Getting a Head Start

Tony Rodriguez has released an EP of all original music. He has also released several DJ-mixed CDs. Tony has done music production for a fashion show. He has also created three music groups through collaborations with other songwriter-composers.

Reading Tony's music-industry résumé, you would think he's a long-time industry veteran. In fact, Tony is just starting his second year in the Recording Arts program at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa. Tony should graduate with his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Recording Arts at the end of this year.

"There is nothing at the Academy that is a waste of time," he says. "Classes teach you important things you need to know to succeed in the industry. You have to work hard, though; instructors here don't spoon feed you."

Tony says the Academy isn't just about classes, however. "There are opportunities to do outside projects that will prepare you for the industry."

And Tony knows a thing or two about opportunities. Prior to enrolling at the Academy in early 2005, Tony spent eight years in the Marine Corps. It was after getting out of the Marines and running into dead ends in the Tampa-area civilian workforce that Tony decided to finally pursue his passion. He had been a DJ for 25 years and always wanted to get even more involved with music.

Tony didn't want to wander into the music industry blindly, however. "I wanted to do it right, with a well-rounded degree under my belt." Researching Tampa-area schools, Tony narrowed his choices to two. It didn't take him long to enroll at the Academy over the other school.