12 Now That I Am Dangerous, Should I Get an Internship?

As a professor, probably the most common question students ask me is about internships. It is understandable to want to get into a recording studio as soon as possible. However, there are real steps to take before you get there. Learning the craft is your first step. An internship is a way to get your foot in the door. It is not to teach you audio basics. This is an important distinction.

When I did my internship I had already taken several audio and media-related courses. Not to mention the live and recording sound experience I already had. I was a junior at the University of Texas majoring in Radio–Television–Film, and I had been a professional musician for about seven years. By the time I applied for an internship, I knew my way around a mixing board and I certainly wasn’t a beginner. The more fundamental knowledge and experience you have the more likely your internship will be successful.

To illustrate my point about understanding the basics in the field before pursuing an internship, this is one of my experiences. After I had been interning for a few months, the owner, who also happened to be the head engineer, said he needed to run to the bank and asked if I would do a few overdubs for the session he was working on. I successfully did the overdubs, didn’t erase anything, and when the owner returned he was pleased. I gained his trust. He knew he could leave his studio in my hands. Next thing I knew he was handing me sessions so he could run errands, play a round of golf, and eventually, take a much-needed vacation. What if I had failed at recording the overdubs and erased tracks or wasn’t capable of taking over the session? Maybe I wouldn’t have been trusted enough to be asked to even help on future sessions. The lesson is you need some basic skills before starting an internship.

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THE VALUE OF A GOOD INTERNSHIP

What an internship did for me . . .

Everything!

There are many ways to gain knowledge about recording. To me, there is nothing more valuable than a good internship. This is especially true in the audio industry where experience is one of the most important requirements. An internship will give you much-needed insight and experience and expose you to the real world of making records. Like I said, I had a few basic audio skills before I started my internship. However, I had no idea about so many other areas of engineering! In fact, I had no idea that I had no idea!

Things I learned in the four months of my internship:

■ How a session flows from start to finish.

■ The big picture and overview of the entire studio experience.

■ The business side of a studio.

■ Fee structure.

■ How to communicate with musicians, musicians’ friends, musicians’ wives/husbands/significant others, producers, other engineers, the pizza delivery driver . . .

■ How to listen more closely to the person actually paying for the recording, instead of listening to others that aren’t as closely involved and not paying to record.

■ Why classic gear is so classic.

■ The look and sound of a U47, and why I can’t wait to own one!

■ The different sounds of classic compressors: LA2A vs. 1176 or a Tube Tech vs. a dbx165a.

■ How to roll a mic cable properly. A very important skill! Make sure you check out the mic-rolling video that accompanies this chapter.

■ Technical skills: subtractive equalization, stereo miking, mic placement, and mic uses.

■ Different genres of music.

■ Making contacts with people from the local, regional, and national music scenes. It isn’t who you know but who knows you!

■ How to develop better critical listening skills.

■ When to talk.

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■ Perhaps more importantly, when not to talk.

■ Basic signal flow.

■ And finally, how much I didn’t know!

I needed a backup plan to my drumming career, and I enjoyed running recording sessions and working with sound. My internship gave me connections to one of the best studios in Austin. It launched my professional career in music production, eventually leading to me teaching audio and writing this book.

My internship also had a direct effect on my professional drumming career. My band had only been together for three weeks when we made a demo that the right people heard. Being a handy intern gave me the perk of free studio time, which I used to record my band. Access to a professional studio allowed us to record the demo for free, which led to us being signed to a major label. Long story short: we cut a demo, got signed, and I spent the next eight years touring around in a van with a bunch of dudes. It is hard to overestimate the value of a good internship.

Q & A

What Should I Expect to Do as an Audio Intern?

Keep in mind that this is a very competitive business. The owner or person who runs the studio wants you to prove that you deserve to be there more than all the other people that would love to be hanging around their studio. With that in mind, expect to do anything the studio owner would do: clean the toilet, wash the dishes, vacuum, clean up after a session, get burgers, gardening, go to the music store; you get the point – it’s not always glamorous. Doing these things just proves how much you want to be there and shows your appreciation and dedication. If you think you are above these things then an internship is not for you. Don’t be a whiner! Or a complainer! Or a downer! (Now if all you are doing is cleaning toilets and you’re not getting much else out of it then maybe this isn’t such a great place for you to intern.)

A good studio owner will reward you with some free studio time or at least get you involved in sessions by having you do things like move mics, roll cables, perform patches, burn CDs, edit tracks, and other assisting duties. The chances are the more you contribute around the studio, the more likely they are to want and need you.

