Student Profile: David Stevens

Posted by Travis Norman on Monday, November 23rd, 2009

In this installment of Student Profile we Meet David Stevens, currently enrolled in his 5th quarter of studies at The Institute of Production and Recording, and learn a bit about the benefits of keeping an open mind, networking with those around you, and doing what it takes to achieve the goals you set for yourself…

Hi my name is David Stevens.  I came from the country near a small town in Southern Minnesota.  I didn’t have much of a music background – my dad listened to country, my mom listened to oldies, and everyone at school listened to Top 40.  So when it comes to unique music I just didn’t have the knowledge.  When I came to IPR in Oct. of  2008,  I got music from everywhere, and my mind just blew up!  It has been a fun trip so far!  I did some stuff in music like a stint as a wedding dj, and making music in a program called Magix, but that was the most I had dived into working in music at all. When our teacher at IPR , Jay Flemming, asked during the first quarter who in the class knew what an XLR was, I had no clue.

I heard about IPR when I went to a job counselor looking for work when I lived in Northern WI.  She asked me what I liked to do; I listed off everything, and somehow we got on the subject of music.  She told me her son was looking at IPR, and it peaked my curiosity.  I didn’t know schools like this even existed!  So I did my research, checked out other places, but I didn’t want to live too far from home and I wanted to go somewhere that could give me the best education for my use in all aspects.  I took a tour of the school and a smile was stuck on my face the whole time.  I had never really been around even the mixing boards you see in Studio 6.  So the thought of being able to be around them all the time for two years made me so happy. My admissions rep, and everyone I met on my tour were so friendly and happy – I felt they absolutely loved being here.  Right then and there I knew I wanted to attend school here.

I was in choir and band when I was in high school.  I love to sing and I am working on learning guitar and piano more constructively.  I have always loved music and singing since I was just a little kid.  I knew I wanted to be in the music industry, but I was always told it wasn’t a reasonable area to push towards for a career…

There are so many people up here that have struck my sparks to keep striving.  I am always networking and trying to meet new people.  The more people I know the more people that know me.  I don’t want money, fame, and stardom.  If it happens, GREAT!  But if it doesn’t I am still doing what I love.  If I can make a living doing what I love, I will never work the rest of my life, because I look at it as more than work.  It’s my life.  I breath music.  Anyone that feels the same as I do I look up to.  Anyone that has a passion for music and is in it for the right reasons I feel appreciative towards.

So many teachers, students, and other music industry people from all over have influenced me.  If they have knowledge to give I want to listen.  I want to feed off of everything.  I didn’t know anything before I came here and in the year I have been here I have growing not only musically but mentally as well.  If you ever want to learn anything about music step into a conversation with a group of people here.  It is so fun being here, and the people are great.  Everyone is here for different reasons which makes everyone unique to talk to.

After school I want to work with promotions, engineering, and producing.  I am in the process of trying to work closer with Ideawerks and their promotional crew.  I have mad respect for the program.  Check it out at www.ideawerks.org and you will see just what I mean.  I am in the process of starting up my own company, and slowly but surely it is getting off the ground.  Being in school and just getting on my feet are obviously keeping it held back, but I know it will take time, time, and more time.  That’s why I want to start now.  I want to be somewhere doing something when I am out of school.  All I want to do is strive and make something of my self.  I want to know my life is happy.  And I feel the most happy doing exactly this.  People say I will wear down in the craziness of the business, but I don’t let it get to me.  You get out what you put in, that’s what everyone says.  Well, right now I am putting my whole heart and soul into this – I will get something out of this no matter what.  I am happier then I have ever been in my life right now.

I have been working with bands, but not charging yet.  Though I have traded services.  A couple bands I have worked with have set up a website for me, and also helped me build my logo.  Even if you don’t get money, don’t forget to look at other options of how someone can help you.  Things that could have cost you hundreds of dollars to do on your own, you can use the help of those you help yourself.  If I was to give any support of information to any students looking to get out there, work, and start getting recognized, it would be to network with everyone you can.

