When you apply for an audio engineering job, your potential employer will want to know about your past experiences. You’ll need to showcase audio recording and music production projects you’ve completed in the past. Audio-wise, this will typically include original music production, commercials, audio recording, and some sound bites. But, you need to add a visual element, too. You need to know how to create a demo reel to give the potential employer something to remember you by visually as well as auditory.
9 STEPS TO CREATE A DEMO REEL THAT ATTRACTS POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
So, how do you create a audio engineering demo reel that’s memorable? These nine steps will help you do just that:
Step 1: Gather Up Audio Files
Gather up any .wav, .mp3 or other files containing original sound you’ve created in the past. Also, get together any raw video files you’ve obtained while engineering music videos or live shows. Save them on a flash drive so they’re all in one place.
Step 2: Select Your Best Pieces
Sit down and listen to audio work you’ve completed in the past. Select only three or four of your very best pieces of work. Any other works you’d like to brag about should be simply listed on your resume.
Step 3: Use a Video Editing Program
Decide on the video editing program you’d like to use, such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. If you have never used editing software before, iMovie HD will work just fine. Then, use it to start a new project, using the program to provide a visual element as you create a demo reel.
Step 4: Import Files
Now, it’s time to import your video and audio files. Import them directly into the video editing program so you can begin to create a demo reel that rocks!
Step 5: Put Your Work in Order
Drag the audio files you want in your demo reel to put your project time line in the order you choose. Just remember that first impressions are key here. If the potential employer dislikes the first piece, the others may never be heard. So, put your best work first.
Step 6: Create Complementing Visuals
You’ll need great visuals to complement those audio files you choose to use to create a demo reel. Simply drag your video files to the timeline of the video editing program. Then, sync those files with your music.
Don’t have video to add to your demo reel? Then, try creating full-screen graphics with the artist’s name, recording date, and your role on the project. The graphics and music should correspond with each other.
Step 7: Create Introduction Graphic
State your name, current job title, phone number and email address in a full-screen graphic. This graphic should be placed at the very beginning of the time line of the project in the video editing program. Then, it should be placed once again at the end of the project as you create a demo reel.
Step 8: Export Your Video
Export the video file to Vimeo or YouTube. For the description, be sure to include your name, phone number and email address. Any other info you’d like the potential employer to know about your past jobs, or you in general, can also be included here.
Step 9: Share the Link
Share the Vimeo or YouTube link with potential employers.
GET THE EXPERIENCE YOU NEED TO CREATE A SOLID AUDIO DEMO REEL
You need to put your best foot forward with quality projects. A quality education from a good audio engineering school like F.I.R.S.T. Institute, one of the best audio engineering schools in Florida, can teach you the skills you need to succeed in the Audio industry. There you’ll learn what you need to get your new audio production career off the ground, you’ll even learn how to create a demo reel and how to make your own music. Check out the Audio Engineering and Music Production program at the F.I.R.S.T. Institute. You’re only months away from your dream career!
