Quitting the day job -- A diary

[Skysaw]

11 months ago, I posted a thread entitled I am a composer (http://www.northernsounds.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31652) on these forums, describing my desire to turn to music as my sole profession. The many useful comments by forum-goers make this a great read. I highly suggest anyone who is thinking of taking the plunge and moving into music full time to check it out.

At that time, I made several small but important steps towards my goal:
1. I began telling people "I am a composer" when asked what I do. This helped cement the thought in my head, and just possibly in the heads of people who some day be looking for a composer
2. I gave myself a one-year deadline to make the changeover.
3. I began to compile a list of ideas for my business.

This is the diary of my efforts, and the story of a one-year plan that is now 11 months old. I will attempt to update this fairly regularly, to keep readers up to date. It's my hope that this thread can serve as an encouragement to those who are considering this sort of life-changing move.

[Styxx]

I have always had a great deal of admiration for you and your compassion to make your dream a reality. Something most of us can only think of.
I wish the very best of success for you Jamie!
Remember, "You ARE a Composer!" ;)

[Skysaw]

=========
Feb 2, 2006

I turn 42 this month. My original target was in fact my birthday (the 27th), but I have now pushed it to April 1. Still, this is only eight weeks away, so it's scary close.

In my current work, I have been dealing with the same project for about six years. Some time ago, our company lost the bid on the contract to create a brand new version of our system. Everyone on my team was let go except for me. Development on the project ceased, and I was relegated to "support" for the system. Over the past few months, my work has been getting sparser and sparser. Luckily, I still get paid.

When the project ends on March 31, my company will attempt to find a new position for me. My boss is pressuring me to get my certification in Java. I decided I don't have the time or desire to prepare for that, so the end of this project looked like a good target for the beginning of my new life.

Last night, I sat down with my wife, and we talked about all this. For the first time, I gave her a real calendar date for quitting my job. She's scared, but extremely supportive. She quit her day job just over two years ago, and is still struggling with her home business. She is making money, but not exactly a truckload yet. We discussed a lot of our plans, but I won't spell it all out here until things come to fruition.

Ok, so the other thing I did was build a new desk for my studio. A fresh start deserves a fresh working environment! I bought a beautiful long and deep desk from IKEA, and spent the night putting it together. I had planned out exactly how it would fit in my space, and it all worked very nicely. I have so much more elbow room, and it's just nicer to be sitting there to work. My video and audio monitors are better placed, and there is room under the desk to fit my large filing cabinet, my rack of gear, my PC tower and my legs!

[SeanHannifin]

This will certainly be interesting to see the updates and progress you make.

Just remember to use wisely a passion; do not be blinded by a passion.

Best of luck to you in your journey! I wish success for you! :)

[southportJim]

...good luck, Jamie!

;-)

[Shazbot]

It took me a few years of getting very uncomfortable in my 'comfort zone' before finally quitting the day job a year and a half ago and doing music full-time. As difficult as it has been to get the ball rolling, it is definitely rolling now and there's no doubt to me or my family that I did the right thing. I wish you the very best, Jamie. My wife was encouraging me to do this more than I was willing to myself, so if your wife is supportive that's definitely a great thing.

Here's a quote by Mark Twain that helped me quite a bit during a particular time of doubt and fear before I made the plunge:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Ha! I just realized I posted that same quote to your previous thread. Oh well, it's worth reading again, eh? :p

[Garritan]

Jamie,

You have a lot of courage to do this. It is very difficult to make a living with music as a sole profession. I've been there and understand what it is like.

You have a profession that is so competitive, not always regarded highly by those who would hire you, and is ever shifting and changing. Yet there is the unquenchable love for music that compels one to go forward no matter what the cost.

You initial plan is a good one. The one-year deadline may be optimistic and I hope you revise that. It takes a long time to network and get yourself out there. Give yourself a longer game plan. You are smart to compile a list of ideas for your business. Many a musician shuns any notion of business and that could lead to a lack of success.

Try to find a niche that is yours, a specialty that you can do better than anything else. Write articles about it, give talks, become an expert in one particular area of expertise. Be the guy everyone looks to in that one thing.

Case in point: Jeremy Soule. I have a great deal of admiration for what Jeremy has accomplished. Years ago, not many heard of game audio or Jeremy Soule. Hollywood and TV were the rage then an game audio was not on the radar. Jeremy positioned himself very nicely and became known as an expert in composing for games. Now the gaming industry is larger than Hollywood, TV gigs are now replaced by reality shows, and Jeremy is composing for Lucas Arts and other high-profile games. There are many such examples.

