How do you guys get better at Protools?

[JCBigler]

I'm sure most of us have settled into a comfortable place with Protools (and other audio tools), based on what we normally use out of the tool box.

But what do you do to stretch out and learn new tools that you don't normally use, or new work flows? For me, I'm specifically thinking about some of the post production tools and work flows, and surround (which I don't have access to a surround set up), but also working with video, sync, etc...

I'd like eventually to expand my skill set so that I can get some work in a post house, film scoring, etc...

[Sardi]

Originally Posted by JCBigler

I'm sure most of us have settled into a comfortable place with Protools (and other audio tools), based on what we normally use out of the tool box.



But what do you do to stretch out and learn new tools that you don't normally use, or new work flows? For me, I'm specifically thinking about some of the post production tools and work flows, and surround (which I don't have access to a surround set up), but also working with video, sync, etc...



I'd like eventually to expand my skill set so that I can get some work in a post house, film scoring, etc...

I think you answered your own question.

I find that doing something different to what you do regularly, forces you to learn and work differently.

So, if you want to build up a skill set for post work, literally practice doing it in your spare time. Grab a trailer for a film, mute the audio and rebuild it yourself from scratch.

You’re right that you tend to get comfortable with what you know, but once you have to do something entirely different, you’ll start to get to grips with new tools and workflows and learn as you go.

At the end of the day, there’s no substitute for just getting down and dirty.


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[EGS]

Originally Posted by JCBigler

... what do you do to stretch out and learn new tools that you don't normally use, or new work flows? ...

I'm a PT freelancer for both music and post. Whenever possible, I try to sit with other PT engineers as they work in real time, and observe their workflow. "Oh wait ... what was THAT you just did?". Watch videos, read the DUC, & go to seminars. Sweetwater's Gear Fest usually has some good ones.

[EGS]

Also, if you're mostly a music engineer, sit with a post engineer. If you're mostly post, watch a music guy.

[amagras]

Originally Posted by EGS

Also, if you're mostly a music engineer, sit with a post engineer. If you're mostly post, watch a music guy.

True, whenever I see a screenshot from a post guy I'm like WOW!! and I'm automatically fine with how much I need to learn...

[DonaldM]

We all learn differently. What I've always tried to do from the very start when I first got Pro Tools (back with 7.1) is learn to do things the way the pros do. I found many good "how to" videos featuring several of the top pro mixers showing how they do things. I figured if I do what they do, I'll get better and better. Its paid off.


I've also taken some online courses to learn new techniques and get better at it. When I got a gig scoring a science documentary, I spent a week immersed in watching several film/score pros how to videos. I already knew how to compose music, and mix it, but the specifics of locking things to specific timecodes I needed to get some help on. So I just went out and found it.



Also, I make a point to learn at least 1 important new technique every week. Sometimes more than 1. And I also make a point to read or watch at least one new article or video on how to do this or that every single day. I don't always make it, but 90% of the time I do.



And the pros here have always been AWESOME for help and tips!

[AlexLakis]

I remember the first time I learned that you could lock the controls on Pro Tools, that was a frustrating and confusing 15 minutes.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by EGS

Oh wait ... what was THAT you just did?

Priceless moments. And do not forget to share them forward...

[EdwardWilliam]

For what it’s worth, the Avid’s Certificate courses helps PT users learn all the details of the software. I’ll be teaching these in June in New Mexico.

PM me with any questions…

Avid Pro Tools Certification Courses at NMHU in Las Vegas, New Mexico
JUNE 3-19, 2019

Pro Tools 101 (JUNE 3-4, 2019) $600.00
Pro Tools 101 is a 2-day, 16-hour beginner-oriented Avid Pro Tools Training course that covers basic principles of digital music production and recording in*Pro Tools, giving you what you need to complete a project from initial set up to final mixdown. Whether your project involves live instruments, recording*vocals, MIDI sequencing or audio looping, this Pro Tools course gives you the basic skills to succeed in basic recording and editing in Pro Tools. For students 16 years and older.*Prerequisites: Basic computer skills. Required equipment: Stereo headphones. Limited to 9 students. Avid textbook included with the course. Taught by Dr. Edward*Harrington, Certified Avid Pro Tools Instructor, in the Music Building, room 11.

