Pro Studio Recording Question!

[Dracon]

Hello Folks:

Okay, first of all this has nothing to do with microphones, and the following questions is totally out of the scope of this forum and every other forum. I'm posting it here, 'cause the big wigs (All those Pro Guys) will see it.

If this question will need to be moved, deleted or if I'm just a plain old dumass please, feel free to say so.

I'm interested in volunteering at a Professional Sound Studio, and I've contacted a few. However, it seems that the ones I've contacted at least do not accept volunteers just interns. I'm not above being an intern, but at 35 with no music education or background I'm not sure I'll get accepted as an intern.

1. My question is what if anything are Professional Recording Studios looking for in an intern? [I've asked the one's I've been able to contact, and they don't seem willing to give me that information.]

2. Which is the best way to contact a Professional Studio (e-mail, phone, snail mail, or in person)?

Again, I apologize that this post has nothing to do with microphones and if need be I'll take any flaming comments.

 

[LemonTree]

what makes you want to get into recording at 35 with no musical background?

Seems strange that you're half way through life and just decided upon it.

My recording and mixing skills have come on miles since I found this form. There's not much, if anything you'll learn as an intern that you can learn here. With some basic equipment and a lot of reading you can go a long way with the size of the knowledge base here.

 

[chessrock]

You were probably aware of this already, but I don't know that the market is all that great for recording studios in general. And there just isn't a whole lot of job or internship openings out there, period. And for what little openings there might be, the amount of people competing for them is pretty staggering.

What you're experiencing is pretty typical. Your only real opportunity, in my humble opinion, would be to be very creative and look for some back doors in to this kind of thing. First off, you have to find a creative way to make some contacts, which can be tricky if you don't already know people.

Usually, when I talk to people who get in to this kind of thing, they usually report interesting and indirect ways they got in. One guy I talked to recently was a web site designer, and started out doing some IT and web work for a local studio, and eventually worked his way from "Volunteer IT guy" to assistant engineer. Interesting. Another dude I know started out in sales. Basically, started out as a commission-only hustler. After bringing in some really good clients for them, he found himself an in and eventually became one of their top engineering dogs.

And there are some who do it the traditional way, but it's interesting just how few actually got in that way. Usually, if it's not through close friends or family, it's some other talent that gets them in the door. Kind of interesting when you think about it.

 

[paddyponchero]

what makes you want to get into recording at 35 with no musical background?

Seems strange that you're half way through life and just decided upon it.

My recording and mixing skills have come on miles since I found this form. There's not much, if anything you'll learn as an intern that you can learn here. With some basic equipment and a lot of reading you can go a long way with the size of the knowledge base here.

Well an internship may lead to a job, I can't see that saying 'I read the homerecording.com bbs will get you much in the line of a job'

It's not at all surprising to be considering a career change at 35 - most people go to school, go to college, get job to do with their degree, .... its not until 35 that a lot of people see alternatives.

 

[Dracon]

It's not at all surprising to be considering a career change at 35 - most people go to school, go to college, get job to do with their degree, .... its not until 35 that a lot of people see alternatives.

I agree.

what makes you want to get into recording at 35 with no musical background? Seems strange that you're half way through life and just decided upon it.

Well, to answer your question fully it would take a very long post. I just list the reasons:
1. I didn't know that I liked recording until December 2004. It was something I stumbled across when I was tackling a project for my wife.
2. I love music and always have - all kinds - Good music not crap.
3. It's not like I own a time machine to go back and do it over, and if I don't do it now then when?

You were probably aware of this already, but I don't know that the market is all that great for recording studios in general.

No, I didn't know that. However, it's nice to know now.

What you're experiencing is pretty typical. Your only real opportunity, in my humble opinion, would be to be very creative and look for some back doors in to this kind of thing. First off, you have to find a creative way to make some contacts, which can be tricky if you don't already know people.

Well, I really don't care to be an intern. I don't really want to get a job at a studio. I want the capability to be around the scene and see if that's really my bag or not. It would also be nice to be around a lot of mics and recording equipment to see how they sound, in what capacity are they used and for what situation.

You see, although I'm not filthy rich it would be a real bad decision to go from a job where I'm vested, have a solid paycheck and I say what goes. To being at the bottom of the barrel. I also know myself. Back in 1988 I thought I wanted to be an actor (until I took drama classes), then I changed my major to psychology (cause I love psychology - until I did an internship), then I changed my major to theology (I wanted to help people, but not beat them over their heads with a bible), then I changed my major to physics ('till I realized I would not be able to get a job in physics), then I changed my major to Electrical Engineering ('till I realized I hated Electrical Engineering - and that by the time I graduate it would be a pay cut for me. Oh! yeah somewhere in there I thought I liked law, until I worked with lawyers.

I may only like recording at home, and my hate the Professional Recording Studio scene. By the way, I still love physics, acting, and psychology just not as jobs. However, if I do enjoy the Professional Recording Studio scene who know maybe I'll end up with one myself. Several folks here have started at home, and ended up having their own professional studio. Not that would be my sole income, just something to call your own.

