ASL & You

Because of the unique structure of the course curriculum, those seeking a career in the audio industry can acquire what they need to reach success.  Sound designer, sound engineer, audio engineer, audio artist, sound artist, creative sound designer, technical sound designer are all examples of employment opportunities that individuals who train with advanced studio learning can pursue. 

Audio engineer

From TV to Radio, an audio engineer makes the transmission and translation of sound, atmosphere, and dialog possible. Ae's are a vital part of any production team, especially on larger projects such as movies. An audio engineer uses machinery and equipment to record, synchronize, mix or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects. He or she can work in music recording, live show, movie, theater or video game industries.  Audio engineers may also be called sound engineering technicians or recording engineers.


Arranger

An arranger provides musical arrangements of a musical composition or song for an artist, band, orchestra, or other ensemble. The arranger determines the voice, instrument, harmonic structure, rhythm, tempo, and other aspects of a song or composition, based on the artist, producer, or conductor's specifications. While training in music theory, orchestration, composition, and harmony is required, a good background in mixing is a dynamic foundation to engaging the art of arrangement. An arranger should have experience as a copyist, writing music, and playing one or more instruments in addition to this. 


Artist

These days, labels find artists who are self-sufficient to be more economically attractive.  Artists with engineering and producing skills can better control projects and outcomes.  This allows an artist to help guide a project from vision to reality.  Better collective decisions can be made when the entire team can communicate at the same level.


Music producer

A music producer writes, arranges, produces and records songs for other artists or for their own projects.  One of the keys to controlling the outcome of a project is to have a greater understanding of audio engineering so that solid communication can be established between the producer and engineer.  Often, the producer may find himself setting up and running a recording session, editing a multi-track session, or getting his hands on a mix.


Sound designer

On the surface, when we think of film, we think of a purely visual experience.  However, it certainly becomes obvious that this is not the case if the film suddenly has its audio muted.  Notoriously, the sound component of a film is overlooked by many involved with the films production.  A good film project suddenly becomes phenomenal once there is great sound design, editing, and scoring.  The sound effects we hear in films are added during the editing process.  Use sound techniques to convey the mood of a scene and orchestrate the audience’s reaction emotionally completes the story of the film.  Sound designers give a sense of reality to things that are not real and often create sounds that become a brand recognition device not only for a film but for a feeling!


Environmental sound designer

An exciting turning point in game audio these days is in environmental sound design.  This occupation is one of the pinnacle processing effects that glues audio to the gaming environment and allowing it to blend naturally.  Without it, games and mobile apps are just not as immersive or believable.


Film composer

A film composer scores music to accompany a motion picture for film or television. This could include dramatic underscore as well as popular songwriting. The traditional role of a film composer is to provide the orchestral dramatic underscore and, only more recently, has the popular soundtrack begun to stand on its own.  Those who possess the skills of audio engineering have an edge in the marketplace.


Live sound Engineer

The information learned at ASL is applicable to much of the live sound industry, including theater sound.  Musicals and public lectures fall under this category as well.  More and more, national and international groups require not only the effective mixing of live shows but the detailed recording of it to bring the live experience to the music-buying public.  This area of the music industry has grown into a main centerpiece for commerce.


A&R Rep

It’s no secret that some of the most successful a&r assistants, reps and directors have had some experience in music production as producers and engineers.  Of course, a&r managers are creative people with good business skills and a solid understanding of the music marketplace. It is not enough to like the music, an a&r manager needs an excellent knowledge of the contemporary music scene and to understand what sells.
The main job is picking acts that will be successful and then working with the act to find the right producers and writers.   It also helps when the a&r person can provide essential input into the project to support its outcome by being able to communicate clearly with the production team.  The process is very much a nurturing one to ensure the band or solo artist impacts at the right time with the right material.