Keep in mind that the studio business thrives by word of mouth. Studios often expect you to help promote the studio and find potential clients. This can involve going to local music shows, handing out business cards, setting up and maintaining social media sites, and getting out the word about the awesome studio where you are interning. It helps to be slightly extrovert. But you certainly don’t want to sound like a used car salesperson (no offense used car salespersons). Don’t be too pushy or overly aggressive when promoting the studio.

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Many studios use interns to help build out new rooms and provide labor on other construction projects around the studio. This can be a great way to learn about studio construction, acoustics, and sound isolation. My students always learn a lot from these experiences.

What Does the Studio Get Out of Me Interning There?

Free labor, plus a new person who can help promote their studio. See above for more details.

When Should I Ask Questions About Things I Don’t Understand?

Never interrupt a session in progress. The musicians couldn’t care less about your audio education. They are paying good money to record, not to have the engineer teach you audio on their dime. At the best, you are a minor nuisance to the band that can run and get them beer and at worst they ask you to leave because you are ruining their awesome vibe! The best time to ask questions is generally at the end of a session when it is just you and the engineer. Select one or two things to pick his or her brain. Make it brief!

How Many Hours Should I Expect to Intern a Week?

Most internships are for college or university credit, and they usually have their own specific requirements. Where I teach, our internships require ten to fifteen hours per week for a sixteen-week semester; somewhere between 144 and 288 contact hours per semester. Many studios may require you to work many more hours than your requirement. During my internship, I would spend up to sixty hours per week at the studio, even though I was only required to work fourteen! I loved it, couldn’t get enough of it – I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I enjoyed the extra time. I remember this cushiony old brown chair in the corner of the control room. After I would finish daily studio duties, I would sit in that old chair for hours, absorbing everything. I made sure not to disrupt or talk when I was hanging out so I wouldn’t annoy the band. Putting in those extra hours quietly observing prepared me to take over that first session. This is where I learned how things were communicated with musicians, the general workflow of a recording session, why a specific piece of outboard gear was picked over another, and much more. This was invaluable. You can only get this experience through an internship.

Why Should I Work for Free?

An internship is a life experience you cannot get from a book, a class, YouTube, or any other resource. Audio engineering is one of the few careers that many people still apprentice. You will learn how a professional session runs from setup through mixdown. The way a session flows from start to finish is very important. The more efficient you are as an engineer; the more money you will save your client. Remember, time equals money! And most musicians aren’t rich!

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How Do I Get an Internship?

In the past decade many larger studios have been replaced by smaller home studio setups. In the past, these larger studios generally had a rotating crew of interns. The good news is that smaller studios still take interns. I got an internship because I happened to be the drummer on a session at the studio that would eventually sponsor my internship. I asked the engineer/owner if he needed an intern. He said he would like an intern. I started shortly thereafter and signed up for the class at my university to get actual college credit for it. So, being a musician got me in the door and going to college for audio gave me a reason to ask for an internship. At the college where I teach, we offer an internship class for graduating students. We provide a list of some local studios that take interns. Often students find their own studio the same way I did. They record at the studio, like their experience, and ask the studio if they need an intern. Research the studio that best suits you and do whatever it takes to get in there.

TIP

If you happen to have a specialty skill like being able to fix a tube amp, advanced carpentry skills, or super genius editing chops the studio may be more likely to offer you an internship.

Can I Give My Opinion?

No! No! and No!

A few of my studio owner friends have told me nightmare stories about interns who would say things completely out of line to their clients. These studios no longer take interns. Don’t be the fool that ruins internships for others! As an intern, you are there to observe and help whenever you are needed. You can talk to clients but don’t blab their ears off and give them your opinions! You are not there to tell the band that was a good take or to tell the engineer how you would do it differently. Just because you have a certificate from an audio school and you own a few mics doesn’t mean you are an expert. Remember, it is a privilege to be there. The only exception is if the musician directly asks for your opinion.

Do I Need a Résumé?

Having a résumé certainly doesn’t hurt. However, you may not have much to put on a résumé at this point. Having samples of things you have recorded on a CD, online, or on a flash drive may be as valuable as a written résumé. I recommend setting up a SoundCloud page, or something similar, to post recent projects and mixes. You can set up various playlists that are easily accessible by others. It’s also a good idea to have a place to store larger files for sharing. Dropbox and WeTransfer are two effective options. If a written résumé is required, be professional and emphasize what you have worked on. Keep in mind that actual recording experience weighs much heavier than education, book knowledge, and a recording school certificate.

