Become a Sound Engineer or Audio Producer
Are you the person with the biggest stereo system on the block? Does your love of music make you wish you could sit behind the big audio mixing board at a concert, or even better, in a recording studio? If so, then audio production might be a good mix for your career.
What is Audio Production?
Audio production is the segment of the production process that is concerned with capturing and editing the sound track to perfection. Audio production experts are key members of the production team for their specialty knowledge. As an audio production professional, you will be working in TV and Radio sound studios with the latest in high tech recording and editing gear. You will call upon your creativity and technical skills to add the element of sound to the visual project in a way that is inviting and memorable.
Opportunities in Audio Production
The audio production field is wide open to students with advanced degrees. Production teams for movies, television shows, documentaries, and music CDs are constantly on the lookout for TV and Radio candidates with advanced degrees. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of TV and Radio sound engineering technicians and radio operators is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014.
Desired Skills for Audio Production Professionals
- Knowledge Base. Audio production colleges will teach you the advanced techniques of TV and Radio to ensure your success.
- Creativity. Being creative is a skill that is necessary to separate you from your competition. Do it cleaner. Do it better.
- Computer Knowledge. Because most of the work in audio production is done on computer, some basic technical skills will go a long way.
The Road to a Career in Audio Production or Sound Engineering
There are hundreds of technical schools and traditional colleges that offer advanced degrees in TV and Radio audio production. You can even choose to complete your training on campus or online at your convenience.
Radio, Sound, and Audio Production Schools
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What They Offer: Bachelor of Arts in Sound Arts. What You Learn: This two and a half year program includes training in music theory, along with recording and production of music and sound. In addition to receiving hands-on experience in the school's labs, students explore concepts including acoustics, live sound and lighting, and MIDI. The Buzz: Knowledgeable faculty has extensive experience in music recording and mastering, live sound production, DVD authoring, and more. |
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What They Offer: Diploma in Recording Arts. What You Learn: Eight courses present the concepts of music production and audio engineering, ranging from an introduction to digital audio workstations to MIDI sequencing to advanced recording and mixing techniques. Need to Know: The school has a recording studio where students get hands-on experience in real-world situations. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Radio/Video Production and Broadcasting. What You Learn: Hands on training in radio broadcasting, radio production in areas of programming, music selection, and media writing. Also includes courses on video production. Need to Know: Students can participate in an internship at a broadcast station. The school has its own campus radio station. |
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What They Offer: Associate's degree in Radio Broadcasting What You Learn: Announcing skills, such as voice projection and radio personality development, along with the technical skills of board operation, writing for broadcast, digital production, and show preparation. The Buzz: Students gain experience in a simulated radio broadcast studio. |
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Who They Are: International Academy of Design & Technology In Nashville, Tennessee What They Offer: Associate degree in What You Learn: Digital music production and surround sound techniques used in creating films and videos. Students also learn to create sound effects and how to edit, mix and digitally master sound. Need to Know: This 90 credit hour program is offered during the day and in the evenings. |
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Who They Are: Minnesota School of Business in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Plymouth, Rochester, Shakopee, and St. Cloud Minnesota, and Globe College in Oakdale, Minnesota What They Offer: Associate Degree in Music Business Audio Production What You Learn: This program provides a detailed understanding of the music and recording industries. Students learn to work with artists, production companies, and management in order to supervise and complete recording projects. |
