By Steven Katona<\/p>\n
Anyone who listens to music can appreciate good quality sound. Sound is everywhere, and it\u2019s an Audio Technician\u2019s job to bring out its full potential.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe program teaches you every aspect of production, not just music, but audio in general,\u201d said DSC employee and graduate of the program Adam Bannister. \u201cThere\u2019s a class for studio maintenance, where you learn how to solder and work on electronic equipment. There\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have one of the most unique programs in the state of Florida, perhaps even the entire country,\u201d said Niceley. \u201cMany of our students \u2500 who graduate the program \u2500 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2500 an accepted norm for technicians.<\/p>\n
The business is very similar to an Artisan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s important for students to understand that every experience counts and every experience adds to growing as a professional,\u201d said Bannister. \u201cI have done many gigs for free, I might not have wanted to, but it takes work before you can get paid sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n
In today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d said Bannister.<\/p>\n
For more information either see an academic advisor or visit the web to view the program description and course listings.<\/p>\n
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By Steven Katona Anyone who listens to music can appreciate good quality sound. Sound is everywhere, and it\u2019s an Audio Technician\u2019s 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 Continue reading Audio Engineering Hits High Note<\/span>