Studying Mixing: Creating A Contemporary Apprenticeship

Historically, mixing has been a skill that has been developed by progression through a number of roles within the studio environment. The traditional route to mixing would see interns and assistants working in the studio, taking on everyday tasks such as cleaning, artist support and general receptionist responsibilities. As these employees moved ‘up the ladder’ they would move on from the perceived tea-making role to tape operator, assistant, engineer and eventually to the role of mix engineer. This traditional studio hierarchy does still exist in a few large modern studios, however, opportunities are more difficult to come by as more mixers move from commercial spaces into privately owned facilities, often in the residence of the engineer. Théberge (2012) suggests that there is now ‘a lack of apprenticeship placements’, with those looking to engage in a career in mixing turning either to self-instruction or academic study as their route...