards my advancement in music production no matter what challenges they presented an I was able to overcome
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  02/21/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Im filing another complaint because I wasnt satisfied with the previous resolution. I got schooling through this business to become a screenwriter/ film professional. I was told I would make connections with people big in the film world and be able to get employment after graduation. I realized too late that I had fell for a scam. I had originally agreed to a loan of about ****** dollars. Again, this came with the promise of employment. I agreed to the loan because I was convinced I could get a job. I realized too late that this certificate this establishment was going to give me would hold no merit. I had never been to school previously so I didnt know much about what kind of degrees would get you jobs, how long it would take, etc. I realized all this a bit before I graduated but I still wanted to try to get in contact with career services to see what they could have for me. They sent me multiple automated messages through email prompting me to answer questions about what kind of job I would want. I responded multiple times and they didnt respond for months. I will admit that they did eventually respond, but it was very far after they were supposed to. They promised a career after graduation and they didnt even respond for months. I grew tired of the negligence. I dont even want the career services at this point. I dont want the diploma. I will gladly send it back. The supposed schooling they set me up with did not prepare me for the real film world in the first place. There is no job that I can even get with the certificate. I would need to educate myself further to get a job. I agreed to all this and the loan under the promise that I would be prepared for a job in the film industry, but I was not. I would just like to get out of this payment for this and a refund, because that is what is promised by them. I will attach that promise. Again, I no longer want career services because they will be useless to me considering the preparation and negligence.

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  We spoke with the Attorney General and the ** reviewed all of our communications with ******, the ** agreed that we had not overpromised or under delivered. 

  None of what ****** accuses us here, is true. The ** closed this case and agreed that ****** was in the wrong. This case is closed. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I signed up for this school awhile ago. After signing up and paying the down payment I never heard from them again. Then after 2 years $18000 hit my credit report. I attended 0 classes and received nothing for this. Why would I pay 18k for nothing? Never have been able to reach the school.

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  "He never heard from us", unfortunately ***** is not being truthful, we have every documented conversation with him since 2017 on recorded liones. Our service reps

  have reached out to him over well over 25x since 2017. We have had multiple conversations with him. It's also impossible he is being charged 18k. 

  If ***** would like to call us we can work with him

  Please call ************ and ask for *************************. 

  Customer response

  06/14/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I will note I contacted the missouri attorney General and they reached out to this company and through that my 18k debt on my credit was removed. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  01/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Not a school, pure scam. School implies learning and teachers. RRFC took wild advantage of my medical conditions all covered by **** Namely CPTSD. Also have fibromyalgia and a tumor on my adrenal gland that floods me with hormones when Im triggered hard. Had just finished a lawsuit against a teacher that raped me in the 4th grade. I wanted to have a little school victory for myself as that had ruined learning for me, I shared that with advisor, Coerced into putting almost 4k down and a very high interest loan while I was receiving neuro feedback treatments on my brain. School was NOTHING promised. I never saw any studio. All fraud. I was given an incredibly complex piece of audio engineering software with learn it on ******** I had a very bad PTSD attack and school advisor didnt turn in my doctors letter of absence, weeks of work piling up, forcing me against my drs orders to complete five quizzes under duress or not be granted leave.Pushed to just do quizzes so they could run me through the program. So behind on the work and no interest in getting me caught up. Finally figured it out, asked for a refund. I never really came back from leave, and I wasnt ok, More gaslighting and games while they reviewed. Refused to put findings in writing, insisted I call and after 20 minutes of his neuro linguistic gymnastics was We will write off the loan (not destroy your credit) but we are keeping your 4k. Also you have to sign something to agree not to *** us, Thats extortion. Not signing that. I wasnt competent to sign that contract on 1/27 while having my brain waves manipulated, nor am I now because of the drain on existing health challenges. Only structure in program were lies. This was supposed to teach me podcasting which was also promised never happened, All of these men have been dismissive and cold when Ive tried to tell them how hard I was struggling. Treat me like a crazy. All about money for them, ruthless and do not care who they destroy for it.

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  The school gave **** a full refund. We decided it was not in our best interest to continue to try and reason with her or work with her. 

