How do you become an audio engineer?
Another great question from a reader. It’s time to take a look at how to become an audio engineer or music producer:
Hey,
My name is Dani and I’m a 16 year old student. With all the so soon, sudden rising pressures of college and careers, I began to find a larger interest in obtaining a musical career and I came across your site during a research project. I was wondering what jobs are available in this industry, that pertain directly to working with musicians while they are recording in the studio. I’d like to work up to a point where I can collaborate with the artists, make and help with their musical arrangements, possibly song write and edit and listen to their final recordings. What kind of position best fits with what I have described, and what are some tips and classes you’d recommend to get there?
Hi Dani,
Very good questions.
There are a few routes to get where you want to be. The most straight forward is training as an audio engineer. As an engineer you work directly with the artists. Most people start out as an assistant, taking care of the artists and the engineers needs. It can be anything from getting coffee to loading a CDR in the computer, setting up gear and so on. Later you will become an engineer being in charge of recording the musicians and artists or you might specializing as a mixing engineer creating the final mix of the songs.
Working towards becoming an engineer is probably one of the most straight forward and easiest job to achieve in the business. There are schools you can attend for this, like Full Sails and Berkley.
Another way that is even more in line with what you want to do is the route I took. I trained myself as a musician, engineer and producer. Worked my way up starting my own local recording studio and made demos with local bands. I hooked up with a manager for one of these bands and we finally got the band signed. I was hired as the producer and with the help of a great engineer we made the record. That project lead to other artists and bands which I eventually ended up producing. Later I started creating music and co-write songs with some of these bands and eventually I was offered a publishing deal with a major publisher. It has now been 15 years since I produced my first band and i am still able to make a full time living creating music every day.
Just understand that it is not always easy but with talent and perseverance it is possible. You need some capital to buy the essential recording gear and treat the room acoustically but today it is not nearly as costly as it used to be. Of course this route is more risky as you essentially become self-employed and you end up spending just as much time chasing gigs and trying to get people signed as you do working with music. I enjoy both sides so for me it has mostly be great fun, but if you want a little more security start out training as an engineer, find a engineering gig and later see where this leads.
Good luck with everything,
To find out more about how to become an engineer or music producer search here..
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Johnny,
Great work man, Keep it it.
Ok, I have a passion of becoming a music producer. As at now need to go to college but, as we speak am not conversant with playing any music instrument. Where do I start. Otherwise currently I do graphics design. Advice, thanks.
Hey, My name is sam. I’m a sophomore in highschool and ever since i had my first ipod an pare of headphones, i’ve wanted to do something with music. Can you help me to reach my goal? 8D
Hey, I’m a Sophomore in high school. So, I’ve always dreamed of having a job that has to do with music. My parents and other relatives say that they don’t make as much money, but I REALLY want to have that particular career … I am a musician. I play 4 instruments. I’ve studied music theory since i was 6. I just love listening to music! I listen to my iPod or go on Youtube and search up talented people. So what i’m trying to ask is, what college can i go to that has great programs and what career do you suggest? I just want to prove my parents wrong and do what i love.
I have always loved music ever since i picked up first drum sticks when i was 8. Unfortunately i stopped at 15 due to school and sports. I am out of high school now and have a decent job that pays the bills but I would much rather get back into music. Music is all i ever talk about and for fun I wiki my favorite bands and everything i find within the search. I recently started with dj’n about 3 weeks ago and fell in love with it. The thing is i dont want to do small clubs and bars. I want to produce my own music and make people, for lack of a better term, rage! I want to have the tingly feeling down my neck when I stand in front of thousands of people that are there to hear me play. How would i go about making my own music, writing my own lyrics if need be, and have my music heard? My inspirations are skrillex, deadmau5, tiesto etc. Even if i get paid $1 i dont care just as long as Im doing music. Is there an apprenticeship program I can get into? I live in San Diego so are there and schools or workshops I can attend so i can get a better feel and advance my knowledge in this field? Also another thing is i havent been in California for long so my “network” isnt really big. So are there any spots or places that people go to that I can get to know to expand that aspect? Thank you so much for reading.
I need some recording equipmet, i av a mini studio but still lack somethings,can u help me out?
In reference to Elise’s comment, I was exactly where you were at. I wanted to have everything to do with music and turned down every opportunity for a different career. I also wanted to prove everyone wrong and show them I could have have a musical career. Right now I am attending the Conservatory of Recording arts and sciences. It is a great school however I came with the wrong intentions. If you want to succeed in anything do it for yourself not to prove anyone wrong. My advice would be to explore ALL your options, look into getting a degree at a local college or university, then maybe further your education by going to a place that specializes in music. Good luck!
tx for this site i have got some new knowledge keep it up