Audio Technician: Education and Job Training Requirements for Becoming an Audio Technician
If you're ever enjoyed a concert, radio broadcast, music video or other recorded media, part of the enjoyment is being able to hear the sounds in high definition and without distortion, static or fading. Making certain that the proper equipment is in place and ensuring the quality of sound capture and transmittal are the responsibilities of Audio Technicians. Here is more information about what it means to be an Audio Technician.
Audio Technician Career Summary
Audio Technicians work with sound and sound systems in such venues as television and movie sets, music performances, recording studios or any place where manipulating and storing audio signals is required. Preserving and transmitting the spoken word, the sounds of musical artists or other audio sensory data are the responsibilities of an Audio Technician or sound engineer. An Audio Technician may also help to design, install or repair hardware associated with audio signals, such as computers, microphones, mixing boards and speakers.
Education Required to Become An Audio Technician
An Audio Technician can enter the field by learning from and working with experienced technicians, but completion of an associate's or bachelor's degree program is preferred by many employers. Courses in broadcast technology, sound engineering, audio system design, sound characteristics, musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) characteristics and the use of computer software are typical for those working toward a degree in audio technology. Vocational training coursework requires one year; an associate's degree usually requires two years of studies, and a bachelor's degree in audio technology can be earned in a 4-year program.
Job Training and Certifications Required to Become an Audio Technician
An Audio Technician can enter some related jobs within the field by completing high school with an emphasis on courses in mathematics and physical science, plus on-the-job training. A mark of competency can be earned by obtaining certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers, www.sbe.org. Individuals can become certified following successful completion of an examination plus experience in the field.