Core Competencies for Music Media Students
Musicianship
- Perform on an instrument - read from scores and improvise
- Compose and arrange
- Understand music theory and be familiar with history
Software
Communication
- Email: Read, send, add attachments to, reply, and forward
- Instant Messenger, chat
MIDI
- Sequence (GM) files
- Use synthesizers (i.e. Reason)
Audio Recording
- Use Pro Tools to record, edit, and mix
- Synchronize mixes with movies
Information
- Search information on the web (Google, hidden databases, discussion forums), evaluate source
- Read manuals
- Create web pages, deploy (FTP). Have a home page and business card.
Images
- Take photographs, use scanner - import to image processing software (i.e. Photoshop) to retouch, crop, and convert to gif or jpg
- Shoot video - import to editing program (i.e. iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Vegas) to edit and export for DVD
- Create DVDs (i.e. iDVD, DVD Studio Pro)
Attitude
- Develop people skills - study psychology. Respect yourself and others.
- Be reliable. Check and return messages, solid transportation, be on time.
- Communication: written and verbal, phone manner
- Work well in team - collaborate
- Be an entrepreneur - carve out a niche, learn to do bookeeping, taxes
- Work hard - be willing to start at the bottom. Build your reputation. Get practical real world experience.
- Take care of yourself mentally and physically.
Read "How to succeed in the music industry by being charming"
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©2005 Robert Willey