Being a recording engineer (college and job)

[aerc10t3]

Hey, this probably isn't the best forum to post this question in, but since I'm a "newbie" and I don't know which other forum it would work in, I put it here! I'm a senior in high school, and I want to become a recording engineer, so I've got a few questions.

1) Is a recording engineer the person who records, mixes, and does all the stuff to the recording to create the final product? What does the mastering engineer and producer do?

2) What college major should I look for? I want to go to college in Georgia since out of state tuition is SO much more expensive, so if any colleges are recommended, I would really appreciate it.

3) I was also wondering what the work is like. Just some of the stresses or rewards that recording engineers get, other than the obvious things.

4) Is it a good business? Is it pretty easy to get a good job with the knowledge from a college and some experience, or is it hard to find a good job. Also, does it pay alright? I had to ask that, even though it doesn't matter much, since this is something I really want to do.

5) What type of setting do most recording engineers work in. Their own studios, record labels, or what?

Thats all for now, I really appreciate any help I can get. Thanks, Brian

 

[Stealthtech]

Wish I would have tried 20 yrs. ago
Unfortunetly, I have seen studio's come and close. Seems to be a hard business to make a living at unless you earn a great reputation and you are in fact very good at it.
My uncle is currently enrolled at fullsail. I dont know what the final outcome will be, but I imagine he will start as an intern somewhere and gain more knowledge and then who know's.
If it does'nt work out in the music industry I guess he will look into motion picture soundtracking, sound effects, software development, etc... If you get a good education you will probobly have many options to choose from.
This is only a guess, as Im just a musician with a fun hobby.

Best of luck Brian

 

[TexRoadkill]

To own a studio you need to be a businessman. If you are going to spend the money on school learn business, marketing or electical engineering, in otherwords, something usefull.

If you want to learn how to engineer than try to intern at a studio. Most studio's are happy for cheap or free labor.

If you want to be 'in the business' realize this. There are very few studio jobs compared to live audio jobs and 95% of all live audio work is HARD WORK. You spend a lot of time unloading trucks and running cables, the hours are long and the pay is marginal. By the time you get the show set up your so tired you almost dont care what it sounds like because in 2 hours you have to pack it all up again. There are very few live sound engineers who dont have to touch the truck anymore and that is usually just because they are too old to do it.

so if you want to be a studio guy then your probably going to have to open up your own studio and that requires $$$. Unless you have a wealthy family you might want to get a good job for a few years while you are learning the trade. After you have saved up about $20k-50k you can consider starting up a real recording studio.