Studio Aprenticeship?

AgeOfGeburah

Member
Jun 3, 2009
163
0
16
Enköping, Sweden
So I've decided this is my next step, Realized that I truly have a chance to work with this, It's not an near impossible dream to achieve. So how should I take the step to find a studio aprentice spot?

I have found a studio that is located close to me and are doing Rock/Metal productions.

My plan was just simply to ask.

This is what I was thinking of explaining:
They get me for free.
I can do whatever they would need me to do.
Similar to the role of mix assistant, running around documenting everything (amp settings, settings in general, reels and so on) help with micing the gear, keep on top of things in general just to relieve some of the time consuming duties the employees have to do. I would have no problem of taking the role of runner and grabbing food etc for the employees.
I just really want to spend time in the studio and I know I'm the kind of person that really soaks up knowledge.

Is there anything more I should add?

Thankful for any help!

Thanks for reading aswell :)
 
So I've decided this is my next step, Realized that I truly have a chance to work with this, It's not an near impossible dream to achieve. So how should I take the step to find a studio aprentice spot?

I have found a studio that is located close to me and are doing Rock/Metal productions.

My plan was just simply to ask.

This is what I was thinking of explaining:
They get me for free.
I can do whatever they would need me to do.
Similar to the role of mix assistant, running around documenting everything (amp settings, settings in general, reels and so on) help with micing the gear, keep on top of things in general just to relieve some of the time consuming duties the employees have to do. I would have no problem of taking the role of runner and grabbing food etc for the employees.
I just really want to spend time in the studio and I know I'm the kind of person that really soaks up knowledge.

Is there anything more I should add?

Thankful for any help!

Thanks for reading aswell :)

If you really want to to do it, let them know you can mix assist but definitely highlight that you aren't above doing whatever is necessary to get to that point (cleaning toilets and making coffee/tea). Stress that you know your place and you can STFU. Never offer unsolicited opinions as an intern.
 
It's very tough to get your foot in the door. My experience was completely luck. A band I used to be in was recording an EP at a studio and one night the engineer said "I have to work less" and he just happened to mention that I did amateur mixing and recording. He told him to let him hear some of my work and a few days later he called me in to see if i wanted to apprentice.

He told me most professional studios wont even let you touch a button for at least a few years even if you come out of a good school. You basically get them coffee for a long time lol. Your best bet is to try to get in at a local/privately owned studio...especially ones that may be hurting for clients. If you can show that you have talent, your business oriented and you can bring in clients, you have a really good shot.
 
One thing I would suggest: Instead of offering "I can do whatever you need me to do", instead tell them specific things that you can do for them that they might not realize. ie: "I can maintain lounge/bathrooms, answer phones, run mic lines, setup patchbay, do recalls, etc." Also one of the most prized intern skills is "shutting the fuck up" so be sure and tell them that you understand that.

Good luck:kickass:
 
Thanks for the sugestions guys, this is a local/privately own from what I can say, the studio looks really nice and the site ofcourse state that they are one of the top rock/metal studios in sweden. However their site is fugly and not good at all. Should I perhaps offer them doing some webdesign since I have that education aswell. Might be a little bonus for them to consider?
Though they might actually think it looks good but I honestly dont see anyone thinking that is near good have a check for you self: http://www.llproduction.com/su/Studio_Underground.htm

I'm a real down to earth kind of guy with alot of respect for people, so I'm sure I wouldn't step on any toes.
 
Studio underground has done some classic records (October Tide, Carnal Forge). That would indeed be a score. Anything you can bring to the table skill-wise could be valuable....it's just important to stress that you are willing to do whatever they ask without ego. Also, just mentioned you are skilled and willing to help with the webdesign--don't suggest the site looks bad.