Lewis Fawcett ’26: Ingenuity In Action reflection

Ingenuity in Action experience: Internship

Where: WRW/Area 52 Studios/Hudson Valley Audio in Saugerties, New York

What: Training in recording studio and audio production procedures

Major: Music education

This internship has solidified my excitement about the audio production industry and pursuing it as a career path. The challenges, the learning, and the hands-on experience have all been instrumental in shaping my perspective and fueling my passion for audio production. It also has given me a solid foundation to build upon, and I’m excited to continue learning about it.

The only experience I’ve had recording music has been for friends and family, and I learned that there is much more expected of you when you are being paid for your space and services. There is a whole hospitality aspect to owning a recording studio that I had not experienced, including providing enough food and coffee for everyone all day. Sometimes you may not particularly like the music that the client has paid you to produce. I had that experience during the internship where I did not agree with what a client wanted to add to a song. You need to learn there is a balance with giving your own insight on what’s best for the song or project, while keeping the artist’s vision in mind. Ultimately the artist has the final say, and it’s your job to recreate what your client wants. 

My mentor, Dave Cook, has many stories from his 40 years in the industry and was a great resource for any question I had about recording. He also works in the live music industry, recently getting back from touring with Natalie Merchant, mixing monitors. I was in the sound booth for two shows in professional venues, where I saw the process and asked questions. I was also able to talk to the people running lights and learn about other tech crews.

Read six more student reflections on their Ingenuity in Action experience.