Education
Columbia College Chicago - Bachelor of Arts in Audio Design and Production 2009-2013
Audio and Music Work History
High School
I began working with audio during my sophomore year in 2007 when I put together a very basic recording studio in my home. I taught myself how to use audio recording software and began writing and recording original songs. During the next three years of High School I continued to expand my knowledge of the recording process and make upgrades to my studio. I recorded demos for three different local bands, recorded the High School band and choir concerts, and continued to create and recored original music. I also played guitar in my High School jazz band for two years, performed guitar in the pit orchestra for the annual musical production, and took private lessons in guitar and audio recording.
During my senior year I spent a semester shadowing an audio engineer at a professional recording studio. During this time I learned more about high end audio equipment, essential studio practices, mixing techniques, and how to interact with and assist musicians in a studio setting.
College
During my time at Columbia College I took one class in sound theory, three classes in audio production, three classes in studio recording, two classes in live sound recording ( https://soundcloud.com/dacossestereo-1 ), two classes live sound reinforcement, one class in acoustics, one class in Pro Tools, one class in beat making, and one class in DJ techniques ( https://soundcloud.com/dacossedj-1 ). I received hands on experience in digital multi-track and stereo recording, music mixing and mastering, sound design, ADR, Hi-Fi audio equipment, tape machines, and live sound mixing.
In my free time I recorded two different rap albums for fellow students ( https://soundcloud.com/dacosseaa-1) , made audio recordings of two comedians (https://soundcloud.com/dacossecomedy-1) , created original music for three different student video projects ( https://soundcloud.com/dacossefilm-1 ), and released my first official EP of original music ( https://soundcloud.com/regardingbeing ).
I was an intern at Wall to Wall Recording Studio in Chicago IL from September 2012 to May 2013. During my time there I learned how to make various kinds of audio cable, assisted in the digital transfer of vinyl records, and helped prepare practice spaces.
After College
My first job out of college was as a piano player in a four piece band performing family friendly material for toddlers at a children’s activity center in Chicago called Kidville. Each week we would present a new 45 minute interactive show that included classic children’s songs and arrangements of pop songs.
I spent a year and a half building and managing a family friendly internet radio station called W-LUV for a small business investor. I created a music library of several hours of carefully selected material in a wide variety of genres. I created several different play blocks and identifiers for each block. I also recorded advertisements for sponsors and promotional content with original music and sound design. On top of managing the radio station I also created promotional video content for her small business complete with original music.
I provided live sound services for the children’s music stage at four different Chicago street festivals for several years. I would set up and tear down a live sound system, provide live mixing for each act, and act as stage manager.
I recorded a full length album of folk music for a singer/songwriter, and a demo for three piece rock band in my home studio ( https://soundcloud.com/dacossecma ).
To date I have released four full length albums of original music. Every aspect of each album; writing, performing, recording, mixing, mastering, graphic design, and distribution, was done by myself. You can find all of these albums on the “Music” tab.
I helped to create a single season of a Podcast called “Dope History” centered around interviews of legendary figures in the cannabis community. I provided original music, sound design, extensive dialogue editing, mixing, and mastering ( https://www.youtube.com/@dopehistorypodcast )
I helped create a wide variety of audio content for the WGN and WLS radio morning show including theme songs for staff members and regular guests, comedy audio skits and songs, promotional content, and songs for birthdays and other special occasions. I also provided instrumental guitar performances to open live comedy shows featuring Steve Cochran from the WGN and WLS morning show.
While I lived in Chicago I played bass guitar in three different bands including a progressive rock band called Plastic City ( https://plasticcity.bandcamp.com/album/look-at-me-ep ), a folk band lead by a singer/songwriter named Jory Avner, and an indie rock band called Sick Day ( https://sickdaymusic.bandcamp.com/ ). I performed with these groups at a variety of Chicago music venues including Subterranean, Reggies, and Schubas. I also played at several local bars and DIY venues.
As a demonstration of my ability to make audiobooks I created two chapters of “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy”, by Douglas Adams, complete with custom music, sound design, and voice acting ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL294BmvNj_nWzryfCzss6VB1HF5408bbG )
I manage a Youtube channel that features all of my officially released original music, original music videos, comedy skits, and classical guitar performances ( https://www.youtube.com/@CDACOSSE )
I have provided private lessons to several satisfied students in guitar, bass, drums, music theory, and audio production.
I’ve written and performed presentations in home recording and music appreciation to audiences of high school students and youth groups.