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Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Audio

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Jamie Baker – Sound Designer, Audio Engineer, and Educator

Jamie Baker is a sound designer, audio engineer, musician, and educator with over 35 years of experience in professional audio. Currently based in Savannah, Georgia, with over 25 years of work  behind her in the NYC post-production sound community, she specializes in post sound and audio education. She is currently a Professor of Sound Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she has taught for over seven years, while continuing her independent audio work.

Jamie grew up in a musical family. Her early fascination with audio technology began with connecting the components of her stereo system and eventually expanded into playing guitar, bass, and performing in and recording bands.

Her passion for sound design emerged while studying at the University of Michigan, where she helped create the soundscape for a theatrical production of The White Rose. Working with reel-to-reel tape machines, razor-blade editing, patchbays, and sound effects libraries introduced her to the creative possibilities of audio production. Around the same time, discovering multitrack recording inspired her to purchase a Tascam Portastudio and begin recording her own compositions and other musicians.

Jamie earned a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Michigan and completed certificates in Basic and Advanced Recording Techniques at the Recording Institute of Detroit. She also served as a teaching assistant and instructor, gaining valuable experience both behind the console and in the classroom.

Her technical foundation was further strengthened through working in the professional audio department at Nalli Music in Ann Arbor, where she developed extensive knowledge of microphones, recording equipment, mixing consoles, and signal flow. Combined with years of performing and recording with bands, these experiences shaped her hands-on approach to sound and education.

After moving to the NY area to pursue a career playing and recording music, Jamie stumbled upon and fell in love with re-recording mixing for film. She steered her career from music to post production sound, and worked her way from assistant engineer to Foley mixer, editor, and re-recording mixer.

Today, Jamie brings decades of practical experience, technical knowledge, and creative exploration into her teaching. Her career reflects a lifelong passion for sound, from analog recording and theatrical sound design to post-production and mentoring the next generation of audio professionals.

Career Beginnings

How did you get your start in audio?

I worked at the local music stores that sold guitars and audio gear and eventually started to build up my own studio so I could record local bands, artists and singer/songwriters. I did some theater sound jobs in college and some live sound while playing in bands and in NYC at places like the Asia Society. Interning at a small record label studio in Hoboken NJ and freelancing in NYC at various jingle houses were my earliest studio jobs.

What were your first jobs, gigs, or internships like? 

Most paid gigs at first were for advertising clients in NY, where masterful session players were hired to play the music and we recorded them to 2” tape. I calibrated the tape machines, set up mics and headphones, and helped in any way that I could. I got to watch talented engineers record, mix, and produce excellent tracks.

I worked with Latin artists and rap artists that were signed to a small record label called Meadowlands Recording Company in Hoboken, NJ. We recorded on ADAT synced with digital performer or studio vision software for the midi instruments and samples. I loved this gig and remember getting amazing recordings all day there until we had to quit in the evening when the music at Boo Boo’s Funkadelic kicked in around the corner and the low frequencies infiltrated the walls.

The cross over to film post sound began at Sound One in the Brill Building, where my first job was as a messenger. I worked for minimum wage and got to meet everyone in the NY post sound community as I delivered faxes and cans of films to various offices and studios. I believe I was the third woman to hold that position. My foot was in the door, and I was beyond excited to be there. Among other things, I got to visit Studio J – the Foley stage!

My foray into Foley began with the opportunity to train as a Foley recordist at c5, inc. I was invited to arrive early each day and boot up the Foley studio, and then sit in on the sessions and help keep track of cues. I did this every day for a few hours before my jingle house gig. These were my early days of training as a Foley mixer. After a couple months of sitting in, they let me take the wheel!

What skills or lessons did you learn early on that still serve you today? 

Be helpful. Pay attention. Take care of the equipment and cables. Be a good listener. Learn, learn, learn. Read the manual. Take notes. Make yourself indispensable.

Did you have a mentor or someone who significantly supported your growth?

Jane Heirich, my college professor who taught the Creative Musicianship and Human Voice Alexander Technique classes. She changed my life trajectory and is still guiding me in my brain and heart. 

What barriers did you encounter early in your career, if any? 

The NY film community has always had amazing rerecording mixers and I wanted to be one. None of them were women. I was told by some people that did the hiring that I surely didn’t want that job because the hours were long and they often had to work late nights and weekends. I came across a few situations where I was passed up for jobs because I was a woman and it was assumed I’d make a family and do that instead of work. That was not the case, I ended up working many nights and weekends throughout my career anyway. I still do. And I have a family now, too, that has always been supportive when it comes to working long hours.

Your Career Today

What does a typical workday look like for you now?

Busy! I teach sound design full time. Most of my classes are in a beautiful studio. For 10-week quarters I teach 4 classes each week that meet twice for 2.5 hours and host a minimum of 4 office hours per week. I get to train students in Foley, VO and ADR, fundamentals of audio, editing, supervision, and sound for film and television. I’m usually either in the classroom, office hours, extra help sessions, grading, or advising 2 student sound clubs. Also, there’s a lot of email checking going on. I hear from students and colleagues non-stop, and I aim to respond regularly.

This year I have a grant to do some research and academic writing on my favorite topic, Foley, so that is peppered into my typical day at this time.

In addition, I am currently on the AES Board of Governors and a few other AES committees: Education, DEI, Atlanta Section, and the accessibility sub-committee. I am the co-chair for the next International AES  Conference on Audio Education (6/24-26/27 at San Diego City College). I join Educator Advisory Committees that John Krivit assembles to check out and assess various software and plug ins available and discuss how they can be integrated into class curriculum. I am also the faculty awards coordinator for our department, so I help encourage students to submit their best work for student awards with the AES, MPSE, and CAS organizations. I could go on but there’s much more that I do from day to day in addition to the teaching – I maybe keep too busy.

How do you stay organized and manage the demands of your work?

 Ha! I keep saying I’m going back to a day runner handwritten planner because it was the best way to keep track of everything. Now I have things in 4 or 5 places- multiple Google calendars, notes app, reminders app, etc…it’s hard to keep up with all of those, so I recently created a weekly spreadsheet that I compile all these things onto and prioritize the weekdays with my commitments and things to do. It seems to be working well. It’s a Google sheet I can access from my phone or computer.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Sharing sound, tech, and sonic stories with others while supporting students’ growth. It is very rewarding. I generally like to nerd out about all things audio!

What aspects of the job are the most challenging or least enjoyable? 

