Bruce Harding - Daly, California

Bruce Harding
Recording Connection Student - Daly, California

Okay, I don't want to go and make this feel like some sort of session with a therapist, so I'm just going to quickly say that because of so many things that happened to me when I was younger, I found myself in my thirties realizing that I needed to make something better out of my life.

I figured that this could be my Christmas present to myself, the chance to improve my life. Now, the recording industry has always interested me, and music has always gotten me through some tough times. And I know that I wanted to work in a field that I would like. Something that I can see myself doing for a long time.

I looked around for the place to start, and I ended up here. And I'm so glad I did. I'm learning so much, and because I actually get to study in an actual recording studio (I know, it's definitely amazing), I get to apply what I learn right away. And beyond that, I actually get to really see what I would look like if I were to get a job like this. The image of what my future would be just gives me that extra push to try harder and do my best at this course.

I'm glad I took this chance, and now I have this recording connection to making a better life for myself in an industry that helped me in some way.

Justin Scott - Austin, Texas

Justin Scott
Austin, Texas Recording Connection Student

To be able to make it in the recording industry, it’s true what they say. It’s not just about what you know, it’s who you know. And you’re thinking, in an industry as cut-throat as this one, it’s much be tough getting an in, finding someone who can help you make your dreams come true.

At the very least, it probably won’t be affordable. That’s what I thought so at first. Luckily for me, that’s not necessarily true.

Aside from the amazing fact that you’re going to be learning from someone who’s already working inside the industry, and right there is the “who you know” part at the very least, paying for it is not as tough as I thought it would be. The payment terms are easy, and it adjusts to the needs of the students. Thinking about payments and money is not exactly easy on the ears, but it’s reality.

Let’s face it, it’s not that easy to study what you can to work in the industry you want to, and it definitely is not that easy to afford either. That’s tough, but that’s reality. But here, I find that those things are not always true. Yes, I’m going to expend a lot more hard work to make it as far as I want to, but right now, I’ve got the recording connection I need to be that much closer in a much easier way than I imagined.

Alexander Perez - Orlando, Florida

Alexander Perez
Orlando, Florida Recording Connection Student

There’s nothing like going to a concert and seeing your favorite band perform live. The adrenaline rush is just amazing. It’s miles away from listening to their songs on the iPod, their tunes blasting away through our headphones. We feel more than just the music, we can actually hear their passion for their craft as they sing live.

Of course, without the aid of a recording booth, pausing and going back to the beginning should you make a mistake, a live show is a “what you see is what you get” experience. If the artist makes a mistake, everyone in the venue is a witness to it. And though that makes it even more special to the audience, too much of these mistakes, sounding too raw, might actually turn your audience away from you. They’re going to think that the CDs and the mp3s they listened to endlessly is nothing but a bunch of technological hocus pocus.

As a live sound engineer, it’s their job to make sure this does not happen. There should be the perfect balance of the rawness of a live performance yet the polish of a well-prepared event designed to entertain and impress. I’m learning so much from this internship now. I’m learning to keep on our toes, keeping watch to the tiniest detail even while being surrounded by loud music. To be able to think under all these pressure takes a lot of skill. And learning this skill gives me that recording connection to reach out to the audiences during a live concert, even when I’m still behind the mission control station.

Adam Martinez - Raleigh, North Carolina

Adam Martinez

Recording Connection Student from Raleigh, North Carolina

To be perfectly honest, growing up, I was pretty naive about the recording process. I just knew that I wanted to be one of those musical artists whose songs I hear on the radio. Then I see those music videos that show them recording their songs in a studio and they just look so glamorous and they make it look so easy that I really wanted to be one of them.

Of course, that was about a decade ago. But my love for music has not diminished, and now more than ever, I want to be a part of that process. So a couple or maybe dozen voice lessons might have told me otherwise about my dreams of becoming a recording star, but I have since learned that that's not the only career I can pursue in this field. After working with a mastering engineer and seeing what he does, there is no doubt in my mind that I want to be one too.

