4 answers
Anya
Student
Kalispell, Montana
1
Question
Updated
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How can I ensure that I don't miss any opportunities for career growth while I'm still in college as a Music Technology Major?
What is more important to look out for: job opportunities, internships, conventions, events, etc.? #Spring25
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4 answers
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
22
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
George F’s Answer
Hi Anya,
One possibility is to meet and hang out with those who've already established themselves into the scene. I'm sure they'll have plenty of suggestions.
One possibility is to meet and hang out with those who've already established themselves into the scene. I'm sure they'll have plenty of suggestions.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
135
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
OOOOOOOO A question MADE for me lol.
This is a very very good mindset to be in- wanting to keep up career wise while also excelling in school. Look for work either on your campus, in your hometown, or online. Keep in mind that some of the work you do will be either volunteer, free, or low pay because you have to break into the industry. This is how you also build a network and start working with cool people. If you want to be a producer then find smaller artists who are looking for beats. Make the instrumental and send it to them and make it clear that you'll go 50/50 on royalties made. I've been doing this since high school (and still do sometimes if I believe in the artist). I would say it's better to focus on network than it is focusing on getting work. This is because there's so many different sides of the industry and you need to find the side that's most profitable to you during your career. Network online AND in person. Get to know the musicians in your college town (and hometown if that's a different place for you). Build true connections with them. That means not "hey, I want to mix for you" or "let me produce your next album" instead "hey, that was a great performance! I also play (instrument). Who's your favorite composer?" I can say that using this method is exactly how I built my network.
So network. That's the most important thing. Next- if there's an opportunity for mixing, working with artists, meeting audio engineers or producers, or anything that will get you in a room with people who do what you want to do TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY. Here's an example: I have always wanted to be a music producer since freshman year of high school. But, I knew that I wouldn't be able to do that if I didn't know artists and didn't show that I could do other work in the music industry. So I applied to jobs both at my school and in my hometown to work as a live sound engineer. Best decision I ever made. That led to building my network, receiving extremely lucky opportunities, and proving to my professors, mentors, future employers, and myself that I could do whatever was thrown at me. Keep in mind that even if you find an opportunity that isn't exactly what you want to do- you can still learn a lot and use what you learned as leverage to get to where you want to be.
When I started audio school, I was one of the least prepared people who actually cared about school (there were a lot of people who didn't care and ended up dropping out). I had no idea how to choose the best mics, how to mic anything up, or how to run a studio session. In all honesty, I was clueless. Now, because of all the opportunities I took without a second thought, I have built a strong reputation as someone who knows what they're talking about. Do the work, do extra work, do free work, and soak in everything that's taught in class, online, or in textbooks. That's how you get to a point where people seek you out for work. So to circle all the way back to your question- the best thing you can do for your career so that you don't miss opportunities is to take every opportunity that comes your way- and start offering to help with small things so that you're approached for cooler projects.
I hope this helps.
This is a very very good mindset to be in- wanting to keep up career wise while also excelling in school. Look for work either on your campus, in your hometown, or online. Keep in mind that some of the work you do will be either volunteer, free, or low pay because you have to break into the industry. This is how you also build a network and start working with cool people. If you want to be a producer then find smaller artists who are looking for beats. Make the instrumental and send it to them and make it clear that you'll go 50/50 on royalties made. I've been doing this since high school (and still do sometimes if I believe in the artist). I would say it's better to focus on network than it is focusing on getting work. This is because there's so many different sides of the industry and you need to find the side that's most profitable to you during your career. Network online AND in person. Get to know the musicians in your college town (and hometown if that's a different place for you). Build true connections with them. That means not "hey, I want to mix for you" or "let me produce your next album" instead "hey, that was a great performance! I also play (instrument). Who's your favorite composer?" I can say that using this method is exactly how I built my network.
So network. That's the most important thing. Next- if there's an opportunity for mixing, working with artists, meeting audio engineers or producers, or anything that will get you in a room with people who do what you want to do TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY. Here's an example: I have always wanted to be a music producer since freshman year of high school. But, I knew that I wouldn't be able to do that if I didn't know artists and didn't show that I could do other work in the music industry. So I applied to jobs both at my school and in my hometown to work as a live sound engineer. Best decision I ever made. That led to building my network, receiving extremely lucky opportunities, and proving to my professors, mentors, future employers, and myself that I could do whatever was thrown at me. Keep in mind that even if you find an opportunity that isn't exactly what you want to do- you can still learn a lot and use what you learned as leverage to get to where you want to be.
When I started audio school, I was one of the least prepared people who actually cared about school (there were a lot of people who didn't care and ended up dropping out). I had no idea how to choose the best mics, how to mic anything up, or how to run a studio session. In all honesty, I was clueless. Now, because of all the opportunities I took without a second thought, I have built a strong reputation as someone who knows what they're talking about. Do the work, do extra work, do free work, and soak in everything that's taught in class, online, or in textbooks. That's how you get to a point where people seek you out for work. So to circle all the way back to your question- the best thing you can do for your career so that you don't miss opportunities is to take every opportunity that comes your way- and start offering to help with small things so that you're approached for cooler projects.
I hope this helps.
Amira Gadd
Songwriter, Sync Consultant
4
Answers
Laguna Hills
Updated
Amira’s Answer
Hello! While you're keeping an eye out for job opportunities, I would recommend volunteering at Music events, conventions, conferences and do a good job at it, while having fun. They will notice if you are on top of your tasks, show up early and go out of your way to say "what else can I help with". You will learn so much from behind the scenes of the industry and it will provide you priceless knowledge on the music business and latest trends. On your breaks, before and after the events, try to professionally introduce yourself to speakers at the events, while respecting their times. Research your favorite music professionals who will attend before hand, e.g projects that they are working on, latest tech they invented, latest album they worked on etc. so that way you show them you are on top of things and that you can easily break the ice with them. Cherry on top is that if they won an award of some sorts or did something major, tell them congratulations about it. When you treat people like how you want to be treated, they will remember you. Your name will be recommended and spread around positively and you might be asked to be hired in no time or guarantee a great recommendation for yourself when you apply to any future jobs. Good luck!
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
59
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hi Anya!
For sure! While you’re in college as a Music Technology major, the key things to focus on are internships and networking. Internships give you hands-on experience and build valuable connections, which are essential for growing your career. Networking whether its through conventions, events, or just reaching out to industry professionals can open up job opportunities and collaborations.
Also, keep an eye out for job openings or part-time gigs where you can apply what you're learning. Building an online presence by sharing your projects on YouTube, SoundCloud, or social media will help you stand out. The goal is to stay proactive internships and networking are usually the best ways to get ahead while you’re still in school.
Hope this helps—
Good luck!
Saint
For sure! While you’re in college as a Music Technology major, the key things to focus on are internships and networking. Internships give you hands-on experience and build valuable connections, which are essential for growing your career. Networking whether its through conventions, events, or just reaching out to industry professionals can open up job opportunities and collaborations.
Also, keep an eye out for job openings or part-time gigs where you can apply what you're learning. Building an online presence by sharing your projects on YouTube, SoundCloud, or social media will help you stand out. The goal is to stay proactive internships and networking are usually the best ways to get ahead while you’re still in school.
Hope this helps—
Good luck!
Saint