Rumor has it that "The Social", a music venue in downtown Orlando, Florida, has a new audio engineer. Whispers say it's a recent graduate from the accredited F.I.R.S.T School. Sound-checking bands and rocking the sound board is Jeremy Burchell. A graduate of the Florida Institute of Recording, Sound and Technology, who has left his mark among the hallways of the F.I.R.S.T School, is now living his dream. "I get to work in downtown Orlando every day!" says Burchell.
Finishing school in November, the current audio classes still talk about him. Finishing all the necessary lab and intern hours way before the halfway mark of graduating, he raised the bar of what a F.I.R.S.T School student work ethic should resemble. Interning at Alpaca Ranch Studios, he swept floors - all the way to getting paid gigs. "Hard work will get you far. Hard work will get you to your dream. You just have to want it." It's only up from here for Jeremy Burchell who graced the halls of F.I.R.S.T School. We are sure he will continue to be a strong asset in the music industry.
Blog post written by Jason Smolowitz
Online Music Business Workshop Launched - The F.I.R.S.T. School
January 27th, 2012
Your pursuing your career in the music industry, right? Knowledge is power when it comes to understanding the music business. The F.I.R.S.T. School has your solution right here, right now.
With a blend of video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and testing, you will feel like you are right there in the classroom!
Attend eight classes in a one-month workshop where you will learn everything from contract negotiations to copyright law and artist management. You have 45 days to complete course from registration!
Music Business Management
Marketing & Distribution
Accounting and Finance
Music Business Law
Artist Management
Intellectual Property
Promotion & Publicity
Live Events
This is a must have course for anyone pursuing a career in the Music Industry, Starting their own business, or working freelance.
Here is an in depth breakdown:
Music Business Management34 mins,21 secs This
class will provide students with an overview of the corporate structure
seen in the music industry and also supporting companies who assist in
the development and distribution of music. Students will learn about the
different types of music-business entities (from concert promotion
companies to major and independent record labels), and how management is
configured with regards to specific job responsibilities of various
positions within these companies. We will inquire into the
characteristics that are essential to inspire others to action. Students
will identify their personal strengths and weaknesses through
self-assessment - expanding their awareness of their qualities and the
effect they have on other individuals and group behavior. We will
discuss strategies for decision-making and building effective teams, while students explore the difficulties, compromises, and rewards of the collaboration process.
Marketing and Distribution 41 mins,3 secs We
will explore general marketing concepts as they relate to the nuances
of the music business, discuss strategic plans in the selection and
development of media products, examine consumer behavior and it's effect
on the success of entertainment products, and introduce entertainment
licensing concepts and promotional avenues, such as trade shows,
trade publications and the Internet. Students will strengthen their
understanding of analytical tools and strategic analysis of the music
business, providing them with knowledge that can facilitate the success
of their creative work. We will also examine real-world scenarios of
issues that are currently affecting entertainment business companies
media publishing and distribution.
Accounting and Finance 32 mins,41 secs Designed
to familiarize students with a range of business procedures requiring
the use of mathematics and accounting. The effects and implications of
accounting principles in real world settings are considered from
investment, management, and creditor viewpoints. Students are introduced
to measurement, reporting, and evaluating software-tools that are used
to gauge and disclose financial activity.
Music Business Law40 mins,33 secs Expands
on business law as it relates to the music industry. Students are
introduced to contract-writing strategies as they examine strengths and
weaknesses of real world contracts. You will be given the opportunity to
learn and practice various negotiating skills and tactics and also
learn about the role of lawyers, business managers, and agents in music
business.
Artist Management 36 mins,7 secs Explores
the career path of the manager, a position that plays a significant
role in the entertainment business community and in the career of an
artist/band. Class topics include: the artist-manager relationship,
launching an artist's career, management contracts, development of an
artist's career path, and sustaining an artist's career
Intellectual Property 36 mins,1 sec Teaches
students how to protect their creative works and provides an overview
of the business mechanisms that can affect the use of their songs and
those of their clients. Along with the global topics of copyright and
publishing, the class also covers the history of the publishing
industry, royalties, songwriter contracts, publishing options, and an
overview of publishing companies.
Publicity and Promotion 53 mins,35 secs Exposes
students to various forms of written and oral communication through
technical, proposal, grant, electronic, and creative writing activities.
Attention is given to the impact of audience analysis, image and
content. Through practice and development of written and oral skills,
students sharpen their writing and speaking abilities while gaining
confidence in both the content of their message and their ability to
clearly convey that message.
Live Events 42 mins,36 secs Covers
the variety of topics that are specific to concert production and
touring industry. This class takes a ground level approach to concert
promotion basics, including how to develop and execute an artist's tour
and production management. We will also cover public safety guidelines,
contract riders, unions, staff and equipment booking, and daily
execution of tour schedules.