Writing a self-evaluation!. I think when students are not trying their best it can be very frustrating. I believe you get out what you put in and some don’t put much in so I feel they will not get much out of it. It’s way more fun to work with students that are excited to learn.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off or time away from work? 

I love to hang out with my family and get out into nature. It only happens once in a while, and I hope we can do that more often. We have beautiful marshes here with walking trails, and Tybee Island is a gorgeous beach. Birdwatching. Sleeping. Good meals. I like to go somewhere I’ve never been. I try to rest and watch enjoyable films and tv programs. I enjoy visiting my friends working on Foley stages! I got a grant to do some academic writing and just did a 16-day road trip to visit comrades in the biz in California, then a couple days in Chicago and a couple days in NY. It was all super special, memorable, and fulfilling!

Challenges, Growth & Perspective

What obstacles or systemic barriers have you faced in the industry? 

Boys club. Sexism.

How have you navigated or pushed through those challenges?

 I “just keep swimming…” (Dory, Finding Nemo). Finding supportive people and folks I like working with is how I steer my path. Life is too short to work with people that make you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. I try to look for the light and follow it. I also tell myself it’s ok to be nervous and fearful in new situations but to go for it anyway. Someone once told me that if I do the best that I can then that is all I can do. So, I do my best. If my best is not enough, then there’s nothing more I could have done. I can sleep at night knowing I tried my best.

Have you seen the industry change during your career? If so, how? 

More diversity is slowly taking hold, strikes and COVID hit heavy, new tech (pros and cons), now AI tools and issues that we need solid guidelines for and protections from. Due to COVID and recent strikes and corporate mergers, etc., there are many folks out of work. I look forward to a renaissance. People don’t proofread things – manuals have typos – it’s so frustrating!!!

What still needs to change to better support women and marginalized genders in audio?

Widespread early introduction and training in audio, more diverse representation at companies, in trade mags, on social media, etc. Vote out misogynistic fascists in leadership positions.

Advice & Looking Forward

What advice would you give to women or young people interested in entering audio? 

Go for it! Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong. Read the manual, prepare for opportunities when they arrive. Meet as many people as you can and tell them you want to work in audio. Networking is key! Invest in yourself – gear, training, trade organizations and communities. Get involved! Volunteer. Have fun!

What skills—technical or otherwise—do you think are essential for success? 

Perseverance, showing up on time (early), a great can-do attitude, good listening skills, proactivity, a friendly and kind demeanor, hardworking, good communication skills, professional behavior and etiquette, good hygiene, etc. Understanding signal flow and all the basics, plus any advanced areas of interest. Be resourceful! Read the room!

What long-term goals or aspirations do you have? 

I’m working on an academic book.

Is there something you wish you had known earlier in your career?

It’s ok to ask questions and admit you don’t know how to do something if you haven’t had a chance to learn how to do it. Sometimes you can wing it and figure things out, and other times you need time to prepare. Sometimes people will help you and other times you are on your own. It’s OK to admit you are still learning. I am still learning new things every day.

Favorites & Personal Touch

Favorite or most-used gear (and why):

Pro Tools Ultimate and many plug-ins on my MacBook Pro laptop. I can work from anywhere. I even mixed commercials on headphones in the NYPL on vacay one time. My staples have been the Waves Mercury bundle and Izotope RX Advanced.

A piece of gear you can’t live without:

Same as above along with a 5.1 Genelec mix setup in the home studio.

A moment in your career that made you feel proud or affirmed:

Seeing my name for the first time (and second and third) on the screen in theaters and TV was a rush.

Anything Else

Is there anything else you’d like to share or contribute?

Before I discovered post sound, I hoped to someday be a rock star and famous record producer. I played in many bands on guitar, vocals, and bass. I toured and recorded an album with the NYC punk-pop band, Battershell. It was definitely another key segment of my life and career!

Joanna Lynne Staub – Sound Designer, Composer, and Audio Engineer

Joanna Lynne Staub is a highly accomplished freelance sound designer, composer, and audio engineer with over 30 years of experience spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre, as well as live events, corporate audio, concerts, television, and podcasts. As an independent contractor, she is a proud member of USA829 as a sound designer and IATSE as an audio engineer.

Currently, Joanna is engaged in exciting projects, including sound design and composition for George Street Playhouse and American Players Theatre. Currently, Joanna is working on the renovation of the sound system at the Hayden Planetarium and the creation of the new Space Show at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.  In addition to her theatrical work, she is an audio engineer for ABC Television, Clair Global, and the podcast Playing on Air.

Early Life & Passion for Audio

Joanna’s deep connection to music and audio was ingrained from childhood. Growing up in a family of musicians and audiophiles, discussions on music production, performance, and history were a daily part of life. Surrounded by an eclectic mix of records and radio broadcasts, she developed an early fascination with sound and live performance.

Her interest in audio as a career path emerged during undergraduate studies, fueled by a passion for music production and the culture of live performances. Attending concerts at a young age, she became captivated by the behind-the-scenes execution of live sound.

Educational Background & Training

Joanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering from Ithaca College and a Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design & Technical Theatre from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her formal training encompasses music, sound design, audio engineering, and technical theatre. As a classically trained flutist, she also has a background in composition and orchestration, which informs her work in sound design and music integration.

A Multifaceted Career

Throughout her extensive career, Joanna has worked across a wide range of theatrical productions, live events, and broadcast audio, demonstrating expertise in both creative sound design and technical engineering. Her work continues to shape the auditory experiences of audiences across multiple entertainment industries.

With an unwavering passion for sound, storytelling, and performance, Joanna Lynne Staub remains a respected and sought-after professional in the field of audio and theatrical design.

Career Start

How did you get your start? 

My first job doing sound for theatre was as an intern audio engineer at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY.  Then, I took a gap year between Undergraduate and Graduate School.  During that year, I worked as an Audio Engineer at the Santa Fe Opera and then at the Arena Stage in Washington DC.  I moved to NYC after completing Graduate school, and have been based there ever since.

How did your early internships or jobs help build a foundation for where you are now?

While in undergraduate school, I did internships in both theatre & recording studio engineering, learning fairly quickly that I prefer doing sound for live events.  I enjoy the interaction with live audiences.  But I deeply appreciate the skills and connections I made while working in a recording studio – and I have a great appreciation of the level of detail & creativity required to do studio engineering well.

