Assistant Engineer Handbook: Gigs in the Recording Studio & Beyond

by Sarah Jones

Overview

From gopher to gold records. This book is your complete reference for technical careers in the recording studio. Whether you're still in high school, enrolled in a college of music or recording program, or about to embark on your first studio internship, you'll refer to this manual again and again. You'll find real-world advice every aspiring recording engineer / producer needs to land a studio gig and keep it. First-hand stories and advice from the top engineers and studio managers in the United States. Descriptions of the various technical jobs that are available in the recording industry. Hefty resource section packed with essential information...everything from a comprehensive list of educational facilities to resume and cover letter tips.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825672965
Publisher:	Schirmer Trade Books
Publication date:	11/15/2004
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	7.06(w) x 9.95(h) x 0.48(d)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgements	vi
	About the Author	vii
	Introduction	ix
Chapter 1	Assistant Engineering 101	1
	Engineering, Defined	2
	Changing Technologies Mean New Skills	4
	An Educational Evolution	6
	A Long List of Skills	7
	Math and Science	7
	Music	8
	Electronics	9
	Signal Flow	9
	Web Skills	10
	Human Hearing	11
	Communication	11
	Ears!	11
	Opportunities in a Competitive Field	12
	Beyond the Studio Gig	13
	Music Recording	13
	Sound Reinforcement	15
	Film and Broadcast	16
	Other Careers	17
	Do Some Career Detective Work	18
	Spotlight: Crystal Davis	20
Chapter 2	Your Game Plan	23
	Creative Expression Through Technology	23
	The Importance of Education	24
	Research the Job Before Committing to School	27
	What Type of Program is Best?	28
	Music-Based	28
	Industry/Business Specialty	29
	Engineering Focus	29
	Program Lengths	29
	Seminars, Short Courses, Web Programs	30
	Certificate/One-Year/Two-Year Programs	30
	University Programs	31
	Do You Need A Degree?	32
	Selecting a School	33
	Considerations	34
	Making the Most of Your Education	37
	At School, Outside the Classroom	37
	Beyond the Campus: Out in the Field	40
	Spotlight: Robert Scovill	42
Chapter 3	Going Where the Jobs Are	45
	Moving to a Traditional Market	45
	Big City, Big Lifestyle Change	46
	Building a Career in a Secondary Market	48
	Regional Considerations	50
	City Comparison Chart	51
	Spotlight: Janet Kalas	52
Chapter 4	Working For Free: The Internship	55
	Big Or Small Facility?	56
	Paid Vs. Unpaid Programs	57
	Moving and Other Considerations	58
	The Search Process	58
	You, On Pare: The Resume	59
	Resume Anatomy, Top to Bottom	60
	Keeping it Clean: Style Tips	62
	Finishing Touches	63
	The Art of the Cover Letter	64
	Contacting Facilities	65
	The Interview	66
	Pre-interview Research and Preparation	66
	Day-of-Interview Do's and Don'ts	67
	In the Interview	68
	Post-Interview Follow-Up	69
	Learning From Rejection	70
	The Foot's In The Door: The Internship	71
	Display A Professional Attitude	71
	Know Your Place	73
	Learn By Doing-Even Menial Tasks	74
	Perseverance Is Key	76
	When Bad Things Happen to Good Interns	77
	Getting a Recommendation	77
	Spotlight: Arthur Rochester	79
Chapter 5	Making the Cut: Landing an Assistant Gig	81
	The Transition From Intern: What Now?	81
	The Assistant's Role	82
	Demonstrate Skills, Earn Respect	84
	Make Yourself Indispensable	85
	Master the Technology	86
	Keep the Right Attitude	87
	Learn Good Judgment	88
	Spotlight: Roy Jorge	90
Chapter 6	Etiquette Do's and Don'ts	93
	Acting the Part: You're a Professional	93
	Be a Team Player	96
	Assistants: Seen, Not Heard	99
	Ethics in the Workplace	101
	Crossing The Line	102
	Spotlight: K.K. Proffitt	105
Chapter 7	Staying on Top of Your Game	107
	Networking Equals Netting Jobs	107
	Get Out There, Get Involved	108
	Continuing your Education, Avoiding Complacency	109
	Moving On	110
	Finding Your Niche	111
	Strive for Life Balance	112
	Giving Back to the Community	113
	A Long-Term Strategy For Success	114
	Resources: Industry Foundations/Support Groups	117
	Resources: Audio Industry Organizations	119
	Resources: Audio Education Programs	125
	Resources: Industry Trade Magazines	157
	Resources: Trade Shows and Industry Events	161
	Resources: Sample Letters	163
	Networking Letter: Informal E-mail	164
	Internship Cover Letter	165
	Thank You Letter	166
	Resources: Sample Resumes	167
	Index	171