You want to be a professional audio engineer but you don't know how to get started.
That is the dilemma for thousands of young aspiring studio engineers.
But with these 10 simple tips you can get ahead of the game.
Tip #1: Don't pretend to be a veteran.
As a newcomer to the industry you cannot afford to develop a reputation as a young know-it-all.
A smart beginner will approach his or her new profession as an eager learner.
Plus the true veterans will be able to instantly recognize someone who is all talk and no experience.
Listen, learn and build your knowledge and skills in the recording studio.
Tip #2: Keep abreast of all new technological developments.
All forms of electronic communication are changing rapidly.
Recording techniques change as the industry develops new technology.
Attend audio engineering conventions (e.
g.
- AES) and read Mix and other industry publications to stay informed.
Tip #3: Don't just look at the big recording studios for work.
Ask anyone you know who either works at or owns a recording facility whether they can use some FREE labor in exchange for a chance to learn and make contacts.
Remember that you will have a greater opportunity to learn and get your hands on the equipment at a smaller recording house vs a huge Los Angeles facility.
Tip #4: Pay should NOT be a priority for you in the beginning.
As was alluded to in tip #3, the last thing you should be worried about as a newcomer to the world of pro audio is a salary.
You want to get your foot in the door of an industry that will never have a drought in wide-eyed wannabes.
You are fighting for a chance that thousands of others are fighting for too.
Stand out! Tip #5: Learn proper studio etiquette.
Should you read magazines or books during a session? Should you bad mouth previous clients to current clients? Should you eat at or near the mixing board? The answer to all of the above is, of course, NO!! Treat the studio the same way you would treat the lobby of a luxury hotel if you were an employee of the hotel and the manager were looking at you at all times! Tip #6: Always be helpful to senior engineers.
Imagine you are an engineer with 24 years experience.
You have seen it all and now you are working on a late-night session with yet another temperamental rock band.
Your assistant is professional, attentive and anticipates your every need as an engineer.
In short, he (or she) is a pleasure to work with.
Will you hire this person for future gigs or recommend for promotion? Yes, you will.
As an assistant your behavior and smarts determines your fate in this industry.
Tip #7: Do not suggest a better way to solve a problem unless a senior person has asked for your opinion.
The last thing an experienced engineer would want to hear is an unsolicited "suggestion" from a very green beginner especially within earshot of the client.
Trust me.
Be seen and not heard unless otherwise directed.
Tip #8: Check your own musical preferences at the door.
If you are a big fan of rap music and hate rock music do not ignore recording studios that primarily record rock music.
What you like to listen to in your personal life and what they pay you to record in your work life do not have to be the same thing.
Tip #9: Prepare to move.
If you live in St.
Louis and the closest recording studio opportunities are in Nashville then be prepared to move.
Being a recording engineer is not like working in an office.
Opportunities are far fewer in this specialized industry.
Finally, Tip #10: Don't be afraid to assert yourself once you've paid some dues.
After a year or two of assisting and learning the equipment and proper professional etiquette it is time to step up and ask for more responsibilities.
If you have followed the previous 9 tips a studio manager would have to be nuts not to give you a promotion!
That is the dilemma for thousands of young aspiring studio engineers.
But with these 10 simple tips you can get ahead of the game.
Tip #1: Don't pretend to be a veteran.
As a newcomer to the industry you cannot afford to develop a reputation as a young know-it-all.
A smart beginner will approach his or her new profession as an eager learner.
Plus the true veterans will be able to instantly recognize someone who is all talk and no experience.
Listen, learn and build your knowledge and skills in the recording studio.
Tip #2: Keep abreast of all new technological developments.
All forms of electronic communication are changing rapidly.
Recording techniques change as the industry develops new technology.
Attend audio engineering conventions (e.
g.
- AES) and read Mix and other industry publications to stay informed.
Tip #3: Don't just look at the big recording studios for work.
Ask anyone you know who either works at or owns a recording facility whether they can use some FREE labor in exchange for a chance to learn and make contacts.
Remember that you will have a greater opportunity to learn and get your hands on the equipment at a smaller recording house vs a huge Los Angeles facility.
Tip #4: Pay should NOT be a priority for you in the beginning.
As was alluded to in tip #3, the last thing you should be worried about as a newcomer to the world of pro audio is a salary.
You want to get your foot in the door of an industry that will never have a drought in wide-eyed wannabes.
You are fighting for a chance that thousands of others are fighting for too.
Stand out! Tip #5: Learn proper studio etiquette.
Should you read magazines or books during a session? Should you bad mouth previous clients to current clients? Should you eat at or near the mixing board? The answer to all of the above is, of course, NO!! Treat the studio the same way you would treat the lobby of a luxury hotel if you were an employee of the hotel and the manager were looking at you at all times! Tip #6: Always be helpful to senior engineers.
Imagine you are an engineer with 24 years experience.
You have seen it all and now you are working on a late-night session with yet another temperamental rock band.
Your assistant is professional, attentive and anticipates your every need as an engineer.
In short, he (or she) is a pleasure to work with.
Will you hire this person for future gigs or recommend for promotion? Yes, you will.
As an assistant your behavior and smarts determines your fate in this industry.
Tip #7: Do not suggest a better way to solve a problem unless a senior person has asked for your opinion.
The last thing an experienced engineer would want to hear is an unsolicited "suggestion" from a very green beginner especially within earshot of the client.
Trust me.
Be seen and not heard unless otherwise directed.
Tip #8: Check your own musical preferences at the door.
If you are a big fan of rap music and hate rock music do not ignore recording studios that primarily record rock music.
What you like to listen to in your personal life and what they pay you to record in your work life do not have to be the same thing.
Tip #9: Prepare to move.
If you live in St.
Louis and the closest recording studio opportunities are in Nashville then be prepared to move.
Being a recording engineer is not like working in an office.
Opportunities are far fewer in this specialized industry.
Finally, Tip #10: Don't be afraid to assert yourself once you've paid some dues.
After a year or two of assisting and learning the equipment and proper professional etiquette it is time to step up and ask for more responsibilities.
If you have followed the previous 9 tips a studio manager would have to be nuts not to give you a promotion!
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