Studio Assistant (Summer Position)

Location: Studio Bell, home of National Music Centre, Calgary
Reporting to: Studio Manager and Engineer

The National Music Centre (NMC) collection is held in trust for the public; it consists of primarily cultural (human- made) objects and intellectual property related to music in Canada to be used for the exclusive purposes of preservation, restoration, use, presentation to the public, and research. The Studio Assistant will assist NMC’s expert recording engineers and electronics technicians to facilitate recording sessions and maintain the Living Collection of instruments and recording equipment. Over the course of the internship, the Studio Assistant will gain knowledge of NMC’s recording facility infrastructure, experience with the care and use of historic and vintage musical instruments and develop basic electronic troubleshooting and maintenance skills. The Studio Assistant will report to the Studio Manager and Engineer.

Government of Canada summer student funding for this position requires that all applicants are under the age of 30 years, are currently enrolled in a post secondary program of study related to this position, and must also be returning to full time studies in the fall of 2025. Hiring for this position is subject to funding approval.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Set up and strike recording studio and assist NMC studio staff during recording sessions.
Assist with VIP Tours of the recording facilities.
Ensure proper care, handling and documentation of historic instruments and recording equipment.
Create fault reports to assist technicians with repairs.
Ensure the security and safety of Studio Bell and the NMC’s Living Collection.
Ensure the comfort and safety of visitors, staff and volunteers of NMC.
Advocate on behalf of NMC, communicating our mission and vision and being up-to-date on key messages and dress code requirements.
Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Government of Canada summer student funding for this position requires that all applicants are under the age of 30 years, are currently enrolled in a post secondary program of study related to this position, and must also be returning to full time studies in the fall of 2025.
Provide exceptional customer service, inter-personal and problem-solving skills.
Be a strong team player with a positive attitude.
Have strong organizational and logistical skills with attention to detail and accuracy; able to multitask and manage time wisely.
Be a personable worker with the ability to work with an ever-changing roster of staff, volunteers, clients, guests and contractors.
Be a motivated self-learner who keeps up to date with emerging technologies, equipment and procedures.
Be enthusiastic and self-motivated, able to work well independently and be quick to take initiative as well as follow instruction.
Experience with production and the corresponding needs of musicians, artists and commercial clients.
Experience with engineering in a recording studio environment.
Work well independently with minimal supervision.
Have strong communication skills and be able to think quickly on their feet.
Understand that being receptive to our clients, both internal and external, and their needs is paramount.
Be passionate about music and enjoy engaging people.
Be willing and able to work a flexible shift schedule.
Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Familiarity and experience with the service, facilities, theatre, events and/or museum or other not-for-profit industries is an asset.

Key Relationships

Studio Manager and Engineer
Recording Engineer
Studio and Electronics Engineer
Collections and Exhibitions team members
Senior Director, Collections and Exhibitions

Qualified applicants should send resume and cover letter in PDF format to the Studio Manager and Recording Engineer, Graham Lessard, at graham.lessard@nmc.ca on or before May 5, 2025.

Please ensure that your full name is in the file name (ex: Smith_John_cover_letter_resume.pdf) and that the subject line of your email is Studio Assistant Application. No phone calls please.