Now, I agree that school and the real world are very different. What school does offer is a chance for young engineers, like myself, to develop their skills and test out ideas, before their paycheck, and more importantly their reputation, is on the line. Students hear from engineers in the industry that have learned through the school of hard knocks, and may prevent making the same mistakes. I also find that the coffee running intern sometimes ends up teaching the established engineer how to do some trick maneuvers with Pro Tools.
When I realized my passion for recording I was majoring in music at Sonoma State University (SSU) where I currently attend. I went to SSU after graduating from South Tahoe High School to continue my studies and my career as a punk guitarist. But what I found at SSU, besides no punk bands, was a disappointing choice as far as musical instruction... jazz or classical. Hmmm, which category do Bad Religion, Minor Threat and NOFX fall into?
Anyway, I chose classical and grew out my fingernails to play with the ensemble. It was around this time that I had discovered a little known secret about the music department: It has a recording studio. Way down in the basement of the music building is a door that reads "Walford Studio." Named after the professor who started it, Walford is a custom facility equipped with one main room, 3 isolation booths, the control room and a tech bench. Equipment includes a 24x8x24 inline Spirit console, a two track analog Ampex, three 20-bit ADATs, two full racks of outboard gear, and a Pro Tools set up with CD burner. Oh and don't forget the flashing Budweiser sign shaped like a guitar. This is college, what do you expect?
I later found that the music department offers a minor titled "Recording Arts Concentration" but no major. I thought it sounded interesting, so I signed up for 'Recording I.'