Music is now undergoing fundamental changes in the creation and delivery. Look for opportunities. Films are going iPod and broadband. Look at what's coming with Atom Films. Ringtones have done well for some composers. Gaming is still exploding. Imagine what tomorrow will bring and be there first.

OK enough rambling on my part.

Jamie, you are incredibly gifted and have what it takes in the talent department. You may want to consider revising your timetable. Whatever you do be true to yourself and never abandon your dreams.

Gary Garritan

[Jeff Turner]

Jamie,

I'd also like to add that I suggest to be flexible to different opportunities that may come your way. Sometimes our initial musical goals might not work out exactly as we hope, but there's nothing wrong with revising plans as you go along and. Good luck.

Jeff

[trentpmcd]

Jamie,

Good luck! And thanks for keeping us posted.

I’m real interested in this – I’m your age, in the computer field and wish I was in the music field instead. I don’t, however, feel I am ready to quit my day job. I am spending a lot of time working on my music and my networking preparing for he day when I will be able to cut loose.

Looking forward to hearing more of your adventure. Best of luck.

[Pat Azzarello]

Scary yes, but rewarding. I have not had nearly as many magic moment in my current (software) career as I did in my music career (which, to date, only lasted 1/3 as long).

I'm always amazed at how many musicians think that they can be successful without a plan. Making $$$ in music is a business, and it's necessary to have a plan for any business. I applaud you for both your courage and your plan.

Good luck, God bless, and please ask for help as you need it.

[GlassPearlPlayer]

It was one year ago, when I was in a similiar situation. Economy crashed, busted by partners, the usual "two paychecks away from bankruptcy." (Sometimes even less than one) I sat down with my wife, like you did, and we started fighting our way into our own business. Like Gary said, business today is brutal. Brutal with customers, brutal for relations, brutal for your own perception.

You need to network, make yourself known on every wanted and unwanted situation, if you get kicked of third floor, re-enter immediately base floor.
When I look back, we succeeded well over the last year. Mostly, looking backward, because we had a working network before we started. We didn't noticed it before, but in retrospective it was essential. The relationship at home grew as well, since fighting your way through bizland glued us together
more strongely.

It was and is rewarding. It is all about yourself. My "bible" for every entrepreneur is Tom Peters "Re-Imagine", inventor of the ME, INC, I loaded the book through audible.com on my ipod and listened to Peters himself over and over again. And the printed book is incredible as well (even the layout). Read it, live it, breathe it. www.tompeters.com (http://www.tompeters.com)

As for technology and ability: Gary said it all. Find your niche - excell in it.
Welcome to the other side: The freefall, the battle, the sleepless nights - but success at the end, high five on your victories.
(Like mastercard said: Our first vacation in 10 years: Golf in Africa for one week- the wind around your cheek, while you play beautiful courses - priceless.)

There is no other way, since this is economy in the Post Enron Era: The world of Free Agents and Talent

All the luck in the world to you!

[EricWatkins]

I'd like to say "best of luck" but I believe that you wont be needing that if you're taking yourself seriously. All of us here know that you are a "serious" talent. I had decided to do the same thing as you. Make the switch. As applies to everyone's day job that doesnt inspire them, I realized that I'll never be happy working for someone else's dream. I decided to take myself as a composer more seriously and things are definitely starting to happen. My first gig was a small local commercial, which led to another, which led to two others, which led to three others etc etc. THen that turned into a couple public service announcements, corporate films, educational films and on and on. First year I earned about $1200 dollars. This year I'm in line to make about 5 times that in about a 5 week span. Meanwhile, the network grows. All this has taken a couple years to get to and I still do heating and air-conditioning work on the side to help pay the bills. I find myself often overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do to keep customers happy but that is a good thing and the ratio of time on music to time in HVAC field is rapidly changing. I find that the same things apply to being successful on both sides. Be sincere, be honest, look the customer in the eye, speak professionally. Seems basic but it works. People are looking for someone they can trust. Be that person and you are in. And like you said: The small steps, they work. THe difference between the person who does this for a living and a person that doesnt might be about 5% more effort applied to the goal. 5% effort can result in 100% more happiness and satisfaction. There are days when I wake up, shower, get dressed, and then sit down in my studio and feel just plain giddy with excitement for the fact that this is my "paying" job for the day, or week, or however long it takes to get the job done. I never thought this would have been attainable a few years ago but now here it is almost. On a side note, the fact that your wife is supporting you is huge. Just look at her and think about that and thank her. I just left a non-supportive relationship about a year ago and when I did, the creativity exploded exponentially. THen in my recent relationship, there is nothing but respect and admiration for what I do. Makes me feel better than I ever have. Thankyou Crystal.

