Studio sound engineer

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• sound engineering and production
• audio engineering
• music production

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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• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could take a college course like:

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

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

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• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

You could work at a recording studio.

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