A mastering engineer is essentially the person responsible for the CDs that we enjoy listening to. After recording the songs and having it go through production, getting it mixed and arranged so that it sounds even better, it reaches the mastering engineer first before it gets to the public. They take into account the songs that are to be part of the album, and then make the final edits and reconstructions before it makes its way to the public. This part fascinates me because you're essentially dealing with the finished product, but even at this stage, you still could improve it, making it twice as amazing as it was before. Being a mastering engineer puts you in this amazing position to make sure it's as perfect as could be, it gives you that recording connection to make sure the listening public gets the best that they deserve. And that music people are gonna hear over the radio one day, I'm gonna be partly responsible for that soon.

Amelia King - New London, Connecticut

Amelia King

New London, Connecticut Recording Connection Student

Before I went to school, I already had an idea on how much work it would be when you're behind the scenes in the making of a record. As glamorous as MTV might make it, it's not just going into a recording booth and singing a song. There are a lot of people responsible in the making of a great record. Still, it wasn't until I started my mentorship program that I realize just how much work it really was. And it was definitely more than I imagined.

When I decided that I wanted to make it as an audio engineer, I had a lot of work cut out for me. I have to be familiar with the design, installation, and operation of the sound equipment of the recording booth. That means I have to be able to know what each knob and button will do, how any one of them affects the recording, and how to use them to get the sound we want. Musicians are the creative part of the process, and we audio engineers interpret their creative visions through technical means. It's a lot of work, but still, with everything I'm learning now, I've got the recording connection to be a part in the making of a great record.

Kelly Hardwick - Las Vegas, Nevada

Kelly Hardwick

Las Vegas, Nevada - Recording Connection Student

Ever since I listened to Michael Jackson's BAD album I have wanted to be a part of the Recording Industry. I know its the artist's work, but its a sense of professional pride to hear your work on the radio or in a club.

Recording Connections helped me live my dream. The great thing is that I was able to study from home and at my own schedule. The "Real world experience" and Hands on Pro tools was a real bonus.

To make it in this industry you have to have a real desire to succeed, and Recording Connections really nurtures that. The program is individually tailored to each student and you train with your own personal mentor. There is no better way to train to be in the recording industry than with Recording Connections.

Manuel Ramirez - Manchester, New Hampshire

Manuel Ramirez

Recording Connection - Manchester, New Hampshire

I realize that realistically, a diploma can only get us so far. And in an industry as cutthroat and competitive as the recording industry, it's going to be tough to make something of ourselves with just a diploma. Lots of times, the companies we want to work for wants someone with experience, someone who knows their way around a recording studio. It's a fast-paced industry, I don't think they want to spend their time teaching the basics to their new employees.

So I want to be able to impress my possible employers that I know more than just those that are found in books and taught in classrooms. And I've got it, thanks to my mentor, who is teaching me all these things that I need to give me an edge that I need to have a successful career. One-on-one mentoring is such an effective tool, at least for me. I could barely have the patience to sit in a classroom and listen to someone go on and on. I mean, it's not so bad. Studying is important too, of course. But I feel like I learn more quickly when someone shows me, like how to operate the equipment in a recording booth. I even get to work it from time to time, so I know exactly what to do should I get employed once I finish my course. And I'm sure getting employed won't be that difficult since I've got this recording connection that's showing me how to be able to be successful in this industry.

Lilliane Richardson - Seattle, Washington

Lilliane Richardson

Seattle, Washington - Recording Connection Student

I love country music. Though growing up in Washington, my parents were from the South, I grew up with country; it was everywhere in our house. And I just never cease to fall in love with it. And wherever I go, I always feel right at home whenever I listen to some good ole country. But though I have such an appreciation for this music, I'm not musically gifted in the most conventional sense. I can sing a tune, but nothing spectacular; and I can play enough piano to play some tunes, nothing much beyond that. But I know I have an ear for it, which is why I wanted to be a recording producer.

There are so many people out there who look down on this music, thinking of us as just hicks from down South; but it's not. And as amazing as rock or hip-hop or alternative is, so it country. And as a recording producer, I feel like I could be able to spread country music to those who haven't heard enough of it to really appreciate it. And I'm happy with what I'm learning here, the ins and outs of the recording business, the equipment used in a recording studio. There's my mentor who is an actual recording producer who's teaching me so many things that are even more amazing since they're from his experience, not just stuff from books.

