Education

[Dr_Sbaitso]

I' just picking up in something that was addressed breifly in the thread on making a living which has recently re-surfaced.

Is it worth getting some formal education in the recoring business? I've decided I really want to work in the music industry, and I've moved to a new city where the music scene is far bigger and more vibrant (melbourne if anyone is interested).

I've been recording at home for a few years and my result are getting better and better, but now I want to know whether you guys think I am better to keep buying mor gear and experimenting at home or should I persue formal training? Is having a good quality portfolio going to be better than having a degree or certificate saying I've had formal training? DO clients care about qualifications or results?
Any thoughts? Thanks guys.

-Dr_S

 

[MrGrooves666]

Do both. It wasn't up till I started an audio engineering program that I found that it wasn't all just beign good with my little pc home based studio. I learned a lot about both digital and analog platforms, a general knowledge on mic design and applications, I learned about linear and non-linear digital recording platforms, I learned a lot about midi, synchronization, audio for video, even some knowledge on live sound reinforcement and music business. That doesn't mean that I'm a pro, but it certainly provides me more knowledge or "tools" to sell me better to future clients or even employers. There's also an advantage to take a program like the one I'm taking. You have access to lots of pro gear so you can experiment and start making some experience. I've got the chance to learn and operate an SSL console, as well as a Neve VR with flyin faders. I've been able to get the same room were that Neve is at, and synch an Otari MTR-90 24 track reel to reel recorder, the Neve itself, my PC (yeei! ), a tascam MMR-8 hard disk recorder, and a pro tools 24 mix DAW to SMPTE and blackburst to work with video, all by myself. You are allowed to screw as well and learn from that, without getting fired, or losing a client (altough I haven't manage to do that yet ).
A lot of people might tell you to forget school, but I firmly think school can teach you valuable stuff, it will provide you access to gear and actually operate (something that as an intern doesn't happen untill you proove youself), and you will probably learn the rest of the general stuff in a simple, fast manner.
This is just my opinion, but I certainly will reccomend anyone with the same question to do both. But do your research and find a school that actually provides you with plenty of "hands on" time.
Over that side of the world, the only one that rings a bell is SAE.

 

[musikman316]

I know that most pro. studios (whether they do post, tracking, dvd re-editing, film sound editing, etc.) only hire individuals that have been trained (by an acredited school with a good history, Full Sail and SAE come to mind, but my vote is FS), unless for some reason you happen to know how to run most major boards without any problems, and can start getting great results on the first day, and can do a variety of jobs...

They aren't there to train you, they are there to pay you to get the job done.

Most people will say that you don't need education, but I would consider them to be dead wrong... and my guess is they aren't working at award winning studios!

Just my opinion,
Musik

 

[musikman316]

MrGrooves,

SAE is not the only "hands on" school with great equip. Look at full sail, Neve Capricorn, 2 SSL 9000 J's, Amek 9098i, 12 32 channel SC Ghosts, 12 Sony DMX R100's, 6 PT Pro Contol 24's, and a ton more...

Full Sail also gives you the chance to network with students in film, game design, computer animation, show production/touring, and digital media. (Skywalker Sound hires more FS grads. than from any other school), and Full Sail is 12 months instead of 9, giving you more clock hours, and an Assoc. Degree.

Both schools are fine, but FS is my school of choice, I am mixing sound for a professional documentory an Wakeboarding because of my contacts from FS...

Take you time and look around, but these are 2 great options (also the Los Angelas Recording Workshop), just remeber to not go to a 2 month school or whatever they may offer, if you don't commit your time you won't learn enough for the money.

Later,
Musik

 

[BuildingStudios]

... I know that there are alot of other people here who have opinions on this topic... And it seems like the only ones that have posted here are the ones that are for formal education.

Id like to see the opinions from some poeple who did not get formal educatoion... I know there are a good many here. What are the pros + cons ?

 

[Dr_Sbaitso]

Thanks for the advice guys.
I think if going to work in a studio is the aim, then really you would need the formal training. Im not so sure that I want to work in someone elses studio though, but then again, there is so much more that a formal training course will teach you than I would pick up just by doing it. Plus the access to equipment. I really doubt AI'd be ever using a 2inch tape machine without doing a training course. I really want an in depth knowledge of it, so I guess I'll look at the SAE course over here next year.
For now however, I've been thinkng of trying to do more live recording, which is something I know I can do already. I suppose that I'll just try and pick up some work doing that on the side, and any money I make can go into new equipment to play with.