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Should I start a recording studio while pursuing an undergraduate degree?

I'm majoring in Molecular Biology, and I'm planning on graduating in three years, not necessarily for prestige (though that would be cool!) but mainly because of costs. Using my AP courses, I would likely take 18 semester credit hours a year to complete the required courses on time for med school, so I'm looking forward to a busy schedule. With that in mind, I was looking for ways to make money. And so I remembered the stories I've heard of doctors who played instruments in their free time, or some physicians even starting their own studios.

From that point, I thought, "What better way to fund college than doing what you love?" After recording a solo viola track for my mother's birthday with a trial AT2020 large condenser microphone, I realized that this could become so much more. It felt amazing being an audio engineer for a day and going through my own music with a digital audio workstation; you could even hear the smile I wore while performing!

I believe it can have the potential to pay for itself and a little bit more towards college, but I don't have concrete numbers. The catch is that financing this equipment can be expensive, and the time commitment from taking many classes and working could prevent me from starting a recording studio. From what I've gathered online, some websites promote making music in college, but they don't go into specifics about cost-benefit ratio. Therefore my question is:

Should I start a recording studio while pursuing an undergraduate degree?

I apologize for the lengthy request, but nevertheless I thank you for taking your time to consider answering my question.

#college-advice #music #time-management #passion #medicine

college-advice music time-management passion
Thank you comment icon Super cool that you are combining science and music! I am a doctor and musician so I can relate. While I believe anything is possible, college is such a busy and exciting time that it’s possible starting a recording studio make take significant time away from your studies. And if you are going to medical school grades are important. If your goal is to graduate in 3 years you will already be plenty busy and you definitely need to find time to have fun because medical school is even busier than college! So maybe before starting the recording studio, start college first and see how your schedule goes, then do research on start up costs and take it from there. Congratulations and wishing you continued success!! Candace Bellamy
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Richard’s Answer

It was my experience that getting good grades and high MCAT score took all my energy. Trying to start a business would have distracted me from the ultimate goal... becoming a physician.

Better to just take out the loans and pay them back after joining a practice.

Also, I know so many people that make a job out of something they love and then after a while, it just becomes another job.
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Rachel’s Answer

I am a musician and a physician. That said, I had to set aside my instrument for the years that I was in medical school because I did not have time to do both. I would aim to just get excellent grades and keep up your musical skills. If you can start a business later, that is a bonus.
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Judeanne’s Answer

Ben,


That is one ambitious idea! I loved reading your description of how you felt in performing and recording and couldn't help but smile, because we all should strive for that kind of fulfillment.


Recording studios are based on very expensive equipment but I believe you can lease them, instead of buying them. Like any other business, the numbers will always depend on the demand for your product/service and the effort you put into marketing them. Do you have an existing network of people looking to record with you? Do you have a large number of musicians who are friends of yours? Do you know anyone at a record label, any managers or other producers? These would be the people to promote your idea to and see if it's going to offset the cost and effort of establishing your studio.


Research some of the doctors you've heard of who did music on the side while going to school. See if you can reach out to them and ask to speak to them, directly or via email, about the technicalities and the finances of this venture. So many recording studios have gone out of business in recent years, they should be the best people for giving you the insight you need.

Judeanne recommends the following next steps:

Research doctors who did music while going to school and reach out to them.
research renting/leasing equipment and the cost/benefit of owning vs renting
Network with local musicians, producers, managers, and label staff to weigh the probability of success for a studio like the one you wish to create in the current business market.
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