Live sound engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• a specialist course run by a drama school

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or degree in a related subject like:

• sound and live event production
• live sound and lighting technology
• music technology
• technical theatre art

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

Some sound engineers start by taking a college course to develop their skills before looking for work. Qualifications include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Sound and Music Technology
• Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship to get into this role, for example:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These take around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You can get practical experience of using sound equipment to help your career prospects. This may be part of a course or you can try:

• helping backstage in a theatre
• being a roadie for a band
• rigging sound in amateur or student theatre, or for local bands
• working for a sound equipment manufacturer or hire company

OtherRoutes

Several drama schools offer degrees and diplomas in technical theatre accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools . Some of these courses include lighting and stage management as well as sound.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• persistence and determination
• customer service skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• knowledge of the fine arts
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Live sound engineers control the sound at events like theatre performances, music concerts and festivals.

You might:

• discuss the production sound needs with the director or sound designer
• identify places in the script where any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are needed
• pre-record any sound effects and music
• position and rig up microphones
• complete sound checks before a performance
• operate the sound desk during shows
• follow a sound plan (known as a 'plot') and cues from the deputy stage manager
• look after and repair equipment
• unload, set up, dismantle and load equipment at each venue when on tour

Location : You could work in a theatre, at events or at a recording studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height, hot, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to chief sound engineer in a theatre, become a sound designer, or set up your own sound services company.