Meet Anthony Turi, a Recording Arts and Show Production graduate of Orlando’s F.I.R.S.T. Institute. He became interested in producing music at about 16 years old, when he heard the recording, “Worlds” by Porter Robinson.
Soon, he got deep into electronic music. And from there, it was on to music production and eventually, audio engineering.
Anthony Turi Takes on the F.I.R.S.T. Institute Experience
The classroom intimacy was Anthony’s favorite part about attending F.I.R.S.T. Institute. Its intimate classroom settings average a mere eight or nine students to each instructor. This allowed him to get hands-on assistance, with no question going unanswered.
Turi’s favorite F.I.R.S.T. project was the Sound for Visual Media venture. This involved taking a trailer, and redoing every piece of sound from scratch. He believes this project helped the students learn how to collaborate with each other.
Anthony Begins His TSM Studio Internship
Turi’s internship began at TSM Studio. There, he assisted John LaRosa with sessions, wrapping cables, cleaning the studio and other basic, expected intern tasks. Eventually, John gave him the responsibility of operating Pro Tools during certain projects.
Anthony referred to himself as a “fly on the wall” and a “sponge” sitting in the room with LaRosa, soaking up knowledge as he assisted him as an intern. This is when he learned a style of workflow he would later incorporate into how he runs his own studio sessions.
His favorite TSM Studio project was recording an audiobook for Pastor William McDowell. This was his first experience producing voiceover work, as well as working with someone of the Pastor’s magnitude.
The F.I.R.S.T. Institute alumnus is really proud the Pastor would trust him with such a project knowing he was still in school. Turi also takes pride in the fact that because of F.I.R.S.T., he was well-prepared to take on the project.
John LaRosa is a great example of what Anthony calls “the phenomenal staff at F.I.R.S.T. Institute.” This man took the student under his wing, independently, after school, because he saw potential in him. And it’s because John did it knowing he didn’t have to, that Anthony is so appreciative of his mentor.
It’s also because of this entire process that Anthony landed a job at TSM Studio.
While still in school, he also had a job at Rhino Staging. There, he worked on a project for the Grateful Dead’s John Mayer, which was really great experience. That’s when he learned an appreciation for working in a studio environment because of all the variables that go into producing for live sound.
Anthony Turi Builds an Impressive Resume Working in the Studio
Since he’s been working at TSM Studio, Anthony Turi has worked with artists like Rodney Jerkins, Blanca, Haitian Fresh, Yung Dred, Universal Music Group. He’s also done voiceovers for BET Network, worked with children’s choirs, and more. There’s been a vast array of different types of projects in all audio forms.
His roles at TSM Studio have also been extensive. He’s recorded many clients. And in time, some have grown to trust him enough to have him mix their music. The F.I.R.S.T. graduate has done editing and vocal tuning as well. Clients have even walked in to find him making a beat, and chose him to produce projects for them.
So, as you can see, he’s taken on multiple roles and gained vast experience while working at TSM Studio.
Recently, Anthony worked on his most rewarding project so far. It was the Baby Mime project with F.I.R.S.T. Institute Instructor, Chris Jay. This is a children’s lullaby album produced for orphanages in Africa, which may end up in over 150 countries.
Future Plans for F.I.R.S.T. Institute Graduate, Producer Anthony Turi
Two of Anthony Turi’s current goals are to constantly be a student and constantly learn. He believes that you plateau when you reach the point where you believe you know everything and there’s nothing else to learn. So, for now, he strives to become the best audio engineer possible.
And of course, Anthony’s shooting for a Grammy or a platinum project within the next couple of years!
The F.I.R.S.T. Institute Recording Arts and Show Production graduate says his end goal is to open up his own recording studio. He wants to facilitate creativity by providing a place where artists can create all types of music and sound. This could be anything from voiceovers to sound designs to entire album productions.
His goal is to create a place where you’re surrounded by people who care about music while pushing the “audio envelope” forward.
Anthony’s advice to anyone looking to get into the recording arts industry is to understand that there will always be highs and lows. At times, you may feel underworked with very little to do. Then, there will be times when you have so much work you’re almost overwhelmed.
But it’s a balance you need to welcome. It helps you stay appreciative of the opportunities you have to work on music, film, and other medias for a living.