Eric

[tcohen]

Wow what a great thread! jamie best of luck and thanks for making so many of us think!

Regards,

Tim

[Skysaw]

Thanks to all of you for your support, ideas, and personal stories!

=========
Feb 3, 2006

Yesterday I got my Garritan Strad in the mail. After a minor struggle, it's up and running, and will soon be featured in some original Kowalski music. This is going to have to be my last new music software for some time, but it sure will have its role!

I also scheduled a dinner date with the Mark, the director of Running Deep (http://invisionfilms.com/Pages/projects.html), the movie I scored last year. We'll be meeting next Tuesday near my place, and he'll also be coming over to tour my updated studio. He wants to discuss some new projects on the horizon.

He and the producer have been busy sending the movie out to numerous festivals, and he says he has some news on that front. He's also preparing a press kit and ran a proof of it by me. I was very happy to see he had written glowingly of my work, and had used a flattering picture of me. The kit is to help promote the movie as they seek distribution.

Mark is likely my very best connection at this time, and is a huge fan of my music. While working on the film, we discovered we have very similar artistic sensibilities, and it was extremely easy to work with him.

Here's what I hope to cover over dinner:

1. Geoff, the producer and one of the of the writers on Running Deep is writing a new screenplay that Mark will direct. Mark and Geoff have promised me the work on this as well. It will be nice to get in on the ground floor on this one, instead of being hired after post-production had already started. There was a lot of very prominent music in the first movie, and Mark says he wants even more collaboration and integration between visuals and music for this one.

On a side-note, Geoff has also become one of my biggest fans. He wants me to read his new screenplay in draft form, and start some three-way feedback for creating an artisticly organic film.

2. Mark and I came up with a very interesting idea not too long ago for a side project. I can't give too many details on it, except to say it is a way to marry sound and vision that I don't believe anyone has tried before. We think this might be a viable business idea, if the results are satisfying, and we can get a good workflow on it.

3. Mark mentioned briefly to me that he wants to create an artistic and technical audiovisual collective of the best talent he knows to serve as a business partnership. As a group, we could take on large projects, and also be there to pass work on to collegues who are in a more suitable line of work than ourselves. I'd like to press him to see how concrete the idea is, and if he has a timeline in mind.

4. Get some really, really good Chinese food. (If you're ever in Alexandria, VA, ask me.)

Other upcoming meetings:
1. A second meeting with both Mark and Geoff to specifically discuss Running Deep. Our deal on this film was no pay, I own 100% of the copyright on my music. If and when the film were sold, the three of us would negotiate what my contribution was worth towards the sale. I believe Geoff may have sensed a hint of some outside interest, so it's time to start up some new paperwork!

2. Kennedy, and old college buddy of mine, started his own business some years ago and is thriving. He does commercial audio post-production work. Obviously an important contact.

3. We will be meeting with my wife's financial guy. Clearly we need to talk.

========

[Christopher Duncan]

Jamie,

Why the deadline? What happens after a year - do you spontaneously become untaltented and therefore unable to compose? :eek:

I'd like to propose a more practical timetable. First, let's all pull out our old high school math books so that we can do some complex calculations. Naturally, we'll need to define some variables:

E - your expenses, i.e. how much you need to make to pay the bills
D - your day job income
C - your composing income

Currently, we can assume D >= E. So, you simply continue to pursue your composing efforts, which will increase your composing income. This will also expand your overall income, so that (D+ C) >= E, which is great for buying new sample libraries without compromising the monthly budget. :)

Keep composing and seeking work in every spare moment you have, and eventually, when C >= E, then simply pull out your trusty Radio Shack electric eraser and obliterate D from your equations.

Who cares how long it takes? Obviously sooner is better than later, but the only thing that's important is to reach the point where C >= E so that you can make the transition to full time composer without sacrificing your ability to eat on a regular basis.

Why yes, I am a computer programmer. Why do you ask? :rolleyes:

[CallMeZoot]

Jamie,

Good luck with this--I look forward to reading of your progress. I'm in a similar life situation right now and trying to figure out what to do.

