Hi everyone. I'm new to these forums. Just from a brief browse around the site I can see theres a lot of great information and helpful people on here, so I'll be sure to stick around.

I am just reaching the end of a 3 year honours degree in popular music and recording at a well repected university, and about to start what I understand to be a long hard road to get into the world of studio engineering. I have some questions about this for the people in the know, if anyone would be so kind as to help me out here.

First off, I'd like to know what I'm missing if anything in terms of essential skills.

I have a good understanding of accoustics, microphone choice and placement, operating mixing desks/compressors/enhancers/reverbs and most standard processing (as far as I know). I have booked some sessions at the university to do some records using tape, as I have never done analogue recording.

I am fluent on cubase, learning my way around sonar and reason at the moment, and planning to buy a new mac and pro tools in a month as I have been told that almost everywhere uses protools now.

I am probably better at recording than mixing, but I can create a nice clear mix at least, with good balance, spread and depth.

I don't have a lot of experience at doing "fancy" production with intense processing and effects, because I just haven't worked with those kind of artists yet. I am not great at mastering, although I understand the process. When I master at the moment I tend to be very gentle on it, to avoid spoiling my mix due to lack of experience.

Aside from the technical side of things I am a good bass player, with reasonably large knowledge of composition and arranging, and have a small amount of experience at musical directing on top.

So that's where I'm at. What should I be looking to do? I don't know whats expected for the different positions available (or -not- available more likely) at commercial studios. Should I be looking for "Runner" type jobs? or is it likely I have what I need to approach studios as a potential assistant engineer? I will be moving back home with my parents when I graduate, at least for a while, so unpaid work experience/internships are also an option.

What should I do?

Thanks for any help or even just taking the time to read this

Welcome.

The hard reality is that you'll have to make tea to begin with. The fact is that studios get CVs every day from people asking for a job or experience and offering that service for free, so you are seriously up against it.

The other important area which you did not mention, which is more important than what you know, is what type of person you are and how well you work in a team and get on with people.

I know many engineers who couldn't give a damn on how well you can set up sophisticated mixes or place mics (they can teach that on the job) but if you do not fit in you'll not get a second look.

This cultural awareness is not something which has a massive amount of importance within Uni in many cirlces, with courses iften just focusssing on technique but take it from me this is FAR MORE important than getting your way around ProTools.

You see engineers want someone they can mould into their own culture someone who is useful, good team player, lots of fun and very positive.

Moving on, you should have been building up your networking skills from year one, to expect to finish a degree and launch into a wonderful job in this field is rare to say the least.

With my students I strongly urge them to build up friendships from day one and network network network, it really is who you know and how you get on.

Hope that's not depressing, it's not meant to be.

Good luck.

P.S. Some of my ex students have gone on to work in some very enviable positions.
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Recording Studio Suntans

Thanks for your reply.

I know that good personality is essential for any job worth speaking of.. but much more so in the music biz? Well I think I'm ok on that front, but I'll try to be more aware of it in future.

I can safely say that I have never been under any illusion that it was going to be easy. I've been told that and the old "Its not what you know but who you know" by every single tutor and proffesional I've met since I first became interested in recording. Its still good to know what you're doing though right?

Anyway, you answered my question. I better start practicing and go put the kettle on. Thanks for the reality check. I expected as much

oh and yes, I have made quite a few contacts. I just have no imediate work oportunities from them.

Thanks again for your reply. If anyone has any other tips I'd welcome them.

Where ever I have asked I get the same answer. Makes perfect sense though.
Same as most other jobs I guess. Just because you get a good degree in law, doesnt necessarily mean you will get a perfect job and a rocket salary to start with.
I cant wait to get out there though... I love tea anyway