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INTERNSHIPS DOS & DON’TS

■ Be on time or early. Your job competition are often musicians. They are inherently flakey and irresponsible. Showing up on time can make you stand out. I credit this detail for much of my success.

■ Become invaluable to the studio, so they can’t live without you. This will make the studio want to keep you around well after your internship.

■ Make friends at the local music store, professional tape supply company, and other related studio businesses. Since you will likely be a “runner,” you will meet people associated with the business while picking up necessary supplies. I have many life-long business contacts and friendships from these early experiences.

■ Help unload gear when the band arrives. This is a quick way to make a few friends.

■ Ask if anyone needs anything. Offer to make a food run.

■ Answer the phone when needed.

■ Be friendly and introduce yourself.

■ Complete any tasks that are expected of you.

■ Enjoy what you are doing. If this gig is for you, menial tasks or other non-engineering task will keep you humble and hungry to work when you get the chance.

■ Take initiative.

■ Thank the owner or engineer for letting you help, learn, and observe.

■ Pay attention to the interaction between the engineer, musicians, producer, and other folks involved in the making of music.

■ Be open-minded and prepared to absorb everything going on like a sponge.

■ Be professional.

■ Practice personal hygiene. No one wants to sit in a control room with a stinky intern!

FIGURE 12.1

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Don’t

■ Stand around. Instead, make yourself useful. Again, you want to be invaluable.

■ Act cocky, rude, or give your opinion on how you would do things.

■ Gossip about clients.

■ Text during a recording session. In fact, don’t text at all unless it has something directly to do with the session, like placing a pizza order.

■ Take pictures or ask for autographs.

■ Ask what you should do next. Be proactive.

■ Be overly friendly and talk people’s ears off.

■ Be late ever!

■ Take it personally when a client, musician, or engineer says something rude or snaps at you.

■ Ask for free studio time at the beginning. This privilege usually comes in a matter of time when you have gained the studio operator’s trust.

■ Ever flake on any obligation, especially if the studio is counting on you to complete a particular task.

GET IT?

The more knowledge and experience you gather before you attempt an internship, the more likely your internship will be successful. I can’t stress how much an internship did for me. It helped me develop the craft, provided me with a mentor, and gave me insight into the crazy, yet entertaining, music business. Unlike other methods to learn audio engineering, an internship provides you with “real” experience. You can’t get this unique experience from a book or the Internet. If you are lucky and do good work, you may even get a job out of the internship.

How to Roll a Mic Cable

Rolling a mic cable properly will give you instant credibility in the studio or in a live sound situation. This is a must-have skill before starting an internship. Rolling the cable properly also protects the cable and will make it last longer. Not rolling it properly will tip off other engineers that you have little or no experience. This video demonstrates the basics of rolling a cable properly.

VIDEO 12.1 HOW TO PROPERLY ROLL A MIC CABLE

https://youtu.be/PLf0PUMf1VQ?list=UUOhGtYc78yzRdNrwpbj_YFQ

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AUDIO SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES

Over the last twenty years there has been a steady increase in the number of colleges, universities, and specialty schools offering audio engineering-related degrees and certificates. Some of these schools exist through the Music Department and require students to try out on an instrument. This is great if you are a skilled musician, but can be tough if you don’t read music or excel on a particular instrument. Make sure you check out the program that best suits your needs and skill sets. By attending a school that teaches audio engineering you can learn more about your passion, network with like-minded individuals, and gain much-needed experience with the newest technology that you typically cannot afford on your own.

In addition, most internships are offered through a school. Note that many of these schools also offer financial aid for qualified applicants, so check with Admissions. Here is a list of places that offer audio engineering related degrees, certificates and courses in Texas, the U.S., and around the world:

Texas

Austin Community College – Austin, TX

Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Music Business, Performance and Technology (MBPT).

http://www.austincc.edu/mbpt/

Collin County Community College – McKinney, TX

Go for an Associate of Applied Science in Commercial Music.

http://www.collin.edu/academics/programs/pdf/musiccomm.pdf

Dallas County Community College District – Cedar Valley College – Dallas, TX

Offered through the Commercial Music Department you can receive a Recording Technology Associate of Applied Science degree, Recording Technology Certificate or a Composition and Digital Production Associate in Applied Science degree.

http://www.dcccd.edu/CommercialMusic

Del Mar College – Corpus Christi, TX

Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sound Recording Technology or a certificate in Sound Recording Business.

