Meet Skyler Hauck: From Campus Radio to Techno

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Skyler is originally from Southern California and currently lives in New York. His musical journey began with creating songs on his boombox before diving into radio at Cal Poly University, where he realized his passion for the music industry. Driven by a desire to immerse himself in the dynamic music scene, he moved to New York and initially took a job at a startup. However, it was his passion for melodic techno and DJing in local venues that fuelled his dream of moving on to a full-time music career. While Skyler was excited to produce music, he knew he needed to hone his skills to make that leap. That's when he came across Sound Academy via an Instagram ad. Although initially skeptical, the program's detailed agenda convinced him to give it a shot. His love for music and the studio environment made it an opportunity he couldn't turn down.

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Challenges before Sound Academy

Before Sound Academy, Skyler had already spent countless hours self-learning music production using Logic and Ableton. He was watching YouTube tutorials on repeat, trying to figure out how to mix and master songs, but something was missing. Without professional advice, it was difficult for him to streamline his workflow and he struggled with technical aspects like voice tracking under pressure. "I was trying to learn by myself, but when you're just watching videos, you don't get the real-time feedback that helps you grow." Skyler recalls feeling stuck and knew that if he wanted to turn his passion into a lasting career, he needed practical experience and structured learning.

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The Sound Academy experience

Skyler's first impression of the Sound Academy program was extremely positive. “For two months, it was the only thing I was interested in,” he says. Having access to a dedicated studio environment gave him the space he needed to focus on his art. He especially enjoyed the instructor-led sessions where Lucho's friends came to the studio and rapped, giving students the chance to practice following voices in real time. This hands-on approach helped him get up to speed with the quick requirements of managing a recording session.

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One of the biggest challenges Skyler faced was learning how to use Pro Tools. Before joining, he mostly used Logic and Ableton, but the Sound Academy program required him to switch to Pro Tools. “Routing was the hardest part,” he admits, “but once I got the hang of it, I was like, wow, it's a really powerful tool.” The support he received from Lucho, one of the instructors, was instrumental in helping him overcome this curve. of apprenticeship.

“Lucho was great. He took his time teaching and then let us do it ourselves,” Skyler explains. The “learn by doing” approach was just what he needed to build his confidence and skills.

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Results and success

Skyler's time at Sound Academy gave him a deeper understanding of music production, especially when it comes to recording and mixing. “The most valuable part of the course was being in a room with professional equipment so you could actually hear the differences in your music,” he shares.

He realized how much room there was for his mixes to be improved. Working in a professional studio environment, he was able to hear nuances he had previously missed and learn how to adjust his tracks for a cleaner, more professional sound. “Now I can walk into a studio, turn on the speakers and consoles, and I don't need to hire an engineer. That kind of autonomy is invaluable." This newfound confidence allowed Skyler to undertake projects that he would have previously hesitated about. He is currently mixing and mastering songs for his friends and plans to eventually open his own recording studio.

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Thoughts and recommendations

Skyler's advice to anyone considering joining Sound Academy? “Ask questions and go with the mindset to get value from your knowledge. The more you engage, the more you'll learn.” For Skyler, the program was not only about building technical skills, but also about building a network and creating a community.

“I couldn't have asked for better people to be with,” he says. “After school one day we all hung out in my apartment and made beats together. It was amazing to get feedback from others, especially since I usually work alone.” The camaraderie between the students added another layer to his learning experience, helping him grow both personally and professionally.

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What's next for Skyler?

Skyler is now focused on improving its production skills. He works on personal projects while mixing and mastering for others. His ultimate goal is to open a recording studio, and thanks to the skills he acquired at Sound Academy, he is closer than ever to making that dream a reality.

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Reflecting on his journey, Skyler highlights how the program changed its approach to music production. “I used to overload my processing chains with plugins, thinking that was what made a song sound good. But I've learned that simplicity, appropriate use of equipment, and good sample selection are much more effective."

Skyler's story is a testament to the transformative power of Sound Academy's immersive, hands-on approach to music education. From navigating Pro Tools to confidently managing her own sessions, Skyler has come a long way in her journey.

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He not only honed his technical skills but also gained the confidence to pursue music as a full-time career. And, perhaps more importantly, he found a supportive community that continues to inspire him.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your skills, Skyler's experience shows that with the right advice, dedication, and environment, you can turn your passion for music into a thriving career.