Education & Careers in the Music & Audio Industries

[futures_untold]

Stay away mate, it will eat you up and unless you are extremely fortunate or in the right place at the right time then your love of music will be fucked. It happened to me and im now only just back at a place after nearly a decade where i can happily make music just for the love.
But heh, if you really want to do it then move to London and do work experience for free. If you have the talent, and most importantly the personality that fits in the business, then you may stand a chance of being offered a role if and when it opens.
Then snap it up, network all you can, still offer your self for free in your spare time, you want it right?, to get more experience. Get used to living in doss holes and eating shite, coz you need your small amount of income to be out there "mingling" drinking and the various other substances that you will be expected to partake in so your on the pulse of whats gwanning.
Do this for many years, hope and pray something happens for you and do not be distracted by your mates who are starting to settle down, own houses, flat screen teles, you know that list in trainspotting.
If you can do that, then congratulations, you are REALLY passionate about music and you deserve to make it, but that dont mean shite coz the world of minimum wage in London is full of creative failures angry with the world and thierselves for why it all went tits up. But for them there is always the super T .
Haha i sound like a right miserable fucker, but hey thats just my experience. It all depends on what you want out of life, if its really for you then at least give it a shot and see.

No offense, but if that didn't work for you then maybe that isn't the right course of action to take XD theres no way in hell i'm going to london, theres no way i'm going to start taking drugs again and i've been brought up in shit holes so that's hardly anything new to me. I'm going to spend the next few years making music, mixing and studying PR. I'm going to shut myself away untill I have something beautiful and then tour around trying to make a name.

I only have two options, go back to retail and just stay there forever or give this a shot. I certainly know which looks more appealing to me right now.

Cue 8-Mile sound track.

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Two points.

1> If you believe in yourself, work hard and hustle right, you will be successful. Write down your ideas and fuck the doubters!

2> Locking yourself in a room isn't the greatest idea. Sometimes we need to get out a bit and freshen our minds with new thoughts and ideas, and actualy fresh air!*

(*Speaking from experience haha)

[mks]

Shit, I feel like I need to respond to this but don't really know what to say. I've been working in the music industry for more that 11 years professionally (and that means getting paid and paying your bills) in various capacities. It's hard as fuck, and sometimes you have to hustle. What advice can I give you...??...

1. Follow your heart
2. Have passion for what you are doing
3. Do whatever you do really well
4. Be nice to people

I'm sure there are probably more, but that is all I have for now.

EZ

[paravrais]

Cue 8-Mile sound track.

----------------------

Two points.

1> If you believe in yourself, work hard and hustle right, you will be successful. Write down your ideas and fuck the doubters!

2> Locking yourself in a room isn't the greatest idea. Sometimes we need to get out a bit and freshen our minds with new thoughts and ideas, and actualy fresh air!*

(*Speaking from experience haha)

Cheers, obviously I will get out from time to time XD I just much prefer to be on my own focussed and making tunes than out 'socialising' or whatever. I'm a pretty young guy but I feel like i'm 45 at heart. Would much rather be reading a book than at the movies, drinking herbal tea and watching a sunset than in a pub getting trashed etc nothing like some beautiful scenery to get the creative juices flowing though, recently took a trip to spain and wrote the most interesting and haunting guitar piece I ever have!

[futures_untold]

I've been locking myself in my room for 5 years because the time has never been 'right'.

Some observations I've made:

1> Write down your ideas daily. By doing so, you will be able to think more clearly about multiple projects consecutively.

2> Set up a good filing system / projects folder system. Microstoft Onenote is extremely useful for this, and Freemind isn't bad either.

3> We all need time out. This means having time where we aren't thinking about our projects and ideas. Going outside and exercise is the best time out we can get, but reading fiction and watching films is good too.

4> Don't forget to say hi to people occasionally, especially those who care for you. I've made the mistake of cutting myself off from everyone I know before. Trust me, cherish freinds and family if you have them. It can be hard to get them to understand sometimes, but repeated clarification of your ideas and goals will eventually be accepted in their minds.

5> My sincerest critical mistake. No girlfriend. Think you can survive without love, just doing your projects and reaching your goals? I've learnt the hard way that the lonely path isn't all it's cracked up to be. I've made some drastic choices with unforseen consequences in my personal life. Needless to say, I get out more than I used too.

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In summary, write down your ideas, get out regularly, set boundaries with people, don't ignore your relationships.

[futures_untold]

The above post sounds negative, although it isn't in reality. I've learnt by doing things my own way all my life that sometimes the status quo is easier if you can stomach it.