I can't wait to learn more, to have more of this recording connection so I'll be able to reach out to more people with the music that I love so much.

Joan Forrest - San Bernardina, CA

Joan Forrest

San Bernardina, CA - Recording Connection Student

It's a tough reality to face, but these days, it's not that easy to be just a student. Not everyone can afford it. I certainly couldn't. Like most Americans across the country, I need to work to be able to afford to learn and gain the tools I need to get my dream job. For me, that's to be in the recording business.

Unfortunately, most schools give you a schedule and expect you to stick to it no matter what. And a lot of them are during the day; and it's tough for me since I work during the day. It sometimes made me cry that I couldn't attend the classes I needed to go to so I can achieve my dreams. But if I give up my day job, then how can I even afford these classes, right? So I was very happy to find the one school that did take into consideration the reality that most of us face. And they have been nothing but helpful, working with me so I can still be able to attend to my responsibilities and still give me that recording connection that leads me closer to my dreams every day. How can you not love it?

Jennifer Jameson - Hanford, California

Jennifer Jameson
Hanford, California Recording Connection Student

I think I've always wanted to be a recording artist. I guess I've also been pretty confident that I got the talent to do it. Still, I know I've got a lot of work cut out for me, so I took classes to not only help me improve, but to get the opportunity to meet people who have made it in the business I want to succeed in.

I'm glad I decided to go to classes for this. I actually get to be inside an actual recording studio. I got to confess, although I wanted to be a recording artist for as long as I could remember, these recording studios intimidate me. When I got inside, the butterflies in my stomach went crazy. Then, after several hours inside, I finally got comfortable and could relax. And wow, these recording studios are amazing. It's not just about the microphone; there's all these other equipment that take whatever's recorded and make it even more amazing. Like the mixing console, which is also called a soundboard. It's with this that different sounds are mixed together, like the different musical instruments that goes into making a song. Here we get to see how it sounds if we turn up the bass or add in some backup vocals to a song.

Going to school to learn more about making it work in the recording industry is one of my best decisions to date. I can't wait for my next class.

Jessie Blake – Los Angeles, CA

Jessie Blake
Los Angeles, CA Recording Connection Student


I was recently looking at some home videos posted on YouTube and I found myself wondering about those wannabe artists who want themselves and their songs to be exposed to the outside world! Do they really manage to get their songs out into the public and have other people listen and appreciate to it? Or are their songs stuck in their heads or in their garages or bedrooms for that matter? Do these artists really have any recording connection with anyone who can record and show their songs to another public?

Because of online multimedia tools and sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and such, rising new artists are able to record and show their work to a much greater audience than before. They not only show their work to people in their city or region, but also throughout their own countries and even the rest of the world. Their audiences can also immediately react on their songs, allowing them direct feedback on their work. I absolutely think that this whole online artist profile allows the artist to not only show their work, react on the reactions to their work, but also right immediately thank and give the necessary information to their soon-to-be fans...

In my own honest opinion, the internet allows a more even battlefield for new and known artists. It allows them to show their fans who's who and what they can offer the thousands of people who sign up to be their audiences... Quite easily they are but an arm's length away from people who support them. Technology does make things easier for everyone!

Jason from Chicago, Illinois

Hi, my name is Jason and I'm currently a student at Recording Connection. When I had come to this program I didn't know what to except. Sure I had viewed the site to see what it was about, but still skeptical about the program. Then I had entered MY REAL RECORDING STUDIO in Chicago and after the 1st month I already had 7 contacts. I'm thinking to myself these are all talented individuals who want to work with me. Then my 2ND month hit, and I met a guy named Voyce. Now this Kat was right up my ally and really was feeling beats that I had made. We had kept talking back and fourth and now we are working on a CD that should be done no later than the end of March. If you where to have a conversation with me I would say that I have dreamed about this for years and its finally happening. I'm not saying that your going to become a superstar right away,and become rich, but Recording Connection Audio Institute would provide the right tools for your success. So do what I did and join up and yeah don't forget to check out are single "Just Han gin" by In Depth Productions, Voyce, Law, Ryan on guitar.

Thankyou so much Recording Connection Audio Institute for this! Your program is the best. You got me in the door of a real recording studio. I am making contacts, meeting people, producing and learning audio engineering and music producing thanks to your program.

