If you have an ear for sound or the skills to produce music, a career in audio engineering could be your match.

Audio engineering, defined

Audio engineering is the act of recording, manipulating, mixing, and reproducing sound inside a studio. By becoming an audio engineer, it doesn't necessarily mean you only produce sound for musicians; there are also audio engineers for film, radio, television, live theatre, and more.

Regardless of the part of the industry you choose, audio engineering can allow music lovers to branch into careers as recording engineers, studio assistant engineers, studio engineers, audio editors, or mastering engineers. Who would've thought there was more to engineering besides the common specializations in chemical, mechanical, and computer engineering.

Benefits of studying audio engineering

Kimberley Newey, marketing manager and content specialist at Vancouver's Nimbus School of Recording Arts, says a degree in audio engineering certifies and encourages students to become entrepreneurs and work anywhere in the world, with a variety of people.

"Audio engineering is an exciting and dynamic industry," she says. "Learning to create great sound, songs, and soundscapes, [as well as] how to effectively work with artists is extremely rewarding."

Gain hands-on experience

At Nimbus, students are provided with hands-on experience in real recording studios using industry-standard gear. They learn the fundamentals of audio engineering, recording, mixing, producing, and mastering. Students will gain experience in everything from working with artists to developing their creativity and creating professional music recordings.

The students are even taught techniques such as cable wrapping, microphone placement, signal levels, connector types, how to work with patch bays, mix downs, recording techniques, pitch correlation (Autotune and Melodyne), music theory, editing techniques, and more.

"Students learn to create songs from initial concept to completed radio-ready recording," says Newey. "We teach students the most up-to-date recording and editing techniques, as well as tools and tricks of the trade from the past, including how to record to tape."

Once the students are off and ready to advance into their careers, she guarantees that all graduates of the audio engineering program will be confident to work in any studio. In fact, Nimbus has opened doors for their students and graduates.

"Many [of our students] have gone on to find work in live-sound, post-production, production, and studio environments."

There are currently over 10 post-secondary institutions across Canada that offer programs in audio engineering. With a passion for sound and music, imagine what can be done with a degree. Amplify your talent and originality with a career in audio engineering.

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