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The field of sound engineering and audio engineer operations is
an exciting and dynamic industry. Audio engineering technicians
are involved with the installation, setup, and control of
musical electronics for the stage, and sound engineering
divisions of major motion picture studios, theatres, and concert
venues require skilled professionals to work with their
productions. An audio engineer is responsible for working with
soundtracks in movies and films, recording studios, and a
variety of other venues where sound and audio tracks need to be
organized, synthesized, and coordinated.
What Are Sound
Engineering And
Audio Engineering?
Sound and audio engineering technicians and workers use broadcasting technology
and equipment to transmit audio files. Technical expertise and application is
essential with today’s innovative technologies, and sound engineering schools
provide ample training for those who wish to pursue a rewarding career in the
field. An audio engineer may be found working with audio and recording
equipment, microphone setup, audio visual presentation installation, and working
with a mixing board for large-scale events.
Sound engineering technicians are often involved with synchronizing music,
producing track mixes, duplicating and recording music, and synchronizing tracks
to various movie and theater productions. They may also be involved with testing
sound strength and signals for quality, and work as part of a team of broadcast
and audio engineers for large-scale productions. A sound engineering school is
equipped with the latest technology and equipment to allow students to pursue an
audio engineering degree program using modern software, computers, and
techniques.
What Can You Do
With an Audio Engineering Degree?
An audio engineering degree can lead to a variety of jobs and positions
including:
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Audio engineer
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Video equipment technician
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Broadcast technician
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Sound engineering technician or operator
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Radio operator
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Digital recording editor
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Software sound engineering
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System administrator
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Sound mixing or recording
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Program production
Audio engineering technicians and specialists are involved with the setup and
operation of audio and video equipment including projectors, speakers, recording
equipment, and studio equipment. They are often found working at concerts,
sporting event venues, and within theatre productions.
Broadcast technicians may be found working in radio or television broadcasting
stations, and are often trained to work with both sound engineering projects and
television and camera production. Sound engineering technicians are primarily
responsible for operating machines and equipment and can work in a recording
studio or large-scale venue on a variety of projects.
Sound Engineering
Programs at Audio Engineering Schools
Sound engineering school provides students with the fundamental skills and
knowledge they need for a successful career in audio engineering or related
discipline. Sound engineering programs often include recording studio
simulations, production techniques, music theory application, and music
synchronization methods. Students may work with a variety of computer software
programs and technology that is used on stage and ‘behind the scenes’ at many
production companies. An audio engineering school offers hands-on training and
simulations of a work environment that is found in today’s production studios.
Students who pursue a graduate level program in audio engineering or sound
engineering may turn to careers as a professional musician, television or
program producer, or music executive. These career options often require a
strong understanding in sound or audio engineering, and the skills and
applications learned at sound engineering school allow students to pursue a
variety of dynamic careers in the media, music, TV, and film production
industry.
Sound engineering programs are heavily concentrated on introducing students to
recording and editing software programs. Today’s cutting edge advances in
technology require students to learn how to use desktop software in conjunction
with standard equipment. Students must learn how to edit, program, and mix video
and audio files using some of the leading programs used in modern broadcasting.
An audio engineering school can also pair students up with a mentor or trainer
to learn specific skills and applications.
Sound Engineering
School Classes
Sound engineering programs vary by school and level of study, but the most
common sound engineering programs and classes include:
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Music Theory
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Basic Audio Wiring
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Sound Reinforcement Fundamentals
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Advanced Communication Skills
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MIDI Electronic Music
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Sound Recording
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Music Business
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Music History
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Multitrack Production Techniques
Basic training to
enter the field is a high school diploma, but most employers and large stations
requires students to have certification or complete a sound engineering degree
program at an audio engineering school. On-the-job training also provides
extensive education and skills for an audio engineer, and many build their
independent portfolio while working in a recording studio or other production
agency where they gain experience on a daily basis.
Sound
Engineer School
Training and Accreditation
Sound engineer
school programs and audio engineering schools are often a part of a production
and television programming studio. Video and audio production schools are
accredited by the region’s Commission on Higher Education and Learning, along
with various accrediting parties in the film, movies, and television
broadcasting industries.
Sound engineering
schools may also offer programs for students who wish to complete training for
official certification. The Certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers
allows students to be formally certified in using electronic and mechanical
systems and equipment. Licensing is not required, but it can prove competence
and experience in the field.
Employment
Prospects and Job Options As An Audio Engineer
Job options and opportunities for sound engineering students and audio engineers
are expected to grow about as fast as average as other occupations through 2014.
An audio engineer who wishes to advance in his or her career can branch out into
other related disciplines in audio visual engineering, television production,
media management, and sound technician management. Other fields include radio
operators and sound engineering consultants. Median annual earnings of sound
engineering technicians were $38,110 in 2004.
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