I went to a summer guitar session at Berklee School of Music in my late teens. I didn't take away very much from the classes during the day but I made friends with about 10 other guitarists who were at my exact level of passion and curiosity for the instrument. In the evenings we would jam, talk, and share tips and tricks with each other that was invaluable to me at a young age. It was all fuel for the fire and totally worth the experience.

As someone who didn't go to college, I'd recommend anyone to go if you can. Even if you don't study music but something film or media connected, its the people you'll meet as much as what you learn. Surrounding yourself with like minded people is invaluable, and it will broaden your horizons way more than a bad day job.

Music [therapy] professor here! Loved this chat - albeit my field is different, I still think all these things apply. Loved your last friends points! Thanks for sharing.

As Sam's (main? longest tenured?) publisher, I would like to state categorically that he is irreplaceable and when he eventually does, as we all will, "end tomorrow" my first thought would NOT be how to find someone else and my sadness would NOT be related to any loss of income. ❤ Love that dude. Good chat, both of you... much respect.

I'm fortunate to live in a part of the world (not the US) where higher education hasn't been commercialized and is within anyones reach, regardless of economic and social background. So, it is a non-issue here. Though I played in bands from the age of 15, I choose not to go to music school and instead became a computer engineer and network admin. And I did that for 25 years. Still, music was a huge part of my life, and I learned the craft by being in studios, touring and gigging. So, now and 50+ years, I finally make living being a musician. Strange how life turns out. Also, Jons advice to hang out with people that are smarter than you is the best advice there is. Not only in music and production, but life in general. It helps you focus, and you learn SO MUCH just by osmosis hanging out with people like that. At my age, I'd also like to add tat it pays off to hang out with younger people than yourself. They tend to be hungrier and have way more energy, and it helps old guys like me pull out of my complacency and go to new and interesting places. When it comes to my kids in this day and age, it's a totally different ball-game. I don't know if there is a viable route to make a living in the future being a musician, mixer or whatever. With the coming age of AI, it's even more complicated. For those that goes down the musician road, I think it helps to be a jack of all trades type. Play loads of instruments and be creative.

Further education is a learning experience in itself as you mix with new people you didn't grow up with and learn to appreciate a wider community. It helps if you have a real interest in the subject you are studying because you'll get good grades, but don't forget most academic institutions are geared up to provide extra-curricular activities. In terms of music join the theatre group, film makers, student radio, bands, running the local student venue. If education isn't for you then find a job that aligns with your interests and instead of student clubs you'll find loads of local things going on if you make the effort to find them. Perhaps most importantly, do stuff that makes you happy and want to go to work/school. :)

Great Video Jon!

wish i knew about this place 15 years ago

The problem is the hassle of asking for a certificate that many studios and agencies require. The final product is the sound, the music, what the hell do we need a degree? I can not understand. I think the college is just for network.