Here's how you can enhance your technical skills to boost your chances of promotion in the music industry.

One thing that I’ve learned and have found to be effective is learning as much as I can about DAWs. Pro Tools, Logic Pro and what have you are essential to success and quality in your production process. I use Logic Pro and I’m still amazed at what you can do and achieve with these programs. My advice to anyone is surround yourself with seasoned professionals and experience with these programs and continue to learn. To be a master always remain a student.

As someone in music technology and education, I can confirm that Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are essential for music production. Mastering DAWs like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or Pro Tools enhances your workflow and adds professionalism to your projects. This skill makes you a valuable asset in the industry, opening up creative possibilities and expanding career opportunities.

I have used several DAW's over the years and found that 'Reaper' is one of the best for anyone new to DAW's. The results are just as good as 'Pro Tools' 'Logic' etc. Modern plug ins such as 'Slate Digital' 'Profab' the list is endless help to enhance the feel of a live studio for the home studio. There are a lot of videos online to help with advise on recording, mixing to get the best out of your DAW as some people tend to go over the top with effects to try to achieve a perfect mix, sometimes little is best .

Over the years, I've learned to familiarize myself with the layout, menus, and features of your chosen DAW(s). I've also learned best practices for capturing and refining audio recordings, developing mixing skills such as balancing levels and applying effects, discovering time-saving shortcuts and organizational strategies, and exploring the strengths of different DAW platforms.

I started of my musical career on the classical guitar and achieved grade 8's in theory and practical. over the years my theory has grown from understanding the use of the 'modes' to exotic scales, chord substitutions and music from other cultures. With all this knowledge I have my own courses which have been accredited by The Registry of Electric Guitar Tutors UK and London college of music. Theory is essential for any musician not only for composition but to be able to communicate with other musicians.

Being a recording engineer is a very open field, it's not just about using the right microphone for the job in hand but where to place it, understanding the natural sound of a room. The use of EQ can help to bring an instrument/vocal out in the mix along with compression. Sometimes adding a little reverb can open up a track along with echoes but too much can kill a track. Setting different pans in a mix can help with the balance, to separate each instrument while maintaining a central body for the listener.

I think one of the fundamentals of business in general, and the music business in particular, is learning how to compose an authentic, sincere introductory email.

Be spontaneous. Don’t make beats in the same ways that others do. The one instrument that you’ll see in every major recording studio the world over are piano keyboards. So it seems logical that to be a more creative musician, the one thing you really should do is… Learn. Piano!