Studio Sound Engineer

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How To Become a Studio Sound Engineer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
specialist courses run by private training providers

College / University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

sound engineering and production
audio engineering
music production

at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take a college course like:

Level 3 Diploma in Sound Production
Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could complete a creative venue technician or technical theatre advanced apprenticeship, which have options in sound.

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

Routes into this Career

You could start as a runner or an assistant in a recording studio and work your way up by learning basic tasks and making contacts.

Other Routes

You could do short courses offered by private training providers to build up your skills and knowledge.

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

In your day-to-day duties you could:

plan recording sessions with producers and artists
set up microphones and equipment in the studio
make sure the volume and recording levels are set correctly
operate recording equipment and add effects
record each instrument or vocal onto a separate track
mix tracks to produce a final 'master' track
log recordings and other details of the session in the studio archive

Working Environment

You could work at a recording studio.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could specialise in a particular technical skill, become a music producer, studio manager, or start your own recording studio.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can work on community music events, DJ projects, hospital or community radio, or mix and record music in a home studio and post your work online.

Tips & Information

Career tips

This is a job where getting experience and making contacts is important to help you to find work.

You'll need a good knowledge of music and recording technology. You may also find it useful to understand physics and electronics.

Further information

You can find out more about working in sound engineering from Joint Audio Media Education Support.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.