In closing, maintaining a focus on networking and doing what it takes are the two most important things that I can say.  You can be in class all you want, and do the projects but that only gets you so far.  A degree is a piece of paper.  Prove to them that you really know what you are talking about by just doing it.  And to learn, there are a few steps you need to follow.  Get in the studio with other people.  Even if it is to just watch them.  Shut up, and watch.  If you have a question, write it down and ask them later when they are not super busy.  Talk to everyone and anyone you can.  And listen.  Be open minded to anything.  Don’t have a one track mind.  It doesn’t get very many people too far…

Tags: David Stevens, IDEAWERKS, IPR Student
Posted in Newswire, Student Profile | 3 Comments »

Student Profile: Antonio Rodriguez

Posted by Travis Norman on Friday, October 23rd, 2009

In this edition of Student Profile we meet Antonio Rodriguez, currently enrolled in his 5th  quarter of the Music and Entertainment Business program at the Institute of Production and Recording.  An enthusiastic supporter of the music he enjoys, Antonio is already developing a reputation as an individual able to respond quickly when opportunity presents itself, and with a level of professionalism too rarely seen within the entry levels of the industry.  I was curious to learn more about how some of his early efforts got started, as well as find out what plans are in place to further develop his career path.

Hailing from a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa, Rodriguez discovered IPR through comparative research on Google and though he “really didn’t know what to expect,” has since found the school to be an excellent match for his aspirations.  Anyone familiar with his online profiles will likely already have a good sense of what those aspirations entail, as he makes prolific use of the tools available through social media to help promote activities that he is a part of.

Whether helping to hype DIY 360 with Adam Levy, or sharing video on the IPR FaceBook fan page, many of Antonio’s efforts are in fact helping to establish greater continuity between the on and offline IPR communities.  If you look closely at the audience for many IPR sponsored events, you have a good chance of spotting Antonio, video camera in hand, documenting footage to share with those unable to attend in person.  When asked about his motivation for this, he replied “I like shooting amateur stuff and capturing it in Final Cut,  editing it and throwing it online for everyone to see…somehow I’ve managed to get 70 some videos up on my YouTube page; it’s a great way to give additional exposure to the events.”

Recent video shot and edited by Antonio… (more…)

Tags: Antonio Rodriguez, Contents Under Pressure, DIY 360, IPR, Island Def Jam, Music and Entertainment Business, Student Profile
Posted in Newswire, Student Profile | 1 Comment »

Student Profile: Oriel Cornwall

Posted by Travis Norman on Friday, July 31st, 2009

The Institute of Production and Recording attracts talented and motivated individuals from all over the world who are looking to take their education seriously.  However, the reality of today’s music and multimedia industry is one of fierce competition, and not everyone has the drive and determination to take what they learn and apply it in order to forge a viable career path for themselves.  Those that do possess this degree of motivation often become a source of inspiration to all those around them. One such individual whom we are proud to introduce is currently enrolled 5th quarter student, Oriel ‘Nyah Lyan’ Cornwall.

Hailing from the Virgin Islands, Nyah first discovered IPR on FaceBook.  I was curious to learn what particular aspects or features of the school had influenced his decision to attend.  He replied that “At first, the only thing driving me was intrigue and a desire to achieve.  Once I had arrived, the location itself was doing a pretty good job of furthering my excitement – the city is so beautiful.  Then I met (IPR Admissions Representative) Tanya Norman and my heart was instantly set on this place.  The facilities almost brought me to tears during my tour; they were so state of the art, at least to an amateur like me.  The warm greetings and hospitality from all the faculty really made me feel welcome as well.  I noticed the close knit structure of the school, that it was a nesting ground for artistic creation and advancement.  Every room seemed to hold a different key to my success.  I remember walking through Master Mix and how my thoughts raced at the oncoming possibilities.  There were several other routes I was looking into, but in comparison to other institutions, IPR truly seemed like the perfect combination of all the qualities I was looking for – a school focused not only on developing and nurturing me as a recording artist, but also on building and establishing a music entertainment career that will stand the test of time.  Even the background story behind the school’s construction and mission gives you insight into the level of passion and dedication felt by even the highest seats in the organization: It is Definitely a Doorway to My Dreams.”

