Curriculum Vitæ

(also available as a pdf download)

Mark Peskett

Address: 34 Pavilion Way, Eastcote, Middlesex, HA4 9JN
Mobile: 07846 922 080
E-mail: mark.peskett@gmail.com
Web: www.markpeskett.co.uk

About
I am a recent graduate of a Masters Degree in Record Production at Thames Valley University, where I studied the philosophy of record production, as well as recording and mixing techniques and approaches under tutelage from experienced and successful record producers and engineers. Prior to this I completed a degree in Popular Music Performance at Tech Music Schools in London in 2009. I am a guitarist of 10 years, and I also teach privately in my spare time.

My intention now is to find work within a traditional studio environment as an assistant engineer, in order to gain experience and a living doing something I am passionate about.

Outside of my vocations I am a practicing Christian, and enjoy reading books on music psychology, physics and technology. I spend a lot of my time playing my guitar and writing and recording music. I am not currently in a band but I will pursue band interests when time allows. Musically I enjoy listening to progressive rock and metal such as Meshuggah, Periphery, Tesseract, Textures and Pink Floyd. I am also a member of the Registry Of Guitar Tutors and the Audio Engineering Society.

Experience
I have experience in recording both on location and in studio environments, using various technologies and applications. This has included the Gamelan orchestra at the South Bank Centre and the London College of Music Winter Concert on location, and a punk band, jazz band, solo singer/songwriter and a metal band in studio settings. I am familiar with the construction and operation of microphones, preamplifiers and consoles et cetera, and take a keen interest in researching the history and usage of such technology.

My production style is one that brings out the best elements in a song whilst being sympathetic to the artist and their desires for the music they have written. I generally view the mixing process as a presentation of a song, and thus always aim to retain the right dynamic balance and groove. I am personally opposed to the ‘loudness wars’ and will never seek loudness for the sake of loudness.

Education
Queensmead Technology College – September 2004 – July 2006
I studied A-Levels in Mathematics (B), Further/Pure Mathematics (D), Physics (C) and Music (B).

Tech Music Schools – October 2006 – June 2009
I studied at the Guitar-X branch of Tech Music Schools and graduated with a 2:1 degree in Popular Music Performance. This degree included a great deal of performance work in many genres and styles including rock, jazz, country, reggae, soul and musical theatre. The degree also included modules on programming, recording and production (where I consequently discovered my interest), and web and graphic design. The intention was to create a self-sufficient musician within the music industry.

Thames Valley University – October 2009 – September 2010
The Master’s Degree in Record Production formally finishes in September 2010 after the completion of a research project. It is primarily a research-orientated course that deconstructs the art of making records, by discussing technology, culture, psychology and more in an effort to better understand the working methods and approaches. In addition to this is practical work and investigations into the making of records, use of technology and recording methods. I was also the student representative for this course.

Skills
Along with the recording and production experience already mentioned, I am familiar with various stereo microphones techniques, in-line console operation (Audient ASP8024 all analogue and Otari Elite+ digitally controlled analogue), and digital signal processing theory – some articles of which can be found on my website. My BA degree trained me in numerous styles of music so I am aware of the nuances of various genres of music and as a guitar teacher I am confident at adapting my working methods in a way that gets the most out of my students. I believe I work exceptionally well within a team whilst being aware of everyone’s responsibility in order to work most effectively.