NEXT START DATE: July 6, 2026!

Instructor, Staff

Lucien Patten

Studio Engineer / Instructor


Lucien’s passion for music and recording started early—he got his first guitar at seven and spent weekends shadowing in his father’s studio. After six years of honorable service in the U.S. Army, he moved to Nashville to study at The Blackbird Academy. Following his graduation and internship at Blackbird Studio, Lucien was hired as a night manager, and also took on roles as an instructor at The Blackbird Academy and as a liaison for the University of New Haven’s study away program.

Beyond teaching, Lucien works as a freelance engineer and assistant at Blackbird, where he’s worked with artists like Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore, Dylan Gossett, Sam Barber, Craig Morgan, Amanda Shires, Mickey Guyton, JohnnySwim, Jelly Roll, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Fitz and The Tantrums.

Other team members

  • John McBride

    President, Institutional Director

  • Carma DiCianni

    Executive Director

  • Jeremy Cottrell

    Director of Studio Engineering & Instructor

  • Rich Flora

    Director of Live Sound Engineering & Instructor

  • Lucas Glenney-Tegtmeier

    Studio Engineer / Instructor

  • Blair Gallimore

    Human Resources Director / Account Manager

  • Amber Gray

    Career Services Manager

  • Rolff Zwiep

    Schedule Administrator—The Blackbird Academy / Blackbird Studio Manager