Associate Degree in Applied Science, Sound Engineering Option
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Posted on Jan 08, 2003 11:39 am
Really Though
Member Since: Jan 08, 2003
I am now planning on going to a community college to get an Associate in Sound Engineering. How far would this degree get me in finding a good job as a studio engineer in a professional studio? If you are a professional sound engineer, how did you get to where you are today?
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Jan 08, 2003 11:58 am I just started my own business after years of running sound, recording and performing...no degree involved. I also have a friend that runs sound professionally, usually local, sometimes touring, and he just learned by doing as well, no schooling or anything. Actually, I know one guy, in all my years that actually has any schooling, and he is counseling troubled youths now...
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 08, 2003 08:12 pm Education in any field of choice is a good idea this day in age. Don't mistake my advise. I do not believe that school does much in terms of making a person proficient. Doing the job does that. However, the vogue trend for most companies is to push the burden of proof on the educational system. That is quality standards ISO, GMP, QS, EIEIO, and etc. demand that proof be shown that a person is trained to do the job. Companies can do this easiest by refering to edu. The second point is that the majority of the decision makers have been educated and that is there reference of understanding. Therefore they will pull on their experience in making decisions such as hiring. The music industry is lagging in that area, however I have already experienced it myself. I had to play my !@# off for six years in a 17 piece big band prior to the director acknologing my abilities. He is an educator. Some of our members have doctorates. In today's world you need to be able to do it and show the paperwork that says you can as well. I have had to pass up many qualified people because HR demanded a degree. Then I have had to suffer with weeding out the educated idiots and try again later. I will spare you the rest of the soap box.
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Jan 08, 2003 08:58 pm I am currently doing a degree course over here in the UK (infact I am in my last year - eek!) I've enjoyed the course thoroughly and learnt a lot from my tutors and the numerous musicians we've had in giving us "guest lectures". Also, I've met many like minded people who I've socialised with. It's kinda wierd being down the pub and talking about engineering (and it gets the odd wierd look too - but oh well :D)
However, my one bit of advice is to not let any form of education "go to your head". I plan to seek employment at a recording studio up in London when I have my degree, but I understand that I will have to "work my way up" as it were. It's not a good idea to go to a future employer waving your degree certificate in his face and expecting to start out in "Studio A". Many engineers / studio owners have no formal qualifications and therefore are sometimes quite wary of those with them regarding them as "Know-it alls" that they will have to "un-teach" in order to get them up to speed.
It's all about balance, but then, learning is never a bad thing.
Good luck with your choice.
jues.
Jan 08, 2003 11:42 pm Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 09, 2003 10:47 pm There are many good suggestions in jues note. Your interest will most likely determine your progress. An acedemic environment is very handy although sometimes expensive for exposure to technique, practice, etc. Go institution shoping well! Many institutions are one or two steps behind the industry and subsiquently offer more hype than substance. Either to substitute or augment acedemia there are many oportunities to become involved in recording sessions, workshops, seminars etc. Many can be free or barter. Some studios will highlight their work on the web as well. I have come across a number of "how we" articles from top notch studios that offered a lot of insite. All about sweat equity one way or another.