• Initial Complaint

  10/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I started school here last year. I graduated in December. I was promised a school like no other that would fully prepare me and give me connections in the film industry. The course was just some sloppy powerpoints and someone there to oversee my script writing; none of which was actually taught to me. They just told me to read scripts and watch movies. I agreed to a $12,000 loan with the financial team. Ive been paying monthly since last year. My loan has only gone up to over $13,000. They advertise their career placement program and advisors and guarantee that these would get you a career after graduation. Nothing of the sort has happened. They also advertise and promise that if they dont help you get a career after graduation, that they would give you a full refund. I have tried to contact both the career advisor and admissions advisor multiple times and they have never answered. The emails from the career advisor are completely automated and he has never responded to any of mine. I dont mind if they take the certificate they sent me; it has no real-life use anyway. In fact, I would love for them to take it back. I just want my refund that is promised.

  Business response

  10/20/2023

  Hi, it seems we have been trying to connect with ******* since they graduated from our program. We have employment available for them if they can return our calls. As Juniper has completed our program, no refund is due. We are unclear on what is meant by "promised". Please connect with us so that our ************************** can help you. Thanks! 

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I started my audio engineering education with recording connection in February of 2020. I had one studio session before the pandemic made that impossible in March. For the rest of the year all my sessions were just me reading the ebook and being on dreadful zoom calls with my mentor. *** contacted the business that I borrowed the student loans from to get a refund for all the studio sessions I paid for but didnt have. They told me to contact RRFC for them to sign off on the refund/getting the rest of the loan cancelled. Every time I call RRFC they send me to their career center which always sends me to voicemail. From when I started up until now they havent replied to any voicemails or any emails the loan service has sent. Its very shady how RRFC handles things and I should at least be heard out since I couldnt control a pandemic happening.

  Business response

  09/29/2023

  We are more than happy to help ****************************. Before I will outline clear solutions on how we will help him, please be advised, we are in receipt of twenty positive survey reviews completed that he sent us during his time in the program. He's completed all of our lessons and is part of our large Alumni population. We suspect this may have something to do with his unwillingness to fulfill his tuition obligation. If so, we are more than happy to work with him to find a viable solution to give him a reasonable amount of extra studio time with his mentor ******************* to make up for any hours he feels weren't granted. As he is Alumni, we are more than happy to help him achieve gainful employment. We are seeing consistent reach outs and communication from our ************************** when he graduated three years ago and have had his newly assigned ****** Services Advisor, *****************************, reach out to him to help him with job placement. Currently, we have been unable to connect with him, please call us back, ****************************, as we have paid work for you now if you're open to it. As a recap, we are offering him paid work, more studio time so long as he is current on his tuition payments. If you need assistance, ****************************, we are more than happy to help you. Here is my direct line: **************

  Customer response

  10/08/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************************

• Initial Complaint

  08/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I seek clear communications from the company on two things:My refund amount of $8,624.36 linked to a due date for refund of Sept. 1, 2023 approx.07/21/2023: My refund was detailed and committed to in the amount of $8,624.36 by: ******************: ************; ******************* (See Doc 0, email thread, July 21, 2023 email)07/24/2023 - Same as #1 above (See Doc 1, email thread July 24, 2021)07/27/2023: My refund amount: $8,624.36 was confirmed via phone by *******************************: ************; ********************* (See Doc 2 phone record from Tmobile)07/27/2023: I gave formal notice for withdrawal from ***************************** schools (RRFC) on July, 27, 2023, Which would start the process of receiving the aforementioned $8,624.36.00 refund. This email was sent to Dougy ******: ************; ******************* **************** confirmed the receipt of my email and pledged to start the refund process in the same email thread. (See Doc. 3 email thread)08/08/2023: I was told by ****************, my director will be getting to you as soon as he can; ...he has a lot on his plate (See Doc 4, further down in the email thread, 08/08/2023 email)08/15/2023: I called the school's central number, explained the situation and was told someone would call me.08/15/2023: *************** *****, ************ said director did call me and left a VM.08/16/2023: Called him back/left a VM; sent a text message asking for specific date/time for this call. (See Doc 5, Tmobile record of call)08/18/2023: I emailed **************** stating firmly, Id be filing a complaint with the BBB if my refund process, its amount and its due date were not formally stated to me by 08/21/2023. (See Doc 6, email thread 08/18/2023 email)08/18/2023: I emailed ********************** a request to confirm my refund amount via email (See Doc 7, email to **********************)08/18/2023: ****************, emailed me my withdrawal was approved. No info on refund due date I have cut off several steps due to the **** char. limit

  Business response

  09/22/2023

  Hi, we are sorry to hear that **************** was not satisfied with our internal refund process. It is important for us to follow internal protocols as set per compliance and state law. We have in our records that his refund check in the amount of $8,624.36 was mailed to **************** on September 7th, 2023. If, for whatever reason, **************** has not received this check, we encourage him to reach out to us immediately so we can cancel this check and mail him a new one. To clarify, the email we received on July 27th, 2023, was not an official withdrawal request. **************** received an email on August 18th, 2023, informing him that his withdrawal was approved and that his refund would be received no later than 45 days. On our end, we consider this matter resolved and closed. If **************** needs any further assistance, we encourage him to reach out to us directly. 

