Personally, my years spent as a producer and audio engineer working in studios with musicians to help make their concepts become a reality was the most fulfilling work I have done. But audio is not just about music, it’s about facilitating and making reality a creative team’s vision.
GARETH PARTON SENIOR LECTURER MELBOURNE
The power of sound and audio has moved you to this point where you’re dreaming of making it your career. Now is the time to make that dream a reality. A reality where every day you’re using your creative talents to produce audio experiences that entertain and inspire people the world over and get paid for it.
Our leading specialists in the Audio industry are here to get you started on a good rhythm in classrooms that hit different - equipped with the latest tech that will prepare you for a killer career in this fast-paced technological era. Dream big, work hard, and soarlet’s get started on the soundtrack of your life.
The world of sound is a booming field in our digital age. Like most jobs in the creative industries, a career in audio has no straightforward path; it’s one with endless possibilities. So long as you’re willing to sharpen your skills (and your ears), making bold moves in the audio landscape guarantees a life of creativity and flexibility.
Your first instinct might be to envision a studio collaboration between musicians and a producer, but in reality, careers in audio aren’t solely tethered to the music industry. It crosses over many artistic fields. Where there are recording technicians and producers, there are frontof-house engineers who play a crucial role in live performances like concerts, stage plays, and dance productions.
In film and TV, post-production requires the aid of sound engineers, sound editors, ADR technicians, and even sound mixers. The same goes for the gaming industry as sound has evolved from catchy theme songs to atmospheric audio, where sound designers are in hot demand. It’s about crafting a story that immerses an audience into the scene.
Podcasts and audiobooks are at a fever pitch. More and more people are turning to audible storytelling rather than traditional books. Perhaps, it’s because sound makes a narrative more vibrant.
The world of modern-day storytelling is built on the backbone of audio - “no sound? No show.” So having a career in this industry means you play a part in driving the audience experience to greater heights. You have the power to make people laugh or cry through the manipulation of sound.
It’s a truly inspired feeling when your job is something you love doing - even more so when you’re crushing it. But getting qualifications in Audio will give you an edge that will separate you from the DIYers.
The internet may be jam-packed with information, but a Google degree or TikTok diploma can only get you so far, and teaching yourself can get overwhelming. Start off on the right foot by building a solid foundation of knowledge obtained through our courses at SAE. With interactive classes that will have you working on industry-based projects and opportunities for placements with actual events like music festivals around the country for a smooth ride from class to career-ready in no time.
With a multiverse of audio consoles from old school to the latest tech at your fingertips, you’ll gain the confidence to mix and master in any studio you come across and produce hits across dimensions.
From diplomas to postgraduate studies, SAE will have you creating at a higher level and gaining the all-important real-world insights. You’ll be taught and mentored in the fundamentals of audio production and learn skills in a variety of fields, including live sound, recording, production and post-production.
Pursuing a qualification in the Audio landscape will not only help you fine-tune your skills for the working world but help you connect with the right people of the same frequency, and in this industry, CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING.
So, set the tone of your confidence levels up high with the technical skills to back up your game.
Understanding the different equipment and what is involved in audio production and stage management on such a large scale, and learning how to listen to explicit instructions was really valuable. I will certainly take those skills forward with me in my career.
EMILY TURNER
SAE BACHELOR OF MUSIC PRODUCTION
BYRON BAY
We’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 critical know-hows for an audio professional.
The rate of change never stops, and neither should you - the ability to adapt will make or break your career in Audio. Learn to separate or even better, merge what you love with, a) what’s current and b) what others want. Remaining open to new ideas will only improve your sound and establish an engagement process with clients that are fulfilling for all involved.
Your ability to master the multi-layer functionality of any good Digital Audio Workstation is key to powering hits that resonate. Manipulating the DNA of sound to create a masterpiece takes time and practice, practice, and more practice. Don’t just get wrapped up in the technicalities of each function - truly listen to what each knob, button, and slider sounds like.
Quality audio keeps you tuned-in in any live scenario where picture quality or visual is not up to scratch. You don’t need binoculars for the cheap seats up the back when you’re immersed in sound that gets you vibing out like you’re right there on stage with your favourite performer. Highquality, uninterrupted, in sync audio during any live stream or performance is a next-level challenge you’ll need to perfect.
Australia surpassed the US as the biggest podcastlistening nation on the planet at 40%
If a world pandemic taught modern civilisation anything, it was how to do more, remotely. Creative collaboration without borders has globalised our workforce and our reach.
