John Aho
North Mankato
Summary
23 year old music industry major looking for internship opportunities for studio engineer in the summer of 2027. Proficient audio engineer with experience in studio and live production environments. Strong background in team collaboration and project management, ensuring optimal sound quality and seamless operations during recordings and live performances. Has offered comprehensive experience in setting up, installing, and maintaining audio equipment, including amplifiers, soundboards, microphones, and loudspeakers. Familiar with audio signal processing and audio signal flows. Possesses specialized skills in sound mixing, live sound reinforcement, and digital audio workstation (DAW) operation. Collaborates with artists, understands needs, and delivers high-quality production. History of consistently meeting deadlines with professional sonic quality.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Backline Audio Engineer
The Crooked Pint Ale House
Mankato
04.2026 - 04.2026
- Established and maintained audio amplification equipment for acoustic guitars, microphones, and keyboard, ensuring optimal sound quality during performances.
- Allocated tasks among team members, enhancing collaboration between the leader, the engineer, and another freelance engineer.
- Coordinated efficient dismantling of equipment to streamline post-show operations.
Recording Studio Audio Engineer
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Co-engineered three-song EP in alternative shoegaze style, collaborating with another student engineer to enhance sound quality and production value.
- Operated digital signal processing, signal routing, mixing, gain staging, and post-production editing.
- Configured PA sound system in recording space to ensure high-quality audio delivery during sessions.
- Assisted in setting up microphone stands in recording studio to prepare for sessions., using proper cable handling.
Recording Studio Technician
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato
10.2025 - 10.2025
- Installed microphones (SM57s/58s, AKG) onto designated amplifiers.
- Verified proper connection of audio components before recording sessions to ensure optimal sound quality.
- Collaborated with musicians to ensure quality sound capture.
- Maintained audio systems and tools for optimal performance.
- Assembled microphone stand components into a single unit for efficient setup
- Added and adjusted the post and clamps to the base of the microphone stand, securing the main pole shaft, height adjustment, and the microphone clip
- Assisted in equipment teardown after practice, performance, recording, and editing sessions to maintain organization
- Participated in group discussions to improve recording techniques and processes.
Musician/Songwriter/Bandleader
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Enhanced live concert events by performing, composing, and managing audio and lighting standards.
- Collaborated With Like-Minded Songwriters and Talented Beginner/Experienced Musicians, focusing our collective efforts on bringing each other's compositional ideas to life through fruitful constructive criticism from band peers and outside professional musicians
- Acquired foundational skills in live sound recording, including setting up PA systems, operating digital signal processing, and troubleshooting sound issues.
Student Council Secretary
South Central College
Mankato
09.2022 - 05.2024
- Dictated and published details of student senate decisions, approvals, propositions, and non-profit work, showcasing council contributions to the community both on and off campus.
- Organized weekly meetings and maintained accurate minutes for student council discussions.
- Compiled agendas for all Student Council meetings and took minutes during each meeting.
- Supported the president in creating agendas and managing council schedules.
- Engaged with diverse student groups to gather feedback on council activities.
- Crafted strategies to boost student participation in school activities and programs sponsored by the Student Council, fostering a more active student body.
- Disseminated information about upcoming events or initiatives sponsored by the council through email or other online platforms.
- Organized team-building activities to foster a sense of camaraderie among members of the Student Council.
- Arranged LED light structures for annual Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Sibley Park, gaining hands-on leadership experience and contributing to community engagement.
- Addressed student inquiries regarding council policies from students regarding topics related to Student Council operations or policies.
- Ensured that all documents related to the council were filed appropriately and securely.
- Attended conferences and summits hosted by other student councils to share best practices and gain new ideas.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Music Industry
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN05-2027
Skills
- Audio engineering
- Signal processing
- Microphone setup
- Team collaboration
- Project management
- Effective communication
- Creative problem solving
- Equipment maintenance
- Live sound recording
- Sound engineering
- Operating control consoles
- Troubleshooting
- Plugin development
- Sound control maintenance
- Live production support
- Audio quality control
- Client relations
- Mixing sound input
- Advanced signal flow
- Audio recording
- Microphone placement
- Microphone usage
- Quality sound management
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Control console operation
- Microphone installation
- Mixing methods
- Digital recording
- Audio processing
- Sound mixing
- Event organization
- Audio equipment marketing
- Microphone techniques
- Audio mastering
- Soundtrack production
- Audio mixing
- Recording techniques
- Acoustic treatment
- Virtual instruments
- Song arrangement
- Live sound engineering
- Analog gear operation
- Music production software
- Sound design
- Digital audio workstations
- Creative vision
- Professional demeanor
- Interpersonal skills
- Music industry knowledge
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliability
- Self-critiquing skills
- Live sound adaptation
- Audio technology trends
- Analytical thinking
- Time management
- Music editing
- Audio arrangement
- Technical troubleshooting
- Improvisation
- Adaptability
- Performance logistics
- Networking
- Digital audio workstation proficiency
- Live event coordination
- Genre-specific sound design
Accomplishments
- 2026 Music Industry Dean's List Nominee
Affiliations
- Radio Disk Jokey/Intern
- Concert Choir
- Solo Music Band Project (Flower Bloom)
- Acoustic and Electric Guitarist
- Synthesizer Enthusiast
Timeline
Backline Audio Engineer
The Crooked Pint Ale House
04.2026 - 04.2026
Recording Studio Technician
Minnesota State University, Mankato
10.2025 - 10.2025
Recording Studio Audio Engineer
Minnesota State University, Mankato
08.2025 - 12.2025
Musician/Songwriter/Bandleader
Minnesota State University, Mankato
01.2025 - 05.2025
Student Council Secretary
South Central College
09.2022 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Music Industry
Minnesota State University, Mankato