I am fortunate enough to say that I make 100% of my living through music, as a teacher, conductor, musical director, etc. But the proportion that comes from composing is small -- the occasional commission, film score, or incidental music for theatre. But when I take inventory of my life: what I love, what I am best at, what I have trained for, I come to the same conclusion: "I am a composer." It disappoints me that I have so little time each week to devote to composing, and I would love to find a way to make it "what I do."

Part of my problem is a lack of focus: I am as happy composing a symphony as I am a hip hop track, a film score, a musical theatre or opera piece, a rock song, etc. I haven't decided which direction would yield the best chances of financial and personal success.

It looks to me like your compositional range is diverse as well, but that your financial goals are leading to towards film composing. Any particular reason? Or are you taking steps in other genre's as well?

chris.

[Skysaw]

Why the deadline? What happens after a year - do you spontaneously become untaltented and therefore unable to compose?
I think you (and Gary) misunderstood what my deadline signifies. It isn't a year to see if the business works. It was a year to prepare for the business, and quit my job. That year is just about over. The coming years are just about to begin! :)

[Shazbot]

Why the deadline?

For me I know that if I don't have deadlines for certain things, then they might never quite get done.

I think it has a lot to do psychologically to make a clean break and to say "I am a composer", not "I am a programmer" or "I work in Customer Service". And creating, promoting and selling music so you can do it successfully full-time is something you really need to do full-time. It's kind of a sink or swim thing anyway... either you're going to make it work or not, but I think you need to give it an honest and complete chance or it may never really have a chance at all.

To keep your day job while trying to pursue music on the side may be the safe way to get by in the short term, but it's not always the best way to succeed in the long term. Do you feel pretty confident that you could always get another programming job at some point if after a year or so you're in seriously dire financial straits from having tried this? If so, then what's the worry? Go for it.

So who's the devil and who's the angel on Jamie's shoulders here?? :p

[Skysaw]

=========
Feb 6, 2006

Friday I updated my website (http://www.allhands.com). I had created a completely new site just recently, but I realized I needed to include some new sections, and my design was not too expandable. I had to squeeze a couple of new navigation buttons on the bottom.

I added to the site the announcement of my first loop library, Venusian Heartbeat. This is a collection of "Acidized" loops for music production that I'm working on. Just one of several ideas that I've been collecting for my business start-up. I still have a lot of work left to do on the collection itself, but having a name and an announcement inspires me to work harder on it. In theory, at least.

I also put up a section on my site called "Buzz," where I have posted positive comments people have given to my music. I included many quotes from GPO community folks, so thank you all who supplied them. I sent a message to all I wanted to include to ask permission, and I appreciate all of you who responded. If anyone feels they were misrepresented, or who would like to supply or update a link to their site on my page, please let me know.

I went clothes shopping yesterday and bought more new things to wear than I ever have in my life. You might question why a man about to quit his job is spending lots of money on clothes, especially when he plans to work at home. I'm going to file this one under "Fresh start, Fresh look."

[dermod]

Your posts on various topics, eg. string quartet emulations, indicate a lot of knowledge and experience. So good luck. The best single piece of advice you have had so far, in my opinion, is to specialise. There is room for the general odd job man, especially in a local market. But in the wide world, you have got to be noticed for something specific. And in a competitive environment, you only compete by distinguishing yourself on price, quality, innovation or convenience. If your pitch contains none of these, tell the day job you changed your mind.

[Christopher Duncan]

So who's the devil and who's the angel on Jamie's shoulders here?? :p
Hang on, let me turn down the CD player blaring AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" and I'll give that the proper consideration that it deserves... :rolleyes:

And of course, whether it came through in my previous comments or not, here's a big "Go for it!" to Jamie!

No, wait, that wasn't really all that big. How's this?

Go for it, Jamie!

Better? Now, let me turn the music back up. The walls have stopped moving, and that seems unnatural somehow... :)

[RichR]

I read the info on what people are saying, I I believe you are on your way. NOW, you must believe! GOOD LUCK

BTW, What you quoted me as saying looks great. Good luck

[Houston Haynes]

Well done! Keep at it! When my wife and I made the commitment to move out to Los Angeles, it was a scary decision. We're on "the five year plan". She's the writer and I'm the musician. I carry the day gig and she holds down the home fort while honing her craft. The anticipation was that she would sell a script or publish/option one of her novels, and that would give me a window to transition out. We're only half way through our plan and it looks like I'm on the verge of transitioning out and she's picking up some heat on more than one of her scripts - it all seems to be hitting at once.

