Sound editors are individuals who record and change sound waves to achieve a unique effect for various audiences. Professionals in entry-level positions in this industry usually do not need formal college training, but at least a few months of higher education do make individuals more attractive to employers. A person who desires to enter a training program that helps him or her to become a sound editor should have completed high school-level classes in physics and math, which teach problem-solving skills that a sound editor must master in order to create various sound effects. He or she should also be prepared to complete both classroom instruction and laboratory experiences in sound editing.
An individual who wishes to become a sound editor should consider completing a two-year associate degree or a certificate or diploma program in audio engineering that lasts about a year or less. To get into a college audio engineering program, you must provide a copy of your high school diploma or the equivalent certification, and complete the college’s admission application. In addition, some schools require that you submit a copy of scores earned on recent standardized tests as well as provide a transcript of past courses taken.
A variety of audio courses are necessary for those who want to work in the sound engineering industry. For instance, you need to complete an introductory course on how to record sound and edit sound waves. Importing audio tracks, balancing sound, and adding sound effects also are parts of a sound editor training program. You also should learn the difference between the way digital and analog recordings operate if you want to become a sound editor, as this type of professional sometimes must work with both types of sound systems.
To be successful in the sound manipulation career, a person needs to identify a specific niche in which he or she is interested. For instance, you might be more inclined to become a sound editor who works in the video game industry, or you could decide to focus more on editing vocal performance recordings. Another specialty area in the sound editing industry includes changing television and film recordings so that they generate different sounds.
If you want to enter the audio engineering field, you should pursue an internship that will give you hands-on industry experience as well as complete other practical course projects while in school. Internships are available at professional recording studios. In addition, colleges usually will give you independent studio time so that you can practice working with various sound engineering technologies at your own pace as you strive to become a sound editor. Professors additionally require pupils to complete creative sound editing projects and participate in workshops that test and hone their industry skills.