Internship at Sonica:
First come basis, we prefer graduates from a dedicated recording school
or university music/recording program.
We prefer that you play an instrument and understand the basics of music.
THE STUDIO INTERN/ASSISTANT MANIFESTO
An Intern or session assistant at Sonica should understand the categories below and commit to them
if they wish to work here.
1. Studio Perception:
When you are ‘on duty’ you represent this large commercial studio. It’s important that the studio is well kept.
a. Make sure garbage cans aren’t full or smell.
b. Make sure bathrooms are clean and acceptable.
c. Make sure kitchen is clean.
d. Understand how to make coffee....well.
The above points are your most important primary jobs as an intern.
2. Your Personal Vibe:
How you represent yourself in the facility during sessions.
a. Body odor and bad breath are not acceptable, ever. Shower and have breath mints.
b. Know the client vibe and dress accordingly, ie., don't wear your favorite torn up
Iron Maiden decapitation T-shirt to a church choir recording session.
c. Intern Etiquette; each session is different, but basically be seen and not heard.
Do not contradict the engineer or producer in front of the client, ever.
Only offer opinions when you are directly asked to do so.
d. Be positive, even when you make mistakes.
e. Do not sit on the couch, appear disinterested and read a magazine, pay attention!
3. Security:
When at Sonica, you must help ensure everyone's safety.
a. Know how the doors/deadbolts operate, and keep them locked at all times.
b. Know the clients' cars in the parking lot, and where they can park.
c. Know the load-in procedure when gear arrives.
d. Check video system for suspicious activity outside throughout the session.
4. Time Management:
Be here slightly before your session time. Communication is key in this business,
as schedules are forever changing. Be flexible.
a. Do Not call 5 min. before your session and give a 'late' story! communicate problems well beforehand.
b. Typically, call the night before your session to confirm the schedule.
5. Technical Excellence:
Know the gear/instruments/software that the studio has to offer, and the unique traits of each one.
a. RULE #1: Do No Harm! do not touch gear that you do not know, do not play personal client instruments
without asking, do not take any initiative with equipment until told to do so. Ignoring this rule causes
equipment damage/failure, and is typically why an intern will be dismissed.
b. Ask Questions often, just find the right time to do so. Better yet, have a notebook that you use to document
new techniques, questions, observations, etc. This is important.
c. Do Not just hang out; learn constantly and show the client you are interested. It will be you they ask
for by name next session.
6. Understand music and play an instrument(s):
You must learn to communicate with the client on their terms: music!
a. Know/learn song forms, (ie., intro, verse, prechorus, chorus, outro, etc. etc. etc.)
b. Learn to play an instrument, so you can help test sounds in sessions, and generally
have a clue to the recording process.
Pardon the Rant.