Concert Sound Engineer

The Concert Sound Engineer is essential to the live music experience, creating the acoustic environment that allows bands to perform, fans to enjoy the show, and crew to assemble the sound system, stage monitors, and other equipment necessary to a successful live musical event. Concert Sound Engineers perform a variety of tasks before, during, and after the show, including sound checks, setting up the sound system, and ensuring the audio during the show is clear and enjoyable for both the audience and the band on stage.

Educational Background

A Concert Sound Engineer should be an expert in the field of acoustics and audio engineering. Educational pathways that allow a graduate to meet the demands of this role include a Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Engineering, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sound Engineering, or an Associate Degree in Audio or Sound Engineering. If you are looking to pivot towards a career in Concert Sound Engineering from an unrelated field, it is important to demonstrate your competency through continuing education in the form of online courses or certificate programs in audio and sound engineering, acoustics, or related fields.

Skills and Knowledge

Concert Sound Engineers must have a number of skills and knowledge to perform the demands of their role with excellence. These skills and knowledge include:

• Music theory
• Acoustics
• Audio signal processing
• Live sound reinforcement
• Sound system design
• Troubleshooting live audio systems
• Working knowledge of common audio software and tools

Career Growth

Concert Sound Engineers who demonstrate a strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and ability to manage the demands of the role have many paths to climb the ladder in their career field. These opportunities include:

• Promotions from smaller venues to larger, more prestigious venues
• Opportunities to travel regionally, nationally, or even globally for live shows
• Work with major bands and artists
• Management roles in venue management
• Specializing in a specific area of expertise, such as live music festivals, theatrical productions, or audio installation.

Example Projects

Concert Sound Engineers may work on a variety of projects on a regular basis. These projects include:

• Designing a sound system for a new or renovated venue
• Mixing sound for a live musical event
• Tuning stage monitors for a band or performer
• Troubleshooting audio problems in a live performance

Online Coursework

Online courses can be a great way to supplement an academic background in audio or sound engineering. Courses may be especially useful for career switchers, individuals who have some experience with sound and music but need to demonstrate competency through a formal educational background, or individuals who wish to climb the ladder within the event production industry by enhancing their skill set. Online courses can help learners build a strong foundation of knowledge in the field before entering the workforce or taking their skills to the next level in the workplace. Learners can take courses to develop a range of skills that will serve them well working as a Concert Sound Engineer, including:

• Acoustics
• Audio signal processing
• Mixing and mastering music
• Live sound reinforcement
• Troubleshooting live audio systems

Online courses can often be a better option than brick and mortar schools, due to the hectic schedule of a Concert Sound Engineer. Online courses can be completed at the individual’s pace, allowing for a balance between work and learning. Learners may also take advantage of lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs to improve their knowledge and skills without having to interrupt their career to attend school.

While online courses may not be enough to give someone the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce as a Concert Sound Engineer, they are an excellent option for developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a formal educational environment or current career. Completing the courses listed above can demonstrate a baseline of knowledge that students can build on through a traditional degree program or while working and networking within the industry.