Anyway, I'm still not any closer as to how to get in a back door. Perhaps I can call a radio station and find out if they need volunteers. Has anyone gotten started like that?

 

[chessrock]

Anyway, I'm still not any closer as to how to get in a back door. Perhaps I can call a radio station and find out if they need volunteers. Has anyone gotten started like that?

Na. Still too indirect of a route.

What I mean is ... broadcasting and recording don't really share as much in common as one might think. Other than maybe being around mics and consoles ... speaking of which, the ones used for broadcast tend to have a much different layout.

Not to mention broadcasting is almost as difficult to get in to as recording.

What I think you should do is focus on skills and experience that you already have, and try to see if you can find a back door that way. Here are some goofy examples: A plumber might try to get in the door by offering to fix a studio's leaky faucet. An architect might get in to the field by designing recording studios. A graphic designer might find an in by designing a studio's logo, or an exterminator by getting rid of a studio's rats.

Heck, imagine if you were a pizza guy. Mega studio time there.

Back in 1988 I thought I wanted to be an actor (until I took drama classes), then I changed my major to psychology (cause I love psychology - until I did an internship), then I changed my major to theology (I wanted to help people, but not beat them over their heads with a bible), then I changed my major to physics ('till I realized I would not be able to get a job in physics), then I changed my major to Electrical Engineering ('till I realized I hated Electrical Engineering - and that by the time I graduate it would be a pay cut for me. Oh! yeah somewhere in there I thought I liked law, until I worked with lawyers

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but it kinda' seems like you change your mind a lot. There's nothing wrong with that. It's almost like a lot of things seem really interesting to you ... until you start experiencing some of the negative aspects of it and "the dark side is revealed," so to speak.

And there are a lot of dark sides to recording if it's in a professional context. Extremely long hours ... extremely low pay ... tight job market and often very tight deadlines. A lot of difficult people and difficult technology to work with, just like any other job.

I guess what I'm saying is that, just because something is interesting and fun to you doesn't mean you have to pursue it as a career. I mean I used to be an actor myself, and I loved it and was passionate about it ... but the minute I started taking it ultra-seriously was when it lost a lot of it's fun. I still do some audio engineering in a professional capacity because I'm just one screwed up individual.

If recording is fun for you right now, then why spoil it? Now I hope you don't think I'm trying to discourage you. I'm just urging you to explore the "dark side" of it as much as possible first.

 

[Dracon]

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but it kinda' seems like you change your mind a lot. There's nothing wrong with that. It's almost like a lot of things seem really interesting to you ... until you start experiencing some of the negative aspects of it and "the dark side is revealed," so to speak.

No, I don't take it the wrong way. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. The span of time is between 1988 and 2002, so there are 14 years there. I have too many interests, but the jobs are not what I think they are. For example psychology. I thought I was going to be helping people (not really - people have to want to help themselves), so when I sat for four months listening to twenty people come into the office 3 times a week and talk about the same subject every session I knew I could not do that job and remain sane. It's a different issue with each one, but I just wanted to give you an example.

If recording is fun for you right now, then why spoil it? Now I hope you don't think I'm trying to discourage you. I'm just urging you to explore the "dark side" of it as much as possible first.

Don't worry it would take a lot more to discourage me than that. Like I said I'm not looking for a job in the music industry (I'm not that delusional), I just want a medium which will facilitate my learning and give me exposure to some high end equipment.
Like I said before I opted out of Electrical Engineering because I was going to end up doing the same stuff I'm doing right now, for a lot less money. It just didn't make sense. I may just send my resume and/or offer my services to these studios and see what they say. But I'm not quiting my job, and I'm not going to throw my career away for something I recently discovered I liked.
I have literally a list of hobbies:Drawing - Cartooning, portaits
Woodworking
Hiking
Body Surfing
Gaming
History
Archeology
Anthropology
Astronomy
Physics - Astro and Geo
Writing - Short stories (mainly sci-fi, fantasy)
Acting
and now
Homerecording

 

[slobbermonster]

ever been diagnosed with ADHD?

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

If not volunteering or interning, surely there must be some studios that would be willing to let a guy who's seriously trying to learn the craft (even if only for home recording) come in and "observe" the recording process once in a while. To my mind, the only reason they might not allow it is if things are just too busy to allow even an extra person. As an alternative, if you know (or can get to know) any bands (how "big" they are dosen't matter) that are planning on recording, perhaps you can tag along with them in some capacity -- or even just as an observer.

 

[steveanthony]

What do you want to record? I didn't see music on your list of interests, but I did see three things that really connect - writing, acting, and home recording. Ever consider audiobooks - recording what you write, or doing narration work? If you can deliver lines without sounding 'announcerish,' that may be your ticket. Though it's working the other side of the mic, it will give you that 'foot in the door.'

 

[mcolling]

Heck, imagine if you were a pizza guy. Mega studio time there.

do you know that the piano player on "taking care of business" was their pizza guy? there you go. get a job as a pizza guy.... it's a sure fire bet!

 

[Dracon]

ever been diagnosed with ADHD?

