Sound engineer training: Providers, schools, information, FAQs

Of course, sound engineers can also continue their education, for example in specialized courses offered by schools, companies and professional associations, at private schools, Colleges of Higher Education or Universities of Applied Sciences. For example, sound engineers can study for a Bachelor of Science in multimedia production or electrical engineering, a Bachelor of Arts in music with a specialization in sound engineering, audio design or media art, or other interesting courses of study.

In addition to a good ear, good mental and physical resilience, technical understanding, an interest in music and a high level of concentration, participants in continuing education, further training as a sound technician are expected to have either completed vocational education and training VET in a related field (multimedia electronics technician Federal VET Diploma, computer scientist Federal VET Diploma, electronics technician Federal VET Diploma, event specialist Federal VET Diploma or mediamatician Federal VET Diploma) and at least 1. 5 years of professional experience in professional audio technology or, in the case of other vocational training or a Baccalaureate, at least 2 years of relevant professional experience. Without this prior training, at least 6 years of relevant professional experience must be demonstrated.

After passing the Federal Professional Examination (FPE), graduates receive the federally recognized qualification "Sound Technician with Federal Certificate".

The sound technician training with Federal Diploma of Higher Education is completed in 2 years while working.

Yes, at present the sound technician course can only be completed at the Zurich Technical Vocational School in collaboration with FFTON Fachschule für Tontechnik in Zurich, at CFMS in Lausanne and at CESMA in Biggio.

Continuing education, further training as a sound engineer with a federal certificate provides practical and broad-based specialist knowledge in the field of audio, media and event technology. The following topics form the core of the qualification profile and the sound engineer training course:

• Recording technology - techniques for recording speech, music and sounds
• Studio technology - setting up and operating modern recording studios
• Audio design - Creative sound design for music, games, film and advertising
• Broadcast / Film - sound production for radio, TV, film and online formats
• Electronics - basics of circuits, components and signal paths
• Audio electronics - application of electronic principles in the audio sector, e.g. in preamplifiers or filters
• Digital Audio - Digital signal processing, DAWs and digital interfaces
• Digital Media - Audio in the context of digital formats, interactive media and content platforms
• Music - music theory, ear training and instrumental skills as a basis for production
• Music production - planning and realization of music projects, mixing, mastering
• Sound reinforcement technology - live sound, PA systems, monitor mix and sound reinforcement concepts
• Acoustics - room acoustics, measurement methods and optimization of sound spaces
• Electroacoustics - interaction of electrical and acoustic components such as loudspeakers or microphones

Together, these topics form the professional foundation for working professionally in recording studios, at live events, in media production or in the music sector.

Depending on the school and provider, the focus of the sound technician training course may vary slightly or be supplemented with additional content. It is therefore advisable to enquire about the specific curriculum directly with the desired school.

Inquiries can be forwarded directly to the desired school via the contact form. This will quickly clarify the content, procedure and special features of the sound technician training course.