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
University
You could do a foundation degree or degree in:
- sound engineering and production
- audio engineering
- music production
- electrical and electronics engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a college course like:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sound Engineering
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could do an assistant recording technician higher apprenticeship or a broadcast and media systems engineer degree apprenticeship.
You may also be able to transfer the skills and knowledge from a creative venue technician intermediate apprenticeship to this role.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
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Work
You could start as a runner or an assistant in a recording studio and work your way up.
Volunteering
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.
Other Routes
You could do short courses offered by private training providers to build up your skills and knowledge.
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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 (JAMES).