On Fri, 5 Dec 2003 15:07:14 -0800, Ryan wrote
(in message ) :

Anybody know of any mastering engineers that are currently seeking an
apprentice? It seems to me that most people would view this as a
bother, an obstacle in the studio taking away from their time, not
something they would seek out.
--------------------------------snip----------------------------------


I'd get hold of the last issue of MIX that listed all the big mastering
facilities in the U.S., and then start a letter-writing campaign.

Be sure to send the letter to a specific *person*, rather than just
"Personnel Department" or "Human Resources Dept." Be polite, don't oversell
yourself, and make it clear you're looking for an "entry-level position."
Having references helps, too.

Follow-up the letters with a phone call a week or two after the letter went
out. Don't call more than once a week, and try not to bug them.

Don't be surprised if they ignore you for awhile. It'll take persistance,
energy, and enthusiasm just to get your foot in the door. And you should
also be prepared to move to another city (like NY or LA) to get the job,
assuming they'll take you.

Finally, read this book:

Assistant Engineers Handbook
by Tim Crich
Black Ink Publishing
[ISBN #0969822308]

which you can get for about $30 from Music Books Plus or Amazon:

http://www.musicbooksplus.com/books/bl001.htm

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...70674737/sr=1-
1/ref=sr_1_1/104-1542225-1091113?v=glance&s=books


A guy I know told me he learned more from this one book than two years in a
local LA recording school. While the book's advice pertains more to a
general recording school rather than a mastering studio, the concepts are
similar. Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is at or near the top of the
list!

Also, be sure you're totally up-to-speed on having great (not just good)
computer skills. Knowing basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting tricks,
and backup routines can be invaluable, particularly when you're trying to get
your foot in the door.


--MFW