Studio sound engineer

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• sound engineering and production
• audio engineering
• music production
• electrical and electronics engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed to get a trainee position, for example:

• sound engineering
• creative media production and technology
• music technology
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply for an apprenticeship to start training in this job. These include:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Assistant Recording Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You might be able to start work as a production runner or an assistant in a recording studio. As your experience and contact list grows, you may be able to do training on the job in sound engineering.

It's useful to get as much practical experience as you can, which can help when applying for jobs.

You might get experience from:

• student film or TV productions
• community music events
• DJ-ing projects
• hospital or community radio
• working for sound equipment rental companies
• recording music in a home studio and posting your work online

Career Tips

You'll need a good knowledge of sound equipment and recording and editing software. You may also find it useful to have an understanding of physics and electronics.

Further Information

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

As a studio sound engineer, you could:

• plan recording sessions with producers and artists
• set up and test microphones, amps and equipment in the studio
• make sure volume and recording levels are set correctly
• record instruments and vocals onto separate tracks
• monitor sound quality during sessions
• edit example mixes for producers to compare and refine
• work with producers and artists to create a final 'master' track
• process audio files into different formats ready for distribution
• log technical details of sessions in the studio archive
• maintain recording equipment in the studio

You could work at a recording studio.