As far as "specialization" is concerned, I'd only partly agree. I think that the baseball "strike zone" metaphor applies. If you're going to be a professional, you have to be able to make contact with a lot of pitches "in the zone" - then - you need to have one or two pitches that you can really "nail". Sounds like you've got that - the sound design project sounds (pun) really cool. That's your "slider-away" that you can drive into the other field for a base hit.

Also - being involved in projects early on is a brilliant idea. We have the same designs on some of her projects - and fortunately we've managed to make contact with a few very responsive filmmakers. Right as all of this is happening, I'm being promoted at the day gig. They've even talked to me about the option to take a temporary leave of absense to work on a project full-time to see if things work out. It really comes down to the metaphor of "staying in the batters box" long enough - taking enough pitches until you get something you can knock out of the park. Stay in there...

I can't wait to hear the next installment.

[newmewzikboy]

There is no right or wrong way to do it. Some people spend years building a career without a day job. Some do it overnight with a day job. Some people are incredibly focused. Some people are scatterbrains. Some people have a 1 year plan. Some five to ten. Some none. The important thing is to make an effort, which you seem to be doing. Everyone is different and need to find their own road. And yes, some succeed (few), and some fail (most)...but hey, thats life and you will gain from the experiences you find...so who cares how it works out. Failing or success are overrated

[Shazbot]

Some of newmewzikboy's comments about effort and success/failure make a perfect segue to what I was going to share, which is an article referenced on CDBaby with all kinds of good stuff about time management, related to accomplishing what you want... Do It Now! (http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/do-it-now.htm)

Enjoy!

[aelliscomposer]

Jamie, keep it up. This is inspiring to watch unfold!!

Awesome article, thanks Shazbot!! I LOVE his ideas about 'failure' - I agree completely.

Rock it!

Adrian

[SeanHannifin]

Some of newmewzikboy's comments about effort and success/failure make a perfect segue to what I was going to share, which is an article referenced on CDBaby with all kinds of good stuff about time management, related to accomplishing what you want... Do It Now! (http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/do-it-now.htm)
Great article! Thanks for the link :)

"I find that classical and new age music, especially Mozart, is terrific for web development work." Ah, good! :D

[jsp2]

I agree with all the words of encouragement. I'd say absolutely go for it.!
especially for one with considerable skills as yourself..

One of my biggest fears in life was always that of regret.... regretting not to have taken the chance on something.




Still, having a plan is important... and also to have a backup plan.
You may even consider your boss's idea of furthering your programing skills... An hour or two of night classes each week could easily be managed within your musical pursuits... and at the end of 1-2 years you'll at least have maintained (somewhat) your original skills.

... just an idea.

anyways, all my best Jamie

please do keep us informed.. it's quite fascinating


~jeff

[Skysaw]

=========
Feb 8, 2006

Last night I met with Mark, the director. I invited him over to see my renovated studio, and to show off the Garritan Strad, which I had been raving to him about. He was quite blown away! I had a chance to play a few things I've been working on. What I love about Mark is that he is genuinely fascinated by all things artistic, and can talk for ages about a piece of music. When I play something for him, not only does he give it 100% of his attention, but he engages me with questions and comments about what he just heard. He is not a musician, but he is an extremely active and attentive listener.

We headed over the the House of Dynasty Chinese restaurant, and had a nice leisurely dinner and drinks. Mark and his team have some beginning leads on distribution for the movie, and he shared with me the slick new promotional package they had printed up. We also talked some more about his idea for an "artist collective" using his favorite people to work with. All pretty interesting stuff.

I shared with him my plan to go full-time to music on April 1, and he was crazy with support. I believe his words were "This is the best thing you will ever do in your life." After spending so much energy editing and promoting his movie in '05, he says he will be taking on a lot more paid projects in '06, and that he thinks he can stear some work my way. Even better if we can work on the same project, since we work very well together.

Sunday I'll see Kennedy, my post-production audio friend. It's just for a jam band session (he's playing bass, I'm playing Chapman Stick), but we're going to talk and try to schedule a lunch for next week, or soon thereafter. I promised him I'd come see his new studio space, and he wants to hear about my career move. I'm sure we'll have a lot to discuss.

[Styxx]

=========
Feb 8, 2006

Last night I met with Mark, the director. I invited him over to see my renovated studio, and to show off the Garritan Strad, which I had been raving to him about. He was quite blown away! I had a chance to play a few things I've been working on. What I love about Mark is that he is genuinely fascinated by all things artistic, and can talk for ages about a piece of music. When I play something for him, not only does he give it 100% of his attention, but he engages me with questions and comments about what he just heard. He is not a musician, but he is an extremely active and attentive listener.

