Tileyard alumnus Jan Trafas moved to London four years ago to chase his ambition of working in the music industry. His persistence paid off as he lands his dream job as a sound engineer at RAK Studios.
Starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production at SAE, followed by working in retail at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, it is Jan’s persistence combined with the opportunities at Tileyard that got him to where he is now.
Discovering Tileyard Education
While working at Abbey Road, Jan heard about Tileyard Education through his friend Darcy and word of mouth. Her stories about the unique opportunities and connections offered by Tileyard sparked Jan’s interest, leading him to enrol in the MA Commercial Music Production in September 2022. This decision marked a pivotal moment in his journey, opening doors to experiences and mentors that would shape his career.
Building networks through tutors
One of the most significant moments during his time at Tileyard was attending a mixing technique class in 2023, where he met Riccardo Damian, a seasoned engineer with a history that mirrored Jan’s own aspirations. Riccardo, who had also studied at SAE years earlier, had gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Mark Ronson and Rick Rubin. Jan was struck by Riccardo’s expertise and relatability, recognising in him a mentor who understood the challenges he was facing.
Persistence paying off
Determined to break into the industry, Jan reached out to Riccardo after the class, asking about potential internships. Though there were no immediate opportunities, Jan didn’t stop there. He continued to build his network, attending Tileyard songwriting camps, speaking to different people at Tileyard to see how he could progress his career before officially graduating in 2024. During this time, Jan applied for a different role at Abbey Road but unfortunately didn’t get the job. Jan shares: “It’s like being so close yet so far to where you want to be”.
Breaking into RAK
Then one day, a chance encounter with Riccardo at Abbey Road’s canteen, where he was recording with Mercury award winning Ezra Collective, proved to be another turning point.
Jan took this opportunity to reconnect with Riccardo instantly, expressing his eagerness for any opportunity he knew of. Successfully, this persistence led to an exciting internship at Studio 13. Jan immersed himself in every aspect of studio life, from setting up mics to assisting with world-class artists. It was here that he learned the crucial importance of attention to detail and maintaining professionalism in high-pressure environments.
After gaining invaluable experience in his role at Studio 13, Jan’s big break came in May 2024. He received a notification for a trainee studio assistant/sound engineer position at RAK Studios and applied immediately. After a lengthy interview process, including a trial week, Jan was offered the job—securing his place in one of the most iconic studios in the world.
Reflecting on the journey
Now, as a full-time member of the RAK Studios team, Jan reflects on the journey that brought him here. His story is one of tenacity, where each step, no matter how small, was a crucial part of his path to success. From his beginnings in Poland to his current role at RAK, Jan Traffas’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of networking, and the transformative experience of his education at Tileyard.
Find out how you can take your career to the next level with our MA courses in all different aspects of music in partnership with Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies.
