Studio sound engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by private training providers

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• sound engineering and production
• audio engineering
• music production
• electrical and electronics engineering

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course like:

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sound Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements:

• 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 start training in this job. These include:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Assistant Recording Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

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

Work

You could start as a runner or an assistant in a recording studio and work your way up.

Volunteering

You can work on community music events, DJ projects, hospital or community radio, or mix and record music in a home studio and post your work online.

OtherRoutes

You could do short courses offered by private training providers to build up your skills and knowledge.

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:

Sound engineers work in studios and make recordings of music, speech and sound effects.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• plan recording sessions with producers and artists
• set up microphones and equipment in the studio
• make sure the volume and recording levels are set correctly
• operate recording equipment and add effects
• record each instrument or vocal onto a separate track
• mix tracks to produce a final 'master' track
• log recordings and other details of the session in the studio archive

Location : You could work at a recording studio.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, many studio sound engineers go freelance. You could specialise in a particular technical skill, become a music producer, studio manager, or even start your own recording studio.