Alumni spotlight Trey Cornish: real students in Music Production and Recording Industry

Trey Cornish offers a first-person account of what it means to be a student in Ohio University’s music production and recording industry program. He offers advice for any future media music students and some exciting projects he is working on now. Read more about how OHIO has shaped modern music producers in the real world.

SL: What made you choose Ohio University's music production/recording industry program?
TC: I initially didn’t join OHIO to pursue the music production/recording industry program but once I found out there was one, I immediately switched my major and focus.

SL: What student organizations were you a part of here at OHIO?
TC: I did Brick City for a bit my freshman year, but I mainly met classmates in my music production classes and just started making music with them.

SL: Were you a part of any programs provided by OHIO, such as South by Southwest?
TC: Yes! I truly believe the South by Southwest program with Josh Antonuccio and the OHIO-in-LA program with Dr. Cooper are some of the most important things the media school has to offer. These programs really got me ready to step up in a professional environment once we were on our own.

SL: What projects are you currently working on?
TC: Right now, I’m focusing on drumming with an artist named Lux Lawless. Since being out in LA, I’ve gotten to drum with some amazing artists like Glüme. I’ve also gotten to be an assistant engineer for some stuff with Poppy, Hollywood Undead, and bumper music for That 90’s Show with James Iha. The last thing I worked on was tracking some percussion stuff with Jeff Friedl for a Matthew McConaughey commercial.

SL: What pivotal experiences did you have in the music production program?
TC: Definitely the tracking experiences with Jeff Redefer and Eddie Ashworth. I remember learning that the board wasn’t “rocket science” and once you have a signal flow and some levels, you’re ready to start making records baby! Also, Antonuccio’s classes were extremely important when understanding how money works in the industry. It is absolutely crucial for everyone to take his licensing and publishing classes if you’re even remotely interested in the industry.

SL: Do you have any advice for future music production students?
TC: Just keep pushing through. I remember being a student thinking it was going to be impossible to brush shoulders or break with anyone in the industry. Remember to be very kind and cool to everyone you meet because you will work with them one day; it really goes a long way. As big as the industry is, it’s also a small world. The business really ends up being who you know and each connection leads to another spiderweb full of others. Don’t be afraid to really study music too! You’ll impress the guys at the top if you have deep knowledge and an understanding of music history!