What did you learn interning or on your early gigs? – Never look down on anyone you are working with.  Someone who is your assistant today may be your boss tomorrow.  Everyone in the room has skills that you can learn from – and you should.

Did you have a mentor or someone that really helped you? – While studying at Ithaca College, Dr. Peter Rothbart & Dr. John Bracewell were incredibly influential in starting me out on my career path.  After I moved to NYC, Carin Ford & Beth Berkley were mentors who helped me learn how to navigate the Broadway community.

Career Now

What is a typical day like? 

What I love about my job is that it is ever-changing, and no two days are the same.   Different points in the process have vastly differing days – also changing based on what job I am working on a particular project.

Early in the production process, known as pre-production, I spend a lot of time at my home office preparing shop bids and design paperwork, along with taking creative meetings with the director and other collaborators.

Once a show is in rehearsal, I will go as often as possible to see what the director and actors have dreamed up, as well as look at timing for required sound design and compositional effects, which I am building at the same time.  Whenever possible, we will add recorded sound cues into the rehearsal process for the actors to work with and see if they are appropriate for the production.  If a show is a musical, I will also attend band rehearsals and provide audio support for the Sitzprobe rehearsal – which is the first time that the cast and band are in a room together rehearsing.

If a show or project has hired all or part of a sound system, the audio team will spend a chunk of time at a rental shop.  During this process, we work with the shop gathering all of the gear into one space, setting up the entire sound system, and testing every piece of gear to make sure it works as specified.  This includes everything from setting up computer programs and FOH console programming to running test rigging of speaker hangs, along with testing every piece of cable in between.  After the testing is complete, we have to organize and pack all of the gear to be shipped to the theatre or performance location in a manner where we can find everything we need whenever we require it.

Loading in a sound system can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months depending on the size and scope of the project.  Broadway Theatres have almost no sound gear permanently installed – entire sound systems are loaded in from scratch at the start of every show, and have to be loaded out at the end.  This includes the sound system for the audience, pit orchestra, onstage effects and foldback, as well as backstage communications at CCTV required for the show.  It is an extremely laborious process that takes a skilled crew to accomplish safely.  I often tell people to imagine the largest show you’ve ever worked on, and put it in the smallest space you’ve ever been in.  That’s Broadway – big shows in theatres that are 100s of years old and never meant to hold shows of this size.  But we make it work with a lot of planning and hard work.

After load-in is complete, technical rehearsals begin.  These are long days at the theatre making sure every cue and every sound level is perfect and works with performers and other design elements.  This quickly moves into the preview process – where we work during the day making adjustments to the show, while giving public performances in the evening.  This process allows us to “test out” how a show works in front of an audience while making changes during the daytime rehearsals.  After we complete the preview process, a show is frozen – when we stop making changes, but continue to perform preview performances to practice the final show – until the show officially opens.

Once a show is open, the process of running & maintaining a project begins.  Some Broadway shows can run for years – and keeping them maintained is a whole other procedure.  It often starts with cross-training staff, which means that the various audio engineers on the show learn how to do each other’s primary jobs so they can cover each other when necessary.  The backstage audio engineer will often learn how to mix the show, and vice versa, as well as additional substitute staff training.  Gear is tested daily, and maintained with proper cleaning & replacement as needed.  This is in addition to executing eight or more performances per week.  The designers and production staff who work on the show will not be at the theatre every day, but will often visit to check in and make sure that things are running smoothly and supply support as needed.

When a Broadway show reaches the end of its run, all of the gear must then be loaded out and returned to the rental house.  Again, this is a multi-day process of removing every item that the show rented and returning it to the rental company.  Every piece of audio gear – from large speakers to the smallest adaptor – needs to be accounted for and returned.  If a piece of gear is missing, the show must pay the rental house for the replacement cost of the item.

Most Broadway theatres are considered historic landmarks, and therefore must be restored to their landmark state at the end of each production.  This work doesn’t always fall to the show’s staff – but is usually completed in the days following the end of load out.

What is important to note is that many people who work on Broadway are often working on several projects simultaneously.  It is not unusual for an independent contractor like myself to be working on the pre-production stage of one project while sitting in technical rehearsal for another.  It’s a huge balancing act that is often only accomplished by having a skilled team working with you.

How do you stay organized and focused? 

To stay organized, I take a lot of notes & write everything down.  95% of what I write down, I never look at again.  But, the process of taking notes has always been how I learn & remember things.  I recently moved to being paperless, which has been huge.  Finding the right software to use to keep files organized & to be able to find the information I need when I need it was key.

Staying focused is a different story.  I have often found that the best way to stay focused is to not do too much at once – not always an easy task.  Pacing myself & not leaving things to the last minute is key.  But also acknowledging that if I find my mind wandering or I get distracted, taking a break or walking away for a second (when possible) makes it easier to restart a project.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? 

All of the interesting people I meet, the amazing places I get to go, and regularly getting to be a part of “once in a lifetime” experiences.  I also love NOT working in a cubicle.

What do you like least?

Long hours & sore feet.  And constantly hustling for the next job.

If you tour, what do you like best?

I toured for about 7 years with various Broadway 1st National Tours.  I was very fortunate to be touring at a time when large shows did long sit-downs in big cities – more than they do now.  I loved bringing Broadway shows all over the country while having enough time to explore and learn about the places we were visiting.

What is your favorite day off activity?  

When I’m at home in NYC, I enjoy bike riding & yoga, and also having good food & drinks with friends.  When I’m traveling, I like to get lost in whatever city I am in – exploring, finding new things & meeting new people.

What are your long term goals? –

Getting more women hired as sound designers on Broadway – including myself.  Broadway has a long history of having a lot of women audio engineers.  But, very few women have reached the top levels of sound design – especially for large musicals.  Before the pandemic, only 2-3% of Broadway shows in a season were sound designed by women.  Since Broadway re-opened in 2023, closer to 8-10% of Broadway shows are designed by women – but a majority of those shows are done on smaller shows with smaller paychecks.  We can and must do better.  There are a lot of extremely talented women designers who are not being afforded the same opportunities as our male colleagues.

What if any obstacles or barriers have you faced?

The same barriers that almost every woman of my age who works in audio has experienced.  “Backwards and in heels” is a real thing – women have to work harder and be better to get half the distance of our male colleagues.  Women of my generation had to keep our mouths shut and tolerate – if not play along – with bad behavior and mistreatment.  It is getting better.  And I owe a lot to some of my younger women colleagues for teaching me to finally speak up.  I’m glad to see the culture is changing.

