Is Jimi Petulla the savior of American adult education?
Though some may debate his methods, one thing is certain: Petulla's radical, yet time-honored approach to teaching could shake higher learning to its unstable core. He is founder and president of Entertainment Connection, a California-based program that applies the old world concept of "apprenticing" -- i.e., a learning experience where students receive personal, on-the-job training from a seasoned professional.
An entertainment-oriented vocational program, Entertainment Connection offers students a low-cost, work-intensive way to enter the worlds of radio, TV, film and recording. Petulla's graduates have been hired at some of the most prestigious companies in the entertainment business, including Universal Studios, ABC, CNN, Sony, MTV, NBC Radio, ESPN and HBO. Entertainment Connection students have worked on projects for renowned artists like director James Cameron ("Titanic"), Wesley Snipes, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Madonna, Nirvana, Garth Brooks, Puff Daddy, David Bowie and countless others.
Moreover, Petulla's system allows students to acquire real-world knowledge in the studio of their choice in any city or country. His flexible program allows ambitious, industrious students to work part-time, nights or weekends with no prior experience required. In praise of Petulla and his innovative system, television veteran and ABC "20/20" host Hugh Downs recently commented: "It is especially amazing to me the amount of people you have placed in broadcasting jobs all over the country."
Echoing the sentiments of many Entertainment Connection students, recording engineer Billy Flores says: "Although I am an intern, (Entertainment Connection has) enabled me to work in a top-of-the-line studio with some the music industry's finest ... Don Henley, Brian Wilson and the Rolling Stones."
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