In 2007, faculty member Rich Blakin arranged for professional drummer Phil Young to record with student engineers in IAR’s Recording Workshop class. In his prolific career, Young has recorded with a diverse array of artists, some of whom are winners of Grammys, Emmys, and Oscars. At IAR, Young feels his contribution has given students “the benefit of working with experienced professionals now rather than later in their careers, an experience that has no price tag.”

Young’s passion for music and for helping to educate IAR students shines through as he drives the sessions behind the drum kit and provides wisdom to students, micing his kits and mixing the sessions. Young expressed strong feelings about this special program, and particularly what it means to him: “In my opinion, IAR is the best thing going on. It gives me a chance to interact with young minds. I always think of IAR as a laboratory, and we are the scientists attempting to create. The young students have so much to offer, and I’ve learned to listen and have gained immeasurably.”

Young has this advice for the IAR students he’s met through Rich Blakin: “Think about what you really want do in this business and soak it up at IAR because these are the best of circumstances.”