How have you dealt with them? 

Lots of dinners and drinks with the girls.  Having a strong support system of allies makes all the difference.  In recent years, feeling able to speak up when things are wrong has been a huge change from what we dealt with previously.  And just staying determined.

Advice you have for other women who wish to enter the field? 

Find the places that are the best ways for you to learn.  Not everyone will benefit from a college degree or a master’s program.  But you have to find out how to learn the skills required for the position you desire.  There are options.

Understand that you will always be marketing yourself.  Do not hesitate to reach out to the people you want to work with and introduce yourself.  They are rarely going to seek you out.  Know that, at some point in their career, they were doing the same thing to someone they admired.

And lastly – know where you want to be at the end of your career and plan for it as early as possible.  If that means having a family, or children, or retiring in the Caribbean, you have to think about it as early as possible.  (I admit that I am stealing that one from some amazing female colleagues who said it to me once).

Must have skills?

Theatrical Sound Design has become far more complicated than it was when I first started in the industry.  If you are going to work in commercial entertainment, you need to understand both artistic/creative design AND technical system design, even if your work is primarily focused on one or the other.  Having a baseline understanding of music and acoustics is important.  And lastly – computer networking.  Almost every aspect of professional audio involves networks now, and the more you know the better off you will be.

Favorite gear? 

iZotope plug-ins.  Neutron, Nectar, Ozone & RX Suites.  I use them as limitless tools while working in content creation, composition, editing, and post-production work.

Closing Thoughts

I’ve been in this industry for a very long time.  I started out in regional theatre, then off-Broadway, touring, and Broadway.  I’ve worked in every job there is in live theatre.  But I have also worked extensively in live television, concerts, corporate events, and sports.  I’m very proud of all of the work that I have accomplished – having depth to my skill set allows me to fluidly shift between jobs & provides me with more opportunities.  Not everyone can offer that.  This level of flexibility is essential if you are going to work in live entertainment – especially as an independent contractor.  The more you bring to the table, the more options that should be available to you.  Don’t pigeonhole yourself.  You will find amazing experiences in places you were not necessarily looking.

Understand that it’s still not uncommon to be one of the only women in the room.  Despite a lot of people’s best efforts, women are still not treated equally.  Even our closest colleagues don’t always realize that.  Be prepared – and find the people who are your true allies quickly.  It takes a lot of courage and resilience to get & stay here.

Don’t get down on yourself – you are not imagining how hard it is sometimes.  I know a lot of people who think they suffer from imposter syndrome.  Just know that you are not lesser than anyone else in the room – you are often just working with amazing people who are challenging your skills.  Challenge theirs in return.  You deserve to be there.

Jeri Palumbo – Sports and Entertainment Broadcast Mixer

Jeri Palumbo is a Broadcast Sports and Entertainment Mixer based in Los Angeles. Jeri has been working in audio for over 30 years, first as a trained musician and arranger before going into post-production and then moving into live broadcast. Working mainly within sports broadcasting, her clients include the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, The Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, and The Oscars. Jeri is also part of the RF Coordination team each year for the Rose Bowl. She has worked with entertainment shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and American Idol. She has won a Telly Award for her mixing work on “Songs of the Mountains”, a live bluegrass show.

Jeri’s family background is made up of four generations of musicians and her grandmother and mother were both professional jazz musicians. Her great-grandfather was a musician and violin maker, and Jeri’s father was a folk guitar player. Jeri started piano at age three and by the time Jeri was in high school she was arranging and writing scores. Jeri attended The Juilliard School of Music majoring in composition and orchestration, landing her a contract as a musical director which led to her interest in sound engineering. She worked side by side with the sound engineer and was introduced to the Fairlight CMI, the first digital synthesizer and wave manipulator, she was fascinated by how the engineer was able to change pitch and EQ. This was a game-changer and inspired Jeri to learn more about engineering and the potential possibilities of sound manipulation with digital audio tools.

Her Parents

Jeri’s parents would warn her that a career in music was unpredictable and urged her to obtain skills needed for steady employment and the possibility of retirement. Jeri studied computer science and IT (for two semesters) and then landed a job working in IT/LAN platform trouble-shooting at First Union Bank. While Jeri loved working and learning the technical aspects of the job, she still craved the creativity music provided. She wanted to blend her technical skills with her creative skills and looked toward Post-Production.

Post-Production

Jeri enrolled at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, and hit the streets knocking on doors of all the post-production houses in nearby Charlotte, NC. She offered to intern for free and most did not return her calls. One that did was Media-Comm where she interned for a semester and learned to use the video editor from AVID and AVID’S AUDIO VISION, their pre-cursor to ProTools. Eventually, Media-Comm hired Jeri where she focused on enhancing audio for TV shows. One show that broadcast out of Media-Comm was RaceDay, a live show that preceded NASCAR on Sundays. Eventually, RaceDay came knocking and asked Jeri to mix the show. While Jeri had never mixed a live show and she had her doubts, the director of the show said “Audio is Audio and you will be fine”. Jeri did her homework and was told by a former mixer that he would not touch it as it was live and found that several people had turned it down because of the live elements and fast pace. Jeri took the gig and pulled it off.

Sports Community Radar

RaceDay was a big, complicated national show, and Jeri ended up on the list of live sports mixers because of it. Within a week CBS Sports called and asked Jeri to work on the NCAA Final Four. Jeri caught the attention of CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and ESPN. All of this led to a career working across the country on high-profile sports events, primarily serving as an A1 working in the broadcast truck. She was also asked to A2 for a friend in need one day and eventually wore all the hats in broadcast audio; A1 mixer, A2, RF Tech and Comms. As an A1 mixer, Jeri is in charge of everything you hear in the final broadcast. Jeri has been particularly embedded in RF technology and coordination, which has numerous technical challenges, particularly with the shrinking RF UHF spectrum. She worked alongside major RF manufacturers and colleagues of RF gear and technology in the recent RF Spectrum auction and lobbying to save a portion of the RF Spectrum for production. One of Jeri’s close partnerships with regard to saving these RF changes was with the late, great Mark Brunner of Shure. Jeri’s in-depth tech articles on the RF spectrum and the impact of the changes have appeared in several trade magazines.

