Is this a good course to get into Sound Engineerin

[Ace]

Hi,

I'm interested in becoming a Soun Engineer and I'm wondering if this course at a local college would be a good place to start off learning? The course description is here: www.nbcol.ac.uk/courses/?s=&code=FDLMT1. I'd really appreciate it if anyone could let me know if this would be an ideal place to start, or any other alternatives. As it's very late I think it would be too late to apply for next school year (September) but I can still try, and if not, work for a year and go the following year.

Cheers for your help.

[westy321]

I did that course and ended up working with some of the best artists in the world,

I also run my own business whilst doing a sound, light and live event technology degree for something to fall back on

Its a good course if you make it worth while and stay behind to figure out that MIDI sequencer and work late finishing your recordings rather than just staying for the hour lesson or whatever and then giving up. This business is quite demanding so get used to it whilst your learning

However, make sure you gain experience whilst you are studying, whether its working at your local theatre just lugging stuff about or getting work with a pro PA company. Experience means everything, that piece of paper will help you to actually understand what you are doing rather than just second guessing from watching someone else ( the course will give you books to read which are cross referenced around the world and are usually right)

If you want to talk further about getting into the business, please feel free to email me:
[e-mail]

In the mean time, read product manuals from different manufacturers to learn about equipment, and enjoy yourself

Take care

Simon

[Anglkmp]

I agree with Simon - I did the fast track equivalent to this course (NC Music Tech) and then went on to do the HNC Music Tech (fast track HND). I found the NC/ND extremely worthwhile as it is mainly practical based. You do definetly need to get some experience outside the course aswell - I asked my sound enginner tutor whether I could sit in some of his recording sessions - so if your stuck with finding a placement ask the tutors - anyway good luck and im sure your going to love the course.

Angela

[laura]

I Want 2 become a sound engineer but i live in nottingham and i'm not sure if there's any course's in this area help me plz email me [e-mail]

[shepz]

Hi Laura,
What are your local colleges?
You should see what's available in the music departments... usually a BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology or something to that effect.

Although I must point out that you need no formal qualifications to be a sound engineer, I'm sure that any of these courses will help you with the foundations on which you can base your career path on.

Your best bet is to get in touch with local pa/sound reinforcement companys and see if they're willing to have you on their team as stage crew/assistance. You'll get all the scivvy jobs, but at least you'll get the oppertunity to see a sound system in operation first hand. You'll learn how it all goes together and then be at various venues pregnant doging about how nuts their sound system is! lol

Shoaib =]