Breaking Barriers: Sound Engineering as a Career After 12th
The career prospects for a Sound Engineer in India are shining bright, thanks to the explosion of new digital technologies and the advent of state-of-the-art studios across the country. The growth of the M&E (Media & Entertainment) industry has further added to the requirement of qualified sound technicians and audio engineers across the film, TV and digital media world.
The term ‘Sound Engineering’ sounds pretty cool. It combines music and technology to complete an experience. Sound Engineers are needed everywhere audio is required. They are often overlooked by the general public while they are present, but take the sound engineer away and there would be a general uproar.
A Sound Engineering Career in India
India has had an age old love affair with all things musical. Traditionally devoted to classical music and Bollywood in general, the Indian audience is now exploring new forms of music, from Western classical and jazz to some really interesting forms of fusion.
The live music scene is also growing from strength-to-strength every year. Until fairly recently, the scope of a sound engineer’s job was mainly limited to Bollywood productions, television or radio shows. This has changed quite drastically recently. The influence of international DJs along with the increasing popularity of music festivals catering to different tastes has made the traditionally obscure sound engineering career a viable option.
You can go through our comprehensive sound engineering career guide to know more about a successful career & potential opportunities in the field of sound engineering.
Benefits of Studying Sound Engineering
Sound engineering is not a career where people will ask for your qualifications but will ask to look at your body of work instead. So why bother studying sound engineering? To start off with, a good sound engineer must be up to date with the latest technology and must be able to constantly keep up with advances.
Read Sakar Apte’s inspirational story to see how he went from being an aspiring industry professional to a full-fledged sound engineer at HR Music after graduating from Seamedu.
Studying a well-rounded course in sound engineering will give you plenty of hands-on knowledge. Learning face-to-face from your teachers and industry professionals will help you learn from their experiences from the field which is something no textbook or internet podcast can teach you.
The application of DAWs and improvising in real world scenarios can only be learnt while you are out there actually handling equipment and mixing sound. Plus, sound engineering school gives you the leeway to play with different hi-tech equipment and software right from the start!
A comprehensive sound engineering course will also include the business angle to sound engineering. It’s great training for running your own studio someday!
And before you ask, yes, it is possible to pursue a fruitful career in sound engineering even if you have no background in music.
Seamedu’s Department of Sound Engineering
Seamedu offers a Degree Course in Sound Engineering in Pune, Bangalore & Chandigarh. The three-year course offers the following awards on completion of the course:
- Bachelors of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication (Sound Engineering) degree from a UGC recognized University located in Pune/ Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering degree from CMR University, Bangalore.
- Apple certification for Logic Pro X
- Avid Certifications for Pro Tools 100 level
The Sound Engineering Diploma Course offers:
- Diploma in Sound Engineering from Seamedu (SCMP – Sound Engineering)
- Apple certification for Logic Pro X
- Avid Certifications for Pro Tools 100 level
Both courses are open to students after the 12th grade (or equivalent) from any stream as long as you are passionate about music. The courses are centred on the theory that you learn best by doing and so have a heavy focus on practical work. Our students are encouraged to work on their own projects and to collaborate with musicians within and outside the school.
*We are also the only diploma school for sound in India to be authorized by both Apple and Avid!
Our students also receive the benefits of having workshops with industry professionals allowing them to network with the big names and hence open up prospects of placements in the future. After all, you never know who you might impress when you meet them!
Sound Engineering Career Options
The audio industry in India is growing by leaps and bounds and more and more Indian artists are taking their music abroad. Independent films and digital media are on the rise. This has created a demand for sound engineers in many capacities. Here are a few things you can do with a degree in sound.
- Sound Recordist
- Music Arranger
- Sound Designer
- Mixing Engineer
- Junior Sound Engineer
- Live Sound Engineer
Job Responsibilities of a Sound Engineer
- 1. Sound Recordist – Sound Recordists are also known as Production Mixers. They are responsible for recording sound on location or on set. The recorded sound is then used in the final product or as a reference track for the sound designer. Sound Recordists are department heads, and are responsible for all aspects of production sound. They are also in charge of communication on set, technical requirements and budgets.
- 2. Junior Sound Engineer – Jr. Sound Engineers provide support to the sound crew. They are in charge of all the sound equipment required on set. They also make sure that the microphones are placed as required. A good understanding of various kinds of equipment needed to record sound live is extremely important!
If you are passionate about music and audio and want to make it your career, Seamedu can help you make your dreams come true. Get in touch with us or apply for one of our courses here!