Her most recent stint in sports was as A1 mixer for eSports and Gaming. In an unusual and unprecedented move, (and to much debate from many of her colleagues), Jeri mixed a live broadcast in stereo while simultaneously mixing an embedded object-oriented surround to the HOUSE – with no FOH – from the same console (Calrec Artimis see article https://calrec.com/blog/craft-profile-jeri-palumbo/). What Jeri tried to convey, and what those on the outside didn’t know, was that the network launch for this major event was three weeks short of having their studio finished for audio. So she did what any professional would do, tried to make it work with what she had, from the broadcast truck.

It’s Not All Sports

Jeri with her mentor Les Paul

Jeri has also been involved in other fields of audio and has worked as an A1 on a bluegrass show called Songs of the Mountains. Songs of the Mountains was a live-to-tape bluegrass show broadcast on PBS. There were tough parameters on this show as the producers did not want to mic the traditional instruments. Instead, they wanted it to be organic and traditional, where the musicians would play around a central microphone and step forward for solos. The show was challenging with the various acoustical instruments and Jeri found herself riding EQ more than faders as the frequencies would often play against each other. They used an AKG C414 because of it’s adaptability in the ever-changing scenario of the different instruments used.  Jeri is proud of the work she did using simple techniques and she was awarded a Telly Award for her work.

New Projects

Recently Jeri has been instrumental in launching Arena Waves, a library of the highest quality music audio for Sports and Television content. Arena Waves kept Jeri extremely busy in 2020, while most live events were canceled due to COVID19, and was launched at the beginning of 2021.

Like so many in our industry, Jeri’s career path has been diverse. Her solid educational background in music and IT allowed Jeri to move into post-production and then into live broadcasts and engineering and again, back to music.  In her own words with Arena Waves, “It’s a perfect meld of everything I know”.

Arena Waves is high-caliber music licensing library for sports, gaming, television and film. With seasoned composers and session musicians on board, (most have played on your favorites records), Arena Waves debuted at launch in the mid-three-quarters to high range when it comes to catalog volume (over 70k+ and adding 50-100 new cuts per week). Several things make this catalog unique, one being its ease of use while also having mobile platform flexibility. But more importantly,  it’s worth noting the efficiency of the ready-made cut-downs for bumpers and highlights in the Producer’s Edge section. Cues are drop-in ready. Arena Waves also writes on-demand theme and cue requests and can provide quick turn arounds. With remarkably catchy themes from hard-driven rock, to dark and broody or moody, there is literally every style for every listener and media requirements and tastes. In fact, the catalog is so eclectic that, even though its intended purpose is sports, television and film, one can create personal playlists (register, it’s free) for their own listening pleasure. The music is that good and that diverse.

For more information, check out www.arenawaves.com and be sure to follow all their socials.

What is a typical day like?

Arrive early, unload the truck, run cables, interconnect with the facility, set up audio, fax if working in the field. In the truck, patch my patch bays, SAPS, routers and fader layouts. Load and set up music cues.

How do you stay organized and focused?

The pressure of live keeps me focused.  Also having a Plan A, Plan B, etc as backup options for live. For complex mixing (i.e. eSports or multiple routers of audio), I’m a big fan of populating my bottom layers to remain static while cloning to upper layers per need of each show.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? 

It’s live, it’s exciting and when it goes well, it’s instant gratification.

What do you like least?

It’s live, it’s exciting and when it goes badly, you SWEAR there’s not enough money in it EVER!

The best part of being on the road?

I’m on the road although I’m not on a bus, I am on planes a lot.  The best part is the road family, exploring new areas of the world and for certain eating local cuisine.

What do you like least? 

The hours, the wear and tear on your body, lack of sleep.

What is your favorite day off activity?

Exploring local cultures

What are your long-term goals? 

To try new things, push my personal limits and continue to follow current and new passions.

What if any obstacles or barriers have you faced? 

For CERTAIN misogyny and sadly, only from certain productions and a small posse of peers.  Also sadly, everyone else –  not just me – has experienced the exact same treatment from the exact same people from the exact same productions.  When a recent interviewer offline told me she encountered these issues WITH THE EXACT SAME PEOPLE 20 YEARS AGO on a sports event (this production travels), I challenge all the networks to wake up and investigate these “hand fuls” that are predictable, unprofessional and putting a black eye unfairly on the entire broadcast community (and is now into its second generation of newcomers being mistreated yet again, by the EXACT same people). I assure that the broadcast community is not what these few bad apples represent, but the network productions ignoring it won’t fix it.

How have you dealt with them? 

I ask questions not only of them but of those around them.  If they all “posse together”, then I move on to a team that is worthy…and good…and healthy.  I don’t stay in places where I know it will be IMPOSSIBLE to change.

The advice you have for other women and young women who wish to enter the field?

1) you have to have thick skin.   Sports and Rock n Roll comes with a lot of testosterone that often “react” in their environments of comfort (ie a football field before a game).  These people are in “game mode” and are not there to think of anything else.

2) production mal-treatment vs real emotions.  Please know the difference.  It’s intense and gets crazy and not every minor thing said is a reason for “HR”.  HOWEVER, abuse should never be tolerated.  Just know the difference and if you don’t know, get educated before entering this environment, hence “thick skin”.

3) know when you are in a toxic team – those that withhold information, constantly throwing their fellow members under the bus, not owning up to errors, etc.  Be aware that even though this exists to some extent everywhere, not EVERY production conducts itself this way and the good ones, with good leaders, will NOT tolerate this from their team.

4) move on when you know it’s not going to work out for you.  Get out earlier and find your tribe sooner

5) hone your skills

6) when you’re wrong, admit it. If you don’t know something, admit it.  When you DO know, help your teammates learn

Must have skills?

1) know your audio or tell those around you you are willing to learn what you don’t know

2) people skills

3) be kind and understanding to those around you

4) everybody has a bad day and everybody has a bad GIG…shake it off, learn from it, get up and do it again

Favorite gear?

OOOOOOoooooh….well, in-studio mixing,  I’m a big fan of Eventide gear.  I’m also a big fan of the AKG414 due to its wide range of patterns,m. I love Sennheiser wireless mics for field and lav needs. I love all Lectrosonics RF wireless IFB/In-ear products. Both Sennheiser and Lectrosonics wireless mics and IFB/IEMs are interchangeable to me in quality and robustness.  Radioactive Audio Designs uses a nice VHF and lower bands for communications that steer clear of broadcast bands….and Clear Comm and Telex have some nice workarounds with their comms systems as well. Shure’s Wireless Workbench is great for some concert venues (although I haven’t really used this on large scale events). I like seeing Studers in the studio broadcast environment while I like seeing a Calrec on  broadcast trucks or remotes.

