Class of 2004 Fine Arts alumnus and photographer Matt Carlin, Lansdale, returned to Montgomery County Community College a few years ago to enroll in some Biology courses. However, after seeing what was happening in the music and audio production studios in the Advanced Technology Center, his focus changed.
“Music was always a hobby. I already had the mentality, but I didn’t have the [production] skills,” Carlin explained. “The classes taught me proper production techniques.”
Carlin’s enthusiasm for the music industry led him to intern with a Grammy-nominated engineer and producer who co-teaches two digital audio production courses and serves on the advisory committee for MCCC’s Communications program.
“It’s cool seeing the business side of working in a studio. It’s stuff that you don’t get to experience by just going to classes,” said Carlin, who continues to work on projects with Ivory beyond the scope of his initial internship.
“It’s helpful to observe interaction with the bands and see how he gains their trust before helping to shape their songs and music. We work with people who are trying to make a living in music. As a result, we work on projects from start to finish, so there’s a lot of good opportunity there.”
Through Carlin’s engineering work on national recording projects, he accumulated enough credits to become a voting member of Grammy Association in the engineering category. He received engineering credit on Candlelight Red’s album “The Wreckage,” which appeared on the 2011 Grammy ballot.
“I used to think award shows were silly, but by going through the process, I now see that they really mean something to the people who worked on the various projects,” he said.
Carlin plans to continue working in the Gwynedd Valley studio and is seeking out musicians to mentor. He also plans to continue building his photography career. You can check out his photography online at www.mattcarlinart.com.
Digital Audio Production is just one of more than 85 programs that students can complete at MCCC’s Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Registration is going on now for spring semester classes, which start on Jan. 18.
New students can learn about the admissions and registration processes by visiting www.mc3.edu/admissions or by calling 215-641-6300 (Central Campus) or 610-718-1800 (West Campus).
Returning students can register for classes online via WebAdvisor, by mail or in person at the College’s campuses. For more information, visit www.mc3.edu/admissions/registration.
To learn more about MCCC and to see all the College has to offer, schedule a visit to one of our campuses. Visits can now be scheduled online at www.mc3.edu/admissions/visiting.
by Alana J. Mauger, class of 1997