Will Metivier - Berlington, Vermont

Will Metivier
Berlington, VT - Recording

My mentor basically showed me the set-up of the studio which has become my private classroom. We discussed the first lesson and I asked the questions I needed to complete the assignment. We then opened some of the projects he was currently working on and I listened to them. He made some adjustments and played around with some plug-ins. I shadowed him and asked him questions about what he was doing.
Later in this week, I sat in on a recording session. A young musician had arrived from the Philippines. He had sent several midi tracks and vocal tracks to Andre via the internet. During the session, live drums were recorded that mimicked the midi tracks he had sent Andre. I learned which microphone best fit to record each separate drum. Small condensers for the overheads and a series of dynamic mics to record the bass drum, snare, and toms. Andre explained to me that he had put compression on the toms in the past for this specific artist. He said that he thought it sounded better without any this time. The tom usage was limited anyhow. We used a click track and the drummer was excellent.

Jeremy Scott - Omaha, Nebraska

Jeremy Scott
Omaha, NE - Recording Connection Student

This week it was lesson XII, synchronization Console Automation. Of course, the understanding of automation is a necessity if you want to make your job easier as an audio engineer. We first went over SMPTE time code (which is what my mentor uses): My mentor explained bits, sync data, time code frames, LTC and VITC time code, jam sync, synchronization using SMPTE time code (he showed me his master, or synchronizer, and explained all of its duties), SMPTE offset times, loops, and distribution of SMPTE signals. My mentor explained SMPTE, he showed me how everything is connected, and he explained to me his whole synchronized system, with emphasis on his master device. Secondly, we covered MIDI-basd synchronization; Tim doesn't have any MIDI devices, he used to have a MIDI-based system, but he believes SMPTE is a more reliable way. We went through MIDI real-time messages, MIDI time code, MIDI time code messages (quarter-frame, full, and MIDI cueing messages), and then he quickly explained how it's possible to convert SMPTE time code into MIDI time code and vice versa. My mentor finished explaining synchronization by talking about master/slave relationship, modular digital multitrack machines, and DAWs.
For the next part of class we went over console automation. He really stressed how much console automation can aid a mix. My mentor first explained the functions of automation, switching and dynamics. Next, he went over each system of console automation (vca, dca, moving fader, midi-based) and explained the difference between each; by the way, he has a moving fader system. My mentor then opened up a song and show me automation in action. He soloed the vocals and explained, while applying, the three operating modes of console automation. As usual he graded my assignment. This was a good lesson to acquaint me with the use of digital application of audio.

Aaron Warren - Portland, Oregon

Aaron Warren
Portland, OR - Recording Connection Student

In Mon. Dec.29 we went over the first assignment together. After that I watched as my mentor mixed a recent recording a local group had done. For the next two hours I got a one on one question and answer session about mixing audio and some basic effects, while he was mixing the track. After he reached a stopping point we went over, briefly, the next weeks lesson and that was that:)
I stumbled onto the Recording Connection site a while back and was surprised that it was the only one of it's kind. After moving up north I decided it was time to enroll and get started...and POOF, here I am. Upon completing my courses I'm looking forward to finding someone willing to sit me behind a mixing board, or plop me in a recording studio and record something for them...and get paid to do it too. This is a great program.

Ronald Barnes - Atlanta, Georgia

Ronald Barnes
Atlanta, GA - Recording Connection Student

This week we went over the chapter concerning the digital audio basics and discussed the different types of commonly used formats for digital audio. I also got to sit in on the mix down process for two different songs and really obtained a general idea on how to go about mixing process of a song.

Philip Chaikin - New York, New York

Philip Chaikin
New York, NY - Recording Connection Student

I came into the Studio on Monday 12/22 to assist with the recording of the Greta Gertler Band for Breakthru Radio.com's website. I setup the live room and controlled ProTools while Steve did a live mix of the session. I am getting a real world education in a real studio thanks to the Recording Connection.

Cesar Almazo - Dallas, Texas

Cesar Almazo
Dallas, TX - Recording connection Student

The Jonas Brothers had scheduled for a recording in SSL Friday. So we had SSL all cleaned, and prepared mics.