We headed over the the House of Dynasty Chinese restaurant, and had a nice leisurely dinner and drinks. Mark and his team have some beginning leads on distribution for the movie, and he shared with me the slick new promotional package they had printed up. We also talked some more about his idea for an "artist collective" using his favorite people to work with. All pretty interesting stuff.

I shared with him my plan to go full-time to music on April 1, and he was crazy with support. I believe his words were "This is the best thing you will ever do in your life." After spending so much energy editing and promoting his movie in '05, he says he will be taking on a lot more paid projects in '06, and that he thinks he can stear some work my way. Even better if we can work on the same project, since we work very well together.

Sunday I'll see Kennedy, my post-production audio friend. It's just for a jam band session (he's playing bass, I'm playing Chapman Stick), but we're going to talk and try to schedule a lunch for next week, or soon thereafter. I promised him I'd come see his new studio space, and he wants to hear about my career move. I'm sure we'll have a lot to discuss. Inspirational to say the least. And? ... :)

[newmewzikboy]

Umm do you have an opening for a donut boy? Where do i apply?

[Skysaw]

I wanted to take a second to thank Shazbot for the Do it Now (http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/do-it-now.htm) link. Very inspirational. Even if the guys sounds a tiny bit on the nutty side, a lot of what he said made me think a lot about what I'm doing, and how I can do it better.

==========
Feb 10, 2006

Yesterday I received the acoustic foam I had ordered for my studio. I put my mixing monitors on speaker isolation pads, and it makes a LOT of difference in the sound. The new desk I just put in has a very large wooden surface that had been acting like a giant muddy subwoofer as the speakers sat directly on top. Everything is starting to sound cleaner, and I'm sure will improve just as dramatically once I get the foam tiles up on the walls and ceiling. Luckily I have much in the way of "natural" diffusers and absorbers in the form of random studio/office junk in that space, so I don't think I'll need too many of the tiles to get the sound I need. Carpet, curtains, full bookcases, instrument cases... all of this helps a bit, I suppose.

The past two nights I've spent working on my Acid loops library (http://www.allhands.com/main/index.htm#cds_c.htm), a couple of hours each night. I've been going into deep sound-sculpting mode, and really working hard to capture the most interesting things I can squeeze out of my soft synths.

I think I may actually be onto something with this library, as far as a saleable product goes. I'm pushing myself to get the most versatile and unique sounds I can. I've been testing the loops against each other for compatibility, and against a simple drum pattern I have running in Battery 2. I think if I can market this properly that it might do well for me.

[Shazbot]

Even if the guys sounds a tiny bit on the nutty side, a lot of what he said made me think a lot about what I'm doing, and how I can do it better.

That's how I felt, too. His story is somewhat extreme, but there are some very useful principles of time management there, and about focusing your creative energies well.

[Christopher Duncan]

Even if the guys sounds a tiny bit on the nutty side Tiny??? :rolleyes: Oh, sorry, thought you were talking about Shazbot... :)

I've been working on the acoustics of my studio as well, and you'll continue to find it a worthwhile effort. If you can't trust what you hear in your room, you have no idea what the client is really hearing. There are a number of excellent resources out there. Ethan Winer (I think I got the name right) writes a lot of excellent articles, Google for him. Here's a great little technique I picked up from some of his writing.

Find a sine wave generating utility (there's a lot of free stuff out there), and create one second tones (all at the same volume) starting at 10 or 20 hz and working your way up the frequency spectrum. You might go 10 hz a step for a while, then move to 100 hz intervals as you get out of the lower regions. Assemble these into a single track for playback.

Now, take a mic with a predictable response (I used a trusty SM 57) and place it at the mix position. Play your sine wave file through your speakers, and record the mic onto a separate track. When you're done, bring up the recorded track's wave form. You'll see a wonderful picture. In a perfectly balanced room (where the goal is for the room to be transparent), all tones would be the exact same volume. However, in the real world, some tones will be low in volume, and some will be higher, which gives you a visual picture of what frequencies are being amplified and dampened by your room acoustics while sitting at the mix position.

For instance, if you're seeing low responses below 200 hz, chances are you've been turning up the Bass knob too much on your mix because you're not hearing it in the playback. While it sounds good in the control room, on someone else's stereo your bottom end will remove the glass from their living room window.

