Eric Gandy at Studio B's Neotek Elite.

Eric Gandy is excited about the prospect of a career in audio. Find out why he chose the Conservatory and what he has planned for the future.

Age: 21
Hometown: Aztec, New Mexico
Last School Attended: San Juan Junior College
Last Book Read: Harry Potter: The Sorcerer’s Stone
Favorite CD: Primus: Sailing the Seas of Cheese
Most Recent Concert Attended: Pantera and Slayer

What made you choose the Conservatory?
Because of it’s reputation and the teacher’s reputations and accomplishments.

What do you expect to get out of your Conservatory education?
A head start and jump in front of other students in the recording industry.

What do you think so far? Has the school met your expectations?
It has far exceeded my expectations.

What most excites you about a career in audio?
That I will be making records and enjoying music every day (oh, and I will get paid for it!)

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I want to be deeply involved and an asset to a company who makes great records.

What did you do for a living before attending the Conservatory?
I was a server at Outback Steakhouse in Farmington, NM.

What other recording schools had you considered besides the Conservatory?
LA Recording Workshop and Full Sail.

Why did you choose NOT to attend those schools?
Because of the conversations I had with admissions representative Tonya Nehring.

How much prior experience did you have coming into the school?
I had done some live sound and played in bands since I was in high school.

What is your dream goal?
I would love to be an engineer that was in demand and someday run my own studio.

How does the Conservatory fit into your plan for success?
It has changed the path that I was taking. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

Who is your favorite teacher on staff?
Mike Jones/Jeff Harris.

What is your favorite class?
All of them that deal with sessions.

Which area will you choose to pursue?
I want to make records!!!

Since our interview, Eric has graduated and is now interning at Emerald Recorders in Nashville. When we chatted, he was preparing to work on a session with Sheryl Crow and was excited about working at one of Nasvhille's hottest studios. Good luck Eric!