  Customer response

  09/28/2023

   
  Complaint: 20512899
  
  I am rejecting this response because: While the refund check was mailed on the stated date, received and subsequently cashed by me. The Accounting of their refund process made in their response is incorrect. I take issue with this because of the time and energy I had to expend nagging this business for my refund. Per my mentor ******************, and documented in my complaint, my July 27, 2023 notification was formal. I did exactly what **************** asked of me. When the business be honest, and admit they delayed my refund unnecessarily, per my documented and very detailed complaint; I will then consider the matter closed.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  07/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I began attending this fictitious program due to false information. They claimed to offer one ************* training with a mentor. Job placement all for a $17000 loan with a $1200 "good faith" payment for materials (online music theory curriculum and a basic subscription to pro tools). The mentor which is just a failed music producer dictates the entire experience within the program they can go on vacation make unreasonable demands of student like to intern restrict access to recording equipment. The engineers may as well solicit their own workers instead of trying to manipulate young students into working for them for free under the pretenses of educational purposes. I left a studio in ******** ** because the engineer kept being unprofessional about me using snares and hi hats in my own beats. I asked him to stop mentioning my personal situations during my studio sessions. When I requested a transfer after 3 week to a studio 100 miles away round trip. Given 1 day a week studio time for sometimes as little as 45 minutes told to come in for intern hours. I refused that offer and have been trying to unenrolled for over two months to this date

  Business response

  08/09/2023

  Fake program? Failed music producer? **** if you would like to discuss options (which we are happy to provide) we ask that you act professionally and stop with the antagonistic untruths. This program has been serving the nation for over 40 years. The first producer you were paired with has produced music for *****************, Mos Def, The Game, E40, and hundreds of others. This mentor asked to stop working with you because you were unreceptive to learning the way your mentor prescribed. And had issues with your inflexibility. We then moved you. You were unable to make this happen because of your schedule and dropped out. 
  

  Moving forward, we are happy to withdraw you. Please call ************************* ************ to receive the terms of your withdraw. 
  

  To date we have over ***** powerful success stories in which flexible students made it Ns hig in the music industry with our program: *************************************************************************

  Customer response

  08/11/2023

   
  Complaint: 20317922
  
  I am rejecting this response because:Fake program with failed music producers whose resume is now being fabricated to fit a narrative. I was assigned to a 26 year old audio engineer out of ******** ********** is that the man youre claiming produced for Mos Def The Game and E-40? Just graduated from the program in 2019. Admitted to me himself his beats were rejected by labels he sent music to as he preached having a backup plan. More affirmation to the deceptive tactics used by this program to create an illusion of professionalism. I was actually the one whom requested a transfer due to the excessive flexibility required by the audio engineer I was assigned to. Constantly being 30 minutes or later to my scheduled appointments. Or going on hiatus for a month while having a new student to mentor.  The transfer I received was after a month. Which I was then informed of internship hours in order to receive more than 1 hour a week worth of studio time while I was less than two months scheduled away from getting a certificate. Is that the transfer I dropped out due to inflexibility?  I signed up to make beats and was inconsistently invited to audio engineering sessions which wasnt what I paid to be taught. I then asked ********************* for job placement through career services which led to him eluding me for two months. Which was  then why I asked to be reimbursed. Not make any accusations you wont stand by in court I can seek legal action for defamation. I was more than flexible with this program I waited 3 out of 4 months in the school for a consistent studio to be trained in. That I was never accommodated with:  Its been over a month since I was told I was granted a withdrawal and my bank account hasnt reflected any reversal charges. For a $17000 payment a student receives a protools subscription and an ebook which doesnt seem conducive to an apprentice in a program that bases 99% of its curriculum online. With all of the success cases why arent any laptops available for students in the music production program. What are the protocols in the program when mentors arent allowing students access to studio equipment? I rated my experiences with the mentors low every week. Constantly expressed my dissatisfaction with the affiliates of the schools cultivation in regards to the preparation needed to be successful in the trade I was looking to pursue within the program. Please either help me proceed with the job placement through career services or reimburse me. Dont make inaccurate excuses for why were here now trying to compromise. I paid for a service I didnt have equipment to do remotely which isnt what was promised through enrollment into the schools hands on 1 on 1 training with a professional in whatever trade chosen. A service I did not receive. Suggesting I contact ********************* isnt a reliable option as *** tried to facilitate a resolution with him 3 months ago which has led me to seeking legal action against the program. He hadnt returned a message *** left for him yet. If there arent any more logical options for the justices I seek then I will go an unlimited civil lawsuit route for fraud and defamation because waiting 3 months and having clear communication I wasnt going to receive more than an hour a week of training isnt the same as dropping out of a program due to inflexibility. Thank you Im open to a resolution as well again as stated before 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  09/07/2023