Audio Blogger – write 1 weekly blog about happening at school or in the audio industry, at least 250 words, with 1 photo. 40 hours/4 month internship
Video Blogger - write 1 weekly blog about happening at school or in the video industry, at least 250 words, with 1 photo. 40 hours/4 month internship
Film Blogger - write 1 weekly blog about a movie, in theatres or a classic, through the eyes of an aspiring filmmaker/student, at least 250 words, with 1 photo. 40 hours/4 month internship
Video Transcriber – transcribe 12 videos, about 5 minutes each in length, into Q & A text interviews. 40 hours/4 month internship
Event Blogger – write about school events: graduation, workshops, speakers, class projects, instructor news, internships & employment secured by students. 40 hours/4 month internship
Event Assistant – assist with coordinating monthly entertainment industry events at school, working with Career Development. Making copies, coordinating literature, internet research, social media.
4 events/40 hours/4 month internship
The F.I.R.S.T. School: Career Development Workshop
January 10th, 2012
YOU'RE INVITED: Career Development Workshop! Tuesday, January 31, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Click Here to RSVP!!!
GREAT NEWS, GRADUATES AND CURRENT STUDENTS!
Here at F.I.R.S.T. School, we care about your future, and want to help you learn how to secure a great job! THIS MONTH, we will be offering a brand-new, FREE, 3-hour workshop for you: "How To Get A Job In Digital Media"!
If you're currently looking for a job - or if you're currently employed and need to have a back-up plan and/or get additional work - then this is one event you DON'T WANT TO MISS!
During the full, 4-hour workshop led by F.I.R.S.T. School Director, Alan Forbes, you will learn:
*Where & how to apply for jobs
*How to get 100 job leads in your email box each week!
*How to research the job market (and yourself)
*Do's and Don'ts about networking
*Rules for submitting your resume and cover letter
*Do's and Don'ts during an interview
*Reasons for rejection
*Branding & marketing yourself
*Industry resources and information to find job openings
*Using social media in a professional job-search manner
*Which job titles are right for you
*Q & A session after the workshop
... and much more info!
As a BONUS, each attendee will receive a FREE, 50-page F.I.R.S.T School exclusive "Career Development Handbook".
Cookies and punch will be served during the break.
This special event is open ONLY TO GRADUATE AND CURRENT F.I.R.S.T. SCHOOL STUDENTS.
R.S.V.P. IS REQUIRED! To R.S.V.P, simply "Click Here" to RSVP your request. Be sure to include all your current contact information.
* IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THIS EVENT, don't worry! It will be videotaped in full (including the Q & A session), and will be available for you to privately view soon after the event... and the 50-page F.I.R.S.T. School exclusive "Career Development Handbook" will be emailed to you to follow along.
Film Students Land Internships Early!
December 18th, 2011
F.I.R.S.T. School Film Students Paul Lucero and Jason Smolowitz strive for the best and start their interning early. They are both working with Domino Effect Productions, a young company that produces commercials, music videos, public service announcements
and short films. Also Andrew Ruben and Jason Smolowitz received the opportunity to work with Art Smith who is the film program instructor David Lopez’s mentor. Art Smith has been in the industry for years and his credits include working on Anger Management, Snake Eyes, Ocean City, Super Mario Bros and many more. Congratulations on working hard and keep producing amazing results.
The Florida Institute of Recording, Sound, and Technology.
Film Class 112: "Two Men and a Robot" Short Film
December 16th, 2011
Laughing has never come so easy. Class 112 gives birth to a potential web series. Titled “ Two Men and Robot” it stars Jason Smolowitz as the goof ball always getting in trouble, Ben played by David Lopez as the conservative, John who always gets sucked into Ben’s schemes and Michael Mendez as the mysterious Simon. The first episode introduces the characters as roommates living together in an apartment. A package is delivered and instead of being received by Simon, nosy Ben gets his hands on it resulting in their world turned up side down and death being a certain factor. Written and directed by Stoney Swaze and David Lopez, it delivers tear jerking humor that can be received by all audiences. Andrew Ruben and Michael Mendez tackle the audio and Anthony Arriaga as the camera man. The team is currently in the writing room coming up with ideas that will surpass the pilot episode in content. As always the F.I.R.S.T School lends its facilities to the students allowing them to turn their imagination into works of art.
Film Class 114: Get your crunch on!