It sounds like you can't (nor can I), which means you'll have to be dogged in your determination and actions.

But please do follow my advice above, because your life will be happier for it.

Patrick

[Sharmaji]

S
1. Follow your heart
2. Have passion for what you are doing
3. Do whatever you do really well
4. Be nice to people

3.5-- be really,really lucky and have everything you want handed to you for minmal effort.

in the event that 3.5 doesn't instantly materialize, STRATEGIZE about what you want to accomplish, what your goals (big and small are), and how you're going to achieve them.

as a professional music maker, on stage or in the studio, you're a musician. Outside of those 2, you're a ruthless entrepreneur.

[mks]

3.5-- be really,really lucky and have everything you want handed to you for minmal effort.

in the event that 3.5 doesn't instantly materialize, STRATEGIZE about what you want to accomplish, what your goals (big and small are), and how you're going to achieve them.

Yeah, I've had to learn that the hard way...

Outside of those 2, you're a ruthless entrepreneur.

Sometimes, but not always man....

[Bodega]

I second the going-to-London (or your nearest regional dance music centre) and going out a lot (essential on many levels) but there's no reason to take drugs, unless it's for the joy of getting fucked.

I've got nothing against drugs, but if you're hoping to do some networking at a gig, avoid the drugfucked people. They're not going to remember any of what you talk about the next day anyway. And if you can hardly speak yourself, sober people will find you annoying.

Saturday night:
[random gurning somewhat known producer-type] "Yeah mate let's work on some music, and if it works out, my best friend/brother/dog works at Hyperdub/Tempa/Positiva and can totally hook us up!"
[you, awestruck] "Definitely! I'll get in touch soon and we can arrange a time and studio!"
[random] "Yeah sounds good!"

Sunday:
[you] "Heya _____, it's Matthew from last night. Just calling to see when's good for you to work on some tracks?"
[random, hungover] "Uhh... who are you?"

[paravrais]

The above post sounds negative, although it isn't in reality. I've learnt by doing things my own way all my life that sometimes the status quo is easier if you can stomach it.

It sounds like you can't (nor can I), which means you'll have to be dogged in your determination and actions.

But please do follow my advice above, because your life will be happier for it.

Patrick

Cheers, I will take your advice to heart for sure, you always make informative posts on this site but the ones in this thread are my favourite things you've ever said I think it's true sometimes I let the friends and family drift away a little too far but recently I have actually been working on this to try and stop people from slipping away completely. Somehow at some point I did manage to aquire a girlfriend which is as much a mystery to me as to anyone else but your right, before when all I had was the music it could get very lonely and the music I think even reflected that melancholy a little too much..

Your right about the excercise too, it's great for clearing the head and I try to fit some in every morning before I get down to work. Sometimes go for walks by the river as well to help unclog my brain.

I think the hardest part of this for me is the face to face networking side but it's something that I recognise as a downfall and that I will work on soon. I go out to most, if not all, dubstep/dnb nights around my area and know a few of the local djs etc so i've made a start XD but need to network a hell of a lot more no doubt.

[selhurstwunderkid]

Best of luck mate, you sound like you want it, so you might have a chance.

[shaneynclan]

I was taking courses at the local jc for music production and mixing in hope of getting a certificate and my protools cert.
i got fairly far but unfortunately with california's budget cuts, and lack of enrollment, they canceled all the classes i needed.

@paravrais, I am in a similar situation dude, and i work glorified music retail, i know it's tough but think of it this way:
all the lack of friends/companionship that we have allows us to spend that much more time working on our craft.
or at least that's how i mentally justify it.
as for going to school, you shouldn't go to get a degree, but to better yourself.
i didn't really care about getting a cert that much, i just thought if i learned one thing per class that i didn't already know, it was helpful.
sometimes i learned something, sometimes i didn't.
for me it's helpful to think:
if i learn ONE new trick, technique today, and i do this every day i will build my arsenal.

abridged version:
go to school? sure if you have the time, money and perseverance.
if not your life is going to be alot harder but possibly more rewarding.

[demzone]

Man Futures! Great thread, really pulled a lot from this one!

I am opting not to go to school for audio other than maybe some piano lessons. This is based on a lot of the same reasons in this thread. I am not looking for a job in audio, i want to make my creative visions and a degree or certificate or such wont help in that aspect. Not really looking to work on other peoples music ya know?

Now having went to ITT for a 2 year graphic design degree i do value the posts about not doing the bare minimum if you do go to school. you have to really look for things on your own, if the class your in doesn't show you what you need to finish a side project your working on.... move past the class and learn elsewhere on the side! Don't let it frustrate you if your teachers only know what is in the text book. Someone on youtube or this forum might know the answer!

