2 answers
Stephan
Student
Miami, Florida
9
Questions
Asked
891 views
How do I become a audio engineer, who likes to travel on the road for live concerts with a big music company?
Brave #Beginningnewmusiccareer
2 answers
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
82
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I work with IATSE Local 720 in Las Vegas. While I have not toured with major artists, I can tell you about the field, and how to get started.
1. Formal training is always a plus - but it doesn't replace practical experience. If you can find a 2-year or 4-year program in audio production, this is a good start. Be warned though: most will focus on studio production, NOT live. Make sure the program has a healthy curriculum for live sound, especially if it has a large drama/theater department as well. The best schools will also have some kind of feeder program into job opportunities once you've graduated, or even while you're still in school.
2. Practical experience is the #1 way to learn. A great many people I work with have had no formal training - they've learned on the job. I started as far back as high school, working on high school plays, teacher presentations, pep rallies and the like. Another great source is churches. Most contemporary churches are using much of the same equipment as major concerts, so it's a great learning ground.
3. Join the union. If you're in or near a large city, there may be a lot of work available through IATSE, the international stagehands union. There, the work can vary from audio/visual, to staging, lighting, and of course, audio. There's usually lots of opportunity for training, and you meet a lot of people, which is...
4. Network! In this industry, people hire people they know. Specifically, they hire people they've worked with in the past, know they're competent and capable, and can get the job done. Most of the work I do know is because of other technicians I've worked with, or clients who liked me and my work.
5. Learn the industry. Who are the sound companies in your area? Who are the big guys nationwide? Learn about your local companies first, try to get work with them, and learn about the touring business.
Any one of these things can lead to a coveted job on a major concert tour. There's really not one way to get there, most people's stories are a bit different - but most have gotten there one of these five ways.
And don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. It took me six years to go from mixing bands in a lounge at a locals casino to headliner shows on the Las Vegas Strip. It WILL take time to build a body of work, to make connections, and for others to learn about you. But it can happen, and it can be very lucrative if you have the right talents and motivation.
Good luck!
1. Formal training is always a plus - but it doesn't replace practical experience. If you can find a 2-year or 4-year program in audio production, this is a good start. Be warned though: most will focus on studio production, NOT live. Make sure the program has a healthy curriculum for live sound, especially if it has a large drama/theater department as well. The best schools will also have some kind of feeder program into job opportunities once you've graduated, or even while you're still in school.
2. Practical experience is the #1 way to learn. A great many people I work with have had no formal training - they've learned on the job. I started as far back as high school, working on high school plays, teacher presentations, pep rallies and the like. Another great source is churches. Most contemporary churches are using much of the same equipment as major concerts, so it's a great learning ground.
3. Join the union. If you're in or near a large city, there may be a lot of work available through IATSE, the international stagehands union. There, the work can vary from audio/visual, to staging, lighting, and of course, audio. There's usually lots of opportunity for training, and you meet a lot of people, which is...
4. Network! In this industry, people hire people they know. Specifically, they hire people they've worked with in the past, know they're competent and capable, and can get the job done. Most of the work I do know is because of other technicians I've worked with, or clients who liked me and my work.
5. Learn the industry. Who are the sound companies in your area? Who are the big guys nationwide? Learn about your local companies first, try to get work with them, and learn about the touring business.
Any one of these things can lead to a coveted job on a major concert tour. There's really not one way to get there, most people's stories are a bit different - but most have gotten there one of these five ways.
And don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. It took me six years to go from mixing bands in a lounge at a locals casino to headliner shows on the Las Vegas Strip. It WILL take time to build a body of work, to make connections, and for others to learn about you. But it can happen, and it can be very lucrative if you have the right talents and motivation.
Good luck!
Palak Patel, PharmD, BCGP, BCPS
Clinical Advisor (Pharmacist)
37
Answers
Glendale Heights, Illinois
Updated
Palak’s Answer
Hi Stephan,
While I don't have any experience in this field, I wanted to provide some helpful links below to assist you.
From what I can see - there isn't a formal degree requirement, but an associate (at the minimum) may be beneficial. There's many routes to get to your ultimate goal of traveling and being involved in live concerts. An internship is also a way to get yourself acquainted in the industry.
https://www.careersinmusic.com/audio-engineering/ (Audio engineering programs across the U.S. come disguised with names like Music Production and Engineering, Music & Technology, Music Audio Production, Recording Arts & Technology, Sound Recording Technology, Recording Arts, and so on. The more scientific options may be called something else, and they typically fall under the engineering umbrella, as opposed to one focused on the arts. Many Audio Engineers will work toward a bachelor’s degree in whatever their school of choice offers — this should usually be enough. Those who work in the scientific side of the field may have to go on to earn a master’s. Audio Engineers who want to be at the top of their industry or who want to teach others may then be required to earn a doctorate, though it’s not common. It’s also worth mentioning if a student wants to focus on working in studios and on the road, as opposed to sticking to the more scientific route, a four-year degree might not be necessary at all. There are plenty of instances of people being hired straight out of high school to begin apprenticeships and internships and learning what they need from experience. Others opt to go for associate’s degrees, which typically only require two years of study instead of four, and while that’s not often an option for many other professions, audio engineering is one where gainful employment can still be found with an AD.)
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/audio-engineer/how-to-become/
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Sound-Engineer
https://learn.org/articles/Audio_Engineering_Become_an_Audio_Engineer_in_5_Steps.html
While I don't have any experience in this field, I wanted to provide some helpful links below to assist you.
From what I can see - there isn't a formal degree requirement, but an associate (at the minimum) may be beneficial. There's many routes to get to your ultimate goal of traveling and being involved in live concerts. An internship is also a way to get yourself acquainted in the industry.
https://www.careersinmusic.com/audio-engineering/ (Audio engineering programs across the U.S. come disguised with names like Music Production and Engineering, Music & Technology, Music Audio Production, Recording Arts & Technology, Sound Recording Technology, Recording Arts, and so on. The more scientific options may be called something else, and they typically fall under the engineering umbrella, as opposed to one focused on the arts. Many Audio Engineers will work toward a bachelor’s degree in whatever their school of choice offers — this should usually be enough. Those who work in the scientific side of the field may have to go on to earn a master’s. Audio Engineers who want to be at the top of their industry or who want to teach others may then be required to earn a doctorate, though it’s not common. It’s also worth mentioning if a student wants to focus on working in studios and on the road, as opposed to sticking to the more scientific route, a four-year degree might not be necessary at all. There are plenty of instances of people being hired straight out of high school to begin apprenticeships and internships and learning what they need from experience. Others opt to go for associate’s degrees, which typically only require two years of study instead of four, and while that’s not often an option for many other professions, audio engineering is one where gainful employment can still be found with an AD.)
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/audio-engineer/how-to-become/
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Sound-Engineer
https://learn.org/articles/Audio_Engineering_Become_an_Audio_Engineer_in_5_Steps.html
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