Melodyne Event

Posted by Norbert Kreuzer on Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Celemony, maker of Melodyne will be on campus presenting in Robinson Hall Monday, March 1, at 3:00pm. There will be food, drinks, and prizes. This event is open to all IPR students and Alumni and seating is on a first come – first serve basis.

Posted in Alumnus, Alumnus Announcements, Graduate Profile | No Comments »

Graduate Profile: Travis Norman at Reaction Now

Posted by Norbert Kreuzer on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

S.O.N.G.S. (Stories Of New Graduate Success) is a spotlight on the paths IPR students pursue after graduation and the success they find along the way…

IPR: Hi Travis, thanks for joining us on the IPR Alumnus Blog!

TN: It is my pleasure; I take a lot of pride in my education from IPR and if my story can help to inspire a current student or someone considering attending, then I am more than happy to share it.

IPR: When did you graduate and from what program?

TN: I am a 2007 Valedictorian graduate from the Audio Production and Engineering program.

IPR:  How did you first discover IPR?

TN: I am fortunate enough to count multiple instructors here as friends of mine and a former band mate was a student at the time, so I was well aware of IPR’s level of quality.  I also had the opportunity to record here with a live Hip Hop and Drum n’ Bass group I was handling turntables and samplers for at the time – much respect to these 2nd quarter students, but they ended up miking our vocalist in the hallway (tip for newbies: this gives awful results, lol).  I had been teaching myself production and engineering for almost a decade, and decided I wanted to refine my technique and learn new skills.  *assumes voice of The Simpsons’ Comic Book Guy…Best. Decision. Ever.

IPR: What were some of the highlights of your time at IPR as a student?

TN: Oh man, there are literally too many to count – I was most grateful though for the amount of other students really taking their education seriously, just being in proximity to so much talent pushed me to challenge myself more than I ever had before.  I guess a favorite was the whole Pro Tools experience, getting double certified by Digidesign in both music and post production and taking the ICON class twice…I was SO close to that ICON certification…I’ll never end up getting it though because my whole musical world now revolves around Ableton!!!

IPR: So what are are you up to these days?

TN: Well, it is an intruiging time for me right now, one filled with change and a reexamination of my priorities.  I have recently dedicated myself to growing my first true entrepreneurial venture!  I am taking some words from Andrew Carnegie to heart:

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”

IPR: I like that, so what will this new company be about?

TN: Reaction Now is a consultancy offering customized Social Media strategy, optimization, and maintenance.  We will provide support to businesses looking to integrate social media and web 2.0 tactics into existing public relations, customer service, and internet marketing efforts.

IPR: It seems like a lot of businesses are realizing they need to step up their efforts in these areas.

TN: There is absolutely a growing awareness amongst business owners of the need to participate in social media channels as a way to connect with existing and potential demographics, add to that the fast pace of progress and emerging capabilities within fields related to internet marketing, and you have a definite demand for services that can help to make the most of these new opportunites.

IPR:  And there is potential for an organization to go about it a way that can backfire, right?  Like if people can tell it is just a push to sell something they might tune out, or even think less of that organization.

TN: So true.  In fact, an overwhelming 86% of companies will increase their budgets for Social Media this year.  Many of them will nonetheless continue to miss opportunities and never utilize the full potential of these channels.  Success in Social Media requires the applied science of optimization and the art of authentic engagement, coupled with accurate insight into the demographics being reached.  Our goal at Reaction Now is simple: To keep all aspects of a brand’s representation consistent with the behaviors and expectations of their customers, and to maximize both return on investment and “return on involvement.”

IPR: Very cool, we wish you the best of luck!

TN: Thanks, it is gratifying to just be taking the first steps, and things are actually progressing faster than I would have imagined.  Actually we may soon be so busy that bringing on some motivated and clued up interns could well be in the cards…any IPR students whose ears perked up at this should feel free to reach out to me at Travis@ReactionNow.com

IPR: Sounds like valuable experience for our business minded students…

TN: For sure, although really, just about every skill taught here will come into play with this venture…we will be creating a lot of promotional video and other content…and of, course it all needs to look and sound as polished as possible.

IPR: Do you still find time for music?

TN: Oh yeah, right now I am so excited about my current project, complicit – we are preparing for our debut show in the VIP room at First Avenue!

IPR: Sounds great, hope you have an awesome turnout.  Thanks again for contributing your enthusiasm to these pages.