December 14th, 2011
As of November 2011, F.I.R.S.T. School Film Class 114 created and launched four stunning Doritos commercials for "Crash the Superbowl Party". Not only will these commercials be for demo reel content but also for a potential crash prize. Film Students Paul Lucero, Callie Rasmussen, Audrey Ramos, Geraldo Molano and Jason Smolowitz make use of the F.I.R.S.T School’s technology and the teachings of instructor David Lopez to produce the entertaining 30 second commercials. The Doritos contest judges will sort through the submissions and eliminate until they have the top 5. Only then will the public be allowed to vote. Voting begins January 4, 2012. Cast your vote in support of the F.I.R.S.T. School's Film Program! "Click Here" to cast your vote!
Dance Hall Super Star "Sean Paul" Visits the F.I.R.S.T. School
September 20th, 2011
Jamaican dance hall super star visits the F.I.R.S.T. School Orlando, Fl to promote his new single "Got 2 Luv U" featuring Alexis Jordan. Thanks to Power 95.3, Orlando's #1 Station for Hip Hop and R&B, Listeners were able to win a chance to be apart of this huge event at the F.I.R.S.T. School. The afternoon started out with the Power 95.3 street team prepping the school with Sean Paul Flyers, Posters, and creating an interview area in the Film Sound Stage. F.I.R.S.T. School Director Alan K. Forbes says " It's great to have such an influential music icon interact with fans and up and coming entertainment professionals. This really means a lot to our students". Thanks to Cox Media Group Production Manager, and F.I.R.S.T. School graduate Erik Velez the F.I.R.S.T. School continues to have excellent opportunities like this on a regular basis.
Once the event was set up, Sean Paul and his entourage entered through the front door and was meet with tons of students and fans taking pictures and signing autographs. Once Sean Paul made it to the interview area it was all about the fans. He played songs from his new album, and was open to answering any question that was asked to him. Totally unscripted were two up and coming Hip Hop artist from the F.I.R.S.T. School that actually got to sign a hook and rap with Sean Paul. Director Donney Smith says, " I was completely amazed that when these two up and coming artist asked if they could sign a hook and freestyle with Sean Paul that he took the challenge. The energy in the room was amazing!" We look forward to other great events at the F.I.R.S.T. School.
F.I.R.S.T. School Granted National Accreditation for Meeting Academic and Administrative Excellence
April 19th, 2011
The Florida Institute of Recording, Sound and Technology, Inc. (F.I.R.S.T. School) founded in 2004 in Orlando, FL announced today that the Florida state licensed post secondary vocational school has been granted national accreditation by ACCET, the Accrediting Council for Continued Education and Training.
Entertainment Business Workshop
Eight classes, one month workshop
Our Entertainment Business workshop has been a huge success! We have 28 registered students currently taking this one month workshop. Students attend eight classes in a one-month workshop where you will learn everything from contract negotiations to copyright law and artist management.
Stay tuned for more info on our next Entertainment Business Workshop.
Quest Chronicles Episode 1 IS OUT!
F.I.R.S.T. School Film Students Web series
F.I.R.S.T. School Film Program Director, David Lopez with the assistance of F.I.R.S.T. School Film Students unveil episode 1 of the much anticipated web series, Quest Chronicles.
The F.I.R.S.T. School now accepts the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
U.S. Military Servicemen
The F.I.R.S.T. School is excited to announce it now accepts the Post 911 G.I. Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
FMF: Florida Music Festival & Conference Orlando, FL
The 10th Annual Florida Music Festival welcomes representatives from throughout the music business including our Keynote Interview featuring MELVIN BENN, of FESTIVAL REPUBLIC. Check out the entire Conference Schedule and Register to attend and network with the guest speakers! You can do ADVANCE REGISTRATION , and pick up your passes at The Gibson Showroom. Your registration will obtain access to all Industry Events, VIP Parties & Showcases throughout FMF2011, including A&R like Atlantic VP Steve Robertson (Paramore/Shinedown), producer David Kahne (Sublime/Regina Spektor) and media Allison Hagendorf (FUSE TV).
Take a Virtual Tour of the F.I.R.S.T. School via the Internet
We are now doing Online Tours for our Film and Video Program and our Recording Arts Program. Tue/Thurs @ 6pm. Please contact me to RSVP. The Online Tour only takes 10mins, and saves you time and money if you don't live in Central Florida.
The 10th Annual Florida Music Festival welcomes representatives from throughout the music business including our Keynote Interview featuring MELVIN BENN, of FESTIVAL REPUBLIC. Check out the entire Conference Schedule and Register to attend and network with the guest speakers! You can do ADVANCE REGISTRATION , and pick up your passes at The Gibson Showroom. Your registration will obtain access to all Industry Events, VIP Parties & Showcases throughout FMF2011, including A&R like Atlantic VP Steve Robertson (Paramore/Shinedown), producer David Kahne (Sublime/Regina Spektor) and media Allison Hagendorf (FUSE TV).
