Sound Engineering Courses.
If you love technology, music and sound, our industry-led sound engineering courses will equip you with the essential skills and experience you need to stand out against the crowd. You’ll learn how to record and deliver the highest quality digital audio for a range of different platforms and experiences.
Browse Courses
What is sound engineering?
As a sound engineer, you’ll be less involved in the creative and compositional processes. Instead, you’ll be responsible for recording and editing audio to the highest standards by operating mixing desks, digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro and Pro Tools, recording tools and live equipment. This requires acute attention to detail, technical expertise and knowledge of how to make raw audio fit for an audience. All of this is taught in our sound engineering courses to make you industry ready when you leave us.
A career in sound engineering could see you running studio recording sessions, utilising audio production and recording techniques you’ve picked up along the way. Your career could also see you touring with bands as a live sound engineer or working in audio post-production on your favourite TV show.
Why study sound engineering at Spirit Studios?
There’s no better place than Manchester to study sound engineering. Home to some of the UK’s greatest live venues and an ever-growing empire of media production and tech companies, our city offers endless opportunities for you to launch your journey into the industry – no matter your specific interests.
Our studios are based in the epicentre of this creative activity and by utilising our networks, we’ll encourage you to get your foot in the door of the music industry as soon as you join us.
What is the importance of the sound engineer?
As the world of digital listening experiences expands – and with so many artists heading back on tour – the importance of sound engineers in our day-to-day lives is paramount. From game audio, TV, film, music and radio, to live events, festivals and gigs; sound engineers shape the world we live in.
They’re the music technology experts behind your favourite songs, shows and live performances. By using dynamic audio processing and equalisation tools, as well as reproduction and mixing skills, audio engineering is used to balance and adjust various sound sources to create a complete audio experience in different environments, whether in the recording studio or for live sound reinforcement.
Our sound engineering courses
We offer a range of sound engineering courses to suit your study preferences, including sound engineering degrees, evening-based industry courses and short courses. You can filter by course level below:
BA (Hons) Music Production
Duration:
3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Creating, recording, mixing and mastering
BSc (Hons) Live Audio Engineering and Music Production
Duration:
3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Sound-checking, monitoring, mixing and mastering
BSc (Hons) Entrepreneurial Audio Production
Duration:
3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Composition, acoustic theory and post-production
BA (Hons) Music Production with Foundation Entry
Duration:
1 year full-time foundation course, followed by 3 years full-time degree course
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
40 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Creating, recording, mixing and mastering
MA Music Production
Duration:
1 year
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
Higher second-class Bachelor degree
Key areas:
Research, portfolio creation, advanced mixing and mastering
Live Sound Engineering
Duration:
12 months
Start date:
2 October 2023
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Soundchecking, monitoring, mixing and stage management
Sound for Visual Media
Duration:
12 months
Start date:
4 September 2023
Entry requirements:
You will need a basic understanding of digital audio workstations.
Key areas:
Audio post production, sound design and Foley
Studio Production and Mastering
Duration:
12 months
Start date:
5 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A good understanding of working practically in recording studios
Key areas:
Advanced recording, mixing and mastering
Sample into Sound
Duration:
5 days (non residential)
Start date:
7 August 2023
Entry requirements:
No formal qualifications required
Key areas:
Sound engineering, music production and music business
PT101 Pro Tools Fundamentals I
Duration:
2 Days
Start date:
1 July 2023
Entry requirements:
Knowledge of audio recording and DAW basics is required
Key areas:
Audio production, editing and mixing
PT110 Pro Tools Fundamentals II
Duration:
3 days
Start date:
14 July 2023
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I, or equivalent experience
Key areas:
Recording, clip-based editing and mixing
PT201 Pro Tools Production I
Duration:
2 days
Start date:
14 October 2023
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II
Key areas:
Submixing, automation and auditioning techniques
PT210M Pro Tools Production II (Music Production)
Duration:
3 days
Start date:
10 November 2023
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I, Fundamentals II and Production I
Key areas:
Fine-tune automation, static automation and advanced MIDI production techniques
PT210P Pro Tools Production II (Post Production)
Duration:
3 days
Start date:
14 July 2023
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I, Fundamentals II and Production I
Key areas:
Field recording, dialog editing and mixing audio to picture
PT301S6 Essential Pro Tools | S6 Mixing Techniques
Duration:
1 Day
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II, and Pro Tools Production I and II
Key areas:
Session management, system customization and expanded parameter control
PT310P Advanced Post Production Techniques
Duration:
4 days
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II, and Production I and II (Post)
Key areas:
Post production, sound design and Foley
In-Person One-to-one Tuition
Duration:
2+ hours
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Previous students have studied areas such as DJ skills, mixing techniques, building a personal brand and more.
Online One-to-one Tuition
Duration:
2+ hours
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Previous students have studied areas such as post production techniques, DAW familiarisation, mixing techniques and more.
Features and benefits
Our facilities speak for themselves
Whichever sound engineering course you choose, you can expect to be provided with the tools and equipment you need to become an expert in the field.
Build your portfolio ready to enter the world of work
As we still operate as a professional studio, there’s opportunities throughout the year for our students to get involved in ‘real-life’ recording sessions and live rehearsals.
One-to-one mentorship
You’ll benefit from one-to-one mentorship from our expert calibre of tutors when you take a sound engineering course with us. This really allows you to focus on your own ambitions and tailor your learning experience.
A collaborative attitude
We prioritise a collaborative approach to your learning. This helps to contextualise your practice, inspire ideas, amplify your sound and get you ready for the real world.
