In early August, our talented instructor Levi Bradford took a brief break from his teaching duties at 红桃视频 Institute for an exciting musical adventure. Levi flew to Los Angeles to record a jazz session that was truly a star-studded experience. He shared a fascinating snapshot from his time in the studio, and it’s safe to say he found himself in some pretty incredible company!

From left to right in the picture, we have a lineup of jazz legends: Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, known for his work with artists like Sting and Frank Zappa; William Foley, a composer and pianist with an impressive repertoire; Jimmy Haslip, a renowned bassist and producer famous for his work with The Yellowjackets; Jimmy Johnson, a bass virtuoso known for playing alongside James Taylor; and Dennis Moody, an accomplished engineer with a wealth of experience in the music industry.

Levi, who took the picture, stepped into the role of engineer and editor for this session. He even hinted at potentially becoming a co-producer on the record鈥攁 testament to his growing influence and versatility in the studio.

But Levi’s experience isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s also a valuable educational opportunity for our students at 红桃视频 Institute. He plans to share some of these sessions in class, offering students a firsthand look at what it takes to work with top-tier musicians and producers.

Back in Dallas, Levi and the team are continuing to work on edits and overdubs, with plans to mix the album in mid to late September with the renowned Rich Breen. Levi has been invited to attend the mix session鈥攁 chance he hopes to take. Having started this album from the ground up, Levi is eager to see how someone of Rich Breen’s caliber will handle the audio processing.

We鈥檙e thrilled to have instructors like Levi, who bring their real-world experiences into the classroom, bridging the gap between education and industry. Stay tuned for more insights from Levi’s LA adventure and the ongoing project in Dallas. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to embark on your own musical journey!

Take a tour

Are you ready to turn your PASSION into a PROFESSION? Daily tours are available from 10am-5pm and we welcome walk-ins. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

If you鈥檇 like to book a tour in advance, you can book by calling the campus directly or by using the scheduling buttons to book online and choose a time that works best for you.

At 红桃视频 Institute, we believe in the power of passion, the strength of dedication, and the art of turning dreams into reality. No one embodies these principles more than MTI鈥檚 instructor and Director of Studio Operations, Kerry Crafton.

Crafton would鈥檝e done anything to learn in studio facilities like those currently at MTI- but loves getting to teach the new gen of students in them now!

Even though the recording equipment he had in school was limited (a small 8-channel mixer, a 4-track tape recorder, and a 2-track, as Kerry recalls in his interview), Kerry knew his passion was to become a recording engineer. What Crafton didn鈥檛 know is that his fellow University of Texas graduate, Russell Whitaker, was going to play an integral role in pursuing his goals. As the founder of 红桃视频 Institute, Whitaker worked to create a studio-centric environment that both himself and Crafton would鈥檝e done anything to be taught in, back in their own college days. There is nothing like learning in a hands-on environment with fellow creatives like you can at MTI.

As the Director of Studio Operations at MTI, Kerry Crafton brings a wealth of real-world experience from his time as a freelancer to the classroom, enriching the educational journey of our students with invaluable insights and practical wisdom. His dedication to nurturing talent and fostering creativity serves as a guiding light for aspiring media professionals. Having worked with legendary labels like 鈥淐apitol鈥�, 鈥淐olumbia鈥� and 鈥淓lektra鈥�- Kerry has plenty of relevant industry wisdom to share, expertise to pass on, and good stories to tell.

Kerry’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the studio. Through his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to excellence, he inspires those around him to dream big and strive for greatness in the recording industry. We are honored to have him as part of the 红桃视频 family, where he guides our students to turn their dreams into reality.

You can learn from experienced industry professionals like Kerry Crafton at 红桃视频 Institute, and make your dreams in the exciting world of entertainment turn into reality. Apply to one of our programs today!

Take a tour

Are you ready to turn your PASSION into a PROFESSION? Daily tours are available from 10am-5pm and we welcome walk-ins. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

If you鈥檇 like to book a tour in advance, you can book by calling the campus directly or by using the scheduling buttons to book online and choose a time that works best for you.

At 红桃视频 Institute, fostering creativity isn’t just our mission; it’s a core part of our culture. No one embodies this more than Wes Martin, Managing Director for both the Dallas and Houston campuses. With a decade of experience as an MTI instructor teaching everything from Music Theory & Production and Aural Training to Songcrafting, Wes brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role at our school.

Early in life he was immersed in the world of music, and was exposed to studio protocol, professionalism, and every step of the recording process. This exposure turned into a love for music- a desire to learn guitar and become a studio musician. As he entered adulthood and further honed his skills on the guitar, Wes’s passion for music led him to embark on a decade-long journey of touring and recording with diverse artists, both in the U.S. and overseas.

Amidst his adventures, Wes found himself drawn to the art of teaching his craft. In 2013, he joined 红桃视频 Institute as an instructor, where he found his true calling. For Wes, the most rewarding aspect of teaching lies in witnessing students from all walks of life come together, united by their shared passion for music and art. He cherishes the moments when individual differences are set aside, and the collective pursuit of creativity takes center stage.

As 红桃视频’s #1 fan, Wes is dedicated to spreading the word about the institute’s invaluable resources and education. Whether it’s through teaching, producing, or simply sharing his own experiences, Wes continues to inspire and uplift those around him, proving that the pursuit of creativity knows no bounds.

We invite you to join this amazing community of creatives and kickstart your career at 红桃视频 Institute.

