A few questions about recordingconnection.com

[Randall_74]

Hello. I've been into and around music since I can remember. In the past two years or so I have become more and more interested in studio recording and possibly starting my own home studio, much like many others on this site.

I have read many posts, several magazine articles and a guide or two on the art of recording, but I really want to get some "hands on" with actual equipment without going through the hassle of being someone's maid just to touch a switch.

OK. To make an already long story short, I recently came across this website:

www.recordingconnection.com


Here's the string of questions:

I'm just wondering if anyone has, or even knows someone that has used this company?

Are they legitmate?

Is this a one-on-one program or a classroom approach?

Will I have some salesman hounding me if I decide to contact the number listed on this site?

Are the "course(s)" accredited like a school... (basically, will this program provide some type of diploma or industry recognition?)

Any answers will be very helpful.

Thanks in advance,

Randall

 

[atomictoyz]

Actually, if I remember the research I did into this kind of thing its accredited. The way it works is that certain studios have needs for interns to help out in their studios, so while your attending a 2 year or 4 year college for audio engineering, the school sends you to one of these studios to help out and learn at the same time. The catch is that its centered around colleges, tuition can be as low as $2800 for a semester. This place gives more info as to the relationship of the college to the connection.

http://www.alexandermagazine.com/

I hope this helps :0)
Peace,
Dennis

 

[Randall_74]

Dennis,

Thanks for the info. I'll take a look at the site you included in your post.

Take it easy,

Randall

 

[zip]

Centered around colleges? hmmm...

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your reply Dennis but here's my take on Recordingconnection.com after I looked into it...

After you send them a good deal of money (like 5 grand) they set you up in a local studio for an internship plus they provide course materials (books etc...).

You work FOR FREE at the studio with a one-on-one mentor. The mentor teaches you as you work through the course materials. If you actually land a job in the industry the mentor gets paid about one grand of the money you originally pay RC.com... I think the breakdown is like 3 G's for RC.com / 1 G for the studio and a 1 G bonus for the mentor if you get hired somewhere...

This is supposed to be the incentive for the mentor to teach you well - so you get a job and he gets a bonus...

I looked into all this and can tell you...

1) Even if you get a job as an assistant engineer you will not make much money. In Cincy it's like 14 grand a year... I met all the studio owners and asked them.

2) You will be an assistant for some time before you will make better money...

3) If you are doing this to do homerecording you could probably learn just as much by buying some good recording books and hanging around the various BBS's soaking it in and asking questions...

I've also been involved with music for a long time (musician and live sound engineer) and have learned a VAST amount of detail about recording from this BBS and some others...

I hope I'm not squelching a dream here but I was in your shoes a year ago and opted NOT to give RC.com my hard earned money.

I'm very glad I didn't.

Hell - try asking some local studios if you can help for free. Run cables - set up mics...whatever. You may find an engineer cool enough to answer questions while you "help".

It's your decision so make up your own mind but 5 grand is a hell of a lot of money.

Good luck!

zip >>

 

[atomictoyz]

Re: Centered around colleges? hmmm...

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your reply Dennis but here's my take on Recordingconnection.com after I looked into it...

zip >>

I actually contacted RID and talked to a rep. The cost of having an onsite, up to date studio for alot of colleges offering audio/production engineering isn't feasible. The internship or mentoring is part of the degree..its probably not entirely inclusive to colleges though like Zip highlighted... Seattle Art Institute wan't around $27,000 for a 2 year degree in audio engineering, RID was much cheaper..but the fact of the matter is that the chance of your degree meaning anything in the industry is small. Zip is right...going around to studios and offering yourself as a lowly helper, making coffee and dusting cables will earn you not only an education, but respect for being able to put your ego aside and take some direction. Most good engineers have started that way, and are willing to teach the willing to learn. You gotta do your time, as painful as it sounds and as much frustration it stirs up, its the path that seems to work the best. The best way to get credit in the industry is through doing a good job for your boss, and your name gets networked via the good ol boys system. Never assume, always ask, and work like your life depends on it...

Peace,
Dennis

 

[zip]

And you may get lucky...

I found out one of my high school buddies now co-owns a local studio.

He told me he won't let me intern - because as a friend he would feel he's using me - but told me I am welcome anytime to watch him track and mix....just as long as I stay the hell out of the way if he gets in a bind.

I've watched / asked questions on several occassions and have learned a TON - especially about good tracking - mic placements etc...

So IMHO - save your 5 grand for some killer gear and go "beg" a studio if you can help.

zip >>

 

[Randall_74]

Thank you, Zip and Dennis.

I'm going to go on your advice as far as asking local studios for some mentoring. I really don't mind doing several "extracurricular activities," just to see how things work behind the scenes.

I'd like to do this for a lving, if possible, as well as, operating my own home studio.

I figure I can continue at the job I'm at currently, while doing the studio and band thing on my time off... just wished there was more time in the day!

Once again, thanks for the advice.

Randall