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"

[ Music Media student info page ]

©2005 Robert Willey