I don't believe in ADHD. I think is all hype and an excuse, and it wouldn't matter. However, if I had ADHD I would not be able to sit down and write for hours on end, or do recording testing, or do software devolpment like I did for several years.

 

[Dracon]

If not volunteering or interning, surely there must be some studios that would be willing to let a guy who's seriously trying to learn the craft (even if only for home recording) come in and "observe" the recording process once in a while.

That's all I want to do. I suppose I could ask that, but I'm not sure how open anyone would be to that.

As an alternative, if you know (or can get to know) any bands.

I'm 35 married and work ten days in a row. I don't do the Party thing or the Band thing, but there are a lot of small time bands in the area. Maybe that's what I need to start doing, and step out of my shell and see what happens.

 

[Dracon]

What do you want to record? I didn't see music on your list of interests, but I did see three things that really connect - writing, acting, and home recording. Ever consider audiobooks - recording what you write, or doing narration work?

That's a good idea. Although, I used to put girlfriends to sleep over the telephone with my voice (Ray Romano type or Carlton the doorman from Roda if you are older), seriously.
I knew I forgot something. Yes music is one of my interest (Spanish guitar in particular).

You are right though, I do not want to record music (not right now), but guided meditation (if people fall at sleep no big deal). However, it's my wife's gig and she now wants me to record, even though I think her voice is much nicer. I don't know but I think men would rather hear a woman, and that women won't really care either way.

 

[slobbermonster]

If not volunteering or interning, surely there must be some studios that would be willing to let a guy who's seriously trying to learn the craft (even if only for home recording) come in and "observe" the recording process once in a while. To my mind, the only reason they might not allow it is if things are just too busy to allow even an extra person. As an alternative, if you know (or can get to know) any bands (how "big" they are dosen't matter) that are planning on recording, perhaps you can tag along with them in some capacity -- or even just as an observer.

Studios are not likely going to allow you to hang out because the process of creating music can be a somewhat intimate process in which artists don't appreciate someone unknown just hanging about. Another option is simply buy yourself studio time and record something yourself or offer to help your favorite local band financially in exchange for the hangout privledge. Take classes at a local school if any are available might get you what you want

 

[Dracon]

do you know that the piano player on "taking care of business" was their pizza guy? there you go. get a job as a pizza guy.... it's a sure fire bet!

Yeah! That's the ticket. I'm going to quit my nice paying job and get a pizza delivery job in the hopes I can get into a studio and perhaps they'll let me hang out and I can learn something. Uhmmm, let me think about if for a second longer. Uhmmmm still thinking,..... I'm going to go with NO! No, thank you very much. I'm all for socializing but I'm not service oriented. I left help desk, 'cause my boss told me I was condesending (and that was to him), and got into the System Administrator (although somewhat service oriented, not as much as helpdesk).

 

[chessrock]

I have literally a list of hobbies:Drawing - Cartooning, portaits
Woodworking

Say, ya' know ... I just had another look at that list of hobbies and paid a little closer attention.

And I think I found your back door. Two, in fact.

First off, I'm thinking you could take that flare you have for art and turn it in to a little CD-cover side business. Learn Quark Express and/or Photoshop if you haven't already, and get crankin' out those CD covers. While you're at it, you could purchase a bulk CD burner and start your own dupe business so you could offer CD art and duplication for small runs of 100 disks or less.

Then you start approaching the studio owners, and offer to do a few of their clients' CDs pro bono.

The other thing I was thinking was that you could take that wood-working hobby of yours and learn how to make some accoustic diffusors. Don't laugh. I'd give someone a ton of recording time if they could widdle me a nice diffusor. Maybe even put some hooks on it so it can be hung against the wall?

Sweet. Make a couple and offer them as gifts to a couple of nearby audio facilities. There's your free studio time, there. Send one to me, and I'll be your beta tester.

 

[Dracon]

The other thing I was thinking was that you could take that wood-working hobby of yours and learn how to make some accoustic diffusors. Don't laugh. I'd give someone a ton of recording time if they could widdle me a nice diffusor. Maybe even put some hooks on it so it can be hung against the wall?

Sweet. Make a couple and offer them as gifts to a couple of nearby audio facilities. There's your free studio time, there. Send one to me, and I'll be your beta tester.

I didn't think diffusers were that big in the industry. I thought people would rather go with a bass trap than a diffuser. Simply put, as I understood it from the studio forum and from a book I'm reading is that diffusers only do one thing. Diffuse sound. While a bass trap also diffuses sound. I mean that's a great idea, I never thought of my woodworking as a marketing skill. Hmm, that's a very good idea. You know I don't care what others around here say you're alright chessrock.

 

[Innovations]

In general to get to be an intern it has to be through a college and as part of the college credit. Otherwise they can't get around minimum wage laws.

And I agree that there is a big difference between radio and music production. They have their similarities, but also their differences. Both are hard to break into in major/crowded markets.

 

[chessrock]

as I understood it from the studio forum and from a book I'm reading is that diffusers only do one thing. Diffuse sound. While a bass trap also diffuses sound.

A bass trap and a diffusor are two totally different things. Say, maybe there's something else for you to study up on and get interested in.