TN: Anytime, and here is another quote that has motivated me and will perhaps do the same for your readers:

“Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence. It is no more or less than faith in action.”
- Henry Chester

Tags: complicit, ReactionNow.com, Travis Norman
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Graduate Profile: Mark Erwin at The Paul Green School of Rock Music

Posted by Travis Norman on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

When did you graduate?

I graduated in the summer of 2007 from the audio production and engineering program.

How did you discover IPR?

I was living in Boston when I first heard about IPR. I discovered it while researching colleges with audio production programs. I actually decided not to attend IPR at first because I had been accepted to another school in NYC. I moved to New York, found an apartment in Brooklyn and got a job waiting tables at the W Hotel. I started attending a school with a similar program, but realized almost immediately it wasn’t the school for me. Their graduate rate was about 45% and everything seemed generic and uninteresting. In fact, most of the instructors seemed generic and uninteresting as well.

I went back to all my college applications and brochures and decided that I really needed to find a program that was unique – one that really looked at each student as an individual. I decided to take a trip to Minneapolis and see first hand what IPR was all about. I toured with Tanya Norman and couldn’t believe how much time she spent with me. She knew all of the gear, seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the school and instructors and made me feel completely at home. I knew right then that IPR was the school for me. I flew back to New York and immediately started planning my move.

What teachers had the most impact on you and why?

There were many teachers that had an impact on me for all kinds of reasons however there are two who stand out the most- Mary Ann O’Dougherty and Judith James.

Judith was one of those teachers who never accepted mediocre work. I remember turning in an essay that I spent a lot of time on, did all the right research on, and yet when it was returned to me it was covered in red ink. I was shocked to see that something I was so proud of had a big red C on it. I spoke to Judith about it and she said she wasn’t grading my paper in comparison to everyone else in the class she was grading my paper based on what she knew I was capable of. From that moment on, I realized that you should never assume that you are done with a project. You can always make something better. Everything should always be a work in progress.

Mary Ann O’Dougherty will always have a special place in my heart. She was incredibly smart, extremely funny and so engaging that you couldn’t help but want to have her in your life. She used to tell me that I was smarter than God. It is obviously a ridiculous thought, but somehow it made me want to work harder. It was almost like she knew that if she laid down that challenge, I would try to meet it. She also taught me to cherish each moment. When I think about everything she had done and everywhere she had been it makes you realize that you only get one shot at this. Don’t wait for something to happen, make it happen. I was lucky enough to have a few drinks with her a couple of weeks before we lost her. My last memory of her is one of laughter, pride in her family, and of course joy.

What is the one thing “they never teach you in school” which has proven beneficial to your career path?

I can’t necessarily say I wasn’t taught this – Judith James, a former IPR instructor would kill me, but effective communication is key to all careers. I don’t just mean professional e-mails and proper phone etiquette either. To be a successful communicator you must be able to read people quickly. You only get one shot at a first impression, so having the ability to figure out exactly what kind of mood someone is in, and what is driving their motivation will always give you an advantage.

How did you discover the School of Rock; what circumstances lead to your gaining employment there?

I first heard about the School of Rock from (former IPR instructor) Pamela McNeill. I was hanging out with some friends at Bunkers on one of the nights she was performing. During a break in her set she came over to say hi and to catch up on things. She told me that she had been teaching voice lessons at the School of Rock in Eden Prairie. Immediately I knew it was a program that I wanted to be a part of. She told me that she would ask around and see if they needed any help. It had been over a year since I had graduated from IPR and I still hadn’t had the opportunity to put my education to use. About two weeks after I spoke to Pamela, I came across a Craigslist post and I couldn’t believe it, the School of Rock was looking for an intern! I immediately called Pamela to let her know that I would be submitting a resume and asked if I could mention her in my cover letter. She promptly called the school and told them they had to hire me! I was called in for an interview about three days later. I was hired as an unpaid intern to assist at the St. Paul location. I started off only working about 15 hours a week, subsidizing my income with evening shifts serving tables at a downtown restaurant. I did whatever I could around the school in order to prove how much I wanted to be there. I spent a lot of time getting to know all the students and their families, cleaning bathrooms, moping floors and learning the business the best I could. Within a year I was promoted to General Manger.

What are your duties as the General Manger; what does a typical day involve?

When you are working with kids (100 of them between the ages of 8-18) nothing is ever typical. You never know what the day will bring, which is absolutely the best part!

My job has many titles- boss, friend, teacher, mentor and principal. Knowing how and when to transition into these different roles isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but something I really enjoy.

