Professional Development Scheme Midway Reflection
Going into week 5, I am at the stage in my research where I have begun inquiry into a large directory of resources on occupational standards. Through this directory I have collected qualitative data, detailing relevant subject topics and practical areas of work relevant to the research topics regarding audio engineering, music production, and record label operations. My initial plan with the writing up of findings was to do this in separate documents, each focused on one specific research topic. This has also been adapted as it was discussed with my learning advisor that these would be better to arrange into one whole document which then sections on the different topic areas.
Practical work has gotten underway with a number of production projects. Initial plans for this consisted of two main projects taking focus, however due to the dynamic aspect of production work coming my way there has been a development in this regard. Rather than limiting my focus on two main projects, I have been undertaking a number of projects of differing production types. This has included recording sessions, post-production, mastering, AV production sessions, label release delivery / liasoning, & event organisation.
Details of practical work have begun to form agile accounts in documentation aimed at adding commentary relevant to the specific project and vocational circumstances. These will form as key references to use in tandem with the resources gathered on occupational standards. Aiming to bridge between research goals / the given professional occupational standards & my own practical experience from undertakings, these when considered and reflected on have directed learning and development in particular areas where needed.
To reflect further on present circumstances, yesterday was particularly noteworthy. Beginning the day with a meeting call for the label, this was orientated around bringing onboard two individuals for production / AnR / events organisation roles. Along with three other label personnel, we talked through what the label is up to - where it’s headed and what it constitutes. We also inquired into what these individuals would like to get out of it practically, which led to constructive conversation around organising an open mic night to help with bringing artists into the label - being open & accessible to any and all, this would provide a consistent localised point of contact for artists, as well as further establish the grassroots aspect and AnR operations of the label. Additionally, talk regarding producer roles for collaborative projects were discussed.
Following this meeting, I went and met with the events coordinator for the immersive audio event - Echo Chamber - where I’ll be showcasing the LP being worked on for release in this portfolio. This meeting was to do a second trial of playback on an atmos system. More details pertaining to this can be found in the relevant agile documentation however to summaries - The audio format 7.4.1 was incompatible with the DAW processing the generation of surround master files. With the limitation of 7.2.1 on output to 7.4.1, an adjustment to the surround rendering process has had to go ahead to ensure correct spatial imaging of the ambisonic sound fields on playback.
This is crucial information, as it means I can go ahead and make the required changes in iteration of the output processes of the LP for delivery.
Going on from this meeting, through the afternoon I wrote up and adjusted those details pertaining to the LP post-production. Before going off finally to a recording session where I was the recording engineer - narration recording with a client and producer team. This consisted of recording lines for a televised play, with an emotive context to the story it required delicacy and professionalism - as well as effective cue communication to ensure takes were all correctly recorded due to the stop / start process of input from the producer. The session went successfully, carried out in good time and to a well regarded reception from the client.
During my visit to the studio for this session, the studio manager who I work for here had introduced me to the venue manager - also the producer in this recording session. Before this introduction, the studio manager had explained to me how there was an upstairs studio in the building that was currently not in use and could potentially be available. Having worked at this studio for a number of months on a freelance basis doing recording / post-production, we had been aware of the upstairs studio space having considered using it for some sessions - however news of its vacancy was new to me. Going upstairs to check out the room, it became apparent that it could be a valuable resource to be able to utilise it. Going forward, I will be inquiring into organisational / planning endeavours around the aim of better establishing this production studio.
