Search
Insight

Service and sounds with SAE lecturer David Turner

David Turner is a music producer, lecturer and leads the Music program at SAE. David shares some of his thoughts on working in the creative industries.
Teacher and lecturer David Turner - SAE Music Department

David Turner is the course leader of Music at SAE and has a Masters of Business Administration. He teaches at SAE Melbourne but mentors across the national network of creative practitioners.

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief in your creative work practice. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

In my early days, I viewed a music producer as the star of the show.

As a working professional, I thought I knew best for the artists I worked with and that it was my job to shape their sound to how I thought they should sound. But then I produced and recorded for a band, Redspencer, and during that recording, for the first time I let the artist lead me.

During these sessions, I really listened to the artists and the vision they shared for their sound. I became a mentor instead of a guide, a facilitator instead of the star and I brought out the best in the artist through realising this (music production) is a service role. I make better records now with more variety in the job.

List the top 3 attributes you appreciate in creative industry professionals.
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong work ethic
  • Affability
David Turner -
I became a mentor instead of a guide, a facilitator instead of the star and I brought out the best in the artist through realising this (music production) is a service role. I make better records now with more variety in the job.
Name an emerging use of technology in the creative industries and why it’s a game-changer.

Youtube.

Content creators in the music space have control of their entire output through this primarily audio visual medium. Music always relied on visual aesthetics to position itself to an audience but now music producers and artists need to have total control of their output.

Leveraging the “behind the scenes” content audiences now expect, as well as developing new content streams and partnerships, youtube has allowed musicians to fully develop their brand image and market it in new ways.

Who inspires you?

Sylvia Massy is a fantastic record producer.

She has worked with rock bands like TOOL, Red Hot Chilli Peppers Johnny Cash amongst many others and has a unique unusual approach to record production.

She has a very active social media presence that further develops and defines her brand and acts as “edutainment” one the new ways artists are marketing themselves.

Anything else?

If you are a creative you are compelled to create, it’s not a choice. Leveraging that into a career takes passion, skill and dedication but it results in a rewarding and fulfilling career.

I split my time between my role as the Course Leader for Music and my various creative roles as a producer, songwriter and touring performing musician.

It’s a busy life but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Musician and recording sound engineer sitting at desk with electric guitar in hand. Surrounded by keyboards, mixing consoles and a computer

Want to find out more about studying audio or music?

Get in touch with an SAE course advisor to have a chat about your creative future.

Read the latest News

A man sits at desk and looks at a monitor displaying 3D model and editing software. The man is in a classroom. Another student sits in background and is looking at opposite wall with projected image.

SAE & Format collab supports student & alumni success

In an exciting development for SAE students and alumni, we are pleased to...
Read more
Man using film camera on train tracks thumbnail

Shaki redefines Melbourne’s diverse art scene with Heatwaves series

As the mind behind Heatwaves, Shaki Prasanna has inspired a new generation of...
Learn More
Samson pictured outside SAE Melbourne

Diversity in music: Samson’s journey into the industry

SAE is proud to celebrate Samson Hailu, a talented music student who has defied...
Read more
DJ Anna Lunoe speaking at a masterclass event in Sydney (2024).

Insights

This powerhouse music industry panel discussion gave SAE students and emerging...
Read more
A group of young people engaged in conversation walk across an outdoor asphalt basketball court

Three Reasons to Attend Your SAE Orientation

You’re enrolled at SAE and ready to start on your new creative career...
Read more
How can we help you?
ENQUIRE
NOW
Learn more about our courses, ask a question or request more information.
APPLY
NOW
Take the first step in launching your creative career with confidence
BOOK A
TOUR
SAE is excited to now offer our campus tours in person or online!

Book a Tour

SAE boasts world-class facilities and collaborative spaces geared towards the creative media industries, as well as flexible remote learning options.

Why not check SAE out for yourself and book a campus tour? When you book a campus tour, you are given an opportunity to speak to an SAE Course Advisor, who can address your needs and help answer your questions.
APPLY NOW
I'm applying as an
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
I'm applying as a
DOMESTIC STUDENT
Choose Your Country
Choose Your Language