More on Jeri

Jeri Palumbo | NAMM.org

The Life of an A1, in the Booth and on the Field

Women in Audio: Jeri Palumbo, Broadcast Engineer and Musician

Jeri Palumbo — Roadie Free Radio

Jeri Palumbo – Signal to Noise Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/656bzuW0yjwfw74KHNZTT8?si=uZv1QV-cQs-z9XBC3UMKAw

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zYGqU9njB1AUqdbZXFWUz?si=thDEBDaNRIqqTQpCPFyeww

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How to Use iPhone Synth Apps in Logic Pro X

 

Synths are one of my favourite things to use when creating a track or soundscape and they can help you experiment with different sounds. However, the downfalls are they’re not cheap and can often take up a lot of space in your studio. Luckily I have found a solution after experimenting with different synth apps designed for smartphones.

When I started playing around with the Minimoog Model D I loved the idea of a Moog Synth being able to fit in the palm of my hand. However, I wanted to record it into the tracks I was making but wasn’t sure how. But, I believe I have found the solution.

For this, I used my iPhone, the lightning to USB charging Cable, and my iMac running Logic.

To start off with I plugged my iPhone into the iMac using the lightning to USB charging cable. I then went into the Audio/Midi settings on the iMac and Enabled my iPhone to be recognised as a device.

I then opened the Minimoog app on the iPhone and configured the input and output settings to IDAM MIDI Host.

I then opened Logic and created an external MIDI track and made sure the Use External Instrument Plug-In was checked and the Audio Input device selected was ‘iPhone’. You also want the MIDI Destination to be the iPhone as well. Then hit Create.

You should now be able to hear and play your iPhone Synth app in Logic.

Using this is a great way to experiment with Synth sounds and is a fantastic solution if you want a portable Synth in your pocket. Happy creating.

 

 

Ethel Gabriel the First of the 5%

 

Ethel Gabriel (1921-2021) may be one of the most prolific recording industry professionals you’ve never heard of. Ethel was the first woman record producer for a major record label, and one of the first women in the world to work in A&R. She had a 4-decade career at RCA starting with an entry-level job and rising up to being an executive in the company.

During her career, Ethel produced over 5,000 records – some original recordings and some repackaged – by nearly every artist on the RCA roster (including Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton). Ethel was the woman in A&R to receive an RIAA Gold Record in 1959, and the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Historical Album (1982).

Ethel was willing to take risks, such as producing the first digitally-remastered album or working with artists who brought new types of music to the mainstream. Her credits include everything from mambo to easy listening to rap.

Ethel’s Background

Ethel was born in 1921 in Pennsylvania. She started her own dance band at age 13 (called “En and Her Royal Men”) where Ethel played trombone. She originally wanted to go to college for forestry (at the encouragement of her father) but women were not allowed into the program. She decided to attend Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and study music education.

A relative helped Ethel get a job at RCA’s record plant (in Camden, New Jersey) to help pay for tuition and expenses. Ethel’s first job included tasks like putting labels on records. She was promoted to record tester where she had to listen to one out of every 500 records pressed for quality. She learned every note of the big hits since Ethel had to listen to them over and over.

Ethel was allowed to visit the nearby RCA recording studios. She brought her trombone with her, playing with major artists for fun between sessions. She also learned how recording sessions worked. Ethel was secretary to the manager of A&R at the time, Herman Diaz, Jr. Ethel got to produce her first recording session (with bandleader Elliot Laurence) when Diaz called in sick and asked her to do it.

In 1955, Ethel convinced her boss, Manie Sacks, to sign Perez Prado to RCA’s label. She produced his record, Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, which became a worldwide hit and helped bring the mambo craze to the US.

She was with RCA during the creation of their Nashville studios, the signing of Elvis, and their transition from mono to stereo.

Through Ethel’s career, she was willing to take risks and experiment with new technology or music. In 1959, Ethel launched Living Strings, a series on RCA Camden’s label that ran for 22 years.

In 1961, she produced Ray Martin and his Orchestra Dynamica, the first release using RCA’s “Stereo Action.” In 1976, she was executive producer of Caruso,’s A Legendary Performer, the first digitally-remastered album. The technology used by Soundstream Inc (lead by Thomas Stockham) has gone on to be widely used in audio and photography restoration and Stockham’s work on the Caruso album was the basis for a 1975 scientific paper. In 1975, Ethel gave a chance to then-unknown producer Warren Schatz, who produced RCA’s first disco album, Disco-Soul by The Brothers.

Ethel managed RCA’s Camden label (designed for budget records) starting in 1961. Camden was struggling when she took over and went on to become a multi-million dollar label under Ethel’s watch. Some of RCA’s major artists even asked to be released on the Camden line over the flagship RCA label because of Camden’s success.

Ethel received two RIAA Platinum records and 15 Gold records (over 10 million record sales total) during her career with numbers still growing. Many of these were repackages or re-releases where Ethel put her expert eyes (and ears) on song selection and label redesign. One album she re-packaged, Elvis’ Christmas Album, was the first Elvis record to reach Diamond (10 million sales). Ethel said of creating special packages (in Billboard Magazine Sept 5, 1981), “It’s like second nature to me. The secret is that you know the market you’re trying to reach. You can’t contrive a special record. It has to be genuine and full of integrity because people know the difference.” Ethel re-issued albums for nearly every RCA artist (including the Legendary Performer series, RCA Pure Gold economy line, and the Bluebird Complete series).

Towards the end of her time at RCA, Ethel asked the company to fund a women’s group for lectures and seminars. She wanted to help women learn to become executives. Ethel said she felt like a mother to some of the women she mentored (Ethel was married but did not have children). She wanted to teach skills like how to network, how to dress or behave. Ethel also became involved with Women in Music, one of very few groups available to women in the music industry at the time. In 1990, Ethel publicly spoke out against the “boys club” in a Letter to the Editor of Billboard Magazine (Oct 6). She said, “Yes, there are ‘record women’ in the industry – and they have ears, too!”

Ethel also worked with many artists and ensembles in the studio during her career including Chet Atkins, Caterina Valenti, Marty Gold, Los Indios Tabajaras, Teresa Brewer and hundreds of recordings under the Living series. She said of working with artists, “There are times to ‘harness’ artists and times to ‘push.’” Ethel said her most helpful qualifications to do the job were “her knowledge and love of music and her ability to make difficult decisions and hold to them.” (Cincinnati Enquirer August 18, 1983)

Ethel was not promoted to Vice President at RCA until 1982, over 40 years into her career. Many colleagues said it was long overdue. The following year, she won a Grammy for Best Historical Album (for co-producing The Dorsey/Sinatra Sessions). After leaving RCA, Ethel remained in the industry where she worked as president and vice president to smaller record labels.