One of the biggest aspects of my job is making sure every student feels welcome in the school. For many of our students, the School of Rock is the one place where they get to be whoever they want to be. There is no such thing as bullying, clothing labels, color, or anything else. They are all here for the same purpose- rock & roll. It means a lot to me to be able to provide that kind of community to these amazing kids.

I received a phone call from a parent last week thanking me for the smile her son now had after his first day at the School of Rock. She talked about the relentless bullying at his school and how for the first time in a long time, he had a smile again. A smile that was bigger than she had ever remembered.

At the end of the day, after I have answered a hundred e-mails, called prospective families, given tours, directed the lesson traffic, done the instructor payroll, had one on ones with students having a bad day, picked up used ear plugs and addressed parent concerns, all I have to do is think about what we are actually doing here. We are giving these kids an opportunity that so many never get the chance to have. That’s what makes this job so special.

How was Woodstock Re-Rocked? Other Upcoming shows?

Our Woodstock event was a blast! Every summer we offer camps at the School of Rock. It is a great opportunity for young rockers who can’t commit to our standard program to experience what it is we do here at the School of Rock and perfect for current students who can’t get enough! We decided (along with all the other School of Rock’s around the country) to host a camp celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Woodstock. Every school would have a free outdoor concert on August 15^th- that means over 2,000 young musicians all paying homage to what Rolling Stone Magazine called “One of the 50 Moments that Changed Rock & Roll Forever.”

We just had our “End of Season” shows at The Rock Nightclub in Maplewood. Every time I see the students perform I am blown away. What they can accomplish in four months is still amazing to me. We saw almost a thousand fans come over the two day weekend to see for themselves what I’m talking about. I will never forget the first show I attended. I had only worked for the school for a week and didn’t quite know what to expect. These kids got up on stage, jumped around, engaged the audience and nailed the songs… Keep in mind that many of them were under the age of 12!

It is the start of our Fall Season and already the shows are coming together. We have five shows we are working on for January: “80s Prom”, “Classic Guitar Rock”, “The Beatles”, “Funk & Reggae” and “Arena Rock.”  There is definitely something for everyone in this line-up. The Rock Nightclub will once again be our venue and we are thrilled to work with them. All of the show information is listed on our website, so make sure you tell everyone you know! Sorry for the shameless plug.

Any advice for currently enrolled IPR students?

The biggest thing to remember is that you really have no idea where you will end up. The more diverse your education and experience is the more likely you will find a job you are excited and proud of. When you are choosing electives don’t focus all of your attention on one area.

Another thing to consider is the work that you put forth in your classes. You will hear all the time that no one asks for your GPA when applying for a job. That is true, but keep in mind that Pamela McNeill probably wouldn’t have recommended me for the School of Rock had I not proven myself and my work in her class at IPR. Networking is essential and the only way to network successfully is to have a great reputation to back it up.

Big Thanks to Mark Erwin for taking the time to share his perspective with the IPR community!

Tags: IPR Graduate, Mark Erwin, The Paul Green School of Rock Music, Woodstock Re-Rocked
Posted in Alumnus, Graduate Profile | 2 Comments »

Graduate Profile: Kyle Bylin – Connecting the Dots

Posted by Travis Norman on Friday, September 18th, 2009

S.O.N.G.S. (Stories Of New Graduate Success) is a spotlight on the paths IPR students pursue after graduation and the success they find along the way…

Kyle Bylin is Associate Editor of the highly influential music industry blog Hypebot.com, which is read daily by more than 10,000 music industry professionals.  He writes primarily about the impact of technology on the Recording Industry and developing trends in music consumerism.

In addition to blogging, Kyle has partnered with Jade Presents, a Midwest concert promoter, to create a free music event series called AMPED.  By making the event free for local college students, the goal is to lower the barrier of entry into the live music scene, collect key information on students who attend, and gain permission to market.  This is their way of connecting with college students and giving them reasons to buy tickets to future concerts.

Since Kyle is well versed in expressing himself in text, I will part ways with the traditional question and answer format here and allow the story of Kyle’s journey to be told in his own words…

Connecting the Dots

To pay tribute to a Commencement address given by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005, in front of would-be graduates of Stanford University, I would like to start off by saying that this story is “about connecting the dots.”  It’s about how a farm kid from rural North Dakota with a population of roughly 200 would come to be inspired by the live music scene in Fargo, 155 miles away, and decide that he would like to pursue a career in the music industry.  Most of all, it’s about an extraordinary opportunity I was given that allowed me to do meaningful work.

