Audio graduate plans a career in the music industry

Brooklyn Park, July 12, 2022 – In the Audio Production program, many students prepare to enter the music industry when they graduate. Recent grad Michael Mantini is pursuing that path. In the program, he recorded and mixed music for commercial productions, video, television, film post-production, and audio-visual projects. Mantini described his post-graduation plans during a recent interview.

Hennepin Tech: Congratulations on being a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the academic honor society for two-year colleges! How would you describe the Audio Production program?

Mantini: The program was challenging. But I look back fondly at all the projects we did. We went through so much together.

Hennepin Tech: Podcasts are a big trend in the world of audio. Is that part of your future career?

Mantini: I want to open my own studio and manage it. I’ll open it up to podcasters, recording artists and I’ll record my own music.

Hennepin Tech: The faculty know many alumni who are successful audio engineers in the music industry and they routinely help new grads get their start. One Hennepin Tech alum won a Grammy Award this year. Have you tapped into the alumni network?

Mantini: I’ve talked with my professors about connecting with alumni in the business. I think that’s important and I am planning to do that when I’m ready to go to another city. First, I need to establish something here to demonstrate that I’ve accomplished something in the business.

Hennepin Tech: What was your favorite memory of Hennepin Tech?

Mantini: I’ll remember that it was fun. I’ve been in music my entire life. This is my passion. All of my classmates shared that same passion. What’s not to love about it?

About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech) is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 45 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.