IMO...If you want to release tracks and DJ, maybe go for the business and other things that will help make your "brand" and use your time to learn production at little to no cost.

...If you want to work in audio or need the kick in the ass and the deadlines to keep at it(and can afford it), maybe school is your style of learning and it could work out?

Really got me with the last part of your post about friends and family. I was just thinking, screw a life, DO THIS AND ONLY THIS! But realistically i need to stay up with all the contacts i have made thus far, keep DJing and promoting events, Get out and clear the head with camping/hiking and the like. Keep friends in the know at least so they don't get the wrong idea, and make a honest attempt to contact them when i am not busy studying. I feel i have lost a few friends just in the last couple months for lack of contact:( I'm going to change this ASAP! It really is hard when you have no one left to turn too!

Another key in my opinion is to not get sidetracked by an overwhelming new interest that deters from your goals(had a bit of a D&D online problem ensue recently lol! Got it under wraps though). Keeping your girl happy is important, but dating and spending loads of time and money on a girl will just distract you. But then again, yearning for someone will distract as well... so who knows!

It's too true, what a lot of us are trying to do here takes far more than just making good music. It is indeed a great undertaking to market music in any form! The promotion and graphic design are your face to the world, and since i have a degree in design i will use it to my advantage by making websites, flash banners, facebook pages, flyers, etc. I will help do this for others and in turn they will do things for me that i cannot.

Setting up and promoting events in your city and throwing yourself on the lineup, then dropping your new track and getting it out! If you want it done right do it yourself. if you don't have the time or money to spread yourself that thin, this is where your contacts and friends with similar interests come in to pick up the slack. Make contacts with the local promoters and DJ's if you don't DJ yourself. One person can only do so much on their own, but good help is hard to come by so be weary! Liked the post above about having dependable work partners that will show up and pump out ideas. To many people flake on this, don't wait for someone to show up to start working, just work! let them know you'll be in studio if they want to really work on something. I'm still working on getting these people sorted lol!

Now if i could just take and APPLY all the advice in this thread, as well as my own, id be golden

Oh and TV is the

[RandomEyez]

Totally agree with whats said above about keepin in touch regular touch with friends and family. It keeps you healthy in the mind.

And music can be an obsession, but its an obsession that is best shared!

Random question here : whats the job title of the guy who selects the music used in TV progs? Imagine its just the producer, but always wanted to be that guy

[Cubicle]

I'm currently studying economics in my last year.
However at the age of 19 I still haven't completed high school. (Had to redo 2 years)
So I'm not really a hard worker when it comes to school.

I do have a goal set now, after I get this diploma in economics I'm going to university and try to study psychology.
After reading this thread I'm even more interested to study music/audio.
I'm wondering what would be the smartest choice, I've been into music since I was a kid but I've also been fascinated about how the mind works.

I guess I could try psychology and if that doesn't work out try audio?
I'm pretty motivated in both.

[JemGrover]

Random question here : whats the job title of the guy who selects the music used in TV progs? Imagine its just the producer, but always wanted to be that guy

Yeah, I've always had a strange urge to be that guy as well. Not 100% sure it is the producer who actually sources the music, though

[RandomEyez]

Yeah, you'd think it would be someone whose primary skill is a good knowledge of music and the knack of knowing what would work with any given scene. It would be close to a dream job for me, but reckon it'd be a tough one to acquire

[mks]

Totally agree with whats said above about keepin in touch regular touch with friends and family. It keeps you healthy in the mind.

And music can be an obsession, but its an obsession that is best shared!

Random question here : whats the job title of the guy who selects the music used in TV progs? Imagine its just the producer, but always wanted to be that guy

They are often called Music Supervisors, and you definitely need a broad knowledge of music to know how to match it with various moods or themes.

EZ

[RandomEyez]

[apostlebass]

Considering a degree in music management, I will have to say this article was very informative. I would just like to point out that a degree in something production related wouldn't exactly entail going to the studio and making music, and getting paid to do such. If audio and production is something you are seriously interested in think of a career path that fits that interest. You may not think about it, but having a good knowledge of production or audio in general can get you a lot of places. Thinking about Radio's, TV Commercials and Shows, Video Games, Movies, etc. The possibilities are endless, music is used everywhere and a need for an Audio Engineer, Producer, etc is everywhere. Obviously there are the careers that involve working in the studio, and there is nothing wrong with doing that. I'm just elaborating on some knowledge I have picked up along my travels. Hope this could help open someones eyes or spark a conversation.

[mks]

Now there's a bump.