5 answers
Minky
Student
1
Question
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Do you work extra hours at home in order to be successful at work?
I am interested in music production but not sure what other areas there are. #music
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5 answers
Nir Krawczyk
Software Engineer
123
Answers
Yonkers, New York
Updated
Nir’s Answer
Personally in my job I don't have to put in a lot of OT to make up for the fact I'm not in the office. My company is very efficient at remote work and have mastered digital meetings so I can get all that I need to get done in 40 hours. However if your job is extremely team intensive, where you need to have meetings all day and coordinate between different people than a remote job could be less efficient and lead to working some OT.
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
82
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I love Judeann's answer and agree with all of it. Any entertainment career is not a job, it can become an all-consuming passion. It's also why we have a lot of divorces! I'm only half-joking about that. In addition to the Passman book, I used to teach out of the Baskerville book, "Music Business Handbook and Career Guide." It also shows a lot of different areas of the industry.
But especially since you mentioned an interest in production, have you considered live event production? All the formal college programs stress studio recording, but the simple fact is there's dramatically more work available in live events. I work as a professional audio engineer in Las Vegas. I've done everything from top-level shows to slot tournaments, and have seen a plethora of opportunities. For example, a typical Las Vegas show has around 40 people on it - from carpenters (building and moving sets) to lighting, to video and audio, costumers, makeup, performers and more. That's not counting the cast! My last big show was Le Reve, and we had over 300 people on that one show alone!
Beyond shows, there are conventions. That includes everything from small business meetings to major presentations by companies like Microsoft, Tesla, etc. Even running a breakout room (smaller rooms that address specific topics for a smaller audience) require at least an audio engineer in the room. And there are literally thousands of these meetings every year, just in Las Vegas! Imagine all across the country how many events like this occur - weddings, Christmas parties, bar mitzvahs, etc. All these events require people to set up stages, put up sound and lights, and make their event happen. And yes, that includes major concerts like tours.
The best part about it? You can do it in nearly any town with a hotel! Check out your local Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, or whatever - even a Motel 6 typically has a meeting or banquet room. They need someone to set up meetings all the time. The other option is to find out about live event companies in your area. Who set up your last high school dance, Christmas party or wedding? Most cities have companies that do this work exclusively.
Another option is a church. Many modern churches have contemporary production setups - sound, lights, and video (especially in the Zoom era). That's a great place to learn, and they always need people. Most do not pay, but some do.
Another is your own school. Yeah, you know those AV nerds you see on TV shows? They're somebody like me, and we make good money and have a good time doing it...most of the time.
If your city is big enough, you may have a local IATSE chapter - that's the labor union for event production. Check out their opportunities and if they have any training programs. Most people quickly discover if they have a talent for lights, sound, video or even rigging.
Research local hotels for meeting rooms and event space
Look for your nearest IATSE chapter.
Research live event production companies in your area.
Look for opportunities to learn - churches, schools, etc.
But especially since you mentioned an interest in production, have you considered live event production? All the formal college programs stress studio recording, but the simple fact is there's dramatically more work available in live events. I work as a professional audio engineer in Las Vegas. I've done everything from top-level shows to slot tournaments, and have seen a plethora of opportunities. For example, a typical Las Vegas show has around 40 people on it - from carpenters (building and moving sets) to lighting, to video and audio, costumers, makeup, performers and more. That's not counting the cast! My last big show was Le Reve, and we had over 300 people on that one show alone!
Beyond shows, there are conventions. That includes everything from small business meetings to major presentations by companies like Microsoft, Tesla, etc. Even running a breakout room (smaller rooms that address specific topics for a smaller audience) require at least an audio engineer in the room. And there are literally thousands of these meetings every year, just in Las Vegas! Imagine all across the country how many events like this occur - weddings, Christmas parties, bar mitzvahs, etc. All these events require people to set up stages, put up sound and lights, and make their event happen. And yes, that includes major concerts like tours.
The best part about it? You can do it in nearly any town with a hotel! Check out your local Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, or whatever - even a Motel 6 typically has a meeting or banquet room. They need someone to set up meetings all the time. The other option is to find out about live event companies in your area. Who set up your last high school dance, Christmas party or wedding? Most cities have companies that do this work exclusively.
Another option is a church. Many modern churches have contemporary production setups - sound, lights, and video (especially in the Zoom era). That's a great place to learn, and they always need people. Most do not pay, but some do.
Another is your own school. Yeah, you know those AV nerds you see on TV shows? They're somebody like me, and we make good money and have a good time doing it...most of the time.
