Sound Engineering options

[djmillen]

Hello, I am new to these forums, and my brother recommended me to post on here to ask some questions, as he had a really warm welcome (and some great advice!). I looked for some other threads like this, but couldn’t see any specifically for sound qualifications.

 

To start with, some background information. I am currently studying A-levels (in the first year) and I am starting to look at my options after I have finished school. Firstly I would like to go onto professional sound engineering, but I am not sure the best way to get into this, as in weather getting a degree in sound is necessary to get a job in the sound industry. Specifically I would like to go into live sound, but I also really enjoy the recording side of sound engineering.

 

At the moment I run the mixing console at my church, and I am helping another engineer from another church set up other events in my area. I am also going to become his "recording" guy for some of the events, and his stand in if he can’t make events. He is also teaching me how to run the desk, set up the equipment and I am trying to improve my "ear". I am trying to get as much experience as possible, and this seems like it is really important when applying for jobs in this sector.

 

Thanks for any help,

 

David

[Charlie Jeal]

David,

 

 

Whichever option you take, learning to spell and using capitals where needed will stand you in very good stead to communicate properly.

 

 

Charlie

[tolley1466]

At the moment I run the mixing console at my church, and I am helping another engineer from another church set up other events in my area. I am also going to become his "recording" guy for some of the events, and his stand in if he can’t make events. He is also teaching me how to run the desk, set up the equipment and I am trying to improve my "ear". I am trying to get as much experience as possible, and this seems like it is really important when applying for jobs in this sector.

 

Thanks for any help,

 

David

 

 

Hey David.

You have kind of answered your own question here. The way to "get in" to the job you want is experience. If you were to want to become a Live Sound 'operator' then to be quite honest you would have to start at a Flight case 'pusher' and work your way up. Don't worry I'm in the same situation. Just get as much experience as you can, you will soon become heard of in your local music community! Jump at every chance to provide sound for gigs.

 

Oh and spelling and grammar does help. Again, I used to be really bad at it. I guess I learnt another useful thing here at the Blue Room :blink:

Hope this helps.

[Simon Lewis]

Hi, David,

 

Welcome to the Blue Room!

 

There has been quite a long running debate about whether qualifications are needed, and there isn't a clear cut answer. I did post some thoughts in this response recently - it might be of some help to you.

 

I guess you've come across the UCAS course search site?

 

Getting experience (as you are doing at present) is always useful, and should you apply for a course it will look good in your personal statement. They do get read!

 

What A levels are you studying?

 

Simon