Here's What Our Music & Recording Students Did in December 2008.   What Did You Do?

70% Of These Students Will Be Working in the
Music and Audio Business by June 2009.  WILL YOU?

James LaMarca
RECORDING STUDENT IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

My mentor and his assistant engineer  gave me a brief outline of what I could expect from their instruction for the near future as well as an overview of the equipment in the studio.  We proceeded to cover the curriculum for the week in detail and them my mentor showed me an actual project in their DAW of choice, Samplitude.

I enrolled with the recording connection for an assortment of reasons.  First, this has been a goal in the back of my mind for at least a couple of years.  I struggled in undergraduate school for mechanical engineering with the realization that I had a passion for something else.  I've been a musician for about seven years now, and I found myself in a position in which I HAD a bare bones, rudimentary recording studio(for recording band practices, etc.), without the necessary skill set to control all of my equipment.  I looked around and found the recording connection:  a relatively short and inexpensive yet intensive hands on program that could potentially give me exactly what I was looking for.  I hope to find work in the industry upon completion of the program, whether it be live sound or audio engineering in the studio.  I also have a dream of my own recording studio as a business venture someday, but I realize that I may be getting ahead of myself.  I know that doing just the bare minimum isn't a strategy for success.  I'm prepared to do whatever it is that I need to do, whether it be learning in the studio, social networking, or just making an effort each and every day to strive for success to get my foot in the door in this industry. This program got me in the door, the rest is up to me.

Kyle Schlechter
REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT

This week i got some work done and finished the third assignent. .My mentor then showed me one of the soundboards and the basics of how it works and the different sounds when different levels are used.I also got to sit in with the guys in the foley section and see how they overdub the sounds for t.v. and movies.  I am in the door oserving and learning.


Went over course lesson #6 on internal amplifiers and their uses. Took a written microphone test and was given a "best score" rating. Assisted with set-up and break-down of studio client's live performance at a local venue. Got a crash-course with sound mixing using the Mackie VLZ1202 Micro Series and learned how to keep feedback under control and maintain proper levels of mics and instruments. A very challenging and worthwhile experience overall.

I just finished Lesson #7.  Compressors/Limiters. Applied compression and limiting on tracks using Waves plug-ins to get a better understanding of its functions.  Also assisted in mic setup and vhs audio cueing for a client's voice recording CD. That's right, this program allows me to work on real projects as I train. I just don't see how regular audio school can ever compare.  I highly recommend this program.



I enrolled with the Recording Connection because I felt like it would be the most realistic way to achieve my goals. I've heard from many people that "recording schools" are a big risk because you never actually get your "foot in the door". Another thing that appeals to me is that I will be working one-on-one with a mentor and not in a classroom setting, because I know I will learn much more. The price of Recording Connection compared to other recording schools is unbeatable, and I know I will have a better chance of finding a job because I will have had real studio experience. My goals upon completion of this course are to get a great job in a studio and understand everything there is to know about recording professionally. My dream is to have my own professional studio, and just record and play music for a living. After the completion of this course, my steps will be in the direction of finding a great job in a studio where I can record music and have fun. Hopefully, I will be able to do that for a very long time, while saving money and eventually starting my own business. No matter what happens, my passion is music and recording music, so whatever I can do in that field I will be happy with! Thank you Recording Connection. I know that my career is now in my hands because you guys got me inside a real studio. No regular school can say that. Thank You!


We comped vocals, worked directly with an artist's producer for the first time, and interacted with artists. This is unreal. I am working on real projects as an assistant and I have only been doing this for 4 months. The Recording Connection is a fast track way into the recording business.

Johnathan Siler
LOS ANGELES RECORDING STUDENT

I was in the studio yesterday, not for a lesson or anything, just seeing how it all works. I go for lessons and them I go to sit in and
observe. I feel like a V.I.P.



My mentor and I did lesson twelve and continued showing me the art of Pro Tools. He has been an awesome mentor, I highly look up to him because he cares about me retaining my education (unlike college professors).  My progress in my new field of study is astonishing, my musical creativity has increased a hundred fold.  I am highly looking forward to learning more and hopefully working for Mr. Weaver in the near future. Next week I'm bringing my guitar to record a few licks and start really getting the hang of setting up the studio and begin recording. GOD BLESS YOU all for this opportunity.

This is for December 8, 2008 we completed chapter thirteen, and i'm waiting and studying for my mid term on lesson fourteen.  I'm still excited about my future with this program.  I am getting Pro Tools for Christmas and i'm getting prepared to start recording in my house.  i'm still going strong and focused.  We started setting up the studio, brought my guitar and tried all kinds of mic placements and recorded a couple of backing tracks. Thank you for this opportunity again , GOD bless you all. Your guys are for real. I love this program.



