working for korg, propellerhead, fender, etc

[jokn388]

Anyone work for a musical company as a computer programmer, engineer, or as a technician?

I am a senior at University of Maryland studying Computer Science and math. My dream job is to work for a company developing musical software, instruments, whatever.

I would be very grateful if anybody had some sort of advice, or information on what you do.

Thanks

[karrot-x]

I'm in the same boat; I'm a Computer Engineering major at George Mason University. I'll be graduating in May 2011, I'd like to get contacts started. If anyone works for or knows HR for any of the main bass companies please let me know.

[Auzzie-Phoenix]

You would want to have more of a background in electrical engineering, design, illustration, and woodworking if you wanted to work for a company designing basses. Most companies have outsourced their technological fields to consulting firms and outside companies for data solutions and maintenance.

If you really want to get into a company with a technology degree, you're going to have to aggressively obtain certifications (see expensive). Cert's like CCNA/CCNE, Microsoft, SUN, A+, N+, AS/400, C#, C++, J++, and website authoring certifications/degrees.

These days having a great deal of certifications seems to be the only way to get a job in the field. Let alone getting a job at a specific company or type of company. It would be different if companies weren't always outsourcing things.

[jokn388]

Thanks for the input. I have a job (part time during school year) as a IT network engineer. My boss was pushing me to get a CCNA cert, but it never worked out..too busy. Maybe I could start working towards that after I quit my job in a couple weeks. I'm ok with working hard for 5 years after college to gain experience to acquire a dream job position.

[JonathanD]

I know a few guys who have designed/engineered for Kurzwiel, Korg, Roland etc...

If you want to do something...do it. Most all of them spend their free time working on ideas. Their goal was not to become a designer. They are designers, and with good ideas approached the companies that could give them money for the work they love. Not one of these guys visits forums, or even uses the net very often. They live in their shops. Also, they are all somewhat socially awkward.

[blendermassacre]

I'm starting school to be an electrical engineer for a similar purpose. Hopefully it pans out, but if not, I can always get a job and build pedals on the side, etc.

[superbassman2000]

Originally Posted by JonathanD

I know a few guys who have designed/engineered for Kurzwiel, Korg, Roland etc...

If you want to do something...do it. Most all of them spend their free time working on ideas. Their goal was not to become a designer. They are designers, and with good ideas approached the companies that could give them money for the work they love. Not one of these guys visits forums, or even uses the net very often. They live in their shops. Also, they are all somewhat socially awkward.

I notice the same trend--you do the work and show it to them, and if they like it, you might get hired to work on a project. It kind of reminds me of a band situation where your band doesn't get the gig before they have their first practice as a band

[blendermassacre]

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

I notice the same trend--you do the work and show it to them, and if they like it, you might get hired to work on a project. It kind of reminds me of a band situation where your band doesn't get the gig before they have their first practice as a band

Keeping highly trained, highly paid workers on staff, hoping they pop out the next best thing in music is expensive.

[D.Don]

I work in sales/marketing for a high end software company (mainly plug-ins). My advice is to get to know all the sdk's out there, vst 2.4 and 3.0, apple AU (if you don't do mac, start doing it now!), and you will have a good start. If you program dsp/algorithm/math and got the sdk's cleared, you'll be a hot potatoe on the job market...




Cheers
D.Don

[D.Don]

How did it go for you buddy? You getting closer to your aim?


D.Don