How to Get a Sound Editor Apprenticeship

Audio editors help refine music before it is released.

Being an audio editor is an exciting career. If you're good at your job you can work with famous people in the music, film and television industry. Audio editors work on soundtracks for movies and television shows. In the music business, audio editors work on music before it is released to ensure in meets professional standards. While it is not necessary, many audio editors have attended college before starting an apprenticeship which leads to a full-time job.

Instructions

1. Earn your high school diploma to prepare yourself for college where you can study sound engineering, audio editing or other related courses. Take English and art classes in your high school as they usually help to prepare you for a career in the film, television or music industry.

2. Apply for admission to a college of your choice. You don't need a degree to become an audio editor, but attending a vocational training institute, community or junior college or a four year college to study audio technology, engineering or film production provides you an easier passage into the music industry. To become an audio editor you should complete a program that focuses on audio technology. You can study to become a film editor, which involves audio editing, at New York University, University of Southern California, the University of California at Los Angeles and University of Miami in Florida. You can also attend the Recording Connection Audio Institute in Hollywood, California which offers a degree course in audio editing.

3. Look for summer internships while you're studying to get hands-on experience. Internships expose you to the industry where you can learn from experienced audio editors and meet future employers. As a student audio editor you can intern in the film, television, radio or music industry where you will be able to practice how to use editing software. Network with people who might provide you with recommendations when looking for a job or an apprenticeship.

4. Volunteer with your school's projects that require sound editing. Film and sound engineering schools usually have events that require filming or audio recording. This gives you more experience that you will need when looking for an apprenticeship.

5. Apply for a an apprenticeship with a film, music production, radio or television organization after graduating from college. Many such companies offer apprenticeship opportunities. Apply directly to the organization you're interested in. Apprenticeships are usually advertised on company websites in the "careers" section. You can also find advertisements through career websites including Indeed, Linkedin and Career Builder. Read "Variety" website to learn about the trends in the music industry and possibly apply for an apprenticeship.

References

• The Conversations Network: Apprenticeships
• StateUniversity: Film and Video Editor Job Description
• "Essence Magazine"; Work and Wealth; Kimberly McCord-Wilson; March 2004
• "Movie Maker;" Walking the Tightrope; Jennifer M. Wood, February 2007
• "College Surfing;" How Do I Become An Audio Film Editor?; Amanda Fornecker
• Recording Connection Audio Institute: Hands-on Learning in a Pro Recording Studio

Resources

• California Employment Department: Film and Video Editors
• Education Portal: Music Editing Schools and Colleges in the U.S.