1.  The “Dream Job”

Much time could be consumed going into the details about what led me to decide that attending the Institute of Production and Recording was the next step in my adult life.  Between the trials and tribulations that grew out of that decision, there was constant negotiation between family and friends alike about what fate I would succumb to, but, in the end, I moved to downtown Minneapolis in July of 2007 and started school shortly after.  Needless to say, the events that followed would cause a dramatic shift in my perspective and take me down a path that I could have never predicted or even dreamed of.

“Reading for yourself and expanding on your curiosities is the most important thing that you can do if you want to learn this business”

Starting the Music and Entertainment Business program at IPR is a blur to me now, but, to be sure, it was filled with many moments where I would come to terms with the fact that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did.  Later on, Scott LeGere would prove to be an excellent aficionado of showing not only I, but everyone who interacted with him, where the gaps in their knowledge presided, wherein, he would take it upon himself to fill those gaps with whatever it was that he was extremely excited about that particular day of the week.  Classes came and went, grades were given, and life happened, but there are a few moments I’ve pinpointed that changed everything for me.

Through an extra credit assignment set up by Eric Trelsted, I would interview Anna-Marie Ganje, who, at the time, was the General Manager of 50 Entertainment and 50 Records, and Drew Pearson, their Director of A&R.  It went well, I learned allot, but, most importantly, near the conclusion of our talk, I would ask them if they took on interns.  They did.  Followed by discussion about what they looked for in applicants and how one might go about doing such a thing.  Such news reignited my long-time dream of working for a record label and set me on a path towards applying to become one of their unpaid interns.

(more…)

Tags: Graduate Profile, IPR
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Graduate Success Stories – Nic Hentges at Audio Logic Systems

Posted by Travis Norman on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

S.O.N.G.S. (Stories Of New Graduate Success) is a spotlight on the paths IPR students pursue after graduation and the success they find along the way…

As the Lead Production Technician for Audio Logic Systems Nic’s job description includes prepping audio, video, lighting, and rigging gear for productions as well as on site management of the shows he is involved with. In addition, Hentges may also be called upon to teach seminars, arrange for equipment rentals, handle repairs of speakers, microphones, and cables, and generally insure that each production lives up to Audio Logic’s high standards of quality control.

I was curious as to how Nic first became aware of the company and what circumstances might have lead up to being hired there.

“Once when I was 17 I was at church where we were having a new PA system installed and the company was there demoing it for us,” Hentges recalled. “It was during this time in my life that I had started to get interested in production work, so I thought I would go talk to the man who was conducting the demo. That man happened to be John Markiewicz, one of the owners of Audio Logic Systems. I told him a bit about myself and that I was looking in to going to school for audio. In return he gave me his card and told me that if I was interested in getting some real life experience to let him know. When I started at IPR I emailed John and he forwarded me on to the company Production Manager who took me on as an intern. I worked there (for free, I might add) for the next year and a few months before graduating. Through this relationship I started doing freelance work with ALS. After some time and doing some other traveling and gigs I was offered a full time position.”

When asked if he might have any words of wisdom to share with currently enrolled students, Nic spoke from experience and replied,

“Probably the most important advice I can give is that you absolutely need to figure out where in the industry you would like to head and go find an internship. Finding a job when you don’t know what you want to do and nobody knows who you are is pretty difficult.”

As a 2006 graduate from the Audio Production and Engineering program, Nic had “too many great memories from IPR to even try to narrow down…most of them involved spending all night in the studio and then getting up early to do it all over again!”

“I really enjoyed being taught and mentored by such great people such as JP Hunglemann, Steve Price, Billy Franklin, and many others who have helped me in so many ways. I am eternally grateful for the staff and faculty at IPR.”

“I really love every aspect of my job, from sweeping to teching festivals for thousands of people. The travel is great too! I once spent less than 6 hours in Denver: flew in, mixed a show, drove back to the airport, and flew home.. that was a trip!”

The Audio Logic team provides A/V production services to a wide variety of clients including touring and regional artists, convention planners, churches and theaters.

Whether it’s an event that needs production support, a new building or renovation that requires an A/V system, or simply recommending and purchasing equipment, Audio Logic Systems can assist…

www.audiologicsystems.com

Thanks to Nic Hentges for taking time to share his insight with our readers!

