Their Story

One of the most powerful parts of the Recording Connection experience is the opportunity for students not only to make connections, but also to build ongoing relationships with their mentors. This has paid off big-time for Recording Connection student Dez Ward, whose relationship with his mentor (a Grammy-winning producer/engineer) has resulted in some amazing experiences.

It turns out that Tre is a good guy to know: he’s worked with some major industry icons, including Lady Gaga and J. Cole, for example. As Dez worked through his externship/externship, made himself useful and built a rapport with Tre, he found himself sitting in sessions with yet another high-profile artist:

Of course, it’s not all about getting to rub shoulders with the greats. When you’re externing with Grammy-winners, you’re likely to learn some important things, as well.

As Dez completes his externship at Luminous Sound, he looks forward to building his career based on what he’s learned from his mentor. “Knowing that I’m going to learn something new each time I go in there is definitely exciting,” he says. “I’m inspired by some greats, and that’s my goal—not to be exactly like them, but I want that level…I’m going to give it my all because this is my passion.”

That said, perhaps the most important thing Dez has learned is that in the industry, success is earned—no one hands it to you. “If you want it, you really gotta go get it,” he says. “Nobody’s going to babysit you.”