http://www.delmar.edu/Sound_Recording_Technology/sound_recording_technology.aspx

Houston Community College – Houston, TX

HCC offers an Associate of Applied Science in Audio Recording Technology.

http://www.hccs.edu/finder/programs/audio-recording-technology---aas/

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Lamar State College – Port Arthur, TX

Earn a Live Sound and Electronics Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Sound Engineer.

https://sunflower.lamarpa.edu/dept/mus/degrees/sound_engineer.html

McLennan Community College – Waco, TX

Get a degree in Audio Technology, Associate of Applied Science.

http://www.mclennan.edu/degree-plans/plan/2015/mic-audio

San Jacinto Community College

Offers Occupational Certificate, Certificate of Technology, and Associate of Applied Science degree.

http://www.sanjac.edu/career/audio-engineering

South Plains College – Levelland, TX

Get an Associate of Applied Science in Sound Technology or earn a Sound Reinforcement Certificate or Sound Technology Enhanced Skills Certificate.

http://www.southplainscollege.edu/exploreprograms/technicaleducation/creativearts/soundtech/soundtech.php

Texas State University – San Marcos, TX

This university offers a Bachelor of Science in Sound Recording Technology.

http://www.music.txstate.edu/prospectivestudents/undergraduatedegreeplans/degreesrt.html

United States

Belmont University – Nashville, TN

Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in the Audio Engineering Technology (AET) program.

http://www.belmont.edu/cemb/degree-programs/aet.html

Berklee College of Music – Boston, MA

Earn a degree in Music Production and Engineering (MP&E).

https://www.berklee.edu/mpe

The Blackbird Academy – Professional School of Audio – Nashville, TN

Offers a mentor-based program where you can get a diploma for Studio Engineering and Live Engineering.

http://theblackbirdacademy.com

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California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS) – Valencia, CA

Go for a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Music Technology.

https://music.calarts.edu/academics/music-technology

Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS) – Gilbert, AZ

Offers certification in Logic Pro, Melodyne, Auto-Tune, Pro Tools, and other hardware and software systems.

http://www.cras.edu/

Dakota State University – Madison, SD

Through Digital Arts and Design earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Audio Production.

http://dsu.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/digital-arts-and-design-audio-production-bs

Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA

Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry and specialize in Music Technology and Production.

http://www.drexel.edu/westphal/academics/undergraduate/MIP/

Full Sail University – Winter Park, FL

Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Production, Music Production or Recording Arts. Also offers an Audio Production Certificate.

http://www.fullsail.edu/area-of-study/music-recording

Indiana University – Bloomington, IN

The Department of Audio Engineering and Sound Production offers a Bachelor and Associate of Science degree.

http://music.indiana.edu/departments/academic/audio-engineering-and-sound-production/

Los Angeles Film School – Hollywood, CA

Get an Associate of Science degree in Music Production or Recording Arts. Also offered online.

http://www.lafilm.edu/programs/music-production/

Lawrence Technological University – Southfield, MI

Offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Audio Engineering Technology.

https://www.ltu.edu/engineering/technology/audio-engineering-technology-undergrad.asp

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McNally Smith College of Music – Saint Paul, MN

Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Recording Technology or get a Diploma in Music Production.

http://www.mcnallysmith.edu/degrees/associate-applied-science-recording-technology

Middle Tennessee State University – Murfreesboro, TN

Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Audio Production. The Department of Recording Industry also offers a Master of Fine Arts degree in Recording Arts and Technologies.

http://www.mtsu.edu/programs/audio-production/

Montana State University – Bozeman, MT

Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology.

http://www.montana.edu/music/musictech/

Musician’s Institute – Hollywood, CA

Pursue a certificate in Audio Engineering, Live Sound or Post-Production. An Associate of Arts degree is also available.

http://www.mi.edu/degrees-programs/industry-programs/audio-engineering/

New York University – New York City, NY

Students may earn a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Technology, a Master of Music degree in Music Technology or a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Technology.

http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/technology

Santa Ana College – Santa Ana, CA

Get a Digital Music Production Certificate.

http://www.sac.edu/Program_Review/FPA/Music/Pages/default.aspx

University of Denver – Denver, CO

Obtain a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in Recording and Production.

http://www.du.edu/ahss/lamont/apply-audition/requirements/recording-and-production.html

University of Hartford – Hartford, CT

Earn a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Production and Technology.

http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/musicprod/Musicprod/Welcome.html

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University of New Haven – New Haven, CT