Pro Tools 110 (JUNE 5-7, 2019) $1,200.00
Pro Tools 110 is a 3-day, 24-hour course, and the second of the Certified Avid Pro Tools Training courses that covers the key concepts and skills needed to*operate a Pro Tools system in a home or professional studio environment. In this Pro Tools class, you will learn to record, edit, and use the essentials of*automation, as well as work with both audio and MIDI to further your audio education. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the PT 101 course. Required*equipment: Stereo headphones. This is the second of two Pro Tools courses needed to prepare for testing for the Pro Tools User Certificate. Passing the Avid*online exam for both 101 & 110 is required for certification. Limited to 9 students. Avid textbook included with the course. For students 16 years and older. Taught by Dr. Edward*Harrington, Certified Avid Pro Tools Instructor, in the Music Building, room 11.

Pro Tools 201 (JUNE 10-11, 2019) $800.00
Pro Tools 201 is a 2-day, 16-hour Certified Avid Pro Tools Training class that teachers techniques needed to operate a sophisticated Pro Tools system in a*professional grade studio or advanced home studio environment. Students are introduced to professional Pro Tools HD systems, control surfaces and develop*advanced skills in editing, mixing, session management, and automation with Pro Tools Training as the focus. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the PT*101 & 110 courses. Required equipment: Stereo headphones. Limited to 9 students. Avid textbook included with the course. For students 16 years and older. Taught by Dr. Edward*Harrington, Certified Avid Pro Tools Instructor, in the Music Building, room 11.

Pro Tools 210M (JUNE 12-14, 2019) $1,200.00
Pro Tools 210M is a 3-day, 24-hour Certified Advanced Pro Tools class that completes the skills needed to competently operate a sophisticated Pro Tools*system in a professional level environment with a focus on music. This is the second of two Pro Tools courses needed to prepare for testing for the Pro Tools*Operator Certification in Music. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the PT 101, 110, & 201 courses. Required equipment: Stereo headphones. Passing the*Avid online exam for *both 201 & 210M is required for certification. Limited to 9 students. Avid textbook included with the course. For students 16 years and older. Taught by Dr. Edward*Harrington, Certified Avid Pro Tools Instructor, in the Music Building, room 11.

Pro Tools 310M (JUNE 17-19, 2019) $1,300.00 
This is a 3-day, 24-hour Certified Advanced Pro Tools Course for the most experienced users. Students are exposed to highly advanced editing and mixing*techniques, advanced control surfaces, troubleshooting techniques, automation and various complex plug-in processes. Prerequisites: Successful completion*of the PT 101, 110, 201, & 210M courses. Required equipment: Stereo headphones. Once you complete 310M, you may take the official Avid Expert*Certification hands-on and written exam to earn your Expert Pro Tools Certification in Music. The Avid online exam plus a tactile control (keyboard) of Pro*Tools is required for certification. Limited to 5 students. Avid textbook included with the course. For students 16 years and older. Taught by Dr. Edward Harrington, Certified Avid Pro Tools*Instructor, in the Music Building, room 11.

WHAT AVID CERTIFICATION PROVIDES:
CERTIFICATION BENEFITS 
Avid certification provides a number of tangible benefits to both certified individuals and the organizations they work for, either now or in the future.*

For individuals Avid certification provides
• Industry recognition of proven expertise in a given Avid product or role
• The ability to advance your career with measurable value to employers*
• Entry in Avid's Certification Registry accessible via the*Find a Certified Professional*online listing, as well as a Certificate of Achievement
• A certification logo to add to marketing materials, websites, business cards to differentiate yourself and your organization
• Access to the ACSR technical community for peer to peer communication (ACSRs only)
For employers Avid certification provides
• Ability to find the right person for the job, quickly assessing candidate skill level
• Confidence in your teams ability’s and skills with Avid solutions
• Capability to invest in and promote your most promising employees
• Greater system performance, with little to no downtime

New Mexico Highlands University is an Avid Learning Partner



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[BScout]

No one in Audio Post production (major studios) or music has ever cared about "Avid Certification" for Pro Tools.

Everyone is just more interested in what you can do (while they watch) and "training" doesn't get you there -- experience does. How to get better: spend time with people who are great in their audio fields picking up the workflow as you go. Each discipline uses a whole different subset of features (or in a different way) than others.