Sound Technician Jobs

About This Music Career

The Sound Technician's main responsibility is making sure there is good sound quality during the show. To ensure that the sound is in fact good, he or she will arrive at a concert much earlier than the performers themselves. With the help of the road crew, the Sound Technician unloads, sets up, and positions all of the sound equipment and instruments (some union situations require union employees to unload equipment – in such a situation, the Sound Technician will supervise the placement).

Equipment cannot be placed haphazardly, but rather, it must be placed on stage in such a way that the sounds of voices and instruments blend perfectly. Not only that, but everything must be set up so that everyone on stage can hear and see what is going on during the show.

Once the performers arrive, the Sound Technician must then prepare for the sound check, during which each performer will play his or her instrument or sing, with the Sound Technician listening to make sure the sound is coming through properly. This proves to be difficult because acoustics in every concert venue is set up differently. As a result, minor adjustments will continue to be made to the sound all the way to the start of the show.

Once the show begins, the Sound Technician works the sound board (usually in front of the stage where is sound is best), adjusting the volume of voices while working with the volume of instruments, bringing out more bass, treble, etc. After the show, the equipment must be taken down and the Sound Technician may be responsible for supervising the loading and packing of the sound equipment. During which, the Sound Technician might also be responsible for checking out the equipment after a show to see which instruments need repair or even replacement. If an instrument or piece of equipment needs repair, many Sound Technicians know how to fix much of the equipment with which they work.

Sound Technicians report to the Head Road Manager or Tour Coordinator. The Sound Technician's schedule might require work within a six week tour with one act and then maybe have a month off before the next tour starts with another group, for example. In order to ensure the Sound Technician is available during a particular group, the Sound Technician might remain on reduced salary during off time. The Sound Technician must be open to travel and extended periods of living on the road.

Salaries
Sound Technicians for local bands may only make minimum wage, while maybe receiving a percentage of concert sales. As Sound Technicians take on work for better known acts, they have the opportunity to earn between $27,000 and $65,000 per year. While on the road, Sound technicians will most likely receive a per diem to pay for all living expenses and food.

Employment
On the lowest level, with a local or well-known regional band, the Sound Technician has a fair chance of finding employment. As the popularity of the group increases, it will be harder for the Sound Technician to find work.

Advancement
Advancement from a position as a Sound Technician is also difficult, as their main chance of advancement would come in the form of working with a more prestigious musical act, which isn't easy. They can also become Road Managers or Tour Coordinators if they do a well enough job.

Education and Training

Sound Technicians do not need a formal education, as many of those selected for this position picked up knowledge and the basics of the job by watching someone else working the sound board. Others have some training in electronics or sound from attending a recording, broadcasting or music school.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
As mentioned, the Sound Technician can pick up the basics by watching someone else. With that said, success comes with experience, and individuals who have more work on the sound board will fare better. Due to the amount of travel, the Sound Technician must keep a flexible schedule, and should not be opposed of living out of a suitcase while on the road. Some Sound Technicians begin their careers as roadies, helping with sound work while out on the road.

Last, but not least, the Tour Publicist must maintain a list of national media contacts to call upon while his or her client is on tour.

Unions and Associations
Sound Technicians can be members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Touring Sound Technicians do not usually belong to any union.

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