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Recording Connection's Approach to
Careers in the Music Business
Let's face it, the whole reason
you
are planning to go to a music, audio or recording school is to get a
job in the music biz,
right? (Of course, it you are a professional student, or just downright
weird, this may not apply.)
So, it's no coincidence that getting you a job in the music and
recording industries is
exactly the criteria we used in designing our courses at Recording
Connection music recording school. Now, no music school
can promise
you a job once you graduate, but if you have the right attitude,
passion
about audio and music, have studied hard so you know the stuff we've
taught you, and kept touch with the contacts we and your mentor have
developed for you while you've been studying at the Recording
Connection,
you're odds have just gone way up.
It's a bit like dragging a horse to water: you can't make it drink the
water, but
you sure can do everything else to make it possible.
With Recording Connection music and recording school, we give you the
knowledge, the
experience, the connections and, perhaps more importantly, because our
courses are
delivered not by "professional
teachers" but by "real audio
engineers and music producers", we put you in the right
place at the right time for landing a job in the music business.
The
rest is up to you. Here are just a few of the careers Recording
Connection audio recording and music school can prepare you for.
What Jobs Are Available?
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The following are some
of the many positions available at production studios, post production
houses, recording studios and others around the country. In our
program you will be exposed to many, if not all, of these positions.
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Recording Engineer
Having a good musical sense and a desire to learn are the most
important requirements for a Recording Engineer. You will literally
"set the stage" for all the musicians to deliver their best performance
and sound in the Recording Studio. You'll be responsible for recording
and sonically shaping all of the parts for the recording -- including
selection and placement of microphones, placing the instruments, and
mixing headphones for the musicians in the session. Although the
operation of the recording studio is high tech, the creative side is
what sets Recording Engineers apart, and is also the most fun and
gratifying part of the job. You will actually be at the helm!
Music Producer
Potentially one of the most lucrative position in the music industry, a
Music Producer is like a movie "Producer" and "Director" all in one.
They carry most of the responsibility of the recording project, but
they also get the utmost of creative freedom -- which often results in
the most enjoyable and gratifying job in the studio process. If you
have strong drive and determination, a genuine feel for music, and can
develop good people skills, then you are a great candidate for this
job. The Music Producer will oversee the entire recording production
from start to finish, and be in charge of all major decisions,
indluding: organize all the musicians and studios as well as all the
hired help for the project; and assist the talent with song
arrangements and content. Once in the studio, The Producer sets the
pulse for the project, working closely with the talent to create a
masterpiece of musical art.
Mixer (Includes Remixer)
Do you have a good ear for music, and an ability to really feel the
music? As a Mixer, you will literally make the "Song" into a "Record
(CD)." A challenging position with many long-term rewards, mixing is
the most exciting and vital part of the recording process. As a Mixer,
you'll be the involved in the final process of the recording, arranging
all of the recorded material into one final product. You will mix down
all the tracks of the recording into one "2 track stereo mix" or "6
track 5.1 mix." The Mixer has so much creative influence on the project
that often times, like the Producer, the Mixer will receive royalties
from the CD sales, which is why it can be one of the highest-paying
positions. It is the Mixer's knowledge and creativity that will reshape
all of the recorded sounds and performances into a Musical experience.
Live Sound Engineer
If you like to travel and would like to be involved in the music
concert industry, then you are ready to sit at the live sound board. As
the Live Sound Engineer, you are stationed at the "mission control"
station for the concert. You will be in charge of mixing the show for
the audience, responsible for running all the sound controls to deliver
the enormous musical experience to the crowd. Although there is
technical training involved, the creative (mixing) part of the show is
the most exciting. As the crowd looks up to you, you make all the right
moves to give them the show of shows! Much acknowledgement and
gratification usually follows. And after all, you will always be the
best seat in the house!
