ROSEMARIE RAPISARDA
Special to The Leader
It’s a new school year and the class of 2024 will soon have to prepare for their post-Fredonia path.
Just weeks after graduating, alumnus Anthony Casuccio went from wearing a tie-dye tee and riding a mountain bike to wearing a three-piece suit on his way to an interview in New York City. Many fresh graduates often find themselves in the same shoes as they look to navigate the professional world.
The music industry has become wildly competitive with how technology has taken over. Regarding the future of the music industry, Casuccio provided advice for college graduates breaking into the field.
Casuccio graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 1991, receiving a bachelor’s degree in sound recording technology.
Out of college, he was recruited by Reader’s Digest production at BMG Studios to join their record label. After nine years of living in New York City, he built experience working with other notable labels, having produced, mixed and remastered numerous albums for artists like Johnny Cash and Tony Bennett.
This ultimately led him to start his own mixing and mastering company, Xtream Audio.
Casuccio’s audio work has been heard across the media, earning three Grammy nominations and topping various Billboard charts.
He also writes, produces and engineers for his pop/rock band called A&L. Their music has been played on the radio in more than 70 cities across the United States and Europe, topping multiple charts worldwide.
Casuccio emphasized the importance of making connections when seeking a job in the music industry.
During his final semester at Fredonia, he had an on-campus internship with his studio manager, whom many students didn’t get along with due to her tough and dull personality.
After spending more time with her, he realized she was very knowledgeable. She even granted him a referral, positively impacting his life after initially being denied his first industry opportunity.
“Don’t judge people unless you really know them,” Casuccio said. Even though he was reluctant at first, the internship and connection with his professor solidified this philosophy.
After moving from Western New York to the Big Apple, navigating his way on his own felt like a shock to Casuccio. He was suddenly in a big city without his usual support group or parents; it was either sink or swim. Fortunately, Casuccio’s networking skills led him in the right direction when meeting with many musical figures in the city.
For example, he got the opportunity to master radio edits for Columbia Records’ act Cypress Hill. Not only does he have a passion for music, but also a passion for teaching.
“I can do it all and succeed, but then I take that passion and turn it into a teachable moment, bringing it into the classroom,” Casuccio said.
He considers himself lucky to be able to take what he loves, share it and teach it. Casuccio finds fulfillment in passing on his knowledge to the future generation.
For someone just starting in this field today, he said, “It’s crucial to work hard and not say no [but] there’s going to be a point where you have to say no. But if someone asks you to do something early on, do it. If there’s an opportunity that comes around, take it.”
He emphasized how this will further your career by not limiting your potential ability. “You need to be in the studio, be at the sight, volunteer and meet the right people so they can see that you’re serious and a hard worker.”
Sienna Strain, a student at SUNY Fredonia majoring in music industry, gave insight into how breaking into the field feels to her.
She said, “Of course, I’m a little nervous because any job you’re first going into will be nerve wracking… especially during the first interview … but I’m really passionate about what I’m going to be doing, and I’m excited to finally do it in a real-world setting.”
Connecting with her professors has taught her how to interact with people who have been through the industry and have come out successfully. “It’s tough to break through in the industry and get seen or recognized today if you don’t have a connection,” Strain added.
She noted specific advice from her professor, Edward Croft, who is also a Fredonia alumnus. “He’s always talked about how being nice, respectful and caring about others will take you very far…And I just think this really resonates with me.”
According to Casuccio, a music industry veteran, and Strain, who will soon make her way into the real world, networking is crucial. By following this networking advice, prospective professionals can set themselves up for success in the competitive field that is the music industry.