From Technical Projects Director Kim Nucci (they/them) — kim@cjc.edu
A brief essay from Kim on why you should own a microphone:
Not owning your own recording equipment as a musician in the age of the bedroom producer puts you at a disadvantage. If you don’t own your own equipment you need to pay a studio whenever you want to record. Renting time at a recording studio can cost hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Having your own basic setup allows you to record and fine tune your tracks before going to the studio, or avoiding it all together. It allows you to record your concerts, make an album, make an audition tape for graduate school, and record your friends. In the present Quarantime, it allows you to play with other musicians around the world and connect in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
When I previously did not have my own microphone(s), it held me back in class. I had to reserve time on school equipment, which didn’t always fit with my work schedule. It limited my college choices by preventing me from auditioning for music programs for my bachelor’s degree (I had no audition tape). In undergrad I had to purchase a field recorder to do my homework assignment one week. I got the recorder and the recordings that I made with it allowed me to document my compositions and get into graduate school. I bought microphones after graduating my master’s and it has allowed me to use my own audio interface to run recording sessions and record concerts. Now they enable me to jam with my friends online.
I want to encourage you to make this investment in your musical future through purchasing these class materials for CJC ensemble classes. I also encourage you to consider purchasing used equipment, since it may make this whole experience a lot more affordable. You’ll also get higher quality gear for less.
Best,
Kim Nucci
Technical Projects Director, CJC