  The customer has not rejected our offer but accepted it. He was sent a laptop and given more education and services. He considers this matter closed. 

  Customer response

  09/08/2023

  My name's *********************** and I would like to close my complaint against the Radio Recording Film and Casa connections school we've reached an agreement thank you

• Initial Complaint

  05/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I enrolled in Recording Radio Film Connection in October of 2022. I requested a mix training of hands on in a studio near me, with some virtual/online training. After I enrolled, I was informed it would be virtual/online as there werent ANY in person studios for me to go to. Fine. They assured me most of radio stations todays market are primarily remote. What I didnt know when I enrolled was that I would be doing this course pretty much on my own. The only time I had with my Academic Advisor was for 30 minutes. I am a full time employee so I work during the day. My academic advisor would be booked for days and I would have to find another 30 minutes slot the following week or the week after. I did get a mentor but I could NOT schedule the mentor unless I had a demo or a recording to share with him. His ONLY purpose was to provide feedback for my recordings. Thats it. So I am paying for a radio course, with NO radio assistance or hands-on training /in studio training of any kind, with scarce academic adviser availability. I managed to complete the course and pass on my own, in March of 2023 ( March 27th). I am now ready to find employment of some type. This course offers you a career advisor once you graduate for up to 12 months. I did not have a career advisor assigned. I had to keep calling and calling and finally was able to get one. The advisors are to help you find employment. This is my issue with this school. They need to actively help me find a job! I did everything else on my own. The career advisor I was able to find (due to my many calls) has not helped much at all in this past month. I have not been receiving any job notices as she claims there arent many in my area. I live in Virginia near *************, tell me theres no radio jobs/entry level work?? I need my advisor to do what Ive been paying for: career assistance. If this one isnt capable, then I need to be assigned another. I am not getting any assistance from management or the school.

  Business response

  06/22/2023

  Once the student becomes current on her payments, we are more than happy to assist. 

  Tori was with a major radio station who has hired multiple graduates. We can get her more training and paid work. Happy to help.

   

  Customer response

  06/23/2023

   
  Complaint: 19969315
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have been current on ALL MY PAYMENTS!!! I AM NOT LATE ON ANY PAYMENTS SO WHAT IS GOING ON??? I have proof of all my payments. I was only able to work with the mentor *********************** (he is the person from the radio station in ***** they are referring to), only after I submitted an assignment and only once a week. He has not offered any job assistance or job help. He has not offered to share my work with anyone of his colleagues.
  I have not made contact with *********************** since I completed the course. I have received very little job assistance from the school which is a benefit you promote as part of your program.

  Please don't use not paying my payments as a reason to not help as I have been paying regularly since October 22.
  

  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  10/20/2023

  We are currently in contact with **** and actively helping her find work (with positive notes from her end). Uncertain where this is coming from. She has spoken with the Institutional Director, *************************, at length, and is now actively working with her new Career Advisor, *************************. She was directed to connect directly with the Institutional Director (as she has his direct line) if she still does not find our efforts satisfactory. On our end, this issue was closed as we thought we were actively assisting her. She should please connect with us directly if that is not the case.

  Customer response

  10/26/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. However, RRFC  (*****) only reached out this month. ************** just reached out this month after me asking for assistance since March/April of this year. So who ever wrote this response, completely failed to look at the history of my complaint and lack of customer service which was the original complaint. I still believe this company is a sham/fraud and I will make sure to share MY experience with this school on all my media platforms. I now have an advisor to assist so I will  leave it at that.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