If your city is big enough, you may have a local IATSE chapter - that's the labor union for event production. Check out their opportunities and if they have any training programs. Most people quickly discover if they have a talent for lights, sound, video or even rigging.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Judeanne Armenti
Over 20 years of creative and outgoing music industry and event management expertise.
28
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Judeanne’s Answer
Hi Minky,
Michael is right... there's a huge number of careers in the music industry beyond production. You can research them but I suggest you pick up a book by Donald S. Passman called, All You Need to Know About the Music Business. He details out how different roles in the industry impact and interact with each other. It will give you a great overview of choices you may have in the business. Once you go through the book, see if there are any Music Industry Conferences you can attend, particularly online. This will give you a chance to hear directly from people in the jobs that you may be most interested in.
As for working "extra hours at home", I'll tell you what I tell everyone who is in the business or who wants to be.
1. If you don't absolutely love music, don't get into the business
2. In this business particularly, you'll have a job and you'll make a career for yourself but, it's a lifestyle and a vocation. The music business, especially early on, will keep you from spending time with friends and family. It may drag you halfway around the world thanks to opportunities. When music is your passion, as a creator or a business person, the industry will be a significant part of your life, if not the entirety of it for a long time.
Read the book. Try to do a conference or two. Then see if any role in the industry excites you enough to dedicate yourself to it. Remember, a very small percentage of people in this industry get rich. The rest of us make a living - hustle for it but make a living - and we love it.
I'm always here if you have more questions!
Good luck!
Michael is right... there's a huge number of careers in the music industry beyond production. You can research them but I suggest you pick up a book by Donald S. Passman called, All You Need to Know About the Music Business. He details out how different roles in the industry impact and interact with each other. It will give you a great overview of choices you may have in the business. Once you go through the book, see if there are any Music Industry Conferences you can attend, particularly online. This will give you a chance to hear directly from people in the jobs that you may be most interested in.
As for working "extra hours at home", I'll tell you what I tell everyone who is in the business or who wants to be.
1. If you don't absolutely love music, don't get into the business
2. In this business particularly, you'll have a job and you'll make a career for yourself but, it's a lifestyle and a vocation. The music business, especially early on, will keep you from spending time with friends and family. It may drag you halfway around the world thanks to opportunities. When music is your passion, as a creator or a business person, the industry will be a significant part of your life, if not the entirety of it for a long time.
Read the book. Try to do a conference or two. Then see if any role in the industry excites you enough to dedicate yourself to it. Remember, a very small percentage of people in this industry get rich. The rest of us make a living - hustle for it but make a living - and we love it.
I'm always here if you have more questions!
Good luck!
Vidya R
Program Management
9
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Vidya’s Answer
It's always advisable to put in the work behind the scenes- this doesn't have to be toward the company you're working for but on the skills required in your profession. Work on acquiring technical skills, improving your knowledge of the industry, building network. All of this requires long hours of work outside of your day job. Be sure to bring some of the acquired skills to your company- let they know you're working on improving yourself and your skills. In fact, find ways to show how you've improved by implementing something they'd appreciate. Innovation is always respected.
Israel Tanenbaum
Founder & CEO at Latinbaum Records & Latinbaum International Publishing (ASCAP)
15
Answers
Redwood City, California
Updated
Israel’s Answer
Music production is typically NOT a 9 to 5 job where you think of extra hours. That being said, in music production you usually work as long as it takes to complete the job at hand. As Judeanne said, it's a lifestyle. We, music producers, love what we do and enjoy the creative process so much that we are willing to put in as much time as needed. In fact, we almost expect it from ourselves because when we're in the creative zone we really don't want to stop or be interrupted.
There are 9 to 5 production gigs that are truly amazing, engaging, interesting and challenging. You'll find companies that specialize in audio production, event production, film, animation and gaming where there are many positions like production coordinators, producers, artist relations managers, editing, recording, mixing, sound design, foley, and so many others.
Then there's the Music Business with a whole list of its own that includes publishing, record labels, managers, lawyers, and others.
There is much to do in the field. Let your passion guide you.
Research colleges and universities like Berklee College of Music, Full Sail University, North Texas University and others with music or entertainment industry programs. Explore the different career paths these programs focus on.
There are 9 to 5 production gigs that are truly amazing, engaging, interesting and challenging. You'll find companies that specialize in audio production, event production, film, animation and gaming where there are many positions like production coordinators, producers, artist relations managers, editing, recording, mixing, sound design, foley, and so many others.
Then there's the Music Business with a whole list of its own that includes publishing, record labels, managers, lawyers, and others.
There is much to do in the field. Let your passion guide you.
Israel recommends the following next steps: