By Steven Katona
Anyone who listens to music can appreciate good quality sound. Sound is everywhere, and it’s an Audio Technician’s job to bring out its full potential.
Daytona State College, within the last couple years, established a new Associate of Science Degree program, Audio/Recording Technology. Its goal is to teach students necessary skills they need on the job and encourages them to grow as a professional.
These technicians are the reason why the Jonas Brothers sound good, and why Romeo can be heard on the top row of the balcony in a play.
“The program teaches you every aspect of production, not just music, but audio in general,” said DSC employee and graduate of the program Adam Bannister. “There’s a class for studio maintenance, where you learn how to solder and work on electronic equipment. There’s also a music business class that teaches the fundamentals of copyright laws and marketing, and an acoustic class which teaches students how sound works in different environments and how sound studios are built. It touches on every aspect of the industry.”
DSC Professor and Chairman of the program Jake Niceley was an essential asset in bringing this curriculum to the college. He brought with him the knowledge and first-hand experience to train any students who are interested in the program.
“We have one of the most unique programs in the state of Florida, perhaps even the entire country,” said Niceley. “Many of our students ─ who graduate the program ─ are working in the industry locally and outside of the area. Several of them have started their own businesses or gone on to four year programs and are doing very well.”
The program is taught so thoroughly that graduates can easily go from running audio for a play on Saturday to equalizing the sound of a rock concert the next day─ an accepted norm for technicians.
The business is very similar to an Artisan’s Guild in the sense that it is normal for an understudy to have a mentor figure to learn from outside of school. The techs also have to be very flexible and passionate about what they do.
“I think it’s important for students to understand that every experience counts and every experience adds to growing as a professional,” said Bannister. “I have done many gigs for free, I might not have wanted to, but it takes work before you can get paid sometimes.”
In today’s high-tech world, one person can run the majority of the audio of a big-ticket event. Technicians for these events have the capability to set up, run and tear down all of the equipment needed to amplify and equalize the sound. Although the work can be strenuous, each day brings something new. Techs also get the opportunity to meet and hangout with many celebrities in various areas of the arts.
“It’s not for everybody, but anybody can do it. If you want it you have to go all in or nothing. You have to make it for yourself and earn your break,” said Bannister.
For more information either see an academic advisor or visit the web to view the program description and course listings.