Digital Workstation Editor
Delivering the ultimate in high tech, state-of-the-art, modern
technology, the Digital Workstation Editor is truly in high demand. In
this position, you are responsible for both precise and creative
editing and finalization of many different media applications. Your job
may involve TV shows and commercials, movie sound and dialogue, radio
commercials and taped shows, and more. As a Digital Workstation Editor,
you will perform many audio tasks utilizing software systems designed
to give you an almost unlimited canvas of possibilities. You have truly
succeeded to 21st century audio engineering and Sound Design! If you
have a desire to let your mouse to the talking, then get set for this
ride into an exciting and promising future. All systems go!
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Post Production Engineer
Imagine watching a video or TV show and hearing your mix come through.
The Post Production Engineer (Posting Engineer) is responsible for
joining together and lining up all the sound for many different media
applications. In our program, you'll have a first-hand opportunity to
align with the movie industry, TV industry and music business. This
position involves the technology, but also offers an extremely creative
environment, in which you work directly with the music and video
producers and directors to achieve the desired results. Post Production
Engineer is a very prestigious position with high potential for growth,
and you can always catch your name in the final credits!
Guitar Technician
How does having a permanent backstage pass sound? The Guitar Technician
(Guitar Tech) is the musicians' best friend, responsible for set up,
calibration, and tuning of a performer's guitar and amp collection. At
the shows, the Guitar Tech stands by at each song to coordinate and
exchange guitar and amp set ups as needed. As the Guitar Tech, you are
the behind the scenes clock, that ticks with precise accuracy to assure
a flawless performance. An exciting opportunity to travel and be an
important part of many concerts and live shows.
Mastering Engineer
A simple yet extremely challenging position, the Mastering Engineer is
the final link between the final mix and the actual CD that is released
for sale and radio play. You work closely with the Music Producer,
placing all the songs in proper order and editing or reconstructing the
arrangements at the Producers request. The Mastering Engineer then adds
an overall treatment to the final product, and issues a Master CD for
duplication. This treatment process is very creative and allows the
Mastering Engineer to build a reputation for excellence. Once this is
achieved, the demand and pay scale for a professional Mastering
Engineer soar off the map.
MIDI Engineer
Would you like to create your own movie soundtrack -- with all the
instruments? As a MIDI Engineer, you will have an exciting opportunity
to create and record musical compositions, without really having to be
a musician at all. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a
very common format for creating and recording audio soundtracks and
music. We hear the result of MIDI in most of the music and sound we
experience today. The technology is easy to understand, but by
combining it with creative talent, the MIDI Engineer can literally
provide unsurpassed sound and performance. If creating music and sound
is something you've always wanted to do, and you have the desire to
learn, then fire up your sampler. You are ready to record!
Studio Manager
As a Studio Manager, you may have to deal calmly with famous people
hanging around your office. You are responsible for booking,
maintaining, and running all the recording sessions. You also
coordinate and direct all of the personnel for the studio. Everyone
looks to you for scheduling, pricing, and necessities for the session.
In a sense, you really set the groundwork for the Producers, Engineers,
and Musicians. This is a prestigious position with much in the way of
fringe benefits. If you have good organization and people skills, you
are prime for the job, which carries a great deal of responsibility,
but also can be a lot of fun.
Concert Lighting Technician
The Concert Lighting Technician is like a piano player, only the lights
are the instrument. You will be at the core of the venue, providing a
light show that is as emotional as the music itself. In doing so, you
will create the environment for the most spectacular show. You use
computerized and mechanical products to perform the job. You'll work
closely with the concert Promoter and Producers, and are usually
located at the sound booth along with the Live Sound Mixing Engineers.
This is an exciting opportunity to travel and become an intregral part
of any tour.
Music Scoring
An art as much as it is a profession, Music Scoring is a subtle but
necessary element for any movie, TV show, commercial, CD-ROM or other
media piece. Audiences are emotionally moved by these scores every day,
but seldom recognize them as such. As a Music Scorer, you are at the
heart of every project, providing the backdrop for the road to success.
You work closely with the producer or talent, but are often set free to
create your own musical image. When necessary, you will direct the
musicians who perform the score. If you really like music and have some
musical abilities, then Music Scoring may be for you.