“Every room seemed to hold a different key to my success” ~ Nyah Lyan

While Nyah’s commitment and dedication to furthering his aspirations as a vocalist and music maker are clearly evident, I also wondered when he had discovered his passion for media services / consultation and whether there are any role models or figures he looks up to within that industry.  He recollected that “It was near the end of my 2nd quarter… I had completed an interesting mixture of classes that simultaneously expanded my outlook and understanding of the business, while defining my own capabilities and potential contributions as an industry professional.  One of the classes was Small Business Management, taught by Eric Trelstad.  In this class the things that really stood out (aside from the tons of terminology and business ‘lingo’ I was slowly beginning to master) were the concepts taught on setting up an actual business in the state of Minnesota. The knowledge I gained in regards to setting up a business entity, combined with the understanding of intellectual property & value and the way it applies to freelance / independent companies  (gained via the many lectures in Intellectual Property Law taught by Scott Legere), changed my view of my own business value and potential entirely.  Once I began to grasp concept after concept which I deemed necessary for my business’ success and functionality, I gradually realized that the services my “Company” offered were actually all the knowledge and skills I had attained attending class and completing assignments: all intellectual property.  I was my business, therefore so long as I exist, so does my company.  Now I can conduct my business anywhere.  As far as figures I look up to, in all honesty I am attempting to model my efforts after any and every stable and profitable privately owned business.”

Efforts are indeed already underway to build Naturally Budzin Productionz, a business venture conceptualized and founded by two of Nyah’s brothers, Star – Ras and Jah Fiyah, which is now benefiting from Nyah’s own distinct contributions as well.  I wanted to offer him an opportunity to speak on any philosophies, strategies, and motivations involved in getting this project off the ground.  Nyah candidly stated that “Naturally Budzin Productionz is based on a Dream of Free Creative Expression.  There are two aspects to the company, there is a Spiritual Creative and a Break Through Business.  Being that I am a pious music soul, no matter how savvy or lucrative my skills become I can never forget the reason why I began pursuing music in the first place. There is great purpose in the reason.  We strive to return authenticity to the musician’s credentials palette by creating meaningful environments with our music – atmospheres that are conducive to positive energy and lasting, memorable moments.  Instead of selling music, we capture life changing experiences, and use our songs, videos , graphic arts and personal connections as mnemonic devices so our fans and supporters can share in them forever.  We plan to facilitate music in its newest goal: to serve as a driving force in society and culture, one that touches and moves nations the way it used to.  We plan to Save Lives, End Wars, and Cause Great Positive Change not only in the music industry, but in the entire world, because we know music has always came through for Humanity, especially when times are like they are today.  On the business aspect we plan to shatter the traditional scope and infrastructure of recording labels, by ushering in a new breed of music companies established on mutual benefit, where all partnership and contract agreements are long, deeply rooted friendships and positive relationships.  The pairing of media skill sets that complement one another in a unified fashion on singular or similar projects will conceptually simulate the work flow and output of traditional recording companies while eliminating much of the risk, liability, stress, conflict, and expense traditionally involved with those large companies.  In my opinion, the change of pace will attract an influx of business that will make the short term successful enough to support our long term goals. We Hope that maintaining this type of approach will, in time, develop a network of solid support that will strengthen us from the ground up.  By developing connections with upcoming artists via our business services, while continuing to expand our previous connections with important industry figures, we will eventually become an inside source, acting as a pipeline to deliver seasoned artists and industry professionals from our “nurturing grounds” – where they shall undergo intense training and development to hone their skills and crafts; whether it be a musical act with hopes of becoming the next big thing or a hot shot agent in need of some higher level press or an entry level gig – to the right people in the business to further them in the attainment of their dreams.”

Finally, I inquired on which specific things he had learned thus far at IPR that were directly contributing  to achieving his goals.

“There are actually several programs that have greatly contributed to my success.  The first would have to be Photoshop and Illustrator, which together comprise the back bone of my graphic design work.  Then there is Final Cut Pro, an essential tool I use in all my video production and editing, whether it be music videos or documentaries. The next program i tackled was Adobe Dream Weaver which is a web development tool / HTML and CSS interface. The program taught me two things: an understanding of web design and construction as well as basic knowledge of Web encoding.  I did work in the Electronic Press Kit department, for which I normall utilize the Apple  iDVD program, however you can use several other programs to build EPk’s, it just depends on your preference.  I took my knowledge of marketing and applied it directly to my social and internet presences, thereby getting a chance to utilize my CSS and HTML coding a little more. One thing that is not so curriculum based that I have gained from my involvement at IPR is a strong work ethic as well as an undaunted confidence and comfort on stage and in the studio.

Posted in Newswire, Student Profile | 12 Comments »

Announcements

April 28, 2010

Al Kooper Plays Dakota Jazz Club, IPR’s DIY360

November 10, 2009

Jackie Lee Robinson Remembered

October 30, 2009

Mary Ann O’Dougherty Remembered

October 14, 2009

Networking at AES