Ethel’s story is being captured in a documentary film about her life and career, called LIVING SOUND. Production on the film started in 2019, when Gabriel was 97 years old. The documentary began (with the aide of SoundGirls) through uncovering archival materials and conducting interviews with Ethel.

For more about LIVING SOUND visit livingsoundfilm.com.  SoundGirls also has a scholarship in Ethel’s honor: the Ethel Gabriel Scholarship.

The SoundGirls Podcast – Caroline Losneck and April Tucker: Living Sound the Ethel Gabriel Documentary Team

 

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Copyright in the 21st Century

 

As we know, March 2020 has been a strange time for most of the world due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Subsequently, the music industry at large has been extremely quiet, but before the outbreak and lockdown rules became widespread there were several interesting events and technological advances relating to music copyright law.

The start of March saw the current Led Zeppelin “Stairway to Heaven” legal battle rage on into its sixth year, with the band winning their latest appeal for a new trial – the group Spirit had previously won a case that ruled Zeppelin’s famous opening arpeggio riff had infringed the Spirit 1968 song “Taurus”. While it seems this particular feud may be far from being over, it was closely succeeded by another high-profile case days later.

Stairway to Heaven:

 

Taurus:

Following a previous lawsuit in 2019 that ruled Katy Perry’s song “Dark Horse” had copied the ostinato from Flame’s 2009 track “Joyful Noise”, the verdict was overturned on 17th March by federal judge Christina A Snyder. Judge Snyder stated:

“It is undisputed in this case, even viewing the evidence in the light most favourable to plaintiffs, that the signature elements of the eight-note ostinato in “Joyful Noise” is not a particularly unique or rare combination.”

While news of the judge’s decision to overturn the verdict came as a surprise, the sentiment of Snyder’s statement resonated with most musicians who had listened to the songs in question – you can read my comparison and analysis of the 2019 trial here

The latest Katy Perry development felt like a “win” for good musical sense, but where do we go from here? What might the future hold for common sequences and regularly used traditions of composition? Damien Riehl and Noah Rubin think they might have some influence on this – the duo has developed technology that is working to find the answer to the eternal question “Is the number of melodies in this world finite?” As there are only a finite number of notes, can they only be arranged in so many ways?

Rubin is a musician and programmer as is Riehl, who also happens to practice law. Together they have created an algorithm that writes 300,000 melodies per second to disc as a MIDI file, thus automatically copyrighting them. The data set parameters for measuring the melodies use a range of one octave (incorporating a major and natural minor scale), and counts up to 12 individual note values for the length of the melody line, as this range works well for the conventions of pop music.

The two big questions arising from this technology lead us to ask whether the pair have infringed on every existing song there’s ever been, and will the songs of the future infringe on them? Riehl says no to the latter – the intention of creating this technology is to put the findings into the public domain to make the world better and “keep space open for songwriters to be able to make music”. The technological parameters of the algorithms’ range are expanding and developing all the time – the pair are currently working with a pitch range of 12 chromatic notes which means that in terms of genre this covers more than pop music, such as classical and jazz melodies. Riehl is sure that one day the technology will be equipped to use “100 notes and every rhythmic and chordal variation in the future”.

From Riehl’s expert legal view the repercussions of this technology could be ground-breaking in ensuring creative freedom exists for composers; he believes the copyright system is broken and needs updating, explaining that the average legal fees for these cases are in the range of $2 million-plus a fee to the original songwriter. The consideration of whether the accused had access to hear the original song in question would still be taken into account, as would the idea of conceding that songs can be “subliminally infringed” without ill intent.

In explaining the mathematical programming element of the algorithm, Riehl borders on the metaphysical as he shares the findings that we have a finite number of melodic combinations available to us and that “melodies to a computer are just numbers – those melodies have existed since the beginning of time and we are only just discovering them”.

It’s an interesting juxtaposition that this new technology is strangely aligned with the ancient concept that we pluck or channel our ideas from an unknown aether where they have always existed. Who knows, but maybe we can find some comfort and feelings of connection with something bigger than ourselves as we work through these solitary times.

You can download all the music created by Riehl and Rubin plus the algorithm programme code at http://www.AllTheMusic.info

The Basics of Sound

We all like to pretend that sound is a dark art that only a few chosen ones have chosen to understand and practice. However, this dark art is actually not just for the few chosen ones, even if you do not want to practice it full time it is useful for you to know about it.

Sound is physics, we can all agree on that. But you do not have to be good at math or be a ‘techy person’ to understand the basics of sound. To understand sound, all you need is a bit of common sense. Being able to work out how A is connected to B, that is it!

What is sound?

Easy right? It is not more complicated than that! Sound comes from A. The object which transmits it to B. our ears.

We like to think that things are more complicated than they actually are. But with all things tech, a human has designed and invented it. So if we stop ourselves for a minute and go ‘hang on, what would the most logical solution be?’ you’ll find yourself knowing the answer. All things tech have a signal flow, and that is what you need to figure out. How to connect the A to B.

When we amplify sound, it works in a similar way. But rather than transmitting the sound over just air, we transmit it via microphones & cables, i.e., metal! We transmit the sound from the stage to the receiver, which will be the mixing desk. From the mixing desk, it goes out to the speakers, which transmit the sound to our ears in the audience. That is a simple signal flow.

Why is it good to know about the signal flow? If you regularly perform live or record at home or in studios, how many times have you encountered issues? I’d say that every session or live gig has technical issues that usually come down to signal flow. You’ll solve things quicker if you know what might cause the issue by tracing the signal flow.

What about me and/or my instrument sound?

It surprises me that a lot of the musicians and artists that come my way have very little knowledge about their sound and how it is being produced, but more importantly, how they want it to sound to other people.

The only instrument I know how to play is the piano. But I have the knowledge of how I want drums to sound, how to reskin them and how to tune them. Perhaps it has been an advantage of having worked with so many drum kits. I know what a good kit sounds like, but more importantly what a bad kit sounds like!

Like breathing, we often forget that we are doing it. We just do! It is the same with actually listening and tuning in to something. Paying attention at a gig, what does it sound like? What is a good sound?