Of course, unless you have a perfectly tuned room, the interaction of your room acoustics will show different pictures in different parts of your room. Even moving the mic a foot one way or another at the mix position will give you noticably different results. Consequently, it's good to experiment with as many positions as time allows. If, like many of us, hiring an acoustic pro to come tune your studio isn't a realistic expenditure at moment, this technique can be very helpful as you put up acoustical treatment and measure results.

Hope this helps (and thanks, Ethan)!

[Styxx]

Great link Shazbot! Reminds me of a guitarist friend who accomplished his Masters in Education and PHD by age 27!

[Skysaw]

==========
Feb 16, 2006

I'm at about six weeks to go. So where am I? Am I ready? So many things to consider: living expenses, insurance, marketing, maintaining good work habits. I've been keeping a giant to-do list, and it's a little intimidating. Still, I'm ready to take the plunge.

My wife and I sat down with our financial advisor yesterday, and lay it all out on the table. We had done a rough budget for ourselves, and it was bigger than we had expected. Apparently, we have been "living large" and we didn't even realize it! It costs a lot of money just to live these days.

Nevertheless, the advisor was somewhat optimistic for us. He had some very good advice regarding setting specific goals and deadlines for ourselves, and a few suggestions on how we can better handle our money. We're going to have to work hard, but it's certainly doable. I'm being cautious in not letting my overwhelming enthusiasm cloud any common sense I might still possess.

Now it's time to prepare a clean exit from the day job. I want to leave on the best possible terms, so that I can leave a potential door open in case of emergency. Mostly small things here, but it's worth getting it all right. I'm thinking of submitting my resignation at T-minus four weeks, but offering to stay on for a month or two in the unlikely event the contract gets a continuation.

On a personal note I just have to say that I have the most incredible and supportive wife, and couldn't even contemplate this change if it were not for her courage and belief in me. This is very scary for her, but she wants to see this work as much as I do. We talked at great length yesterday about the transition, and it's really helping bring things into focus for me. She took the leap to start her own business some time ago, and she knows first hand how tough it can be. For the curious, I offer here a shameless plug for her website, Sass Brown Designs (http://designs.sassbrown.com/), where she sells the jewelry she designs. Perhaps you might like to pick up some of her groovy "Rock Star" jewelry... the guitar pick necklaces are becoming quite popular.

[Styxx]

Now it's time to prepare a clean exit from the day job. I want to leave on the best possible terms, so that I can leave a potential door open in case of emergency. Mostly small things here, but it's worth getting it all right. I'm thinking of submitting my resignation at T-minus four weeks, but offering to stay on for a month or two in the unlikely event the contract gets a continuation. Eh, leave it up to me. I'll give them a call later today and tell them exactly how it is! :D
Actually, I wish you all the best when you execute your plan. Really praying your dream comes true and why not ... you have a good head on your shoulders and a wonderful support team!
Good luck and kick ACE! :)
"Go For It! Life is not a dress Rehearsal!" ;)

[Bosco Adama]

A while back I was faced with the same decision making process. I talked to my employer about working part time.
For the last couple of years it has worked out for all. Monday - Friday I work in my home studio composing music and providing audio post production services for my clients. Saturday and Sunday I work 10-12 hrs per day for my employer.

[aelliscomposer]

RE: Christopher Duncan

"...your bottom end will remove the glass from their living room window..."

You know, I had that problem for a while, but I managed it with diet and excercise.

[newmewzikboy]

A while back I was faced with the same decision making process. I talked to my employer about working part time.
For the last couple of years it has worked out for all. Monday - Friday I work in my home studio composing music and providing audio post production services for my clients. Saturday and Sunday I work 10-12 hrs per day for my employer.

Jesus...I think i would collapse into a pile of old soxs and do sideways tapdancing if I had such a work week...

[RichR]

I've been working on the acoustics of my studio as well, and you'll continue to find it a worthwhile effort. If you can't trust what you hear in your room, you have no idea what the client is really hearing. There are a number of excellent resources out there. Ethan Winer (I think I got the name right) writes a lot of excellent articles, Google for him. Here's a great little technique I picked up from some of his writing.


