Dakota Hurley’s love for music started early. Sitting in his room in Johnson City, Tennessee, he spent countless hours dissecting riffs from classic rock and country records. From the start, he knew music wasn’t just a hobby; it was his future. Fast forward a couple of decades and Dakota has made that dream a reality, working alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry. When he’s not running front-of-house for legendary performers like Aerosmith, Billy Joel, and Big & Rich, you can find him managing his very own recording studio and event venue. Not too shabby for a kid with guitar dreams!
Dakota’s Early Days in Music
Dakota’s first stage wasn’t your typical one. Growing up, his grandfather, a minister, introduced him to the world of live church performances. Watching the choir sing and being immersed in the rich sounds of those Sunday services ignited a lifelong passion. Dakota wasn’t just listening; he was absorbing.
Throughout his grade school years, that passion remained. He poured countless hours into playing guitar, dreaming of one day sharing his music with the world. But like many journeys to success, his path would take a few unexpected turns.
A Unique Start to His Career
After high school, Dakota didn’t immediately jump into the world of audio engineering. Instead, he took a surprising detour by joining the Air Force. Although this might sound unrelated, the experience only deepened his connection to music. While serving, he joined several bands and dove deeper into the country music genre he had grown to love. Those years solidified his understanding of teamwork, discipline, and what it takes to go after something you truly believe in.
These invaluable lessons were the foundation of his future success in the music industry.
Discovering the World of Audio Engineering
Once his Air Force days were behind him, Dakota set his sights on his true calling. He knew he wanted to immerse himself in the world of recording and producing music, but he needed the right tools and guidance to get there. That’s when he stumbled upon F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s Recording Arts and Show Production program.
The program became a launchpad for Dakota’s career ambitions. It provided a comprehensive blend of real-world skills and technical knowledge that he uses to this day. From understanding the intricacies of sound production to learning how to manage the newest audio technology, every aspect of the program aligned perfectly with his goals.
And Dakota didn’t just complete the program; he thrived in it. Armed with the skills and the confidence he gained, he was ready to transform his aspirations into tangible achievements.
Building “The Cove” and a Career with Legends
Equipped with the right training from F.I.R.S.T. Institute, Dakota took his first big step in the industry by opening his recording studio and event venue, The Cove, in Sanford, FL. This space quickly became a creative hub for dozens of bands and solo artists who admired Dakota’s unique ability to finesse every musical element into a polished final product.
But Dakota didn’t stop there. His talent for sound engineering opened doors to incredible opportunities. He stepped into the role of front-of-house engineer for some of the biggest names in music, including Billy Joel, Eric Church, Aerosmith, and Big & Rich.
When asked about his approach, Dakota shared that the most rewarding part of his work is shaping raw talent and sound into something extraordinary. His favorite projects are those where he can bring all the musical elements together to create an unforgettable performance. And if his track record is any indication, he’s mastered that art.
Reflecting on Success and F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s Role
Looking back at his career, Dakota credits F.I.R.S.T. Institute as one of the key stepping stones that helped mold him into the successful audio engineer he is today.
“F.I.R.S.T. helped me develop the skills and understand the information I still use to this day,” he says. “The sky’s the limit, and you can achieve anything you’re willing to work for.”
This sentiment perfectly captures Dakota’s approach to life and work. He’s living proof that with the right attitude, proper training, and hard work, ambitious dreams can become reality.
Aspiring Audio Engineer? Discover F.I.R.S.T. Institute!
Dakota’s story is more than just inspiring; it’s a testament to how passion and preparation can elevate a career to extraordinary heights. If you’re dreaming of becoming the next great audio engineer, music producer, or sound technician, F.I.R.S.T. Institute can help.
Our Recording Arts and Show Production program is designed to teach aspiring professionals the same skills Dakota used to build his career. From hands-on training with professional-grade equipment to real-world industry insights, this program has everything you need to get started.
Are you ready to take the first step? Schedule a tour of our campus and learn how we can help you launch your career in audio engineering. The world of music is waiting for you!
