From Keyboards to Mandolin to Lead Guitar and Backing Vox…A song whose foundation tracks had been laid down a few weeks ago was brought up several notches with so much more today! I was in on the session a little bit as they were getting sounds and levels…and I’ve got to tell you that I did NOT want to go back to my desk. The students were having far too much fun and I was jealous. Most of our classes have several students who are also good musicians in them. Therefore.. the students not only get to play on these recordings – but at the same time they are thoroughly honing their chops on the lessons of the past days and weeks as they go along. It’s a beautiful thing.
As I was headed out of the office a few minutes ago…I’m pretty sure I heard a few of the students scheduling a weekend jam/tracking session for tomorrow which is what I love to hear! They are taking advantage of ALL we have to offer by using our studios when they are dark. Why not? Music makes the world go round…we’re here to help it spin.
Blessings to you all for a great weekend team DHI…
“My first impression of Dark Horse Studio was at best overwhelming. A few hours into the program had my level of knowledge past the point of trying it on my own for two years. Accelerated is the only way to describe how you learn here. As you’re moving along all the pieces start coming together fairly quickly. Microphone placement and signal flow blew my mind, but preamp, compressor, and EQ selection less so. Coming into the program with some experience gave me comfort, although everyone brought their own personal strengths to the program. I can accurately say we all are all leaving well rounded and prepared.
This past week, our class took our new found knowledge and set our sights on the band Lazar Lazar. We tracked six songs for them over the course of a week. From there we moved to mixing for the next. Learning as you go is the best way for me personally to learn. I had looked into more “traditional” schools and I saw a lot of class rooms without any sort of audio equipment in them. As far as audio engineering goes I figured if the classes were literally held in a professional recording studio how could much more could I learn here. The answer (albeit biased) is lots, but having had the opportunity to work along side some students of other schools, I can say this school sets you on a level that might take two years to achieve elsewhere. The teachers here are great and don’t just give you the answer. They make you learn it. They are real world engineers and are not in the least bit troubled to go the extra distance to make sure you grasp firmly what it is they are teaching. My favorite thing about this school is that it is not based in theory or what may be. It is the application and execution of coursework material that sets this program apart.”
Hello all it’s Jeff again! Your Blog-posting “dude.” Carolan is our Director here at DHI and the heart and soul of our program. For that reason I’m re-posting a video clip we shot with her some months back. From her time in film out in Hollywood working with Olivia Newton John…to her time spent at Warner Brothers and other major record labels…Carolan and the knowledge she possesses are a supreme resource on career services and perspectives for ALL of our students. Whether they aspire to working as an audio engineer…producer…live sound technician…etc.etc.. I urge all students past-present and future to utilize her knowledge and guidance. ” title=”Audio Engineering School – Our Director”>
Mikey is headed back to St. Louis to get his new studio up and running and he is going to do a great job. Here are a few more thoughts he shared with us awhile back on camera.
With the Graduation listening party and BBQ all occurring simultaneously last Friday – we didn’t get to post this audio tip of the week. The day was worth it though. The graduates from our early spring class all did such a great job and we feel they have bright futures ahead. Many will be moving to Nashville for at least awhile…some interning with us…all trying to make a go of it here in Music City. We’ll support them however we are able with career guidance from Carolan..internships if possible…etc. Meanwhile here is Colin with our audio tip of the week…live on camera! ” title=”Audio Tip of the week from Dark Horse Institute – Colin Heldt”>
The March session is finishing up final mixes on their band recording projects… and we’re sharing a few more videos we’ve shot with students now that the session is wrapped up. Yesterday we saw some of the students unwinding with a frisbee out on the lawn enjoying the wonderful weather…clearly relieved they’d completed their projects. Steve had a lot of great thoughts to share awhile back so here is “Part II” of the video we shot with him. Have a great evening everyone!
