One of the most vivid memories of my childhood is the time that we went to a small natural amphitheater in our area. It wasn't actually known as a natural amphitheater, except by locals. You see, it was too small and too hard to get to for shows. Nevertheless, the sound was perfect in it. I would Stand in the middle of it, shout, and listen to the sound project out loud and clear. At the time, I did not know that I was destined to be a sound engineer, but nonetheless it was the beginning of my fascination with all things audio and acoustic. Sound engineering was my life's destiny, although it would be years before I found that out myself.
Many people don't understand the amount of work that audio engineers do. You see, sound engineering is an under appreciated part of music production. When most people hear a recording that they like, they think about the artist. They do not think about all the other people behind the scenes who helped make that recording possible. Many of them are sound engineers. Sometimes, the producer gets credit, but the sound engineer rarely does. Nevertheless, the sound engineer deserves at least as much credit as the producer if not more. It is true that it takes a brilliant artist to write a good song, but it takes an amazing sound engineer to make it really come to life on a recording.
Being an acoustic engineer is not an easy task for most people. As a sound engineer, you need to have an impeccable ear for music. It is true that tastes vary, but the ability to taste is essential. People who are not sensitive to every detail and every nuance of music are not fit to be sound engineers. A sound engineer needs to be able to hear everything. He won't be the person in the front rocking out at a concert, but the person in the back with his earplugs in, quietly nodding to the music.
If you have always had this kind of intellectual approach to music, going to a sound engineering school might be the right move for you. Being a sound engineer is a great way to make money off of doing what you love. A sound engineer salary is quite high if you can make a name for yourself in the industry. Although the fans don't know that much about the sound engineers, the musicians do. A good sound engineer is highly sought after.
|