The fluidity of a workflow remains possible through the convenience of software such as Soundtrap, Soundjack, Splice Studio or Trackd. Knowing how to navigate these platforms is essential for successful remote collaboration with the potential to secure gigs across the globe from your own studio.
Success can’t be achieved with skills that are mono. Your future in this industry relies on your ability to amplify your skills, make them relevant to other industries and know how to flex them to your advantage.
A sound engineer is not limited to recording musicians - millions of people lose track of time playing video games, learn life lessons from podcasts, get emotional in movies, and fall in love with animations, all with the help of audio magic on the daily.
So, be ahead of the game by understanding the basics in other disciplines within the creative industries - dabble in a bit of coding or elevate your cinematic camera knowledge. This makes for an effortless team collaboration of creative endeavours to places that haven’t even been conceived yet, where opportunities are endless.
64% of media agencies intend to use programmatic for audio advertising over the next 12 months, up from 59% in 2021.
The future of work within any industry in the last century has primarily been about collaborating effectively with the constant evolution of technology.
With the right mix of skills, talent and determination, you could be a pioneer within this age of technological singularity. Be the leading force of creative change and impact on how we experience sound tethered to our emotions.
Sound engineers are no longer restricted to producing mixes that are linear - new technologies allow for audio experiences that take listeners to another dimension with 360 reality and Spatial audio technology.
Immerse yourself in a dynamic soundscape that calibrates sound in a way that captures distance, direction and the sound reflection of instruments, vocals, and even an audience, to make you feel like you’re at the centre of it all. Creating audio within this circular environment allows your brain to process what you’re hearing like it would in direct face-to-face reality. Sound is processed differently when multiple people are speaking simultaneously, whispering, or in different areas of a room.
Today, we can recreate all these nuances with new software and deliver it on advanced technology for that next-level audio experience.
Managing a successful career means lifting your game in some key areas. Here’s our round-up.
Mastering your skill set through highly specialised courses at SAE is the best way to start your journey - building a strong foundation of knowledge and gaining practical experience, and mentorship from established creatives already in the industry.
Obtaining qualifications in your field will give you a leg up in terms of capability with technical dexterity, practical experience and the capacity for continuous learning in an ever-changing world.
The world of audio is massively collaborative. You’ll be working one-on-one with clients, working as a team, or with a whole creative department.
One of the biggest obstacles you’ll face after graduating is getting your foot in the door. Studying at a University College carved out specifically for creatives will keep you connected with a legion of like-minded people and industry experts. Use your people skills to make those connectionsthe more people you know in your chosen field, the greater the opportunities.
Like many fields in the arts, a career in audio is about networking - nurture your creative relationships because you never know what the future holds. A good impression will last you a lifetime in this industry.
With audio careers being heavily project-based, keeping your time management skills tight is a game changer. Stick to a plan, prioritise your tasks, set reminders and keep your work organised. Staying on track will boost productivity and even the quality of your work in audio.
The key to turning your love of creating with sound into a long, fulfilling career lies in finding that sweet spot between passion, talent, and skills mixed with a whole lot of persistence.
The audio industry is a creative form of storytelling. It’s important to think about what kind of narrative you want to tell, how you will sell it to a client, and how the audience will experience your story of sound.
This is an artistic field. One that’s full of ups and downs and fueled by emotion and subjectivity, so be prepared for differences in opinion and change. A career in audio should be where you can let your imagination run wild as a storyteller through sound.
Stand out, be original, and don’t be afraid to go all in. It’s all good if you mess it up the first time; creativity gives you the freedom to try again (and again!).
Once you nail how to communicate your ideas in ways that can open the minds of others, it’ll be the tipping point of your career.
Audio is a niche specialisation. It isn’t as mainstream as most jobs, and it won’t be easy to reach that level of success most dream of. You need to be willing to work hard, put yourself out there and push through the tough times.
Persevering is what will keep you alive in this industry. It’ll show (and prove) that you really care about your work, and have a passion for what you’re doing.
In the audio industry, you’ll face problems. They will creep up in every project you take on, and no, you can’t ghost them. Although this may be daunting, you’ve got to take it in your stride and think creatively. There’s always a solution - take your time to crush every problem into bite-sized steps and tackle them one at a time. Win over producers and hiring managers by handling issues quickly and accurately.
