Music production and engineering

You can start with a music production certificate, taking classes that directly apply to the associate degree in music production and engineering and covers the basics of music theory, digital audio recording and the studio environment.

Core music and audio roles include:

• Audio engineer/sound engineer. You’ll be responsible for recording, mixing and mastering audio for music, podcasts or live events. Specialized roles in this field include recording, mixing and mastering engineer.
• Music producer. In this creative and managerial role, you’ll guide artists to shape their sound – overseeing recording sessions and often composing or arranging musical elements.
• Live sound engineer (FOH/Monitor). You’ll work in real-time at concerts, festivals or theater productions to ensure the audience and the performers hear the sound perfectly.

Film, television and gaming roles include:

• Sound designer. Create and assemble sound effects (like footsteps or environmental ambiance) to enhance the narrative and mood of films, TV shows or video games.
• Audio post-production specialist. Edit, clean up and sync dialogue, music and sound effects after the picture has been shot or edited. This includes tasks like ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and Foley (recreating synchronized sound effects).
• Production sound mixer/location sound recordist. Work on set to capture clean, high-quality dialogue and on-location sound during filming.
• Gaming audio engineer. Focus specifically on designing, implementing and optimizing audio within video games, often working with specialized game engines.

Broadcast and corporate roles, which focus on audio for transmission, public address and corporate needs, include:

• Broadcast engineer. Maintain and operate the electrical equipment for live broadcasts on radio, television or streaming platforms (like sports events).
• Audio/Visual (AV) technician/engineer: Set up, operate and troubleshoot sound and sometimes video equipment for corporate events, conferences, houses of worship or large venues.
• Field technician. Work on location outside of a main studio for news coverage or remote shoots.

Yes. While some jobs require additional experience, a two-year associate degree can pave the way for a job in audio production, especially entry-level roles such as sound technician, audio production assistant or AV technician.

Absolutely. Learn more about the following areas:

• Immersive media (gaming, film, and tv). The video game industry has a growing need for skilled audio professionals to create immersive soundscapes, sound effects and musical scores. Similarly, film and television, including the boom in content for streaming services, constantly require high-caliber sound design and post-production specialists.
• Live events and experiences. The live music and corporate events industry is experiencing a strong comeback. There’s a high demand for live sound engineers and concert technicians to ensure flawless audio at in-person performances and hybrid events.
• Digital content creation (podcasts and audiobooks). The consumer audio market is thriving, with an increase in the popularity of podcasts and audiobooks. This creates a steady need for talented producers, engineers and narrators to bring stories and information to life with engaging, professional-quality sound.