If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve done a few sessions, mixed down a project or two, and more than likely watched an endless number of tutorial videos about EQ, Compression, Microphone Techniques, Acoustics etc….
Now you’re feeling ready to take the next step and do it all in a real commercial studio.
An Internship is a great way for you to get some real experience using pro gear, in a treated space. It also gives perspective into what studio life is really like, and what is expected of a resident audio engineer. During my internship with The Audio Department, I’ve had the opportunity of assisting many different producers and artists from across Canada and around the World! Every day brought a new experience and approach towards the Music Production process.
I’m going to explain the process I went through to secure an audio engineering internship, as well as some tips I learned along the way of what is to be expected from an intern, and how to go above and beyond these expectations so that you stand out from the competition.
I’d also like to focus more on what I learned during my time as an intern. The do’s and don’t of assisting in a studio. As far as getting the internship goes, get out there and hustle! Network within your local scene. If you’re serious enough to apply, you likely know someone who knows someone.
Every studio has a web page with contact information that will help you get in touch with the right person.
I set a clear goal of getting an internship that could lead to future employment. I sent out resumes and cold called a couple of local studios. Only one got back to me, but one is all you need.
So now you know how I got my internship. Lets talk about how to keep it!
1. Your Portfolio Doesn’t Matter:
You are coming to the studio to learn. You should arrive an empty vessel ready to absorb new experiences and knowledge. I can guarantee that the studio you’re applying at isn’t concerned with the mixes you’ve done. At least not yet. They are looking for someone to trust with the equipment, security, and brand of the studio. An open and hard working attitude will get you a lot further than your latest Club Banger.
2. Your Internship should be your biggest priority:
It’s likely that your internship will be unpaid. For a lot of us, that can be a big turn off. After all, who wants to work for free? Most of us will be unable to devote long hours to the studio if we’re not able to meet our financial obligations.
Nonetheless, MAKE IT A PRIORITY.
Get it done as soon as you can. Say yes to as many opportunities as you can. It’s the practice itself that is going help you to learn. I was lucky enough to do my internship during the summer, while I was still living at home. I was able to devote many 12 hour days to tracking bands in the studio.
I completed my 200 hour internship in two months.
I find that sessions are done on the weekends. so keep these available. It will pay off quickly.
3. Be punctual.
This one should be obvious. You should treat the session and its clients with respect. Its your job to help set up for the session before the band arrives. Make them feel like rockstars. Make sure all the equipment is functioning and all the channels are patched correctly. Pro Tools templates are a great way to get ahead on session set up time.
Arrive early, sleep in the parking lot, or whatever you need to do to make sure you don’t keep anyone waiting. After all they are doing you a favor by mentoring you and you should honor that be being on time.
4. Don’t speak up during a session:
This one might not be as obvious, but picture this situation.
A band has hired a producer, booked a studio, done all the pre production arrangements, and are now in the studio, with you, the intern.
These people have been doing this longer than you. They have encountered countless problems in the studio and have worked through each one. They are the pros and you are the student. LET THEM MAKE THE DECISIONS.
It is your job to follow instructions and make the clients session to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. NOT to comment on the performance, how it sounds, the arrangement, or really anything to do with the music at all.
If you notice something, feel free to make notes and discuss them with your mentor after the session. But try to avoid lending advice during the session, after all you’re there to learn so try and focus on listening and observing.
Take notes.
5. Ask Questions (when appropriate):
Chances are there will be many things and happen or are said that you may not understand. Its good to ask questions to clarify info and learn provided they don’t delay the session.
As I stated before, the intern is more of a ‘fly on the wall, fix it if it stops working’ position. You’re there to keep to session going not to hold it up. If you feel like the current situation is too tense or fast paced to warrant a question, Write it down and ask it later!
Take lots of notes.
6. Get acquainted with some Customer Service skills:
Like it or not, This is a customer service gig. It’s the coolest and most fun Customer service job I’ve ever had but its service nevertheless.
You exist to make the clients experience as great as it can be.
If a mic needs adjusting, Do it.
If a mic needs swapping out, Do it
If a client needs coffee, Make it
Offer to go make coffee when the band arrives, Offer to go on food runs during the lunch break. Do anything you can to make yourself useful. You are there to serve the artist and make sure everybody leaves satisfied.
7. Learn Pro Tools Key Commands:
Studio Time is expensive and every bit of wasted time adds up. You should make it a priority to streamline your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) performance as much as possible. This means memorizing important key commands at different stages in the recording process.
Here is a course I created to help you memorize Essential Pro Tools 12 Key Commands.
8. Research Gear:
It is your duty and obligation to be familiar with the gear in your studio. ALL OF IT!
Microphones, Pre amps, Compressors, FX units. DI Boxes.
Make sure to check out details and How To’s on every piece of equipment in the studio.
Why is it there?
What is unique about it?
What’s its significance?
What is it modeled after?
How does it behave?
You will have the special privilege of spending a lot of time using professional gear that the average musician will not be able to afford. So pay attention and make the effort to understand as much of the studios gear as you can. Make note of what’s used all the time for clarity and character.
You may get asked to suggest a pre amp or compressor or microphone. If asked, you should be able to make recommendations and help the artist feel confident that you know the best piece of gear for the job.
9. Be Excellent:
There’s no room for sloppiness in this business. If you want to stand out, and become employed you have to be EXCELLENT and nothing short of it.
Go out of your way to make sure the studio is spotless after a session.
– Sweep and Vacuum the floors.
– Wash any dishes or glasses the band used during the session.
– Put all mics and equipment back how you found them.
– Reset the studio BETTER than you found it.
– Double check everything before you leave.
This will make a big difference to your mentor. Especially, if they let you engineer a session without their presence.
The studio is looking to trust you to run the operation on your own without blowing up a ribbon mic or forgetting to lock the door. Leaving the studio clean and clear of clutter WILL BE NOTICED and well received.
I would stay for at least an hour after a session to clean up. I would reset the studio for the next day and make it suitable for the next session. I will tell you that this effort does not go unnoticed. It’s important that everyone gets a consistent experience when they come to your studio. It will help to build the studio’s reputation, and thats good for your reputation for being a spectacular Audio Engineer!
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