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

Salary range: £25,000 to £40,000

How to become a live sound engineer

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

You’ll usually need:

• 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

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 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

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in technical theatre: sound, light and stage.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

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

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering and experience

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

Other routes

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.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a live sound engineer from Creative Choices and Spotlight.

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• 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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties might also include:

• discussing the production’s sound needs with the director or sound designer
• identifying places in the script where any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are needed
• pre-recording any sound effects and music
• positioning and rigging up microphones
• completing sound checks before a performance
• operating the sound desk during shows
• following a sound plan (known as a ‘plot’) and cues from the deputy stage manager
• looking after and repairing equipment
• unloading, setting up, dismantling and loading equipment at each venue when on tour

Working environment

You could work at a recording studio.

Your working environment may be at height, hot, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

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

©opyright The CV Writer

The career profiles database is designed to compliment the sreries of five Career Advice Guides. Providing information covering the qualifications, skills, expertise and an overview of the responsibilites required for each job role that you can use to build your CV, application letters, application forms and that all important job interview.

For a more detailed description of what’s included in the pack click here

By placing your order with The CV Writer you agree to our Terms and Conditions in full.