The Audio Engineering and Production Club, established in 2016, has seen a remarkable expansion from its humble beginnings with just a handful of members to now boasting over 30 participants. This growth has spurred the club's efforts to diversify its activities and foster skill development among its members. Engaging in both on-campus events and off-site excursions, the club aims to create a more dynamic and collaborative environment for students of all experience levels. Additionally, the club is working on an album project that will highlight the talents of its members and potentially gain airtime on university radio.
A Platform for Skill Development and Collaboration
The club provides a platform where students can develop their audio engineering skills through hands-on experiences. Members engage in collaborative sessions during meetings, sharing ideas and working together on music tracks. They also have access to a Discord server for continuous collaboration outside of scheduled meetings. The club accommodates everyone from beginners who are new to audio equipment to seasoned producers with years of experience. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, the club ensures that all members can contribute and learn from each other.
In-depth collaboration is at the heart of the club’s activities. Meetings often involve members bringing in demos or ideas, which are then collectively developed into full tracks. Some projects even start or progress within the club’s Discord server, allowing for ongoing collaboration beyond meeting times. All members have access to shared files and audio resources, enabling them to work on projects independently. The club’s emphasis on inclusivity means that whether someone has zero experience or several years of background in recording and production, they can participate meaningfully. Activities include playing, recording, and editing tracks together, ensuring that everyone has a chance to showcase their abilities.
Fostering a Unique Music Community
Beyond skill-building, the club serves as a vital community for music enthusiasts. While many members bring prior musical experience, this is not a requirement for joining. The club offers a unique resource for students seeking a peer-centered approach to learning and making music, distinct from traditional performance-based or academic-focused music programs. With access to recording equipment, instruments, and digital audio workstations (DAWs), the club provides a comprehensive environment for creative exploration.
The club meets every Thursday evening in Gardner Hall, offering structured sessions that may focus on specific techniques like equalization to improve track clarity. Soren Callo, a member with over a decade of songwriting and production experience, notes that the club has provided him with valuable insights into production. In contrast to other music clubs at the University of Utah, which often fade after a few weeks, the Audio Engineering Club stands out as a consistently active and supportive community. It caters to those looking for a more interactive and practical way to engage with music, filling a gap in the university’s music scene.