What do I want to sound like?

Be curious! 

Ever thought about how something is done? Google it! Read and learn about it; knowledge is power!

As I mentioned with drum kits, I don’t play drums, but I was curious to know how it all works. What are the differences, why do they sound so different, why do they need so many cymbals, etc.

As passionate as I am talking about sound, most full-time musicians will passionately talk about their instruments. They have perfected their skills and put so many hours into practice that finally they can tell somebody about it! Ask away!

Communication:

It goes both ways, as sound technicians or as musicians, knowing what sound you like makes it easier for you to start the conversation with each other. We shall always thrive on working as a team and not as separate entities; we need to be able to communicate with each other.

 

Info Hoarders

 

Many of us have worked in the live event or recording industry for years, and have no issues sharing our knowledge and experiences with others. The passion that surrounds this career is what keeps us motivated and creates incredible mentors and teachers.

There is another portion of the audio engineering industry that keeps their techniques to themselves with paranoid motives. They may refuse to share a technique or even explain to somebody what they’re doing because they’re afraid of that person taking their job. As an instructor, I have always been open with my students about my work, resources, and assets. If I create a show file or I show them a technique, I am doing it so that I can share knowledge with them, and then they take it and make it their own. I’m not worried that those students are going to take my job.

The competitiveness of our industry is highly present and sometimes aggressive. Of course, you can find any number of people to fill that position who could technically have the same skill set, but that does not make a person merely disposable. When the production company makes it known, they feel that way it creates that sense of urgency and paranoia to keep your job. At times this has led me to feel replaceable or irrelevant to a show. That mindset is toxic on both sides and can become all-consuming. I have seen people intentionally building a system or show files impossible to understand by anyone else, forcing their security in that position. They are hoarding information, possibly for reasons of self-preservation. A toxic work environment creates these situations, and being fired from them could be in your best interests in the long run. It sucks when it happens, though, especially when there’s no logical reason that you are dismissed.

We are not seamlessly replaceable, especially when you can look at your crew as humans rather than robots programmed to accomplish their tasks. I may not be special, but I’m certainly not dispensable. My abilities to handle emergencies, intelligent problem solving, or even my willingness to help others are special skills that others may not possess. What’s more important than knowing the basics or even being a very skilled engineer is being a person that can work as part of the team. This is preferable over a condescending jerk who hovers over their work, refusing to collaborate and hoarding resources.

We are living in this amazing moment where almost everything is accessible and often free. Humanity seeks to make a connection with others, and when we’re passionate about a subject, we can’t wait to share it. Becoming a dragon-like being with a hidden cache of information and no intention of sharing it is greedy. The people who behave this way, and the people who make these creatures should be held accountable for their toxicity. I’m not sure how to do this, other than being one of the helpful and supportive resources for my students and colleagues. Access to a network of supportive people is invaluable. We’re not meant to be on our own islands; this is a collaborative business. All of us at SoundGirls are forming these little alliances in support of the greater good. Connecting our islands through sharing information and mentorship is a huge step toward progress, and I am so happy to be part of this group..

 

Learn Sound Online—Free! (or really cheap) 

Over the years, I’ve met many people that felt limited in their sound careers either because of their limited training or inability to continue training/education.  I completely get it. Trying to stay current is extremely difficult, especially if you have a full-time job, kids, limited funds, or freelance/tour work that keeps you out of the running for regular university coursework.  Thankfully, the internet saves us again. Check out these excellent resources, because in this ever-changing industry, knowledge is power, and power isn’t cheap!

Skillshare

Skillshare is a super cool website that hosts thousands of online classes in all kinds of fields, including Sound Engineering, Sound Design for Theatre, Gaming, Film, Mixing, Producing, Editing, and more!  There are many videos available for free, and way more if you sign up for a premium account, which costs $99 a year + a free trial month. If that’s a fee you can’t swing, there are also scholarships available.  If you are already a super expert, you can sign up to be a teacher and make some extra cash.

Coursera

Coursera partners with top universities like Berklee, CalARTS, and Carnegie Mellon to offer different levels of online learning, and every course is taught by instructors from these universities.  There are hundreds of free courses available, and even more that come with a fee. Paid courses provide a shareable course certificate upon completion, which is an excellent resume item. Like Skillshare, financial aid is available for qualified individuals.  Coursea puts their training into different tiers, including:

Specializations- for mastering a skill in 4-6 months for a starting price of $39 per month

Professional Certificates- for getting job-ready in less than a year for a starting price of $39 per month

MasterTrack Certificates- for receiving a Master’s degree level learning in less than a year for a starting price of $2,000 with an option to pay in installments.  This certificate also counts toward a master’s degree if you decide to pursue that later.

Online Degrees- for earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree over 1-4 years (you choose your schedule) starting at $15,000 with the option to pay in installments.

MIT Open Courseware 

This is a super cool way to gain access to the material taught in MIT’s classes—completely free! Some course titles include:

While you won’t earn a degree or certificate through this open courseware, you will gain a ton of knowledge from one of the country’s most cutting edge technology schools.  What’s not to love?

SoundGirls Note:

The Production Academy

The Production Academy is an online resource that provides clear and reliable information on all the technical things you need to know to work in Live Sound or the Touring industry. SoundGirls uses The Production Academy for our Live Sound Camps for Girls and recommends The Production Academy to all our members.

SoundGym

I think this is probably the 400th time I’ve mentioned SoundGym in a blog…clearly, I’m a fan.  They now offer a completely free online course called Synthesis & Sound Design.  This is an advanced course to help take experienced producers to the next level. The course was curated from free content by sound experts and educators, and some of the subjects touched on include sound synthesis methods, modular synthesis, and samplers.  The course takes 12 hours to complete, and then you get big brain bragging rights when you’re done! SoundGirls also offers free subscriptions to SoundGym. Check the Member Benefits

Khan Academy

Much like MIT OCW, Khan Academy provides completely free courses online in all kinds of disciplines.  These courses are super user-friendly—even kids can do it! For this reason, Khan Academy courses make an excellent teaching supplement.  While much of KA’s coursework is geared toward regular academic training like math, English, and science, get creative with your search language to find exercises like:

Whether you’re just trying to brush up your skills, learn a new skill, or earn a new degree, training doesn’t have to completely halt your life plans.  These six resources are only scratching the surface of what is available. The most important thing is to keep learning. There is no ceiling and never too much information.

 

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