Maurice Estrello - Richland Hills, Texas

Maurice Estrello
Richland Hills, TX - Recording Connection Student

This week I sat in on a session recording a bass for a band and I also watched while he did some mixdowns to the recorded tracks. He had to set up a sound system for a club so he showed me what he chose and why he chose it. I also got to tinker around on logic for a little while. Learning in a real studio one on one and then being an apprentice is really the best way to learn. I love this program.

James Sexton - Henderson, Nevada

James Sexton
Henderson, Nevada - Recording Connection Student

This week I worked in the studio with a real live record producer who dumped about 18 tracks from his multiple keyboards. We had connect them to a slave drive, and we connected that through the midi ports, so when we hit record it would all start at the same time. But we recorded the tracks through the DI on the preamps. Thurs Hogee sampled a track by stevie wonder, we figured out the bpm and sliced out the loop he wanted, and repeated it for 4min. And he layed down some vocals he made up to go over the track. This is a great way to learn because you get to work with industry pros as you learn recording in a real studio.

Jacob Sandborg - Dickerson, TX

Jacob Sandborg
Dickerson, TX - Recording Connection Student

This is for the week of January nineteen through the twenty third. My mentor and I Laid down the Bass track for my mix. We also worked on editing the guitar mix a little bit more. We also went over lesson eighteen about mic placement, he showed me some tricks and gave me some real helpful tips on mic placement. I have obtained and have been learning pro tools and have got the patch bay down. Thank you all for assigning me my mentor. I really appreciate it, this man has changed my life completely. He is the greatest mentor I have ever had. He really cares about his students and he never gives up on them, I highly recommend him for any other students that are looking to get into the audio engineering field. I am learning one on one in a real studio and I love it. Thank you guy's and GOD bless.

Sean Daniels from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sean Daniels
Philadelphia, PA - Recording Connection Student

Last week I turned in the mid-term, and afterwards we covered lesson 16. The Recording Connection course teaches you digital as well as analogue cos analogue is coming back. My mentor is great. I am learning everything I need to know in a real recording studio.


RECORDING CONNECTION

Ron Lockyer from New York

Ron Lockyer
RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT - New York

This week I entered the studio THREE times. The first time was just a sit in, where which i got to watch my mentor master two songs for one of his clients. I got to see my mentor and one of his assitants set up the mixing board for the tracks, The second day, I learned about soundwaves, also I got to watch my mentor record for the first time! And on the third and last day for this week my mentor gave me a lesson out of my Recording Connection course curriculum on mics, what purpose each one serves, and his preferances on where to use each. I like this program because you get to see real recording from the inside plus you get regular classroom learning, but it is private, no other students.

Kyle Schlechter from Regina, Saskatchewan Canada

Kyle Schlechter
Regina, Saskatchewan, CANADA Recording Connection Student

This week i got some work done and finished the third assignent.
My mentor then showed me one of the soundboards and the basics of how it
works and the different sounds when different levels are used. I also got to sit in with the guys in the foley section and see how they overdub the sounds for t.v. and movies. I am in the door oserving and learning.

Philip Chaikin from New York City

Philip Chaikin
New York, NY - Recording Connection Student

I was in my studio assisting my mentor with an artist he is currently producing called Nafsica. I was in charge of Pro Tools in the control room while my mentor worked on some songs with Nafsica in the live room. I tracked my Recording connection mentor who was playing guitar, while Nafsica sang and played piano. I also watched how my mentor later went over the structure of the songs with the artist and fine-tuned them. This is a great program. I'm in a real studio learning from a professional.

Leonard Meske from Pennsylvania

Leonard Meske
PENNSLYVANIA - Recording Connecton Student

I am a student with The Recording Connection and I am also working to produce my own music. An artist I've produced, Dizz Mighty, is opening for Vanilla Ice next week. I've also produced a few other artists from my home set up.

Jacob Sandborg from Dickerson, Texas

Jacob Sandborg
DICKERSON TEXAS RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT

This is for December 8, 2008 we completed chapter thirteen, and i'm
waiting and studying for my mid term on lesson fourteen. I'm still
exited about my future with this program. I am getting Pro Tools for
Christmas and i'm getting prepared to start recording in my house. i'm
still going strong and focused. We started setting up the studio,
brought my guitar and tried all kinds of mic placements and recorded a couple of backing tracks. Thank you for this opportunity again , GOD bless you all. Your guys are for real. I love this program.

