Soundbrenner software engineering internship: Crafting a career in music and technology

Musicians aren’t born. We’re crafted from practice.

During my time as an undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, my life followed two distinct rhythms. On one hand, I immersed myself in the logical flow of computer engineering, studying complex designs, analyzing algorithms, and designing optimal solutions.

On the other, I was dedicated to mastering the trumpet, spending hours practicing, rehearsing, and performing amongst fellow musicians. These two passions, once separate, found harmony at Soundbrenner, where I worked as a software engineering intern.

Why Soundbrenner

As both a musician and an aspiring software engineer, Soundbrenner was the perfect fit for me. The company innovates at the intersection of technology and music, curating products that help musicians unlock their true potential.

Prior to working at Soundbrenner, I used The Metronome for years to keep tempo during my trumpet practice routines. The prospect of working on products that would directly impact the global music community while allowing me to explore my passion for software engineering was incredibly exciting.

Internship experience

From day one, I felt that Soundbrenner nurtured a welcoming, exuberant, and immersive environment that pushed me to engage my skills as an engineer, designer, and musician to develop features for The Metronome. I was integrated into the heart of the action, given the opportunity to contribute directly to the app’s core functionality. From brainstorming new features, refining existing ones, or troubleshooting issues, I was trusted with responsibilities that had a real impact on the world. Being involved in the technical and creative aspects of development allowed me to see how my work directly influenced the user experience.

Working at Soundbrenner, though, I was not just an iOS developer; I was also a long-time user. As a trumpet player and a member of multiple music groups, I understood firsthand the needs of musicians and leveraged my background as a musician in my work.

This perspective allowed me to approach development from both a technical and a practical standpoint, ensuring that each feature was both functional and genuinely useful for dedicated musicians. Seeing my work directly shape the user experience was incredibly fulfilling and strengthened the connection I felt between creating for musicians and being one myself.

Learning and growth

During my time at Soundbrenner, I experienced rapid growth not only in technical proficiency but also in professional skills. Working closely with an experienced team, I quickly gained a deeper understanding of iOS development, from standardized coding practices in Swift to navigating developer tools for feature development. I learned how to troubleshoot challenges while designing features such as support for custom metronome sounds and a set list PDF generator, pushing me to explore creative solutions and refine my technical skills.

Overall, going through the product development cycle provided valuable insights into turning ideas into reality and taught me lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Beyond technical knowledge, I gained invaluable experience working within a collaborative engineering team. Frequent check-ins with my engineering lead, Pau, and participation in team standups exposed me to the rhythms and dynamics of a professional development cycle. I developed a better sense of communicating effectively, learning how to ask questions, contribute ideas, and give and receive feedback in a constructive manner.

Soundbrenner’s supportive environment allowed me to thrive in my own way, encouraging me to develop as an engineer and a team member while tackling challenges and embracing creativity.

Impact on career development

As a member of Soundbrenner’s engineering team, I had the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced, dynamic space. This hands-on experience gave me a glimpse into the life of an iOS developer, exposing me to the daily responsibilities, challenges, and mindset required to bring ideas to life. Success in software development quickly became about more than just technical skill, and naivety melted away as I tackled the real-world challenges of adapting to changing requirements, addressing unexpected problems, and working seamlessly with a team to deliver results. I had to stay on my feet, collaborate efficiently, and navigate inevitable ups and downs throughout the developmental process.

Adaptability proved to be king in the ever-changing environment at Soundbrenner. I learned that “figuring things out” is a constant part of the job; no one has all the answers, but a positive and curious mindset is key when facing obstacles. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was observing how we as teammates collaborated. We bounced ideas off each other, shared insights, and worked as a unit to overcome obstacles. I saw firsthand how important it was to leverage the team, and regardless of individual roles or experience levels, to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.

This experience taught me that collaboration and adaptability are at the heart of software development. The technical skills I gained were significant, forming a solid foundation for approaching complex problems. But the lessons learned while working with others, embracing continuous improvement, and being versatile were just as valuable. It gave me a clearer understanding of what it means to be a software engineer and deepened my passion for working in a team-oriented, dynamic environment.

I now feel better prepared for a career in software development, and with the technical expertise and interpersonal skills necessary to thrive, I look forward to taking these lessons into future roles in stride.

Advice from an intern

If there is something you want, do not hesitate to go for it. After an eventful summer spent traveling, I took the initiative to reach out directly to the Soundbrenner’s CEO, expressing my interest in working with them. Just three weeks later, I was working with Pau to lay out the roadmap for my first project. Identifying opportunity and taking initiative can truly open doors that appear closed. By being proactive and showing genuine interest, you can demonstrate not only your skill but also a drive to make an impact.

I believe that everybody has their passions; identifying your passion and leveraging uniqueness is a powerful way to set yourself apart and create opportunities that align with your dreams. To make the most of an internship, never shy away from asking questions. Remember that internships are a place to learn, and at a company like Soundbrenner, your teammates want you to succeed. Be open to feedback, avoid sticking to your comfort zone, and push your boundaries, as every challenge is a chance to grow. Internships provide a unique opportunity to learn how to work effectively, build meaningful connections, and collaborate towards a shared goal, underscoring interpersonal skills that will benefit you throughout your career in any field.

Lastly, always stay curious and embrace the learning process. Surrounded by experienced professionals, an internship offers the perfect opportunity to absorb knowledge and refine both your technical and interpersonal skills. Take advantage of the chance to learn from those around you, and do not be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. Every interaction is a chance to grow, and the more you engage, the more you will get out of the experience.

Looking forward, I am constantly seeking out new experiences and avenues to expand my skills, and remind myself that I, like all others, am on my own path, each step contributing to my personal and professional development.

TL;DR

I came to Soundbrenner as an intern to harmonize my passion for music and technology. Throughout my internship, I learned how to navigate the ups and downs and everything in between, and came to understand the true importance of collaboration and adaptability. I learned to work with others, developed technical skills, and had fun along the way.

I now feel better prepared for a career in software engineering and look forward to applying my skills and continue growing in this field. My advice for all readers: be bold, take action, and never stop learning. This can take you far in life.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my immense gratitude to Florian Simmendinger for giving me this opportunity, to Pau Senabre for never turning me away when I needed help, and to the entire Soundbrenner team for being welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring.

You all hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you, Soundbrenner.

Kai Linsley (LinkedIn)