Amy Dragon’s Insightful Dive into Mastering
Setareh Seyed Mofidi
Amy Dragon, a mastering engineer hailing from Telegraph Mastering in Portland, brought a refreshing dose of real-world wisdom during her recent visit to our MUS 172 class. The session, held on May 28th and open to all (roughly 26 attendees), was a candid exploration of the art and science of mastering.
During the two-hour presentation, Amy’s down-to-earth demeanor and wealth of experience set the stage for an engaging dialogue. She navigated through the history of mastering, offering a glimpse into its evolution from analog roots to the digital age. Amy delved into the practical aspects that define the craft: From the fundamental basics to emerging trends like AI tools and spatial audio, she provided a comprehensive overview that left students with a deeper understanding of the field’s intricacies. But what truly resonated with attendees was Amy’s openness to discussing not just the technical nuances but also the ethical considerations inherent in the profession. Students found her personal anecdotes particularly enlightening, providing invaluable insights into the real-world challenges and triumphs of a mastering engineer. Amy also generously shared ways of staying in touch with her and a plethora of resources with attendees, including organizations like “Music Portland” that is invaluable for music industry professionals in this area.
Thanks to the HARTS funds the Music and sonic Arts students were able to get a crash course in mastering, a craft that is not currently taught in any of PCC classes. In hindsight, Amy Dragon’s visit was a refreshing departure from traditional lectures, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the industry. As students departed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, Amy’s impact lingered as a testament to the transformative power of shared expertise.
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Amy’s visit was generously funded by the PCC HARTS Fund, which supports programming and scholarships that increases student access to the arts and humanities. To donate to the HARTS Fund, please go to the donation page and choose “Other” in the designation form. Then enter “HARTS” in the box that appears.