Thanks Chris!:)

What a great little and well explained example of checking one reads your explanation. Even us old guys with tintinitis from too many years of not protecting our ears (can you say directing marching band in a closed rehearsal room?) can see the problems in a room that is not transparent using this method. :D

[Bosco Adama]

Jesus...I think i would collapse into a pile of old soxs and do sideways tapdancing if I had such a work week...
:eek:

I should clarify: Mon- fri is not a heavy 40hr work week for me. It's about 20hrs for servicing clients. But, I have a lot of time for creativity, business planning, studio management, research, playing instruments and composing.
The weekend gig has alot of built in downtime that I can utilize as well ;) ;)


"Work!?!?" Maynard G. Krebbs http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/lawrence/153/krebs.html#

[Skysaw]

==========
Feb 21, 2006

Yes, I'm still alive. Just recovering from a horrible flu/cold/something that I've been dealing with for a week now. I thought I was better on Friday, but relapsed shortly into it. My wife has it too, and is two days behind me on symptoms.

My head is still stuffed up enough that its been affecting my hearing in my right ear. I feel a little pressure there, and everything sounds a little muddy. The worst thing, of course, is that feeling so week and miserable can bring on the gloom of heavy pessimism. I started worrying a lot about my decision, but I also knew in the back of my head that being sick was coloring my judgement.

Anyway, coming out of it, and I have a renewed sense of purpose. Nothing much new to report... just checking in here. I have some definite things I'd like to accomplish this week, so I'll have a little more interesting information soon.

[Christopher Duncan]

Thanks Chris!:)

What a great little and well explained example of checking one reads your explanation. Even us old guys with tintinitis from too many years of not protecting our ears (can you say directing marching band in a closed rehearsal room?) can see the problems in a room that is not transparent using this method. :D

Yeah, not only does he write great stuff, he really seems to be one of those guys who spends a lot of time giving back to the community. Here's to tuned rooms! :)

[Skysaw]

March 11, 2006
===========

I have passed the point of no return now: my boss has had my resignation since Monday My project manager at NSF is planning a big farewell lunch for me, and sent out emails to a crowd of my co-workers. Awful thoughtful of her.

I had a great lunch with my old college buddy Kennedy who does some commercial post-production audio work. I told him about my career change, and he was very excited for me. We exchanged a few business ideas and some old college stories over lunch at the local Mexican haunt in Georgetown. Back at his work space, he introduced me to a producer with whom he has worked a few times. She and I exchanged cards, and she asked me to send her a demo. I'm going to try to remember for the future that I should *always* have a few demo CDs on my person for just such an event.

I've made the long jump from Soundforge 4.5 to Soundforge 8, and got a great upgrade price when I called them on the phone. This will likely be my last software purches for a little while -- unless GPOA is suddenly up for sale, that is!

I have a friend of mine at work who will be sending me a couple of small freelance web design projects to keep me alive until the music work fills my scheduled. Always nice to have this sort of thing in place.

[rpearl]

March 11, 2006
===========

I have passed the point of no return now: my boss has had my resignation since Monday My project manager at NSF is planning a big farewell lunch for me, and sent out emails to a crowd of my co-workers. Awful thoughtful of her.

I had a great lunch with my old college buddy Kennedy who does some commercial post-production audio work. I told him about my career change, and he was very excited for me. We exchanged a few business ideas and some old college stories over lunch at the local Mexican haunt in Georgetown. Back at his work space, he introduced me to a producer with whom he has worked a few times. She and I exchanged cards, and she asked me to send her a demo. I'm going to try to remember for the future that I should *always* have a few demo CDs on my person for just such an event.

I've made the long jump from Soundforge 4.5 to Soundforge 8, and got a great upgrade price when I called them on the phone. This will likely be my last software purches for a little while -- unless GPOA is suddenly up for sale, that is!

I have a friend of mine at work who will be sending me a couple of small freelance web design projects to keep me alive until the music work fills my scheduled. Always nice to have this sort of thing in place.

Jamie,

A small suggestion. You mentioned in the above that you will always have your demos with you - of course you never want to miss an opportunity, but may I suggest an alternative? Rather than saying, "I just happen to have these with me...", you can offer to send the materials. This gives the chance to re-contact the person, include a letter giving more details about your work, skills, etc., and a chance to thank them, as well. It's like having a second meeting with them. Just a thought...

Best of luck with this new adventure.

Ron

[Skysaw]

Thanks Ron,

An excellent point. I was mulling over that very thing after I posted.

[dewdman42]

I wish I had the guts to do it. BEST WISHES TO YOU in this effort. Instead I cling to my hi tech, hi paying career that increasingly diminishes the amount of time I have to spend on music... (sigh). But how else am I gonna pay for my Audi?

:confused: :cool: :D

Seriously, good luck...I will be watching this thread enthusiastically...do it for the gipper!