Attn: people majoring / working in the music industry

[Praetor]

Yes, I know there's already a similar thread but whatever.

Since I'll be a junior in HS next year, my counselor is getting on my case about what I want to do, and I was thinking about working in the music industry. Anybody here in the industry? Any especially good colleges? Is it really difficult? etc.

And I've also considered being a sound engineer but I don't think I have the ears for it. If anybody majoring in audio engineering could answer the same questions I'd appreciate that.

[whitelines]

go for a real profession

[whitelines]

^ good advice

if you want to do something like start an indie label, go for sometihng business related get a good job then yu can do some small label company on your side

[xEBVDRUMSx]

I'm not majoring in it, but my girlfriend is majoring in sound engineering.
Did you take music theory in high school? If you did, that's a great start, it'll be the foundation for everything you'll do in college.

I'm not sure what to tell you about a good college for it since I have no idea where you live, but you could search online for some schools with solid programs.

As for difficulty, if you've taken theory and it's not difficult for you, you won't have much of a problem continuing it in college. From what I'm told, the basic structure for a sound engineering class is in group form, with the instructor teaching a bunch of students at the same time; very hands-on work, a lot of room for suggestions from others and interpretation.

I know a few people in the sound engineering program at Broome Community College in NY, and while it is a community college, the program there is one of the best on the entire east coast.

[xEBVDRUMSx]

Oh, and look into getting an internship at a local label.

[Praetor]

I'm not majoring in it, but my girlfriend is majoring in sound engineering.
Did you take music theory in high school? If you did, that's a great start, it'll be the foundation for everything you'll do in college.

I'm not sure what to tell you about a good college for it since I have no idea where you live, but you could search online for some schools with solid programs.

As for difficulty, if you've taken theory and it's not difficult for you, you won't have much of a problem continuing it in college. From what I'm told, the basic structure for a sound engineering class is in group form, with the instructor teaching a bunch of students at the same time; very hands-on work, a lot of room for suggestions from others and interpretation.

I know a few people in the sound engineering program at Broome Community College in NY, and while it is a community college, the program there is one of the best on the entire east coast.
Thanks! I haven't taken music theory yet but it's something that interests me and it's a course I'll definitely be taking next year (this is the first year in a while the course has been offered at the school.) The guy that'll be teaching me is crazy smart and really knows a ton about music so I'm kind of excited for it. I live in Central New York. Thanks again for writing back.
^ good advice

if you want to do something like start an indie label, go for sometihng business related get a good job then yu can do some small label company on your side
I don't really want to start my own label, while it'd be pretty cool I kind of like working under people. Thanks for the advice, though.

[imperfectstarx]

I've been told by people that already work in the business, that it is not a good idea to major in music business in college. Go for just a marketing or business class. It's not really about what you know, but who you know. Start interning at labels or music publishers and work your way up.

[googirl8907]

I want to do the same thing. I'm currently a Public Relations major and minoring in Marketing. I would suggest you something along those lines that way if it doesn't work out you still have a good degree. After I graduate, I'm going to go to Full Sail for a music business degree.

[remedyeli]

well, it says your 14. that is a great start
I wish I started thinking about this stuff at 14, but sadly I was probably in my mid 15's. (while still in middle school).

go to alot of local shows, be friends with promoters and venue owners, depending on where you live some places might be easier than others.

start out small, try to see if promoters need help with stuff like passing out fliers and things like that.

don't be an idiot and do what I did and start booking shows right off the bat. that's a fast way to loose LOTS of money. Just hang around the scene, and be surportive.

Booking shows locally leads to many other opportunities.

that's really just step one, and everything else will follow.

imperfectstarx (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=98163) is right, alot of the time when people go to college for music, they get out and then don't know what to do. I personally think it's better to not go through college and experience everything first hand.