Dive into our courses that could lead you to your dream role, or even set you up for studying your next qualification like our Master of Creative Industries.
Unlock all levels for the ultimate career win
DIPLOMA OF AUDIO PRODUCTION
6 CORE UNITS
Stage 1 / Foundations
Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other creative media students and professionals.
· Thinking about Audio
· Foundations of Sound
· Foundations of Recording and Mixing
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Foundations of Audio Technology & Live Sound
· Audio Studio 1
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN AUDIO 10 CORE UNITS
Stage 2 / Refine & Expand
Broaden your scope to work on complex multidisciplinary projects in accordance with industry standard practices
· Thinking about Audio
· Foundations of Sound
· Foundations of Recording and Mixing
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Foundations of Audio Technology & Live Sound
· Audio Studio 1
· Media Studies
· Cultural Perspectives
· Recording Studio Practice
· Music Mixing Techniques
· Sound Design for Games
· Location Sound for Screen
· Post-Production
BACHELOR OF AUDIO
15 CORE UNITS + 1 ELECTIVE
Execute a project of your own design which is of a high quality and externally published, with the knowledge to commercialise if you choose. You’ll also apply your skills through industry work-placement.
· Thinking about Audio
· Foundations of Sound
· Foundations of Recording and Mixing
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Foundations of Audio Technology & Live Sound
· Audio Studio 1
· Media Studies
· Cultural Perspectives
· Recording Studio Practice
· Music Mixing Techniques
· Sound Design for Games
· Location Sound for Screen
· Post-Production
· Major Project Development
· Audio Studio 4
· Major Project Production
· Creative Business Development and Marketing
· Work Integrated Learning
· Elective
MASTER OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
9 CORE UNITS + 7 ELECTIVES
Stage 1 / Graduate Certificate in Creative Industries
The graduate certificate provides a foundation for learning and a pathway to the master’s program.
· Graduate Studio 1 - CIM400
· Creative Practice Research - CIM417
· Leadership and Collaboration in Creative Industries - CIM418
· Discipline - Elective 1
Stage 2 / Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries
Choose to deepen your knowledge and skills within your existing discipline or complement this experience with cross-discipline electives.
· Discipline- Elective 2
· Discipline- Elective 3
· Graduate Studio 2- CIM401
· Critical Inquiry- CIM402
3
Produce your planned capstone project and showcase your knowledge with applied learning.
· Discipline - Elective 4
· Research Design and Methods - CIM515
· Creative Industries Perspectives - CIM503
· Capstone Project - CIM516
Our Audio pathway takes you on a journey of practical exploration and self-discovery. At SAE, we’re determined to give you the practical experience we’re renowned for and help amp up your skills as you begin to make your mark in the industry.
When it comes to the creative world, understanding how the industry works, networking with fellow professionals, mastering your skills, and gaining hands-on experience is what will set you up for long-term success.
Diving into a career in Audio may feel daunting as there’s so much to learn, but don’t let that deter you. With our digital expertise, long-standing industry connections, and expert mentors, SAE is here to ride along with you. We see you, we hear you, and we know how to support you.
Take your first step into our world of Audio and Sound and we’ll help you open doors that will change your life.
Want to start your studies in audio now? Sweet - here are your options.
There are NO ATAR MINIMUMS HERE. Our entry requirements are your determination and creative potential - we’ve got you covered for the rest.
All you need to show us to start your Diploma, Associate or Bachelor degree is one of the following requirements:
1. Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (your Year 12 certificate) or equivalent; OR
2. Completion of an Australian Diploma level qualification (for example a TAFE Diploma) or higher; OR
3. Experience-Based Entry – for applicants who do not meet the requirements of entry criteria 1 or 2 above.
There’s also study pathways, including credit transfers or recognition of prior learning.
So if you’re down to make your mark and master your creativity, your future starts here –ENROL NOW.
SAE University College will help you find which facet of the audio industry you’d like to specialise in. The Diploma of Audio will introduce you to the basic concepts of audio, recording, mixing and audio technology. In the Bachelor, you expand on these skills, learning sound for film and games, advanced live sound and streaming and collaborate with others to create interdisciplinary projects.
GARETH PARTON SENIOR LECTURER MELBOURNE
ANIMATION / AUDIO / COMPUTER SCIENCE / CREATIVE INDUSTRIES / DESIGN / FILM / GAMES / MUSIC / VFX & VIRTUAL PRODUCTION / Start your audio career here SAE.EDU.AU/APPLY