Musical Jack of all trades, Marcoantonio Spaventi

Marcoantonio Spaventi’s Guide to Thriving as a Musical Jack of All Trades

November 28, 2024 by Dennis Beentjes

In the ever-evolving world of music production, being skilled in multiple disciplines, a jack of all trades, is a rare and valuable trait. Marcoantonio Spaventi, one of our talented lecturers at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, exemplifies this versatility. As a mastering engineer, sound engineer, music producer, Ableton and synthesis expert and teacher, Marcoantonio brings a wealth of industry experience into the classroom, enriching the learning journey for our students.

From his roots in Italy to his current base in Barcelona, Marcoantonio’s career is a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with artistic passion. Whether he’s mastering and mixing music for international clients, collaborating with equipment brands, or crafting his own productions, Marcoantonio balances a dynamic portfolio of roles—all while guiding the next generation of music professionals at our institute.

Marcoantonio works across genres as a mastering engineer, producer, sound engineer, and highly acclaimed lecturer. We had the privilege of discussing his dynamic career, his daily routine as a freelancer in Barcelona, and his reflections on balancing technical precision with creative artistry in the music industry.

Here is the (edited) interview.

Industry Professionals as Educators

At Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, we pride ourselves on having active industry professionals like Marcoantonio as part of our teaching team. Our lecturers don’t just teach from textbooks—they share firsthand knowledge and real-world experience from their own careers.

Marcoantonio embodies this philosophy. His lessons aren’t limited to theory; they’re grounded in the realities of the music business. “When I teach, I don’t just explain the technical side,” he says. “I bring my studio sessions, collaborations, and problem-solving strategies into the classroom. The students learn what it’s like to work in the industry, not just how to prepare for it.”

By learning from active professionals in the field, our students gain insights into the challenges and opportunities they’ll encounter after graduation. “At Abbey Road Institute, students don’t just leave with knowledge—they leave with a mindset,” Marcoantonio explains. “A mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and the confidence to pursue multiple avenues in music.”

Jack of all trades; Building a Portfolio Career in Music

Marcoantonio’s own career is the perfect example of a portfolio career—a strategy we emphasize at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam. It’s about diversifying your skills to create multiple streams of income, whether through engineering, production, teaching, or consulting.

Reflecting on his journey, Marcoantonio says, “It’s not an approach you can fully plan out. You may start with one thing, but nothing stops you from exploring others. I began as a musician, but my curiosity led me to audio engineering, which became the foundation of my career.”

Over time, Marcoantonio expanded his expertise into mastering, mixing, gear reviews, and even consulting for equipment manufacturers. ”

“I also added equipment and software reviews to my portfolio. I get in touch with gear manufacturers to get better deals on equipment, which turns my job as a mastering engineer into a better product. As such, my portfolio includes counselling for other people. This involves advising people on the best and most affordable equipment to purchase. If you have that type of insight, why not monetize it?”

He credits his adaptability and willingness to seize opportunities as key factors in his success. “If you have skills that others value, you can turn them into opportunities. I encourage students to think the same way—explore your strengths and build a career that fits you.”

Crafting the Perfect Sound

In an interview with Soundwall, he reflects on his multifaceted role in the industry:
“For me, every stage of the process—whether it’s engineering, producing, or mastering—is about enhancing the artist’s vision,” Marcoantonio says. “Mastering is often the final step where all the creative and technical decisions come together, but producing and engineering are equally rewarding. Each step lets me connect with the music in a different way.”

His technical precision and creative sensibility have earned him a reputation for bringing out the best in every project he undertakes. From crafting immersive productions to fine-tuning the final master, Marcoantonio approaches each project with care and dedication, always striving to maintain the integrity of the artist’s vision.

How does a typical workday look for you?

“I recently moved to Barcelona, which has affected how I manage my time. What I like most about being an entrepreneur is that I can plan how I spend my time. I usually take it easy in the mornings. I first take my daughter to preschool before I have breakfast. I don’t rush straight into work afterwards. I usually go through emails that don’t have to do with work. Afterwards, I’ll have a light lunch and cycle to the studio. Overall, I enjoy a smoother start to the day. That gives me a lot of focus in the second part of the day.”

“The actual studio day typically starts in the afternoon and goes on for as long as necessary. There are two or three days a week when I have to stretch it to the evening because I naturally focus better during the later hours.”

“The first thing I do when I get to the studio is switch on the gear. I like to use the afternoon and early evening hours to be more productive. So, I’ll start a new project and work on some masters. The focus and energy levels might drop later on in the night. As such, I tend to do revisions or other work-related things that don’t require much concentration.”

“A couple of hours before closing the studio, I use the synths. This is usually a great time for me to connect with the studio. I have a big love for classic synths, including modular systems. As a mastering engineer, exploring sounds and producing music using the synths teaches me a lot about how the room works.”

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Marcoantonio Spaventi in his MA Spaventi studio in Barcelona

Teaching: A Two-Way Street

Teaching has been a cornerstone of Marcoantonio’s career, offering a unique blend of personal and professional growth. At Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, he finds immense joy in sharing his knowledge and watching his students grow. “Teaching keeps me sharp,” he says. “It pushes me to stay up-to-date and continually improve. You can’t teach effectively without mastering your craft, and that’s a challenge I embrace.”

But teaching is also about connection. “It’s not just about passing on knowledge—it’s about sharing experiences,” he explains. “When students hear real stories about challenges I’ve faced in the studio or how I’ve worked with artists, it makes the learning more relatable. It also helps them see the industry as it really is.”

For Marcoantonio, teaching is as much about inspiration as it is education. “The energy and curiosity of students are contagious. Their questions and ideas challenge me to think differently and keep learning. It’s a rewarding exchange that benefits us both.”

Lessons for Aspiring Music Professionals

As both a teacher and a working professional, Marcoantonio offers valuable advice to those entering the world of music production and sound engineering:

1. Learn from the best: Seek mentors who have real-world experience and are actively working in the industry.
2. Diversify your skills: Explore different roles in the industry to create multiple income streams and opportunities.
3. Be honest with yourself: Focus on mastering one skill before expanding into others.
4. Seize opportunities: Don’t hesitate to turn your unique strengths and insights into a business edge.
5. Balance is key: Structure your routine to maintain creativity and productivity without burning out.

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Marcoantonio spaventi teaching Ableton Live at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam

A Unique Learning Experience at Abbey Road Institute

Marcoantonio’s story is a shining example of what makes studying at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam so special. Our students aren’t just learning from textbooks—they’re learning from the experiences of professionals who are actively shaping the industry. With lecturers like Marcoantonio, our students gain not only technical knowledge but also the mindset and adaptability needed to thrive in the real world.

We’re grateful to have Marcoantonio as part of our team, inspiring the next generation of music professionals. His journey reminds us all that with curiosity, determination, and the right guidance, you can build a fulfilling and sustainable career in music.

For more inspiration, insights, and updates, follow Marcoantonio on his journey through the ever-changing landscape of music production and sound engineering.

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