I am 45 & would now like to study sound engineering & perhaps music production but I've no previous experience/knowledge. I can't afford the time (& perhaps money) to go to University for 2-3-4 years - what's the alternative/bes

I've been recording and producing for decades, but I finally made my own studio two years ago and made the money back right away. I reach new experience levels every day and with every project. I'm 47.
Just a few things to get you started. The rest you'll find by yourself:

--Pick up a recording magazine or two and get to know what the world is all about. I like "Recording" and "Mix." A lot of the ads that used to be for equipment I didn't understand are making more and sense and time goes on.
--Get this book, definitively the best start: "Modern Recording Techniques" by David Miles Huber. Recommended to me by many studio owners and producers. The sixth edition is currently the most recent. Amazon has it used for about $30.
--There are also videos out there. The more you look, the more you learn.
---Get to know studio people of ALL levels, if possible. You'll eventually find you know more than some, less than others, but you'll learn from all of 'em.
--- Internet, internet. Online forums like futureproducers.com and others are good ways to see how recording people think and work. Some are just dumb and lonely, but some replies come from seasoned veterans and those opinions are valuable, especially when they disagree with other veterans.
---Look up equipment reviews and learn what's out there. Try soundonsound.com and prorec.com. I learned a lot from their articles on compression, preamps and others.
---Windowshop for equipment, even if you're not in the market. Get to know the compressors and the preamps you could have if you hit the lottery. Find out how much everything's going for and who's buying what on eBay. Find the new gadgets. Make a shopping list and a wiring plan for your studio setup, so you'll be ready when the money comes. You'll learn a lot just planning it.
---Spend some time in a pro sound shop or music store and get to know them. They love talking to you 'cause when you're ready to buy, you'll be spending good money and coming back for more
---See if you can befriend a studio owner, even from a home studio. There are so many popping up now, you can find them and help 'em out while learning more yourself. You may even find yourself neck-and-neck with their knowledge and find a colleague who'll let you eventually engineer or record. Chances are, they'll be happ to help you when it comes time to set up your own place.

A friend of mine nearby has a studio and we often share clients. He has a larger room and a completely miked drum setup, while I have a lot of good Midi stuff, great vocal mikes and experience, so we go back and forth to eachother's studio's, call eachother with questions, share equipment, even consult together with advanced professionals. When either of us updates our studios, we both benefit from the experience and knowledge. We also deal with ither studios and owners the same way, often visiting and working in eachothers' studios.

Now's the time, young man. Enjoy it while you're young. Go.

Comments

I am COMPLTETLY bamboozled by almost everything you've said. Perhaps I should have said that I have zero knowledge & experience in any shape or form.
I only know how play a vinyl record/put a CD in a player. I need to understand more basic stuf
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by American-In-Training on October 24th, 2006
I don't wish to appear ungrateful (as I am) and I will keep the info you've generously provided, but I need far more fundamantal education first to understand where my interest lies. E.G. What's the difference between the various sound/musi
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by American-In-Training on October 24th, 2006
REPEAT: sound/music disciplines ?
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by American-In-Training on October 24th, 2006
I had no way of knowing your level of experience, so I started out with the most basic advice for beginners and went a bit more advanced from there, in case you already had begun to persue your interests.
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by Anonymous on October 24th, 2006
Your present knowledge and experience as a lover of music may be a good start. You should consider why you're interested in the first place and use that enthusiasm to persue this.
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by Anonymous on October 24th, 2006
My advice is sincere and free. Don't let your bamboozlement get in the way of your appreciating that or from complicating your goals here.
Just use what you've got to get more aquainted with music and how it's made.
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by Anonymous on October 24th, 2006
Start with the music you like, look into how it was made and who made it. Ask questions. Go to the net. Talk to others about it. Read about it.
In short, immerse yourself and don't talk about your shortcomings in this field. Just listen and learn.
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by Anonymous on October 24th, 2006

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I am 45 & would now like to study sound engineering & perhaps music production but I've no previous experience/knowledge. I can't afford the time (& perhaps money) to go to University for 2-3-4 years - what's the alternative/bes

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I am 45 & would now like to study sound engineering & perhaps music production but I've no previous experience/knowledge. I can't afford the time (& perhaps money) to go to University for 2-3-4 years - what's the alternative/bes

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