Education And Career Development

Instruction At MDI
Internships at MDI

Instruction At MDI

 The Three-Fold Approach to Learning Your Instrument: 508.888.4407

In years of working with and observing professional musicians, you begin to see what sets excellent musicians apart. Sure there is that indefinable thing known a talent, but having talent doesn't mean you can get away with any less work or dedication. Working musicians are constantly honing and sharpening their skills to be as prepared as possible for any opportunity that may come his or her way.

The three-fold approach teaches a balance between the three cardinal strengths that any musician must have to survive; ear training, music theory & technique. Some people may be stronger in any one area than others, but no musician can survive without a basic knowledge of each one. A person who is stronger or has more innate talent in one area may use that strength to help support the other areas, but there are no working musicians who don't have some grasp of the weaker ones.

Each week MDI instructors will touch upon each one of these three points to strengthen weak points and create an acceptable balance between them.

Surprisingly, most musicians don't know the most effective way to practice. MDI instructors will show you how to get more in touch with your instrument, regardless of the style or type of music or your level of advancement.

DIGITAL RECORDING CLASSES: 508.888.4407


In the six weeks of one on one classes you will cover not only the Protools software but also the basics of good recording techniques. The classes are instructed by a staff engineer who works with pro audio everyday.

Operating Protools/audio software is only half the battle, understanding how to use it is another. Being taught by an experienced engineer, you'll start to understand why you do certain things when recording, not just how to do them. You'll also pick up all kinds of pointers on how things get done in the studio and how to keep on track when working with others.

Classes take place in a non-stress environment, you work at your own pace and questions are encouraged. The class is not only geared toward future engineers looking to work on other people’s music, but also anyone who is looking to get a step ahead of the crowd with their OWN music!! Sure having great songs is obviously important, but HOW they sound is what will make people sit up and pay attention to what you're doing. Technology runs the recording industry today and the ones who understand that technology and how to use it in a PRACTICAL way are the ones who will survive. Don’t rely on some important record exec. just happening to see your band play at the local pub, make things happen for yourself! ..and you can do that by signing up for our classes today!

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT: 508.888.4407


The Artist Development Program at MDI was designed for songwriters and performers who want to develop their creative personalities so they can compete confidently in a constantly evolving music industry. Tailored according to individual artist's skill and style, this unique program affords budding artists the ability to work one on one with professional producers, composers, engineers and music teachers who truly care about their creative music vision and career goals. Over the course of 2 years, artists will work alongside arrangers and producers to perfect and record their original songs in our professional studios. During this time, ADP students will master their instrument of choice through private instruction, learn the fundamentals of effective songwriting and arrangement, basic engineering and production skills, mastering techniques, how to design their own CD package, independent record label management and effective guerilla marketing methods.

Internships at MDI

Are you serious about developing a career in music and the industry? Have you finished your engineering degree and want to dive right in and get some "hands on" experience? Or maybe you're thinking about enrolling in a school who can give you the educational tools necessary to start a career in the music industry.

We're all pro's at The Musicians Development Institute, and whether you qualify for an internship or want an education in studio engineering and production, we have programs available just for you. We’ve been committed to helping musicians, artists, engineers, future producers and business minded people who are serious about their career goals - for over 11 years now.

We firmly believe that real world experience is the road to success. With diligence and hard work, you will succeed, and we’re here to help you do just that. Through a combination of educational programs and hands on internships at MDI, you will enter the industry with confidence, equipped with the skills necessary for you to survive in a business with heavy casualties.

If you already have an engineering degree and are in search of an internship at a real, working production studio, look no further. Or if you're looking for an alternative to the traditional classroom setting and want a more personalized education in engineering, MDI is the place. Our production studios house the best of vintage analog gear and current digital technologies. You will learn directly from accredited pros how to capture and produce music on the best of both platforms, all in MDI's world class recording and mastering studios and education labs.

Internships:  

MDI Studios - MDI producers and engineers follow the "Old School" studio internship methods. Work is scheduled based upon a sixty/forty split between hands on, in-studio time and "grunge work". Time and time again, we’ve found this method to be a relatively quick, effective tool in deciding who will survive the often overly romanticized job title of Engineer or Producer. It is fun and carries many rewards, but it is hard work. 

STUDIO RESPONSIBILITIES: *Instrument maintenance *tape transport operator *mic set-up and tare downs *console set-ups and neutralization *basic studio teching *mastering product load-ups and burns *leadering analog tape and or formatting 20 bit adats *basic console maintenance *outboard gear set-up (compressors, multi-fx, etc.) *cable headphone breakdowns *off location recording assistance. GRUNGE WORK:  *Answering phones *gear/supply runs *studio construction projects *client errands *food and beverage runs *general cleaning and maintenance of the facility.

Note: Studio and production internships last for a period of approximately one full year, depending upon student ability. Progress is monitored and evaluated continuously. After a six-month evaluation, and with the direct approval of the producer in charge (P.I.C), interns are encouraged to bring in their own bands for engineering skill practice and P.I.C review.  The intern’s band is responsible for all reduced studio-use fees. This recording will help us determine your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses.  At the end of your completed internship program, MDI will consider the possibility of adding you to our staff.  If no placement is available, we will help you consider career alternatives.

MDI Records:

This is an excellent way to gain valuable insight of how to run an Independent label. If you have a passion for music, are creative, responsible and business minded, this program is for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: *www and Database research, updating files *Copyright and Performing Rights Organization submissions *ISBN Catalog filing *Scheduling of artist rotation *Radio station submissions and calls *Music Distribution *Club/Tour scheduling *Merchandise development *Mailing out press packs *Street Team development *Virtual radio development and maintenance *Website updates and maintenance *Band scouting.