Through equal parts theory, aesthetics, and hands-on operation the Live & Installed Sound Program addresses the technology and art of configuring, installing, and operating sound systems for everything from music and theater performances to civic or corporate events, religious services, and public announcement environments. As different as they may appear, live sound engineers and systems contractors are joined by a common goal: to successfully accomplish a desired sonic outcome in real-time contexts. Live & Installed Sound skills are comprehensively taught in the department and are widely sought after by the relevant industries, where many of the department’s alumni thrive.
Input from working alumni in Live & Installed Sound has contributed to curriculum design and updates to the program. Early in the program the classes are directed toward theory and aesthetics, with hands-on experience becoming increasingly the focus of small group projects as the course sequence progresses. Cooperative effort is encouraged at all levels of the program, reflecting the professional expectations of the live sound and sound systems design environments. Opportunity is also provided for students to expand their individual capabilities in lab and in external production contexts.
As live sound production often incorporates other media arts, students are encouraged to take classes in acoustics and audio production as a means of expanding their personal viability in the professional world. The course material is driven by the realities of that world and the less volatile requirements of a classic liberal arts education.
Successful alumni are employed by major artists, venues, and sound companies throughout North America and beyond, as system designers and engineers as well as front-of-house mixers and monitor engineers. They occupy executive positions in the industry, engage in sound system design applications, and/or immerse in the creative chaos of real-world live sound production.
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