Chris Barbeito
RECORDING STUDENT - DETROIT

This week was lesson 14 and I had a graded drill. I recieved an A and starting to feel alot more comfortable with digital and analog consoles. I also was able to apprentice this week for a couple hours recording a band that was playing in Detroit's Thanksgiving Parade, which was fun because these guys could rock it. Only a few more weeks left and I wish it wasn't going by so fast. This experience is like no other.

Last week I learned all about  MIDI. I was able to play around with a MIDI controller at the studio and see how it works. I was pretty familiar with it because I have one at my home studio. I learned more about how it works so that was cool. What's great about this program is that you learn one on one. No classrooms. No dumb teacher. Just you and a real engineer. Pro Tools is next

This week i worked on lesson #10 Analog Tape Recorders. Me and my mentor went over the book work for this chapter and talked about Analog Tape. This program is great cos it shows you Pro Tools (digital) and analog. Then my mentor showed me the analog tape recorder he has in the studio. He showed me all the different parts of the machine and talked about all of them and what they do as we went along. Then something really cool happened, on that day the local News station came by the studio with a man that wrote a song about the Pittsburgh Steelers, so the news wanted to film him in the studio which was pretty cool. I am making connections as I train with the Recording Connection.


Jeremy Scott
RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT - OMAHA, NEBRASKA

This week I went into the studio to take a quiz and to experience a mixdown. The quiz probably took a half an hour, not because it was hard,but because I had a lot to write. The quiz wasn't hard because I reviewed, for two days, everything that was listed in the assignment. After I took the quiz my mentor looked it over to make sure I got everything correct; I, indeed, got every answer correct. Then I experienced my first full mixdown, HANDS ON !!!!   The mixdown took almost an hour or so. The mixdown was actually of a song whose recording I was present for (some months ago). The song had 5 instruments: guitar, drums, bass, keys, and vocals. My mentor began by establishing the level for the drums. my mentor put a side-chain compression on the drums, then added some reverb to them. Next he smoothed out the sound of the bass by adjusting its eq, then added some compression to enrich its sound. Thirdly, my mentor combined the guitar and keys into one track. He adjusted both of their EQs and then applied some compression. Next, he enriched the vocals by adding various effects, he messed around with the vocals EQ until it fit in smoothly with the rest of the tracks. My mentor then used automation to balance out the sound; we repeatedly went through the song to focus on the volume and panning (we did this after each track). Finally, my mentor duplicated the mono tracks to make to stereo, thus, allowing it to be listened to on a cd. Overall,this was an extremely instructive lesson and I learned a great amount from it. I can't believe Im in a real studio. Thanks Recording Connection.



It was a fairly extensive lesson. However, the concepts weren't too hard to grasp because I have experience using EQ already. The only difference this time is knowing the theory of how and why it works the way it does. I still feel as though I learned a significant amount of additional information from my mentor.  Now Recording Connection is sending me an MBOX, for free.


This week I completed and reviewed lesson 8.  My mentor  reviewed the midterm exam and we working on stepping up some time for me to do my first mix. He sits there right next to me and teaches me in his studio. Why do we even need regular school?


I had more than just my weekly lesson in the studio.  My mentor is also training me on how to network and break into the business. It wont be easy but this program does train you in the real worl where jobs are given out.

Micheal Gunter
RECORDING STUDENT - MIAMI, FLORIDA

I've been going to a great studio for the last 2 months, but recently found out that a good family friend of mine works at a studio.  I called  Recording Connection and they set up the studio to work with me and I've been going there ever since and loving it! My mentor has been Grammy Nominated. This program sets you up with major industry professionals.



I AM LEARNING ONE ON ONE. NO OTHER STUDENTS. Yesterday it was pretty cool learning that you have complete control over the entire song basically, and can solo a certain type of instrument in a musical piece to make that individual sound even better to add to the overall quality of the song. This was an interesting week for me and I'm excited to learn more about this aspect of the audio engineering process. I just DON'T THINK THAT I COULD GET THIS TYPE OF EDUCATION FROM A COLLEGE CLASSROOM OR A TRADITIONAL RECORDING SCHOOL. This course is in a real studio and in real studios millions of questions come up that I just dont think would come up in a classroom. Im so glad I did this instead of a technical college.

Gage Bartlet
RECORDING STUDENT - GERMANTOWN, WISCONSIN

Thanks for all your help through this.  I"m really glad I gave you guys a shot.  It definitely gave me the confidence to try and get to where I want to be and really helped me build a small foundation and gave me an idea of what to expect in the muisic industry. My mentor is an amazing individual.  I can't emphasize that enough.  I"m really glad I was able to get paired up with him.  I'm not sure if I would've had the same experience anywhere else.


