Experience as an intern/apprentice?

  • Thread starter Thread starter beat amateur
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beat amateur

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I've got some limited experience creating my own music (everything from writing to mastering) using multitrack sequencing software w/ vst plugin support that writes a stereo mix, then finishing up with a general sound editor for overall eq, compression, etc.

My question for those with lots of studio experience is:
'can someone with limited understanding of writing, mixing, etc. find work at an established studio?'

No pay needed, just experience.

I can't afford recording equipment right now, and I'm guessing that most people putting together their own studio want to do everything themselves. Are there larger commercial studios that would take on an intern-type person? Are there other opportunities for getting this experience?

Thanks to all who make this board useful for us newbies
 
beat amateur said:

1) ....... Are there larger commercial studios that would take on an intern-type person?

2) Are there other opportunities for getting this experience?......
Click to expand...

1. Yes, there are some studios that will bring an intern (READ:GOPHER) :D.

2.Yes, they are opportunities, but it is very hard to get into these studios, even as an intern. :(

spin
 
Hellll yes.

This is exactly how I got started. I was a recording book junkie and knew all the gear in Musicians Friend, but wanted to work in a studio. So I emailed the producer of my favorite local band and asked if I could attend thier next recording session. He said sure, and took me under his wing, imparting all of his knowledge of engineering and the industry upon me. That band ended up getting signed to MCA and at the age of 16, I had a major label assistant engineer credit.

All you have to do is ask. People are willing to teach you. They've been exactly the same place. All I did was ask and I ended up making a great friend w/ a producer who paid my room and board across the nation just so I could be his assistant engineer.

Call up local studios and ask if you can observe a session. Call them all. Somebody is bound to be helpful. The flip side of this is that you better provide. Just having an extra person at a session is an added risk to any producer or engineer. Remember why you are there: to observe and learn. Not to be a producer. Being an intern means that you have to be EXTREMELY careful about what you say in a session. If an artist asks you, "what'd you think of that take?" the answer is,"i don't know," or an answer that avoids the question. If the producer or engineer disagrees, and the artist sides with you, you've just created an akward situation where the artist is gonna say, "well the intern liked it." And now you are fired. Sorry getting off topic. I guess my warning is that you'd better learn the politics before you jump in. I'd reccomend a book called "The Assistant Engineer's Handbook" on amazon.com.

And be sure you know how to make coffee really well. Mybe I'll be back with horror stories ;)
 
Even if its tough to get into, where's the harm in trying??? Someone out there will be willing to take you on and even if you're a shitkicker atleast you get to observe. If you don't try you'll never know.

Good luck!!!
 
Yes, by all means, you should try to get-in at one of these studio, large or small.

Persistence is the key. :)

spin
 
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