Francis Fisher

I've been passionate about sound and music from a young age. What started as making songs for friends and parties quickly grew into something more serious. I studied Music Practitioning at Kirklees College, where I composed, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered original and film music, ultimately achieving a Merit in my Level 3 Extended BTEC. During this time, I began recording and mixing in my spare time, taking on more clients as word spread.

I’ve always enjoyed helping others, whether with music production or tech related issues sometimes for pay, sometimes just to support fellow creatives. My original plan was to apply for the Sound Engineering and Music Production (SEMP) course at university, but I was encouraged to take Music Technology and Audio Systems (MTAS) at the University of Huddersfield for its broader technical scope. Although I was initially hesitant, I quickly realised my passion extended beyond just music-making into the science and engineering of sound.

Over the three years at Huddersfield, I developed a solid foundation across a wide range of audio disciplines: Year 1: Audio Technology: Explored sound, electronics, physics, and mathematics. Digital Music Production (DMP): Produced and mixed tracks. Live Music Production: Worked with bands, PA systems, outboard gear, and mixing desks. Web Audio: Learned HTML, CSS, and C programming for audio applications. Professional Skills: Gained research and academic writing techniques. Mixing and Studio Work: Hands-on mixing in a studio environment. Audio Electronics: Designed and built a microphone preamp, applying core electronics knowledge.

Year 2: Acoustics and Psychoacoustics: Studied room acoustics, sound absorption, impulse response recording, binaural, ambisonic, and omnidirectional techniques. Group Project: Researched and reported on cloud-based mastering services. Studio Engineering and Mixing: Recorded and mixed live bands. Studio Production and Spatial Recording: Used spatial recording techniques to capture ensembles and 3D soundscapes. C Programming & Microcontrollers: Programmed a MIDI controller with effects using the PICkit 3 and custom code.

Year 3: Music Production and Mastering: Learned to master and mix tracks to professional standards. Designing Audio Plugins: Developed a fully functional VST3 synthesizer (ADSR, delay, reverb, pitch control, presets, pan, and volume). Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Coded MIDI effects on an STM32 development kit. Individual Research Project: Wrote an academic report on the effectiveness of AI tools in music production. Interfaces for Expression: Created a Max/MSP system that converts microphone signals into MIDI triggers.

Since graduating, I've begun freelancing in sound engineering and music production while actively searching for opportunities in the audio industry. Although I’ve built up a small client base, I’m now looking to join a company where I can continue to grow, learn, and contribute my skills in a professional environment.