Mike Reinhart from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Mike Reinhart
Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA RECORDING STUDENT

This week i worked on lesson #10 Analog Tape Recorders. Me and my mentor went over the book work for this chapter and talked about Analog Tape. This program is great cost it shows you Pro Tools (digital) and analog. Then my mentor showed me the analog tape recorder he has in the studio. He showed me all the different parts of the machine and talked about all of
them and what they do as we went along. Then something really cool happened, on that day the local News station came by the studio with a man that wrote a song about the Pittsburgh Steelers, so the news wanted to film him in the studio which was pretty cool. I am making connections as I train with the Recording Connection.

Gerry Yabut from Edmonds, Washington

Gerry Yabut
RECORDING STUDENT - Edmonds, WASHINGTON

I just finished Lesson #7. Compressors/Limiters. Applied compression and limiting on tracks using Waves plug-ins to get a better understanding of its functions. Also assisted in mic setup and vhs audio cueing for a client's voice recording CD. That's right, this program allows me to work on real projects as I train. I just don't see how regular audio school can ever compare. I highly recommend this program.

Jesse Harrison from St.Louis

Jesse Harrison
RECORDING STUDENT - ST. LOUIS

My mentor went over lesson eleven. He wanted me to work on mixing voices so i mixed a CD for a client. The a piano tech came in and worked on the piano and i watched him work for a little bit to learn more about the inner working of a piano. Then on Friday night, we had a midnight recording session that lasted until 5am. i tracked solo voices, group voices, and some woodwind intruments. then we did some editing. I can not believe I am working on real projects and learning as apprentice all in one in a real studio. Where did you guys come up with this great idea for a recording program? Thank You !!!

Jacob Sandborg from Texas

JACOB SANDBORG
RECORDING STUDENT - TEXAS

My mentor and I did lesson twelve and continued showing me the art of Pro Tools. He has been an awesome mentor, I highly look up to him because he cares about me retaining my education (unlike college professors). My progress in my new field of study is astonishing, my musical creativity has increased a hundred fold. I am highly looking forward to learning more and hopefully working for Mr. Weaver in the near future. Next week I'm bringing my guitar to record a few licks and start really getting the hang of setting up the studio and begin recording. GOD BLESS YOU all for this opportunity.

Richard Brannon from Atlanta, Georgia

Richard Brannon
RECORDING STUDENT IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA

In addition to the in studio work, we did a FOH live sound for an event in Atlanta. I assisted at the board and we did serval other tasks like sound checks, we routed some new mic's and so forth. We also recorded the event to DAT, CD and Cassette.I learned while doing instead of talking about it in a classroom.

Cesar Almanzo from Texas

Name: Cesar Almazo
RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT - TEXAS

During the week, my mentor has been explaining the basics of how to use pro tools. We had a chance to mix a song as well (in pro tools). After a couple of lessons on pro tools, I am now able to use pro tools some what on my own. I'm not able to perfect it now but I know I will after my lessons on it. I can't believe I am in a real studio learning from a real pro. This is crazy. So cool. Forget about regular school, I’m in a real studio.

Chris Barbeito from Detroit, Michigan

Chris Barbeito
RECORDING STUDENT - Detroit, MICHIGAN

Last week I learned all about MIDI. I was able to play around with a MIDI controller at the studio and see how it works. I was pretty familiar with it because I have one at my home studio. I learned
more about how it works so that was cool. What's great about this program is that you learn one on one. No classrooms. No dumb teacher. Just you and a real engineer. Pro Tools is next.