Take a tour

Are you ready to turn your PASSION into a PROFESSION? Daily tours are available from 10am-5pm and we welcome walk-ins. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

If you鈥檇 like to book a tour in advance, you can book by calling the campus directly or by using the scheduling buttons to book online and choose a time that works best for you.

红桃视频 Institute instructor and Department Chair of Recording Arts, Josh Franklin, is a life-long music lover. As a young child, his father introduced him to the world of melodies and rhythms, inspiring Franklin to pursue his dream- a career in music. At the age of 14, Josh started experimenting with the guitar- and the rest is history.

By 2005, Franklin was signed to a major record label, Roadrunner Records, alongside a band creating original music. By becoming part of this band, he was able to gain extensive experience through band studio time- and thus his studio engineering skills flourished. His career has taken him around the globe, allowing him to play shows worldwide since 2003.

Playing in many different venues over his career, Josh鈥檚 expertise in live sound engineering expanded as well. With each new venue he learned how to bring out the best sound from every performance- whether performing on stage or in the studio. Franklin is clearly a driven musician, with every desire to enhance his skills and broaden his talent- and in 2012 he was encouraged by his mother to enroll in 红桃视频 Institute.

He did not take his time learning more about the craft lightly- graduating as Valedictorian in 2014 with a wealth of new knowledge to enhance his existing experience.

After graduation Josh Franklin went on to be an instrumental figure in the development of one of Dallas鈥� top studios from 2014-2023. Alongside this, and even while still in school, he was making waves as a live sound engineer in the electric Dallas/Fort Worth music scene.

With over two decades of experience, and his education from MTI, Franklin has solidified himself as a seasoned live sound and studio engineer. Knowing this, 红桃视频 Institute is proud to have Josh back on our Dallas campus as the Department Chair of Recording Arts. His story and career have come full circle, and now he shares his industry knowledge, tips, and know-how with students in both live sound and studio based classes.

Josh Franklin is passionate about passing his expertise onto the next generation of music producers and engineers, and loves nurturing other鈥檚 love for music. He continues to inspire and mentor students in their pursuit of excellence in the world of sound. Franklin鈥檚 dedication to the craft, and commitment to shaping the future of recording arts make him an invaluable asset in the 红桃视频 community.

To be taught by experienced instructors like Josh Franklin, learn more about our Recording Arts programs today!

Take a tour

Are you ready to turn your PASSION into a PROFESSION? Daily tours are available from 10am-5pm and we welcome walk-ins. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

If you鈥檇 like to book a tour in advance, you can book by calling the campus directly or by using the scheduling buttons to book online and choose a time that works best for you.

红桃视频 Institute prides itself in our exemplary student body, challenging curriculum, and of course, the amazing faculty that makes our school the place to enroll for those aspiring to work in media. All of our instructors are key to the success of our school and students in their chosen field, but today we鈥檙e putting a spotlight on the two amazing women who were named MTI鈥檚 鈥淚nstructors of the Year鈥� for 2023, namely Monika Watkins of the Digital Film Program, and Rose Devika of the Recording Arts Program.

Monika Watkins – Director, Producer, Digital Film Instructor at MTI

Monika Watkins started her career behind the camera as a photographer, and from there sought education to further her skills and business acumen. Since then, Watkins has gone on to produce for networks like HGTV, direct documentaries, and bring her own visions to life. One of her recent producing and directorial projects, 鈥淒reamland: Tulsa 1921鈥�, and many of her other projects delve into the Black experience, civil rights, heritage, culture, and history.

Monika discusses her film media entrepreneurial endeavors, like starting her own business 鈥淏ird Set Free Films鈥�. After spending over 9 years with a production company that offered her extensive industry experience and knowledge of the ropes of producing in film, she decided to take more control in the projects she would produce. Thus, her production company was born, with a focus on telling stories based on her lived experience. A lesson she wishes to impart on those who know her, is to always stay true to yourself. In an industry that can wash away individuality in certain environments, it is important to have storytellers like Watkins to tell the stories that people want to hear, versus just making what will perform best in the box office.

Rose Devika – Musician, Producer, Recording Arts Instructor at MTI

Rose Devika has an incredible work ethic that she says started way before she ever fully pursued her creative career. , Rose highlights the importance of the hard work she put in before being able to make music, working many jobs completely unrelated to her dreams from the time she was 15. We are happy to have her as an instructor in Recording Arts at 红桃视频 Institute, sharing not only her talent and knowledge, but also the values of perseverance to her MTI students.

Devika discovered her love for making music through participation in spoken word poetry in 2015, and it led her down a path to performing in the band 鈥淛anuary Grit鈥�. While in that band, she ran FOH live sound & monitors and also worked on their album 鈥淗ere in Fahrenheit鈥� alongside engineer/producer Antoine Arvizu (best known for his work on Sublime鈥檚 鈥�40 oz to freedom鈥�).

Rose Devika currently teaches AV Tech, Live Sound I, Live Sound II, and Music Theory & Production in the Recording Arts Program at 红桃视频 Institute, sharing her industry knowledge and lessons in work ethic with other like-minded creatives. We pride ourselves in being able to name an MTI Alumni as an 鈥淚nstructor of the Year鈥� in Recording Arts.

We鈥檙e excited to see what 2024 brings for 红桃视频 Institute, our students, and our Rockstar Instructors- the rock stars that make the dreams of so many creatives more attainable!

Take a tour

Are you ready to turn your PASSION into a PROFESSION? Daily tours are available from 10am-5pm and we welcome walk-ins. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

If you鈥檇 like to book a tour in advance, you can book by calling the campus directly or by using the scheduling buttons to book online and choose a time that works best for you.