Careers in the Creative Arts
The Creative Arts industry is a very diverse field and offers many opportunities to follow your passion for creativity, without having to compromise on making a good living and enjoying a fulfilling career.
The next in our Careers in the Creative Arts series is Sound Engineer.
Do you have a well-tuned ear and good hand-eye coordination? Are you comfortable using technical equipment? What is being a Sound Engineer all about?
Sound Engineer
So, what do they do?
Sound Engineers are responsible for the technical side of a recording or live performance. They design and manage sound levels and outputs and are responsible for maintaining the physical sound equipment like amps, microphones and speakers.
Sound Engineers work closely with directors, producers, stage/floor managers, lighting designers and technicians.
What type of person would make a good Sound Engineer?
Sound Engineers need to be creative, technically proficient and with a good ear for what sounds right. An ability to listen well and translate this to the performers is essential. You must enjoy working on a recording project from start to finish and have patience coupled with high levels of concentration.
OK, so how do I become a Sound Engineer?
Athlone IT runs a Level 7 degree in Music and Sound Engineering, BIMM in Dublin have a Level 6 course in Music and Audio Production, while Dublin Business School also offers a Level 6 in Sound Engineering and Music Production. There are also specialised courses in sound technologies offered by well-established private training providers such as the Sound Training Centre and Pulse College, both in Dublin. There are also PLC Level 5 courses available in further education colleges such as Drumshambo, Bray, Waterford Ballyfermot and Dun Laoghaire. Go to the CourseFinder to check out all the options.
Finally, are there jobs and what’s the pay like?!
Sound Engineers can work across a wide variety of areas. They can work in broadcasting (radio and TV), film production, in music recording studios, theatres, event management companies, or in the gaming industry. Other job titles can include ‘audio engineer’ and ‘sound technician’.
Salary rates can range from €23k - €55k. Higher salaries are awarded relevant to experience and size of company.
If you are interested in finding out more information about what a Sound Engineer is, what they do and how you might become one, just go to our Career Explorer where you will find detailed information on this occupation and over 1,000 other careers.
You might also do some research on the Sound & Stage Production, Drama & Theatre, Film, Radio & Podcasting, Music and TV & Online Video sectors which are also relevant to this occupation.
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