Breaking into the music industry is notoriously difficult. Recording studios are extremely competitive, with far more people wishing to work there than there are openings. Internships in recording studios are one of the most straightforward ways for aspiring employees to gain experience. Internships are available in almost every aspect of the music industry, including recording equipment management, legal research, and ad campaign design.
Recording studio internships are typically unpaid, partly due to their competitive nature. Interns are typically paid in the form of college credit and work experience. Some studios require their interns to provide documentation proving that they are currently enrolled college students who are eligible to receive credit for an internship in order to participate. Interns are typically expected to put in between 15 and 20 hours per week.
Internships in recording studios that deal directly with the recording and editing process are the most well-known. Some of these interns are in charge of equipment, ensuring that the best recordings are made possible. Other interns work with artists one-on-one to customize equipment to their needs. Interns in editing take the raw recorded music and fix problems like mixing tracks and fixing errors. These are the most sought-after recording studio internships, with the most competitive application processes.
Marketing is an example of a less well-known recording studio internship. Market research, advertising, and merchandising are all areas where marketing interns work. They make T-shirts and posters, talk to radio stations, and poll people about their favorite songs. Applicants for marketing internships should have a strong background in a marketing-related field like communications, applied sociology, or graphics design.
Internships in recording studios are also available in sales. These interns assist in the establishment of relationships with record stores and other retailers in order to ensure that recorded music reaches customers. Speaking with record store managers, taking orders, and processing sales requests are all possible responsibilities. Interns in sales should be outgoing, energetic, and have an in-depth understanding of music. Because digital sales account for a significant portion of many studios’ revenue, this can be a good path for tech-savvy interns.
Internships in areas other than music, such as human resources and public relations, are also available at some studios. Recording studios are still businesses, and they require employees to perform routine tasks that are also found in other businesses. These internships can provide work experience and may offer more career advancement opportunities than more well-known options.