Project

PROJECT

INTRODUCTION

For the project I am going to research and gather information to find out the answer to my project question which is:  ‘What are the skills, qualifications and experience necessary for a successful career as a record producer and DJ?’ I will research lots of different types of  careers in the music industry as part of my career plans. In the music industry there are many opportunities for employment, for example as a singer, song writer, musician etc. The music industry is a large, growing industry and there are many less obvious areas to work in such as a CD and poster designer, sound desk technician and web site designer etc.

Although I wanted to find out about all types of jobs in  the music undustry I chose to focus on jobs in record producing and being a DJ as I would be interested in a career in this field of work. However, I do not have enough information about these careers and so will learn more about them through the work I do in my project.I want to understand more about the qualities needed to be a record producer or DJ. I want to know how someone is trained to do these jobs and how they get experience and work. I am also interested to know what courses are available for someone interested in this line of work and where they are offered. My research will also include looking at how difficult and competitive it is to work in the music industry and how to improve my chances if I decide to have a career in this industry. By the end of my project I will know if a career in the music industry would be right for me.

An important part of my project is to improve my research and study skills because these are important and transferable skills for any career. I want to improve my skills and knowledge by researching books in the library, using the internet, the media, speaking to people who work in the music industry and by carrying  out a survey.  


Two objectives for my project are improving my research skills and understanding about how to put together a career development plan. These objectives will help me with any career I may chose.


Research

I have done some secondary research using the internet. I used Google as a search engine because it’s up to date and reliable. Firstly, I researched careers in the music industry. I Googled jobs in the music industry and was able to look at different types of jobs. These included musicians, studio managers, digital managers, finance and PR jobs, artists, singers and creative music practicianers. This gave me an insight into the range of job opportunities and careers in the music industry. I learnt that there is a wide range of career opportunities in different aspects of the industry and I was able to find out lots of reliable and useful information. I then looked more specifically about careers in record producing and DJs. I chose these sites for record producer 

"http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm?a=what-training-or-knowledge-is-vital-to-becoming-a-record-producer" 

"http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/u/IndustryJobs.htm" 

I found these very helpful as I gathered a lot of information about record producing. I learnt about the skills required, what the jobs entailed including their responsibilities. I also found out about qualifications and salaries. Then I used this site Film and Music Video Production Degree Program and Career Video to watch videos of interviews with record producers explaining about their jobs and I learnt about what qualities are required to do these jobs. I don’t have the website for the DJ but I googled DJs and lots of website came out. I looked at those website to find out the information about the DJs. I found those  websites reliable because it’s helped me to finished my project work. For DJs I found out which qualifications, skills and experience I need to become a DJ and I also found how much salary they have. How salary experienced DJ get. I went to different websites to find out the information and it’s reliable because it’s easy to find information on internet by using google. I forget to copy the websites record for my project work.

The advantage of using the internet sites were that they ware convenient and easy to access. The sites gave me lots of reliable information which I needed to answer my project question.

For other secondary research I went to the library and got out a numbers of books about DJs and record producers.  The books I have found in the library are:

‘ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS’

Fourth UK edition

Revised and Updated

DONALD S. PASSMAN

‘HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS’

Sian Pattenden

‘THE GUERILLA GUIDE TO THE MUSIC BUSINESS’

2nd edition

Sarah Davis and Dave Laing

In these books I found lots of information about record producers and DJs which I needed for my project work. I found these books very helpful and they had very useful information for my work. I have learnt lots of different thing about record producers and DJs. The book ‘All you need to know about the music business fourth UK edition’ is up to date which is helpful, the other books are older but these are also useful.  

In my research I found the internet easier to use as I was able to find information quickly by researching Google. Using books from the library took longer because I had to physically find the books. I then had to read a lot of information before I found the relevant material that I could use for my project. However, the books were helpful because the information was in one chapter or section and was quite detailed. Also, in the books I chose there were interviews with DJs and record producers which I found interesting and relevant. 

After finished my secondary research I did some primary research which I decided to do as a survey on careers in the music industry. I gave people a questionnaire and in it I asked them if they worked in the music industry or if they were interested in working in it, which career they would work in. I also asked which qualifications are necessary for DJs and record producers etc.  I gave some questionnaires to the students in my class and some I gave to my teachers to do. I asked 5 questions in my questionnaire to do my survey. For my survey students and teachers answered all the questions and gave their opinions. 

Report

What are the skills, qualifications and experience necessary to create a successful career as a record producer and DJ?