What careers will a sound engineering course prepare me for?
- ADR Mixer
- Audio Director
- Audio Editor
- Audio-Visual Technician
- Boom Operator
- Dubbing Mixer
- Educator
- Foley Artist
- Game Audio Engineer
- Instrument/Backline Technician
- Live Sound Engineer
- Mastering Engineer
- Mixing Engineer
- Music Editor
- Music Therapist
- Recording Engineer
- Recording Studio Manager
- Sound Artist
- Sound Designer
- Sound Editor
- Sound Engineer
- Sound Technician
- Studio Engineer
- Tour Manager
What to expect
As you progress through one of our sound engineering courses, whether at degree or industry level, you can expect to move to a state of independence that is essential when forging your own career path. Our courses are designed to give you hands-on experience to ensure you leave us industry-ready.
Whether you want to record in the studio, work front of house (FOH) in your favourite live venues, or design sound for TV, our range of sound engineering courses give you the freedom to explore these areas of interest. With a variety of specialist modules, each course covers the core skills needed to succeed as a creative sound engineer and bring your ideas to life.
Teaching takes place in a variety of formats including lectures, workshops, demonstrations, peer reviews and one-to-one tutorial support. Our aim throughout is to encourage your creative exploration and hone your technical skills, all so you’ll leave us as a confident, independent professional.
You'll cover topics and core modules such as
- Sound-checking
- Studio mixing and mastering
- FOH and monitor mixing
- Fundamental DAW skills
- Microphone selection and placement
- Acoustics and room treatment
Sound engineering student successes
Ellen Orchard
Your sound engineering tutors
Our tutors are all experts in their field, each with their own specialisms and industry experience. Whether you’re looking to work on global tours or in the studio, our sound engineering tutors will get you to where you want to be.
Paul Maunder
Tutor
Paul Maunder is a sound engineer who primarily works in making audio for visual media such as corporate videos and TV programmes.
Stuart Avery
Tutor
Stuart is a studio/mastering engineer who is heavily involved in the Manchester scene. As an experienced producer, promoter and events organiser, he's been a key player in the city's cultural output.
Stuart has worked with:
- Blossoms
- Badly Drawn Boy
- KiD BRiTiSH
- Orchids
- The Irrepressibles
Steve Boyce-Buckley
Tutor
Steve is a professional recording engineer, producer, arranger and classically trained musician with over 4 decades of industry experience.
Paul Rattcliff
Programme Leader
Paul is an audio engineer who has toured the world with various artists. As well as teaching at Spirit Studios, Paul is also the technical manager at the O2 Ritz here in Manchester.
Paul has previously worked with
- Neneh Cherry
- The Streets
- The Charlatans
- The Zutons
- KSI
- New Order
Mark Winterburn
Tutor
Mark is producer and sound engineer who has worked on UK number one and Mercury nominated singles. He joined Spirit as a student and has returned as a tutor after a successful commercial career.
He has worked with:
- Sylvia Massy
- Plan B
- James Arthur
- 5 Seconds Of Summer
- Cassia
Catherine McGuinness
TUTOR
Catherine is an experienced live audio professional who has worked in a number of touring tech teams.
Catherine has previously worked at:
- Glastonbury
- Love Supreme
- Rock Werchter
Josh Cullen
Tutor
Josh is a producer and musician who has toured extensively and produced audio for some high profile clients.
Josh has previously worked with:
- Jagwar
- Ray Lewis
- Dom Major
- Ravenface
Brandon Nightingale
Tutor
Brandon is a music producer with many talents such as DJing, graphic design and occasional filmmaking.
Al Atcheson
Tutor
Al is a producer and sound engineer who teaches a wide variety of modules here at Spirit, allowing him to share his expertise with his students.
Jonathan Radford
Programme Leader
Jon is a producer, label manager, DJ and promoter who has over a decade of experience within the industry and has released five albums under the alias Diesler.
Liam Peacock
Tutor
Liam is a soundtrack composer who has worked on creating music for film, television, games and animation.
He has previously worked with:
- Orb Soundwerx
- The BBC
Lewis Jones
Tutor
As a Spirit Studios veteran, Lewis has taught on a number of our courses and outreach programmes. As a professional sound engineer and producer, his career has seen him travel the world.
Lewis has previously worked with:
- MIKA
- Travis
- Angy Gangadeen
- Lonelady
- Seafret
Real opportunities
Our creative partnerships benefit our sound engineering students by providing work placements, field trips, guest lectures, educational discounts and, of course, job opportunities.
Why study with Spirit Studios?
Outstanding facilities
Our facilities are designed to meet the needs of tomorrow’s music industry, ensuring you feel confident in every studio or live venue you encounter as a sound engineer.
Industry connections
You’ll have a range of exciting creative and collaborative opportunities, including hands-on work experience at legendary venues in Manchester and beyond.
Proven results
Our career focused attitude means that from day one, everything we do is designed with your future in mind.
Spirit +
We prepare our sound engineering students for a bright future. Through our Spirit+ programme, we provide extracurricular masterclasses and workshops from leading industry figures.
Taught by industry-active experts
Our tutors have not only had years of experience in the creative industries, but share a commitment to helping you on your journey as well.
Community spirit
We’re a supportive community that takes pride in our small size. We’ll get to know you as an individual and tailor mentorship to your personal development.
Interested in studying sound engineering with us?
Click below to start your application, register for an open day or get in touch with any questions
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