Recording/Producing career advice?

Looking for advice for my son. He's 17, a junior in HS, been doing good DJ work for a few years, doing a great job creating his own music using computer based synths, and multitrack recording. He thinks he wants to get into the biz on the recording studio/producing end of things. Is it tough to break into this field? Are there any schools that teach this stuff?

Thanks for any help.

You're in NJ, so you have access to a few great schools in NYC, like the Institute of Audio Research (IAR).

Yes, it can be hard to break into studio work. He should try to get a job at a studio (usually pays little to nothing at first), but if he hustles, pays attention, and asks questions, he'll learn alot and get the studio experience he needs.

A resume' is the hardest thing to build in this biz. Start now while he has little responsibility in his life (mortgage, kids, etc.). Good luck!

Thanks for your reply, Psychotronic. Another forumite mentioned that the schools are not a good way to go. One he mentioned was Full Sail. He went on to say that my son should get into colege and take communications courses, and any entertainment biz courses that may be offered, and that after college, try to get a job as a driver or runner for a studio and just persevere to get into studio work from there. What do you think of this advice?

Thanks again

I also agree that Full Sail is a bad idea. For the cost of Full Sail, you can put together a small studio of your own and teach yourself what you will learn at the school. By having your own equipment to experiment on you can work in an outside studio and come home and practice your trade on your own equipment. Part of being a recording engineer is experimenting: working on mic placement, instrument placement and the like.

Being tenacious is one of the biggest keys to making it in this industry. You have to keep going at it even if you are denied repeatedly. Start off as a runner for a studio, or equipment rental company, get to know people and work your way it. It may take time, but it is well worth it.

Also, learn as much as you can about instruments. I don't know how many bands have been in my studio that don't have a clue how to tune or repair drum kits, repair solder welds in guitars or amps or any number of other things. Knowing the gear helps with getting a foot in the door.

Originally posted by 5F1G Thanks for your reply, Psychotronic. Another forumite mentioned that the schools are not a good way to go. One he mentioned was Full Sail. He went on to say that my son should get into colege and take communications courses, and any entertainment biz courses that may be offered, and that after college, try to get a job as a driver or runner for a studio and just persevere to get into studio work from there. What do you think of this advice? Thanks again

Dude, re-read my post. I said there is a good school in NY and I named it. I don't know a thing about Full Sail, and didn't mention it. I did recommend that he get a job at a studio NOW to gain experience. I still recommend it. In general, I'm not a big fan of the schools either, but they can give you a fast track to learning certain technical things.

Cool. Thanks Psychotronic. Yeah, I've been trying to locate some studios in the Philadelphia area that would take him on as an intern since he's still in HS, but no luck so far. I'm just going to keep at them, though. BTW: we live in central NJ, and I recently found out that Ocean County Community College has a two year, hands-on recording engineer course. They evidently have a great facilty, too. We're going to visit them and follow up on that one for my kid, as well.

Thanks everyone, for the great advice. Having been a professional musician, I know that what my son wants to do could be a hard way to go, but he's talented, and he really seems to want to do it, so..... I gotta help him as much as I can. And hey, if it doesn't work out he wouldn't be the first to ever change his career.

a couple points I want to make...

The 'recording industry' today is much different than it was 10 years ago... with the breakthroughs in PC recording and affordable digital recorders, many small studios are trying to compete for work. The big boys are still out there, but the competition is fierce. It's a long, hard road. Couple that with the ongoing shakeup in the music business, and methinks that it's gonna get worse long before it gets better. There's a lot more competition for teenager $$ now than there used to be. This means that the studio business is tough, and breaking into engineering is tougher.

I am close to finishing a 'Music Business' degree at my local Community College. I'm doing it for fun, for learning, for exposure to new ideas, and to help me be a better engineer and better musician. But I have a separate career that affords me the opportunity to be a part-time musician.

The benefit of the Community College track is that I also took basic classes in Marketing, Accounting, Management, etc, as part of the curriculum. Ideas presented in those classes are probably MORE valuable than the 12 semester hours I've spent in recording engineering classes. And that part of the education could take your son other places as well... a broad education foundation is important.

But after it's all said and done, the things that will guarantee your son success are the ability to adapt, to learn quickly, and to persevere. And how bad he really wants it... Perseverance and desire will probably be the key to getting an internship, too...

If he's not doing it yet, have him start reading everything he can find about recording and music... websites, industry magazines, books, everything... you'll never know what odd bit of knowledge or connection will impress someone.

and start developing the network - find songwriter nights, see if there's a musician's union, anywhere he can start meeting people who might know somebody who's brother's neighbor's aunt might be able to help...

Perseverance and desire... and luck.

Thanks, guitarmook. That sounds like great advice, and many thanks for taking the time to reply. You guys are great!

Where in NJ are you. I have a studio in NJ that you and your son could stop by and check out the guts of a studio. I do not do this for a living for the reasons stated above however my day job allows me to afford what I dreamed of when I was 17. If you are interested send me an email!

JS