In my secondary research I found the books in library. From these books I learnt that becoming a DJ is quite competitive as in the last decade there has been a massive increase in people wanting to be DJs. I learnt that potential DJs should go to clubs to listen and observe what goes on. They will then learn about what music people like to dance to. It is also an opportunity to meet the right people. To be a good DJ I learnt from my secondary research that a love of records is very important. You also need to buy a lot of records. To be a serious DJ you need to buy turntables, a mixer and headphones. Magazines such as DJ and future Music advertise DJ equipment, record decks have changed and music is listened to either on Vinyl, CDs or mp3s. There is a lot of new technology available to DJs.

Some UK colleges now offer DJ training courses including Lewisham. Most courses teach theory and practice. In an interview with Eddie Hallimell who DJs on BBC Radio 1 show ‘The Residency’ he talked about how, from the age of 15 he practised his skills. He studied Music Technology at college which he found helpful. He said it’s important to research clubs and gigs before you work there. Many DJs start out by putting on parties or illegal raves or by doing promotions in clubs. The money is not good first of all. Deals can be made such as getting a promotion of the bar earnings- usually between 5% and 10%. A DJ could get as much as £3,000 plus £2 for every person through the door.

From my internet research I found out that DJs use vinyl records, CDs or MP3s and other digital music files to play the music. There are three main types of DJ - club DJs, radio DJs and mobile DJs. Club DJs work in bars and clubs mixing their own music. They use other equipment e.g. drum machines, synthesisers and sound processors to produce their own unique sounds. Radio DJs present programmes e.g. jazz programmes, interview guest, play different types of music and have competitions. They may have help from someone else like technical or studio assistants to set up their equipment. Mobile DJs work anywhere e.g. school, weddings and community halls. They provide and set up their own equipment.

Some DJs have skills in playing an instrument, singing or rapping. DJs spend lot of hours listening to a different variety of music. DJs work irregular hours, sometimes early morning, evening, weekends and late at night. They use a variety of equipment to do the jobs e.g. turntables, mixers, microphones, amplifiers and headphones. DJs is also expert in using the latest technology, including lighting and image projection. DJs play particular types of music e.g. dance, hip-hop, trance, drum ‘n’ bass or music from a particular era such as the 1960s.

It is hard to get into because it is very popular. Most job opportunities are very expensive although may not lead to work as a DJ. You don’t need any formal academic qualifications, talent and experience are very important. 

There are some DJ training courses:

1. City & Guilds (7755) qualification in DJ Technique
2. NVQ Level 3 in Radio Production
3. BTEC national and higher national courses, degrees and postgraduate qualifications in music technology, radio production, media and performing arts (some have specialist units relating to DJ technology).
4. CSV Media runs Media Clubhouses across the UK which offer training in radio skills
5. The Scottish Arts Council can provide details of music projects offering DJ skills.

DJs get experience in hospital, community or student radio or through helping other of DJs. There are not many jobs advertisement you can contact with employers or agents. The BBC advertises jobs for radio broadcast assistant on its website. Once they have got experience they can send a sample CD to bars and clubs or radio stations. DJs can be promotion to larger employers or venues e.g. local to national radio stations or from town pubs on weeknights to large clubs at weekends. During the training as a DJ, he/she would experience working in a music production, promotion, publishing, recording or retail. Being as a club DJs, there are great opportunities to work in foreign countries mainly during summer holiday in popular places or destinations. It is difficult to get after the age of 30, although there are more opportunities with mature audiences.

The New Deal for Musicians is a scheme which helps unemployed musicians, DJs and offers guidances. This scheme is for over the age of 18, who have been unemployed for at least six months. Skills associated with this job

A DJ needs:

• a wide knowledge of different kinds of music or an in-depth knowledge of their specialist interest
• an excellent sense of rhythm
• manual dexterity and a steady hand to operate technical equipment
• to be creative with music and able to perform for an audience
• to be passionate about music and music technology.

Salary

salary with some experience will be around £50 to £300 a session. A top DJs may earn around £100,000 a year. Salaries range widely.

My secondary research from books gave lots of information about record producers. They can sell million of records. I found out that record producers are commissioned by a record company to go into the studio with a band or artist to record a single or album tracks. They can spend one day or several months in a studio depending on the project. Most established producers have an agent or manager who keeps their clients’ diaries and will negotiate a fee. The producer will hear demos of the band to decide whether he likes the music. He then decides on a suitable studio and choose an engineer to work with. The production starts when each member of the band does their individual bit and the track is built up from there. The band playing together and performing a song straight through doesn’t happen much any more. The desk button can boost the lower frequencies and higher frequencies. The producer tries to get the sound which the band likes best. A producer is like the director of a film. Once the recording is done, the record is mixed. The volume level of every instrument has to be perfect. Record producers can make a lot of money £75,000 or more for an album. The hours can be long-between 12 and 16 hours when working on a project. In an interview with record producer Topher Mohr he said that record producers need to be knowledgeable about technology. Many record producers started out as sound engineers or musicians. 