Jeremy Scott from Omaha, Nebraska

Jeremy Scott
RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT - OMAHA, NEBRASKA

This week I went into the studio to take a quiz and to experience a mixdown. The quiz probably took a half an hour, not because it was hard, but because I had a lot to write. The quiz wasn't hard because I reviewed, for two days, everything that was listed in the assignment. After I took the quiz my mentor looked it over to make sure I got everything correct; I, indeed, got every answer correct. Then I experienced my first full mixdown, HANDS ON !!!! The mixdown took almost an hour or so. The mixdownb was actually of a song whose recording I was present for (some months ago). The song had 5 instruments: guitar, drums, bass, keys, and vocals. my mentor began by establishing the level for the drums. my mentor put a side-chain compression on the drums, then added some reverb to them. Next he smoothed out the sound of the bass by adjusting its eq, then added some compression to enrich its sound. Thirdly, my mentor combined the guitar and keys into one track. He adjusted both of their EQs and then applied some compression. Next, he enriched the vocals by adding various effects, he messed around with the vocals EQ until it fit in smoothly with the rest of the tracks. My mentor then used automation to balance out the sound; we repeatedly went through the song to focus on the volume and panning (we did this after each track). Finally, my mentor duplicated the mono tracks to make to stereo, thus, allowing it to be listened to on a cd. Overall, this was an extremely instructive lesson and I learned a great amount from it. I can't believe Im in a real studio. Thanks Recording Connection.


This week we went over the first lesson on signal processing, frequency based. This was one of the most informative chapters that I've gone through so far. Right off the bat, my mentor thoroughly explained each equalizer and opened up two tracks to mess around with. The two tracks were vocals and guitar. He demonstrated how each filter can affect the sound of the track, then he let me mess around with the filters. Following that, my mentor gave me some tips on how to blend tracks together to form a nice, balanced sound. After we went over the 5 equalizers, my mentor explained plug-ins. He explained the most popular plug-in standards and told me that he uses TDM. I learned that TDM has the lowest latency, thus, the most beneficial plug-in. Thirdly, we went over inline and side-chain processing. My mentor explained how he sends eq and compression through inline, but sends delays, reverbs, and other effects through side-chain, so he can have control over the "wetness" and "dryness". Finally, he talked about applying equalization. He just described some methods he uses to blend instruments together. Learning one on one is so much better than classroom learning.

James LaMarca from Seattle, WA

Name: James LaMarca
RECORDING STUDENT IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON

My mentor and his assistant engineer gave me a brief outline of what I could expect from their instruction for the near future as well as an overview of the equipment in the studio. We proceeded to cover the curriculum for the week in detail and them my mentor showed me an actual project in their DAW of choice, Samplitude.

I enrolled with the recording connection for an assortment of reasons. First, this has been a goal in the back of my mind for at least a couple of years. I struggled in undergraduate school for mechanical engineering with the realization that I had a passion for something else. I've been a musician for about seven years now, and I found myself in a position in which I HAD a bare bones, rudimentary recording studio(for recording band practices, etc.), without the necessary skill set to control all of my equipment. I looked around and found the recording connection: a relatively short and inexpensive yet intensive hands on program that could potentially give me exactly what I was looking for. I hope to find work in the industry upon completion of the program, whether it be live sound or audio engineering in the studio. I also have a dream of my own recording studio as a business venture someday, but I realize that I may be getting ahead of myself. I know that doing just the bare minimum isn't a strategy for success. I'm prepared to do whatever it is that I need to do, whether it be learning in the studio, social networking, or just making an effort each and every day to strive for success to get my foot in the door in this industry. This program got me in the door, the rest is up to me.

Ben Rosett - Los Angeles

Ben Rosett
RECORDING CONNECTION STUDENT - LOS ANGELES

I enrolled with the Recording Connection because I felt like it would be the most realistic way to achieve my goals. I've heard from many people that "recording schools" are a big risk because you never actually get your "foot in the door". Another thing that appeals to me is that I will be working one-on-one with a mentor and not in a classroom setting, because I know I will learn much more. The price of Recording Connection compared to other recording schools is unbeatable, and I know I will have a better chance of finding a job because I will have had real studio experience. My goals upon completion of this course are to get a great job in a studio and understand everything there is to know about recording professionally. My dream is to have my own professional studio, and just record and play music for a living. After the completion of this course, my steps will be in the direction of finding a great job in a studio where I can record music and have fun. Hopefully I will be able to do that for a very long time, while saving money and eventually starting my own business. No matter what happens, my passion is music and recording music, so whatever I can do in that field I will be happy with! Thank you Recording Connection. I know that my career is now in my hands because you guys got me inside a real studio. No regular school can say that. Thank You!