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dear talkbass: you've never let me down before, so i need your help..

M

meRTKendrew

Dec 15, 2008
299
14
Christchurch, New Zealand
#1
what should i do with my life??

since i was little, i always wanted to be an engineer. mechanical, or civil, or something, im not so sure anymore. so, i could go to universaty, get a degree and have plenty of jobs waiting for me

OR

should i do a diploma in audio engineering? are there still jobs for recording engineers?
it would be the best job ever. and i love music and tone and making it sound as good as i can..

so what should i do?
what do i have to lose?

:help:
 
#2
First of all, I'm not an engineer; secondly, it's getting late and starting to fall asleep; BUT I will give you my opinion on the matter. Years ago I did a degree in Communication Studies with sound recording as my area of concentration. I've known sound engineers over the years and I can tell you that in a lot of places demand is not exactly high. So many people are equipped with home studios now that a lot of the work studios used to do is now out of their hands. Now, that being said, there will still be a need for sound engineers - the problem is that trade schools are turning out a lot of people wanting that elusive job as sound engineer at X studio. Have you talked to any guys in the field? That would be my first step. Honestly, I think the kinds of trade schools that offer courses in recording are generally a rip off. I'd think you'd be better off spending that money on equipment and getting on it. I know guys who got their sound engineering diplomas and it did very little for them. Are there any studios in your area? I mean, New Zealand's not really the record-making capital of the world, is it? It's a tough one. Also keep in mind that if you do become an engineer, you'll probably spend more time working on adds or jingles than you will on some record that moves you.
 
#3
Some research on future jobs might be in order. Most governments have projections for various fields and the salary levels.

Talk to people already in the various fields that interest you. Getting a degree and how the real world works are usually totally different.

Maybe take an aptitude test to see what you're good at as it applies to various jobs.

Good luck.
 
#6
There's a saying (Japanese?) that goes like this:


Get a job you like and you never have to work​


I guess that is true. I have a M.Sc. and B.Sc in engineering and it definitely feels I'm working. :hmm: That's not the case when I'm teaching my six guitar students and one bass student how to play...
 
#7
If you do the degree and get an engineering job, the phrase "starving musician/studio engineer" will never apply to you.

Go to university, do gigs as the soundman whilst your there, get the degree, go for the well paid job as a civil engineer or whatever, and gig at nights and weekends.

that way you'll have all the money you need for new gear etc...

and be honest, will a day job get in the way of your music?

how many bands will record monday to friday 9-5?

I manage to combine being an electrical engineer with several gigs a week, it just means i use up most of my works holidays for travelling to distant gigs.

I play with people who are full time pro's and the only advantage they have over me is they can lie in bed in the morning after a late gig.

I would say that music and a day job/career are NOT mutually exclusive.

I used to play in a band with a guitard who ran his own studio, and his busiest times were evenings and weekends.
 
#10
Hi,

Another view, from an almost old guy.

1) Getting a college degree is a lot of work. Study something that is fun. A degree in PoliSci is more valuable than no degree in engineering.

2) With the exception of nursing, and a very few other fields, you don't need a degree in that specific field to go into it. I live in Silicon Valley, and I know that things are a bit different here, but there are a lot of people with liberal arts degrees in the engineering business. I know, because I used to be one them. In other words, your degree does not determine your future.

3) You mentioned electrical and civil engineering for possible careers, in addition to audio engineering as a route into the recording business. You can use any of these degrees as a route into the recording business. What? you say. How? Who designs & builds recording studios? Who figures out how to create the proper sound insulation, etc., in these buildings? CEs of course. Who designs the electronics layouts? Who unhoses them when amateurs screw it up? EEs of course. Use your imagination in how to apply your education to your career dreams. Don't lie, but be creative.

4) If I could do it all over again, I would get a double major, liberal arts AND science. Being able to think in both styles is very valuable, at different times.

5) Regardless of the degree(s) you pursue, mix in some recording as a musician, engineer, and producer. Maybe in internship of some sort. Real world, hands on, experience, mixed with a degree is very valuable.

All this, of course, is just one persons experience & opinion.

Take it for what you think it's worth.

edg
 

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