Recently, IB Programme students from grades 6 and 9 had an exciting field trip to The 8th Note Studio – a professional commercial recording studio. This visit was an extension of the grade 9 Zurich class’s Electronic Dance Music (EDM) lessons and aimed to support the growth of young aspiring musicians.
Guided by Mr. Hoàng Đức Anh, who has many years of experience in the professional recording industry, the students had the opportunity to:
Tour the studio and learn about equipment such as microphones, mixers, recording software, and the working environment of a standard studio;
Discover the music production process, recording techniques, mixing, and how to creatively balance vocals and instruments to deliver the most authentic sound experience;
Ask direct questions to gain deeper insights into the work that goes on behind every music product.
Châu Anh (6Manchester) shared, “This trip opened my mind to so many new things. I got to touch and explore real studio equipment and better understand the effort behind making a music recording.”
Mr. Simon Simon Anthony Stephenson – Music Teacher at Dewey – explained: “This was a great chance for students to compare and expand on what they’ve learned in class. For example, while they’ve studied EDM recording techniques, recording acoustic instruments can take days – a process that requires significantly more time and precision. The post-production stage is especially complex and time-consuming, involving sound engineering, adding effects, and fine-tuning every audio layer to complete a polished music product.”
The trip not only offered students a more comprehensive view of the recording industry, but also gave them a realistic glimpse into the journey of becoming a professional musician – a path that demands passion, perseverance, and serious investment in both time and skills.
Beyond its educational goals, this experience also sparked a love for learning – an essential trait in the IB Learner Profile. Even if music isn’t every student’s career path, being immersed in a real-world work environment is a valuable opportunity for them to explore their potential and gain insight into a fascinating and creative field in modern life.