From my internet research I have found a record producer is a person who works for the music industry and their job is to oversee and manage the production of an artist’s music. In record producing there are two kinds of producers, the executive producer and music producer. A record producer normally works with the bands, session musicians etc. Some of the producers write lyrics for the artists. Many producers start their work as an engineer in a studio or as a session musician, to get experience in the music industry. They need to have an experience and knowledge for this job. The most important thing for all record producers in the music industry are they should have musical taste and a good hearing ability. Most of the record producers have qualifications in any of the following:

songwriting, composition, music production, sound engineering etc. Record producers should have knowledge about digital technology as nowadays creating a music has become reliant on computer software.

Salary:

A record producer’s salary ranges from £30,000 to more than £50,000 per annum. This range of money may not apply to freelance record producers. It depends on taking gigs on a project basis and the salary may be lower or higher. Basically it depends on the number of gigs on a project and the popularity of the recording artists.

Skills and personal qualities:

1. an excellent ear for music
2. awareness of current and emerging music trends
3. the ability to recognise a hit
4. networking skills
5. the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
6. knowledge of copyright law
7. budgeting skills etc

Qualifications:

For a record producer qualifications are not essential but you need to have different skills e.g songwriting, composing a song etc. Usually some of the record producers do practical work experience to get more knowledge about music. Some qualification in music may help you to become a record producer.

Qualification relating to the music industry:

1. BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in music technology
2. NCFE qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 in music business
3. EDI level 2 and 3 in music business (recording industry)
4. BTEC Higher National Diploma/Certificate (HND/HNCs) in music production
5. Foundation degree in music production, music technology, music practice and music industry management
6. Degree in music industry management, music practice and music production.

For my primary research in question 1 I found out 5/9 people would like to work in the music industry.  If people worked in the music industry most of them wanted to be a singer or a record producer. Most people thought that an ear for music is a very important skill for working in the music industry. Some people thought the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines, self discipline and tenacity and knowledge of copyright law are necessary to have a career as a record producer and DJ. The mojority said experience and qualifications are important for both the DJ and record producer careers because there are so many different aspects to those jobs. The music industry is very broad and competitive so it was some said any experience would be essential and worthwhile in gaining a job. Some people said experience and qualification are not important for the DJ and record producer careers. 

Conculsion:

Firstly I carried out research on the Internet about jobs in the music industry. I looked at lot of different websites and found out lot of jobs in the music industry. Before researching on the internet I didn’t know that there were so many jobs in the music industry field and this research helped me to do my Project work. I looked at different types of jobs in the music industry and after that I chose two jobs a record producer and a DJ and found out lots of information about the skills, qualifications and experience they need. I also looked at some record producers’ videos to know more about this career. The Internet is very easy and reliable to use and I found it very helpful for my Project. When I finished my Internet research I looked at some books to find out more about the DJs and record producers. I found these in my college library. The books I researched were very useful because they had lot of information about the DJs and record producers.
After finishing my secondary research I did primary research which was a survey. I gave my survey to some of the students and teachers and from there I have found out their different views and opinions. When I was doing my survey I found it difficult because I had to go to each person and ask them to do my questionnaire for my survey and collect them back and I don’t like doing this. I found my survey helped me with my Project because it gave me practice in making a questionnaire and analysing it.
In doing my Project I have learnt lots of things like how to research jobs in the music industry by using books and the Inernet and the skills and qualifications needed to be a DJ and a record producer.  I learnt that the music industry has lots of different types of jobs  and experience is very important for all jobs. I also learnt how to do a survey and write a questionnaire and analyse the results.
If I have a chance to do my work differently next time I would do some more extensive primary research for my Project. I would interview someone who is working or has worked in the music industry. I would also do some more research secondary research on producers and DJs from magazines in the music industry.

Bibliography
‘ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS’
Fourth UK edition
Revised and Updated
DONALD S. PASSMAN


‘HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS’
Sian Pattenden


‘THE GUERILLA GUIDE TO THE MUSIC BUSINESS’
2nd edition
Sarah Davis and Dave Laing




Website for record producers
Film and Music Video Production Degree Program and Career Video

References 

 HYPERLINK "http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm?a=what-training-or-knowledge-is-vital-to-becoming-a-record-producer"
http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm?a=what-training-or-knowledge-is-vital-to-becoming-a-record-producer

 HYPERLINK "http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/u/IndustryJobs.htm"
http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/u/IndustryJobs.htm