Oakfields College: Basic sound recording

Duration: 72 hours

What you will cover:

For every hit song, there is a sound engineer who helped take it to the top of the charts. If this sounds like a career you’re interested in, then let our team of highly motivated lecturers get you off the couch and behind a sound desk. The music industry is constantly on the lookout for competent individuals who are reliable and have robust knowledge and skills regarding sound technology.

These individuals need to meet very high industry standards and requirements, using technology to their best advantage and delivering efficiently and effectively. We’ll help you compile an electronic portfolio with your first production, namely a class project where you write and record a radio advertisement.

Course content includes:

• Basic concepts of sound
• Cubase
• Microphones and microphone techniques
• Digital systems
• Multi-channel recording
• Music productions
• Hands-on mixing and mastering
• Music composition

Practical hands-on course including a full band recording in studio

Career Opportunities

Sound Technician/Engineer

• Studio Sound Engineer: Work in music studios, recording, mixing, and mastering audio tracks for artists, bands, and producers.
• Live Sound Engineer: Manage and operate sound equipment for live performances, ensuring the sound quality is optimal during concerts, festivals, and other events.
• Broadcast Sound Engineer: Handle audio for radio and television broadcasts, ensuring the sound levels, quality, and clarity of live shows and pre-recorded content.
• Post-Production Sound Engineer: Work in film and television to enhance audio elements after the video is shot, including dialogue editing, sound effects, and background music.

Audio Producer

• Music Producer: Oversee the production of music tracks, collaborating with artists to create the desired sound, and managing the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering.
• Podcast Producer: Plan, record, and edit podcasts, ensuring high-quality audio for broadcasting on digital platforms.
• Audio Content Producer: Develop and produce audio content for a variety of media, including radio, TV, films, and digital platforms, ensuring quality sound for the final product.

Sound Designer

• Sound Designer for Film/TV: Create and manipulate sound effects for films, TV shows, and games to enhance the auditory experience, from soundscapes to character voices.
• Video Game Sound Designer: Develop immersive soundscapes for video games, including background music, sound effects, and character voices to enrich the gaming experience.
• Theater Sound Designer: Work on live theater productions, designing the sound effects and audio cues that complement the performances and enhance the audience's experience.

Audio Editor

• Audio Editor for Film and TV: Edit and organize audio recordings, including dialogue, sound effects, and music, to create the final audio track for film and television productions.
• Music Editor: Work on music tracks by editing and arranging audio recordings, ensuring they are properly mixed and ready for release.
• Foley Artist: Create and record live sound effects that sync with visual elements in films, TV, or games, such as footsteps, doors creaking, or glass breaking.

Audio Equipment Specialist

• Audio Equipment Technician: Install, maintain, and repair sound equipment used in music studios, live events, or broadcast settings.
• Sound Equipment Rental: Work with companies that rent out audio equipment for events, films, and studios, ensuring that all gear is operational and ready for use.

Music Mixing and Mastering Engineer

• Mixing Engineer: Blend individual audio tracks (vocals, instruments, etc.) into a cohesive final mix for songs, albums, or any other musical production.
• Mastering Engineer: Finalize the sound of a track or album by enhancing the overall quality and preparing it for distribution across various platforms (vinyl, CD, digital).

Music Industry Careers

• Session Musician (Audio Specialist): Provide specific audio contributions (such as vocals, instrumentals, or sound effects) during recording sessions for albums, TV shows, or movies.
• Music Licensing Specialist: Work with media companies and artists to secure the rights to music for use in films, advertisements, and other forms of media.

Event Sound Technician

• Live Event Technician: Operate sound systems at live events like concerts, corporate events, conferences, and theater productions, ensuring sound quality and managing equipment.
• Festival Sound Technician: Set up and operate sound systems at large festivals, concerts, or multi-day events, ensuring high-quality sound throughout the event.

Audio-Visual Technician

• Audio-Visual Specialist: Combine audio with visual components for corporate events, conferences, and presentations, ensuring sound and visual elements work seamlessly together.
• Sound and Lighting Technician: Work with both sound and lighting in live event productions, ensuring both technical aspects complement each other during performances.

Freelance Audio Professional

• Freelance Sound Engineer/Producer: Work independently, offering audio services such as recording, mixing, editing, and producing for various clients, including musicians, filmmakers, and businesses.
• Freelance Podcast Editor/Producer: Specialize in producing and editing podcasts for clients, ensuring top-quality sound and smooth editing.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

• Sound Studio Owner/Manager: Open and operate a private recording studio, offering services such as recording, mixing, mastering, and post-production for musicians, filmmakers, and other media creators.
• Audio Equipment Rental Business: Start a business providing audio equipment rentals for events, studios, or video productions.

Music and Film Distribution

• Audio Distributor: Work with music and film companies to distribute audio products through digital platforms, streaming services, or physical sales channels.
• Music Supervisor: Curate and manage the use of music in film, TV, or advertising, ensuring the right sound fits with the visuals and tone of the project.

Teaching and Education

• Audio/Recording Instructor: Teach sound recording, production, and engineering techniques at educational institutions or offer private lessons and workshops to aspiring audio professionals.
• Sound Engineering Program Developer: Help create curriculum and teaching materials for audio engineering programs at universities, colleges, or private institutions.

Film and Television Production Crew Roles

• Sound Mixer: Manage sound levels and mix the various audio elements during live or recorded production, ensuring balanced sound quality across all channels.
• Boom Operator: Capture high-quality dialogue and sound on set using a boom microphone, often during film and TV production.

After completing a Basic Sound Recording course at Oakfields College, students can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the entertainment and media industries. Whether working as sound engineers, music producers, sound designers, or event technicians, graduates have the opportunity to work in studios, live events, film, TV, and digital platforms, all while developing their technical and creative expertise.