Summary of the occupation
The live sound industry in Trinidad and Tobago is in a state of development as persons involved in this field are now becoming more aware of what standards are required in terms of the quality of work produced and the safety requirements. Globally, live sound engineers are referred to a event technology providers.
The industry also does not have many persons specializing in one specific aspect of live sound engineering, most persons are able to perform various tasks for themselves, so you may not only have to mix the various sounds on a mixer but you may also have to connect all the wires required and maybe handle the lighting for the stage and various other tasks. This has become necessary because companies do not spend significant sums of money on sound engineering despite the significantly large number of live entertainment events held in this country on an annual basis.
An interesting aspect of this industry is that most operations are not conducted within the normal working hours therefore, the industry tends to attract persons who tend not to want to conform to the normal 8 to 4 work structure. This preference for flexible work schedules if critical as the working hours for a live sound engineer can be long and can vary according to the timing for an event. In addition, it is imperative that persons entering this field are comfortable with multitasking.
In this occupational area we will examine three major job titles:
- Lighting Engineer
- Sound Engineer
- Video Technician.
Lighting Engineer/Light Board Operator
Primarily, the lighting engineer sets up and controls lighting equipment. This function has several duties:
i. He/she needs to know what atmosphere is needed to be created
ii. Choose how many, and what types of light and other effects are required
iii. Determine how much time is needed to set up and what is needed to facilitate the above
iv. Create the atmosphere required using lights and fog
v. Bringing all your designs to life
This is an estimate of the percentage of time devoted to performing the essential tasks of a lighting engineer:
- Consult with the client as to what is required – 10%
- Determine what equipment is required – 15%
- Set up equipment – 40%
- Design the show – 25%
- Do show – 10%
The Live Sound Engineer must ensure that these duties are performed adequately to guarantee quality output. This will avoid significant negative consequences for the event.
The work environment for the live sound engineering industry is varied. Work is mainly conducted outdoors. Persons are required to use protective clothing and equipment to ensure the safety of operations in circumstance which may see the live sound engineer performing at elevated heights and in cramped conditions. The environment is usually noisy and dusty and the live sound engineer is exposed to machinery with moving parts.
The entry requirements for this job include the possession of a certificate in electronics. Secondary school education or vocational training is also required. In addition, the live sound engineer should be smart, creative and willing to work long hours.
The live sound engineering industry is in the early stages of development in Trinidad and Tobago. The demand for this profession is high at specific time periods throughout the year, for example, Christmas, Carnival, National events. Although seasonal, the job is profitable. Many of the events that will provide employment opportunities for the Lighting Engineer occur around the carnival season, however, there are events throughout the year that can provide consistent employment for the skilled Lighting Engineer.
Pay
– The salary of a permanent/full-time position as a lighting engineer is $4000.00
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Electrician | Installs electric wiring and switch systems in buildings, in accordance with electrical codes | O’Level certification along with training in the vocational skill acquired on the job or through a training institution | $3,040.00 to $4,160.00 per month (2011) |
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The website HALLEONARD.com and the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook are good sources of information for persons interested in the live sound engineering field.
SOUND ENGINEER
The sound engineer provides a professional sound for the client for entertainment and other live events and ensures that sound of the final production is of a high standard and quality. The duties associated with this function include:
i. Service and maintenance of equipment
ii. Set up of equipment for show
iii. Operate equipment i.e. mixing of performances and talent
iv. Return equipment to warehouse, making sure all is accounted for
v. Research and training – keeping yourself and crew up to date with the latest equipment and technology
This is an estimate of the percentage of time devoted to performing the essential tasks of a sound engineer:
- Maintenance of the sound equipment – 15%
- Install and prepare site for function – 25%
- Actually doing the function i.e. mixing – 40%
- Research and training of self and personnel – 20%
The work environment for the individual working in the live sound engineering field is varied, but most activities are conducted outdoors. Persons are required to use protective clothing and equipment in the performance of their duties and the environment is usually noisy and dusty. The sound engineer can work in high places and is exposed to machinery with moving parts.
A sound engineer must be computer literate. Successfully attaining secondary school as well in technical vocational training is required. A certificate in electronics would also be a great asset.
In addition, the sound engineer should possess knowledge of what is sound, how it functions, how to manipulate it using the equipment specific to the industry, and years of experience. Specific technical knowledge is required relating to:
- Technical knowledge of professional sound equipment
- Where to use, what and when
- How much gear is needed
- How much electrical power is needed
- What equipment is required
- What man power is required
This knowledge can be acquired through structured training in live sound engineering through local training institutions which include YTEPP Limited and the National Energy Skills Company (NESC).
The demand for this profession is high at specific time periods throughout the year, for example, Christmas, Carnival, National events. Although seasonal, employment in this field is profitable.
Pay
– The salary of a part time/temporary position as a sound engineer is $3,500.00
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Electrician | Installs electric wiring and switch systems in buildings, in accordance with electrical codes | O’Level certification along with training in the vocational skill acquired on the job or through a training institution | $3,040.00 to $4,160.00 per month (2011) |
VIDEO TECHNICIAN
Primarily, the function of a video technician is to set up projectors, screens, monitors, laptops which would be used for replay and presentation of events. The video technical also collects and generates video and power point presentations to be used in production.
In fulfilling this function, the video technician performs the following duties:
i. Contact the client who tells him/her what is required for the occasion, or this information may be relayed by a supervisor
ii. Assemble the digital material in the correct sequence for production
iii. Ensure that all screens, projectors, monitors and playback devices are in place and functional
iv. Working with the producer and sound and lighting engineer to present the material
The work environment for the live sound engineer industry is varied, but can be conducted in the outdoors and the physical environment can be dusty and noisy. Persons are required to use protective clothing and equipment in the conduct of some of their duties. In addition, the video technician may be required to work in high places and may be exposed to machinery with moving parts.
The competent video technician must be computer literate. Successfully attaining secondary school as well as technical vocational training is required. A certificate in electronics would also be a great asset.
In addition, the video technician should exhibit the following qualities or experience:
- quick thinking,
- creativity,
- information technology experience
- Video experience
The employability skills for this job can be acquired through structured training through YTEPP Limited.
The demand for this profession is high at specific time periods throughout the year, for example, Christmas, Carnival, National events. Although the high demand is seasonal, generally the video technician can be occupied throughout the year.
Pay
The salary of a part time/temporary position as a sound engineer is $3,500.00
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Audio Equipment Operator | Operates recording equipment for film or video productions | Basic secondary level education and vocational training acquired on the job or through a training institution |
Useful sources of information
The website HALLEONARD.com and the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook was mentioned as good sources of information for persons interested in the live sound engineering field.