The world of recording arts is ripe with opportunity. Whether they’re producing music, rigging the stage for huge concerts, or recording sound on real film sets, our graduates follow their passion in a variety of positions across the nation.
And while some students may already know what they want to pursue, maybe you are just beginning to explore your options.
If you are interested in the gaming industry, becoming an audio programmer might be a great fit with a recording arts education. Audio programmers process the sound effects and music for a game. They are accountable for how a game sounds. Working closely with the audio and software department, audio programmers must be able to enhance the experience for gamers with appropriate music and audio effects.
Boom Operators position microphones to capture the best dialogue and sound effects quality. They do this by fitting lavalier microphones to artists, placing microphones appropriately for shots, and operating a boom microphone. They are responsible for the upkeep of sound equipment on a set.
Broadcast engineers oversee, operate, maintain, and update the hardware and broadcast systems used in producing television, radio, podcasts, etc. They may work in television or radio stations, helping to create content in-studio or managing live material as it is transmitted to the studio (or sent directly to a show as a live feed!). They ensure that programs are broadcast at their scheduled times, attending to any interference and neutralizing it. They may be required to install, monitor, and repair hardware and software and even design customarily audiovisual circuits. Broadcast engineers must keep up-to-date with the industry to bring the latest and most excellent strategies to the workplace, making this a great position for those who love learning about and implementing new technologies.
Foley artists recreate specific audio effects for films. Set recordings do not always capture each individual sound, so Foley artists are responsible for remaking minor sounds in a scene to maintain authenticity. They are not involved in standard special effects, like crashes and explosions. Instead, they focus on the sound of footsteps, or a creaking swing. Foley artists might even work on the removal of certain sounds in a scene, like a barking dog. These artists are crucial to the overall auditory experience of a film.
Sound technicians are the go-to people for managing electrical equipment and tools. This hands-on, tech-heavy job can give you great variety in terms of workplace. Sound technicians are needed in entertainment, from TV, film, musical recording, and radio to sporting events, speeches, concerts, and theater. Sound technicians prepare acoustical spaces, setting up and testing complex systems of microphones, speakers, and amps so that every word said or note played rings true. They also install, repair, and maintain recording equipment and sometimes work with consoles to ensure a smooth transfer of live performance into clear recording. The duties of a sound technician can vary depending on the place of employment, but they are often at work in the field, whether that means checking systems, running gigs, or advising on the best equipment to use at a given venue.
Location Sound Mixers are responsible for recording all sound during production on a film or television set. They place microphones, choose recording media, and mix audio signals in real-time.
A Mastering Engineer balances a song’s frequency spectrum and adjusts the dynamics to sound consistent across audio systems. Mastering adds clarity and depth to the mix. It is the most crucial step in getting the perfect sound that musicians aspire to. Mastering is the final step in polishing mixed music.
Mix engineers do everything from finalizing records for bands to adding laugh tracks to sitcoms. All the tracks from a recording session, or series of sessions, end up in the hands of a mix engineer, who typically works with a console to find balance amongst all the elements, to decide on pan positioning, and to adjust things like tempo, reverb, and so on. Whatever the project, the task is to blend all the various elements of a recording into a final, polished product ready for mastering. Mix engineers work very closely with performers and producers, advising and helping them to achieve their vision – because ultimately, the mix engineers are in control of the overall sound of the final recording! It’s a creatively demanding job that requires significant expertise and care, but it is also an enriching role that calls on your imagination and style.
A music producer oversees the creation of music from start to finish. They work closely with musicians and artists to develop the sound and feel of a song or album. Producers are responsible for selecting songs, arranging compositions, coaching performers, and guiding the recording, mixing, and mastering processes. They often deeply understand music theory, technical sound engineering, and the latest recording technologies. Music producers can work in various genres, from pop and rock to hip-hop, electronic, and classical. They are crucial in shaping the final product and bringing the artist’s vision to life.
A podcast editor/producer is the maestro behind the magic of captivating audio experiences. With precise editing skills, an ear for storytelling, and a knack for content strategy, they transform raw recordings into polished gems that audiences can’t help but devour. From weaving together narratives that hook listeners from the first second, adjusting sound levels for utmost clarity, to strategically placing music that enhances the mood, their creative and technical prowess ensures each episode is a masterclass in auditory engagement. They are the unsung heroes who elevate the quality of podcasts and meticulously craft the listener’s journey, making every episode a memorable adventure.
The re-recording mixer is the person in charge of taking all the elements of a sound design and mixing them into a balanced soundtrack. They work with dialogue tracks, ADR tracks, Foley and sound effects, atmospheres, and music to create realistic and practical soundscapes for film, television, commercials, etc. They balance volumes, equalize dialogue, implement crossfades, and adjust the background music for dramatic effect. A critical part of the re-recording mixer’s job is ensuring that sound effects and music never distract from the project, keeping levels appropriate throughout the action. Sometimes, re-recording mixers are asked to create rough cuts of the soundtrack for a film or show test screenings. Once all edits have been made to the footage, the re-recording mixer can go back into the rough cut of the soundtrack and modify it (incorporating new effects or dialogue as needed) so that the finalized, polished soundtrack can be mixed. Re-recording mixers need good communication skills as they often work in a team of artists and editors, and it is up to them to balance the sound and the group’s vision.
Sound designers typically work in theater, film, and television to create soundtracks and soundscapes that accompany and complement the action. Sometimes, designers are called in once a project (like a short film or a commercial) is finished, and they do all of their magic in post-production. Still, when working with live performances, sound designers are involved throughout the process, working with the director and other designers to produce a cohesive piece. Apart from technical skill in creating sound effects, musical scores, and atmospheric sounds to suit the dialogue and plot of a show, good communication skills are crucial for sound designers: they must work with Foley artists, ADR editors, re-recording mixers, and many others to shape and perfect the final soundtrack. Lots of script analysis goes into navigating the needs of each design. Sound designers analyze where, when, and how the sound cues are to be implemented, and because sound designers make many creative decisions on a project, they have a great deal of impact on the “feel” of the finished product.
A stagehand is a behind-the-scenes worker in the entertainment industry who helps set up and dismantle equipment for live events. They assist with lighting, sound, props, and scenery, ensuring everything is in place for performances. Stagehands also help load and unload equipment, operate machinery, and maintain a safe and organized work environment. They play a vital role in ensuring that live events run smoothly and efficiently.
