Live Sound Engineer

Typical Salary

£25,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

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

College / 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

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

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

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

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant:

Level 3 Live events rigger
Level 3 Live event technician
Level 3 Creative venue technician
Level 4 Acoustics technician

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

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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.

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 use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You might:

discuss the production’s sound needs with the director or sound designer
identify places in the script where any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are needed
pre-record any sound effects and music
position and rig up microphones
complete sound checks before a performance
operate the sound desk during shows
follow a sound plan (known as a 'plot') and cues from the deputy stage manager
look after and repair equipment
unload, set up, dismantle and load equipment at each venue when on tour

Working Environment

You could work in a theatre, at events or 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 & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

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

Tips & 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 Spotlight.

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

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.