Please jump on our discussion boards which are included at the bottom of each post. You can ask questions or share observations and most of the time, someone will respond.
Subscribe to HowSound, our podcast co-sponsored by PRX and hosted by the lead instructor for Transom Workshops, Rob Rosenthal. HowSound provides the backstory to great radio storytelling; each episode is like having your own private radio lesson.
Finally, you might consider taking one of our Workshops where we put gear in your hands within moments of meeting you and walk you through the process of making radio.
2. How do I find out about the latest audio tool?
For advice on anything gear-related we rely on Jeff Towne. You should too. You can find his thorough reviews of digital recorders, microphones, editing software and more in our Tools section.
3. What are Topics and how do I use them to navigate the site?
Topics are the big bins we use to organize our content.
Shows are features in which we premiere a piece by a producer and the producer shares helpful notes on "the making of" the piece.
The Tools section is filled with in-depth reviews of digital recorders, microphones, editing software and more.
Ideas contains commentaries (shorter pieces) and manifestos (longer pieces) with tips and inspirations from seasoned and newer producers alike.
Finally, HowSound is a podcast sponsored by PRX and Transom, hosted and produced by Transom Workshop lead instructor, Rob Rosenthal. HowSound provides the back story to great radio storytelling and every episode is a little radio lesson gem.
4. How do you pick the pieces featured on Transom? And how can I submit something?
The editor's letter is the best way to stay informed about everything from new posts on Transom to Workshop offerings. We promise we don't share the names on our email list with anyone. And we won't inundate your inbox either. We typically send an editor's letter about once a week. At most.
6. Where can I subscribe to the Transom and/or HowSound podcasts? And what's the difference between them anyway?
The Transom podcast offers you a way to listen to the pieces we premiere here on our site.
The HowSound podcast is a joint production of PRX and Transom and is hosted by Transom Workshop lead instructor, Rob Rosenthal. HowSound provides the backstory to great radio storytelling. It's like a mini radio class every time.
You can find both the Transom and HowSound podcasts at iTunes.
7. How do I report a problem with the website?
We know problems on a website are inevitable. Still, we want to eliminate as many problems as possible on Transom.org. We appreciate that you're willing to take the time to tell us about any you may have found.
Please write to us at info [at] transom.org
8. How do I contact Transom just to say "hey" or to ask a question?
That's easy. Write to us at info [at] transom.org.
We're also big fans of snail mail. Postcards. Packages. Send them all to:
P.O. Box 445;
3 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
To talk to a live person, call 508-548-5527. If we're not there (we tend to keep strange hours), leave us a message. We will call you back as soon as we can.
9. Does Transom offer internships?
No. But Atlantic Public Media -- the parent organization of Transom.org -- offers internships. If you're interested in finding out more, please write to info [at] atlantic.org.
10. How can I donate to Transom.org?
Thanks for your generosity. You can find out everything you need to know about donating and learn about the cool gifts we can send you as a thank you here.
Workshop FAQs
11. When will your workshops resume?
Unfortunately, we don't have a definitive answer to that question just yet. What we CAN tell you is everything is on hiatus for the time being. We recommend that you go to our main workshops page and use the pop-up window to sign up for our workshops mailing list. We'll notify you as soon as we have more information to share.
12. Do I need to be computer savvy?
We expect that you use a computer on a regular basis, that you know your way around Word and the Interweb, and that you've dabbled in more daring stuff like Garage Band or iMovie. Maybe you even have a blog. We need you to be computer confident.
13. Can I get a loan to pay for this?
Sadly, you won't be eligible for any federal student loans because the Workshop is not an official "school". However, you may be able to get a personal bank loan.
14. Are there scholarships?
Yes! We started offering the scholarships in the fall of 2015. Our goal is to make our trainings a realistic option for people who have been unable to attend due to the cost, with a focus on diverse voices, people of color, and those who have been historically underrepresented as makers of public media. For now, scholarship funds are only available to people living in the U.S. Read more about our Story Workshop Scholarship here.
15. What type of work have Transom alumni gone on to do?
Everything you can imagine. Story Workshop alums are working as independent producers; some have gone on to start their own podcasts; others are based at stations from Key West to Alaska. Our graduates work at This American Life, Radiolab, Invisibilia, and The Moth Radio Hour among other shows. Some use their audio skills at non-profits and NGOs. We even have award winning alums - Best New Artist and Best Documentary: Bronze at Third Coast International Audio Festival and winners of WNYC's Podcast Accelerator. We could go on boasting about our alums but we'll stop there for now.
16. May I communicate with alums about their experience?
We’re happy to put you in touch with alums. Write to us, or, if possible, come sit in on a class, or attend the students’ graduation and public listening event where you'll hear their work.
17. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to attend the Workshop?
No. All are welcome. We've had students attend the Workshop from Canada, Australia, Lebanon, Portugal, Ireland, Finland and India. And while we're not very knowledgeable about visas, we can put you in touch with past international students to find out how they handled such matters.
18. Is there an age limit?
18 or older.
19. Do you favor people who have applied before?
No, it's an even playing field each time.
20. About the Work Sample. . .
When we say audio *or* written sample, we mean it. Send us a Work Sample that you think will give us a sense of who you are; something you're proud of. We don't give more weight to audio over written samples. Honest. If you send audio, it needn’t have aired anywhere; it could be a piece you made for your mother’s birthday. We just want to hear it. The work sample definitely needs to be something that you produced on your own. If someone else helped produce, please let us know.
21. Do you offer shorter or more advanced workshops? Workshops in other locations?
