Recording Website Forum Archive

In Reply to: i need advice on recording careers posted by jacob on December 30, 2000 at 03:03:18 AM:

Geeze, where is this advice coming from?

Yes. Steve Vai is more accomplished than anyone that will ever read these posts.

But, what's with all the goof advice about a career in recording? "The Army?" Give me a break. A "recording engineer/engineer/accountant?" Yeah, and maybe he can do your books for you too. "Life sucks, stay in school?" Not terrible advice, but defeatist and doesn't address the issue.

While music major and electronics engineer are helpful in the studio, their actual recording ability is what's important.

Here's the best formula (in order of importance):
1) Ability
2) Experience/practice
3) Training/education

If you don't have the ability, nothing will save you. You get the ability through experience (practice) Experience also builds up a good resume and contacts. Training supplements your resume and helps your ability.

EVERY prospective employer will look at your experience. The best studios WILL be impressed by a relevant degree (recording, music, etc.) from a reputable school.

The PLAN:

1) Keep acquiring your experience. It sounds like you are getting a good foundation.

2) When you turn 16, try to get a part time job at a local studio. Hell, be the waterboy. Take your time to warm up to the producers/engineers to make contacts and get insight.

3) Get a recording/music (or engineering, if you want to work for Mackie) degree from a reputable school in while maintaining a job in a studio.

4) Enjoy your dream career.

Please note that this takes hard work, sacrifices, and patience.

ShredNOW

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