In order to get the best recording possible, a studio technician maintains the microphones, computers, tapes and other equipment in the recording studio, allowing the performers and producer to do their job. This requires a detailed knowledge of the recording process and all the components involved. As well as having a great interest in technology a studio technician should also love music and have the people skills to ensure harmony in the stressful situation of a recording.
University Course
In order to be recognised as a talented studio technician it is helpful to hold a formal qualification such as a university degree. There are many courses available from different universities such as BA Popular music and recording and BSc live and studio recording. Depending on whether you want to learn about music as a whole or just about the recording side you should choose your course appropriately. A bachelor of arts (BA) will often involve more music, including performance, whereas a bachelor of science (BSc) will be more technical and may involve a heavy basis in maths and physics.
Education Pathway
Whether you want to do a BA or a BSc you should first hold five GCSEs graded A*-C including ones in maths, English and Science. Once you have completed these you can then choose between A levels and a B-TEC. If you want to study a BSc it would probably be more advisable to take A levels including maths and physics or a B-TEC that involves a lot of technical theory. If you want to learn about music as well as the recording process you should choose your A levels or B-TEC by researching what they offer and how this relates to your future options.
Work Experience
It will be helpful to try and gain experience in a recording studio before going to university in order to give you an advantage during the application process. You should find out whether there is a recording studio near where you live and ask them if you would be allowed to see first-hand what a technician does.
Career pathways after graduation
With a rise in the number of independent recording studios around the country now is a great time to become employed as a studio technician. You may also want to diversify into live sound where you can work as a front of house (FOH) technician in bars or arenas.