We had a regular lesson on monday that included a detailed conversation about live sound and studio sound. then on saturday a big name local band came in to record. We set up equipment, fixed rattles, picked mics, and a lot of other things. This is hands on learning. Can't beat it. Any smart person will tell you that, the best way to learn is one on one.

Matt Bartolett
RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT - SYLVANIA, OH

Last weekend I met Tom Morello when he stopped by the studio for an acoustic radio show. I helped set up the vocal and guitar mics as well as some of the patching and pro-tools things needed for the session. Tom played new songs off his latest solo record. I grew up listening to RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and he was an icon for me when I was learning how to play guitar. Being able to meet him and help set up for his session is something i'll never forget. I love what I'm doing. I love this program. A regular school would never had gotten me to set up Tom Morello's session.



I just recorded my first two tracks, my mentor let me take the reins and do it all myself.


I can use the studio anytime there is not a gig going on. I learn from my mentor and then get to come into the studio.


You read about the stuff, it's right in front of you.  Then you go with your mentor and actually do it. Perfect.



Last night i finished the last lesson of the program and throughout the program i really did spend allot of time reading and learning.  My personal experience with the studio and my mentor is great and i think his facility and him as a mentor are great opportunities for students to learn.


I'm pretty much running things in the back room now. It feels great. This program is the S____T !


This week I went to meet my mentor at the studio for a second time to check out the studio and review my first assignment. We went over assignment one together and answered a few questions I had regarding the material. My mentor showed me around the studio so I would be comfortable with the various rooms and set up.


Johnny O'Shea
RECORDING STUDENT - NEW YORK

I was having a bit of scheduling problems with my mentor.  I called Recording Connection and they found me a new mentor who could work around my schedule much better. NOW I AM GOING INTO THE STUDIO TWICE PER WEEK and loving it.

Michael Ducheny
RECORDING CONNECTION - NEW YORK CITY

I took my first lesson. I spent about 2 1/2 hours at the studio. Then on the 30th I took my next lesson and sat in on two sessions. I'm
really doing this!!!



My original mentor couldn't do the program with me.  I called Recording Connection and they found me a new mentor that has been
showing things that go beyond the book work. I go into his studio and we work from the book and then do practical lessons hands on. So it's both, book and hands on in a real studio. Bingo. This program works.

Eric Holm
BOSTON RECORDING STUDENT

This week I completed Lesson 2 with my mentor. I then assisted in the recording of vocals and bass guitar on a real session. My mentor is my private tutor.

This week I completed lesson 3 with my mentor. We spent our studio time setting up drum mics for a session later in the week.  We also recorded the basic tracks for a rock bank (2 guitars and bass). My mentor put the drum track in via midi and showed me the procedure, one on one.


My mentor is helping my band get our get our first CD recorded professionally, and I'm the engineer of my own bands project !!  I am learning how to be an engineer on my own bands record.

Yajaira Torres -
RECORDING STUDENT -  RENO, NEVADA

This week I watched my mentor work with Logic and Digital Performer.  I learned how files can be transfered over and changed to a different format. I was also able to finish lesson three and started to read lesson four. I am learning hands on and from a pro. I get to touch the equipment and practice on it and I get to learn from him one on one.

Clarence Texada III -
DALLAS, TEXAS RECORDING STUDENT

My mentor trained me for 1 hour on lesson #1 on October 15. I mentioned careers in audio for games and post production in the Dallas Area to him. He stated that he knew some people in that field and would contact them. Overall, I'm having a great time. Turn in my Assignment #1 to my mentor.  I stay around for 2 hours after my training to help out one of the engineers so it's great this program, you get to learn under your mentor and then meet the other engineers. I am networking as I am learning.


On Monday I was in the studio a little longer than usual due to the fact that I was setting up a drum session! Then, I was working on the patch bay as well.  And as far as the classes, we had the amp lab lesson.  It was a lot of info but was able to understand it! I had a change to try the console after class to put in practice what we had just learned. I even got a chance to set up a couple of
instruments/mics for a practice recording session for us interns. Classes are fun and I'm enjoying it. 

During the week, my mentor has been explaining the basics of how to use pro tools.  We had a chance to mix a song as well (in pro tools).  After a couple of lessons on pro tools, I am now able to use pro tools some what on my own.  I'm not able to perfect it now but I know I will after my lessons on it. I can't believe I am in a real studio learning from a real pro. This is crazy. So cool. Forget about regular school, Im in a real studio.


Stephen Ajamie -
RECORDING STUDENT - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

I just had my final session in which I took my final written test and mixing test with a band. I loved this program. It was hands on and book work and apprenticing all in one.


Last week, my mentor and I went over Signal flow in track mode, signal flow schematics, auxiliaries, and the patch bay. We also did some studio work demonstrating the signal flow by setting up a radio in a drum iso booth and recording some FM channels. In addition, I also did a patch bay drill by having to correctly route reverb through an audio track we had, using an auxiliary.

