André Fischer (right) presents Al Schmitt with McNally Smith’s Bachelor of Science in Music degree and Honorary Professor of Recording Technology certificate. Photo by Emma Freeman Photography.
Al Schmitt, 19-time Grammy winning engineer and producer, recently visited McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minn., to inaugurate the school’s new Masters Lecture Series with more than 400 students. The lecture series was produced by the Music Business Department and hosted by the Recording Technology Department.
“McNally Smith College of Music prides itself on providing its students with practical experience and knowledge within the music arena,” explains André Fischer, McNally Smith College of Music’s Dean of Music Industries. Fischer established the new lecture series, which will showcase music industry legends such as George Massenburg, Don Was and Ed Cherney.
“By establishing a lecture series that brings some of the music industry’s top ‘masters’ into our students’ worlds, the students receive a real-life perspective from music professionals who they look up to and aspire to emulate,” Fisher continues. “In addition, they receive first-hand insight into all facets of the music pro’s job responsibilities, including recording, technology, business, production, performance and composition.”
Mirroring the format of the Bravo series Inside the Actors Studio, some of McNally Smith College of Music’s leading instructors interviewed Schmitt, who spoke candidly for 90 minutes, discussing his personal road to establishing fruitful careers in music engineering and producing, while also offering helpful tips for achieving success. Upon finishing his interview segment, he participated in a Q&A with students in attendance.
In recognition of his time and dedication to the college and its students, Schmitt was the first to receive McNally Smith College of Music’s newest nationally accredited degree, its Bachelor of Science in Music (Music Producer). He was also presented with an Honorary Professor of Recording Technology certificate.
Al Schmitt works with a McNally Smith student on the school’s new SSL Duality console. Photo by Emma Freeman Photography.
“McNally Smith College of Music goes above and beyond when it comes to music instruction and higher learning,” says Schmitt. “It was a pleasant surprise to become the first recipient of McNally Smith’s new Bachelor of Science in Music degree. This is a prime example of the college’s commitment to providing quality programs and instruction to its students. It was also a privilege being the first guest speaker to kick off the McNally Smith College of Music’s new Master Lecture Series. It was great to have had the opportunity to sit down with McNally Smith’s fine students and share my experience and insight into the music industry. I was very impressed with their knowledge, skills and talent, and believe that they truly represent the music professionals of tomorrow.”
In addition, Schmitt received a personal tour of the McNally Smith campus and its 12 recording studios, which include two new SSL Duality consoles. He also led two master recording classes during his visit.
For more information, visit www.mcnallysmith.edu.
