Sound Engineering for music buffs!
If music be the food of love, play on - said Shakespeare. Good music has a near magical effect on the mind and commercially speaking, it has the power to make or break a film, especially in the Indian film industry. Professionally, even if you don't have a musical voice, you may have an ear for music. Be it background score, songs or title music - sound engineers play an important part. It is all about capturing, recording, synthesizing the sounds using electronic and mechanical techniques. As with all other creative professions, pursuing this career also requires artistic inclination as candidates can't do without an ear for music.
The work involves both pre- and post- production aspects from set up to actual recording. Those who have studied audiography and sound recording can become audio engineers. There are various courses available such as:
- Principles of Sound
- Post Graduate Diploma in Sound Recording and Sound Design
- Post graduate Certificate in Sound Recording and TV Engineering
- Diploma in Recording Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film Making and Recording Arts
- Professional Sound Studio Audio Training Center
These professionals are not only trained and experienced in production and sound manipulations, they are the ones responsible for the final sound that we hear in the form of music, i.e. songs, background scores in videos, films, advertisements and so on. They are known as recording engineers / sound engineers. The field has immense opportunity in film and video production, sound broadcasting and advertising - both in India and abroad. Besides, excellent technical skills, the candidate must have passion and commitment to make a successful career in this field.
Eligibility:
For pursuing this course the students must fulfill the following criteria:
- Basic knowledge in physics and mathematics will be an advantage for audio engineers
- Should be an expert in using various recording equipments such as mixing consoles and microphones, signal processors, tape machines
- Must have an ear for music
- Must be a team player, along with good communication skills
Job Prospects:
Apart from pursuing a career in the film industry, candidates can also explore opportunities in recording studios that involve operating the microphones, mixers, recording of sounds, music and speech. Candidates can work as:
- Studio engineer
- Sound recordist
- Broadcast engineer
- Sound editor
- Re- recording mixer
- Dialogue editor
- Music editor
- Effects editor
- Mastering engineer
- Location sound engineer
- Mix engineer
- Foley recordist /editor
- Recording engineer
- Sound designer
- Pro tools operator
- Studio manager
- Programmer
Remuneration:
This is a career that promises to bring along job satisfaction along with recognition. Remuneration is proportional to the hard work and dedication put into practice. The initial salary starts anywhere from Rs 10,000 and it increases with experience. In countries abroad, a professional may get an average of $18,540 during the initial years.