Adam Cockrell
CHICAGO RECORDING STUDENT

I reviewed assignment 1 and observed a recording session with an artist. I also assisted my mentor as needed with the session. My mentor is great. Cool people. The studio is top notch.


I'm working full time in the studio. I go when I want. This program works. Thank You for saving me 15,000 in student loans.

Joshua Shaw -
RECORDING STUDENT -  ST. LOUIS, MO.

I'm going in almost every day now, I get 20-30 hours a week in the studio. Thank you so much Recording Connection. You really
do work around people's schedules.


This was my 4th class, we went over the audio production console.  My mentor is showing me how everything works
at my pace. This stuff isnt easy but fun.


Sam Amador
RECORDING STUDENT - WASHINGTON D.C.

Lately my mentor and I been doing tracking, well, im watching and he's talking me thru it and same with mixing. We're trying to get my ears used to the different types of EQ's n such. Mic my first band. Took three hours but it was pretty cool. The reason it took so long cause my mentor wanted to try something new. Of course we had some bugs but the band dugged it and he seemed pretty happy. I ran around alot so i was too tired to enjoy it. My mentor let me handle the scratch track which was nerve-racking. So I winged it and turned out fine.


My mentor has me running a few sessions, I've recorded 3 clients now. If you can't make this program work for you then that's your fault. They get you in the door. The rest is up to you.

Anthony Moore
RECORDING STUDENT - DALLAS, TEXAS

The studio I am training at is awesome, thanks so much for working with me, and getting me into a real recording studio.  My mentor knows exactly what he's talking about.


After my lesson my mentor and I discussed the studio design including acoustics and building materials.  Also we went over monitors. With this course it's like the class never ends because you become close friends with your mentor.


My mentor went over lesson one.  He showed me some examples of sounds that are in phase and some that are out of phase,
he also showed me how to fix that.  My mentor also spent some time going over pro tools and how to use it. There is so much to learn but I no could never imagine learning this from anyone but a professional.


In addition to the in studio work, we did a FOH live sound for an event in Atlanta.  I assisted at the board and we did serval other tasks like sound checks, we routed some new mic's and so forth. We also recorded the event to DAT, CD and Cassette. I learned while doing instead of talking about it in a classroom.

Ester McIntire
RECORDING STUDENT - ATLANTA, GEORGIA

My mentor is very knowledgeable. He showed me things that weren't in any book. It's hands on. It really is.

Dan Riley -
TAMPA BAY RECORDING STUDENT

We cover the basics of wave forms, such as wave length, frequency, amplitude etc. Dan also explained his studio's construction to me. We covered studio isolation and acoustics, and I learned the formula for finding problematic frequency's within a givin room based on its dimensions. Dan played for me a recording he had done the night before with a band, showing me the basics of the mixing board. We discussed the different types of microphones and their applications. My mentor also introduced me to Nuendo, and we did an exercise is critical listening.


I spent two hours this week in a class where we discussed compression, limiting, expanding, and noise gates. I also attended a session with the hip hop group formula 412 where larry finished the final mixdown of 2 of their songs


Zachary D. Goldstien
RECORDING STUDENT - TORONTO

Recording Connection gave me the knowledge to open my own home studio and record local bands.


We've got some bands coming in, it's a lot of hands on work. I am going to be an engineer thanks to this program.

Rob Casalou
RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT - TROY, MICHIGAN

The program provided a good foundation for the music industry because it is hands on.


The best thing is being able to ask so many questions without other students annoying me. It's just me.


Mickey Nagessersing
NEW YORK RECORDING STUDENT

I'm going in the studio 6 times a week, it's wonderful! I came from another country and I am in a real life NEW YORK RECORDING STUDIO.


My mentor been having me set up sessions and assistant engineering. I am almost there. I am in the door thanks to the Recording Connection.  No school compares.

Justin Carulli
MALDEN, MARYLAND - RECORDING STUDENT

I just been learning everything. This is a massive amount of information but I'm into it. Really into it. Thank god I didn't do traditional school.



I brought in a Jazz quartet last week as my own personal project at the studio THAT I ENGINEERED myself !


Last week i worked on Time Based Signal Processing. Me and my mentor went over all the book work in this chapter and talked about reverbs, delays and many other things. After that he showed me the different ways to add reverb and delay in the studio, and all the ways reverbs work. Then he showed me the tools in pro tools using plug-ins. Then that weekend i went in for a session with a band and  watched the recording process with a live band. This is cool in that I am learning from a real engineer ALONE in his real studio. I love this program.

Reckardo White
RECORDING - TORNTO

Feel like I'm learning quite a bit. One on one.