Audio Music Production Careers
Related Skills
Audio and Sound Engineering
Creative technologists looking to work in the field of sound must have a good understanding of audio theory, including concepts related to timbre, harmonics, speakers, microphones, and analog/digital recording terminologies. Sound artists and engineers will want to have a fundamental knowledge of physics, sound, and audio theory, and have experience coupling these concepts with artistic applications.
Application and Practice
Those entering this field will want the ability to function as both artist and technician in the application of audio theory. In our program, you’ll practice recording and sampling voice, instruments, drums, and small ensembles. You’ll learn the differences between microphones and placement techniques and how they are used to achieve different artistic outcomes. You’ll gain an understanding of recording fidelity and how it relates to post-production use.
Music Theory
Basic music theory, along with music history, genres, and common structures is a wonderful tool to have at your disposal. Music theory includes knowledge of notes, intervals, major/minor keys, chords, harmonic progressions, rhythm, and song structure/analysis.
In the Music Theory courses within the CTK AMP sequence, we explore theoretical principles demonstrated in a DAW piano roll rather than staff-based notation. We also cover an overview of the history of music, with an emphasis on key developments over the last century. Western historical periods and contemporary genres will be covered in reference to basic theory, and non-Western practices will also be introduced.
Audio Production
Audio Producers use digital audio workstations (DAWs) and understand concepts such as equalization, compression, reverb, time-based modulation, mixing, editing, and sonic narrative. There are a multitude of audio software applications, and producers must decide which to use and when to use them.
Music Business and Entrepreneurship Skills
The job market of tomorrow contains careers that we have not yet imagined. Individuals seeking to find their way in the music business must have marketing and entrepreneurship skills, must understand how money flows through the industry, and must be flexible and open to solving problems creatively. In our program, we explore how to open doors that create new opportunities.
Multimedia Skills
Along with amassing audio skills, students in the CTK AMP sequence have the opportunity to take courses in basic multimedia skills, thus giving them a robust set of tools for today’s job market. Along with Audio and Music Production, AMP students can learn web design, basic computer programming for creatives, user interface design, motion graphics and videography, and even virtual reality. The CTK program prides itself on creating well-rounded individuals with a wide breadth of knowledge.
Being Successful in the Field
Those who are successful in this field are hard workers, excellent knowledge-gatherers, and good at networking. The ability to research and understand new trends and technologies is paramount, as is the importance and power of social connections. The field is extremely competitive, so a good work ethic and great reputation sets you apart from everyone else. Your first job in the industry may not be exactly as you dreamed it, but the industry is fluid, ever-changing, and runs on connections.
Related Fields
- Advertising
- Animator
- AR/VR Designer
- Digital Artist
- Digital Sound Producer
- Digital Video Producer
- Light and Set Designer
- Marketing
- Multimedia Design
- Multimedia Production
- UI (User Interface) Designer
- UX (User Experience) Designer
- Web developer
- 3D Designer
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristy DeWall | 223 Bone Student Center | ksdewal@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jody Decremer | Center for Visual Arts 216A | decremer@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3921 |