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Graduate Success Stories – Nic Hentges at Audio Logic Systems

Posted by Travis Norman on Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

S.O.N.G.S. (Stories Of New Graduate Success) is a spotlight on the paths IPR students pursue after graduation and the success they find along the way…

As the Lead Production Technician for Audio Logic Systems Nic’s job description includes prepping audio, video, lighting, and rigging gear for productions as well as on site management of the shows he is involved with. In addition, Hentges may also be called upon to teach seminars, arrange for equipment rentals, handle repairs of speakers, microphones, and cables, and generally insure that each production lives up to Audio Logic’s high standards of quality control.

I was curious as to how Nic first became aware of the company and what circumstances might have lead up to being hired there.

(more…)

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S.O.N.G.S. Episode 2 – Dave Allen at Undertone Music

Posted by Travis Norman on Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

S.O.N.G.S. (Stories Of New Graduate Success) is a spotlight on the paths IPR students pursue after graduation and the success they find along the way…

While Dave Allen was enrolled at IPR he consistently impressed students and teachers alike with the quality of his projects, particularly those involving sound for picture.  After graduating as Valedictorian from the Audio Production and Engineering program, Dave found precisely the type of employment opportunity that his training had prepared him for and joined the team at Undertone Music, a local audio post production house.

Since beginning work there a little over two years ago, Allen has already contributed his skills to an impressive array of projects.

According to his company web bio “More than nine feature films, at least a dozen shorts, and over sixty episodes of The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” have benefited from Dave’s deft editing and sound design.

Trailer to the Digital 3D and Giant Screen film 3D Sun which gives audiences a chance to see the Sun up close in startling 3D.

In response to my curiosity as to what a typical day might involve for him, Dave replied,

“My job description can be quite vast. Most of my time is spent recording and editing sound effects for TV & film (live action & animation), recording voice overs for training videos or other corporate projects, and doing routine maintenance and upgrades on all our systems. I’ve also done a fair share of music supervision, foley recording / editing, and sound for interactive media. Now don’t forget sweeping & mopping floors, lots of dishes, running errands, plugging clients meters, and all the fun stuff that is an inherent part of working in a small business.”

These duties are often performed at a rapid fire pace, as necessitated by the tight deadlines commonplace in the industry, particularly for weekly television programs.  Allen and his co-workers may easily put in sixty hours of work within a three day time span to meet these turnaround times.

During the tour of the various studios and edit suites on site, I marveled at the highly efficient use of available space; multiple small rooms had been transformed into minimal yet effective work areas for Undertone’s growing staff.

Further contributing to the goal of a streamlined and focused work flow was the decision to network each of the studios together.  This allows facility owner Tom Hambleton to simply import the audio and automation data from any of the workstations for quick assembly into a master session file.

The Undertone dub stage

My tour culminated in the viewing of a jaw dropping demo presented in Undertone’s theatrical dub stage.  Built in 2007, this room features JBL 3-way 5.1 theatrical monitoring, full 1080p HD projection, and a gorgeous 12.5 x 7 screen.  The room was designed, analyzed, and then treated for accuracy,  and is in fact the first and only Dolby calibrated room of it’s kind in Minnesota.

Trailer for “Dawning”, a local independent feature film

For Dave, some favorite aspects of the job include going out to do field recordings  (such as the upcoming mission to capture the sounds of vintage automobiles from the 1940’s or the chilly day last winter spent motorcycling with a recording device strapped to his back) and then returning to the studio to play back the material on a proper sound system in order to hear what did or did not work well.  From time to time this effort can even yield the surprise of unintended mystery sounds which end up providing a perfect fit to the accompanying imagery he is working with.

Regarding his days spent at The Institute of Production and Recording Dave reminisced,

“I really enjoyed my time at IPR; I can’t recall ever waking up and thinking I don’t want to go to school today.  I also value the connections and relationships formed while I was there, that to me was the most beneficial aspect…”

When asked if he might offer any advice or words of wisdom to currently enrolled students Dave offered,

“I think it is most important to remain determined; hang in there and don’t give up!”

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to both Tom and Dave for taking a moment out of their busy day to allow this glimpse inside such a successful operation.  Hopefully it will serve as inspiration to those readers considering a career path in the exciting world of audio post production!

Relevant Links:

Undertone Music

Dave Allen on The Internet Movie Database

The Immaculate Conception Of Little Dizzle ( A Film by David Russo with Undertone sound design)

Trailer for ‘77, the first film Dave worked on

Posted in Graduate Profile, Newswire Announcements | No Comments »

Announcements

August 20, 2010

IPR at the MN State Fair – come see us!!

August 5, 2010

All Alumni are invited to the annual IPR Career Fair

July 5, 2010

Mark your calendars!!!!

June 1, 2010

Alumni Social Hour this Monday….