Young people to hear 'sound' career advice
Posted on 22 November 2011
The first of a number of events across the country, the York forum on Wednesday, 7 December, will bring together professional audio practitioners, music and audio technology students and young people in Years 12 and 13 at school or college who are considering a career in this area.
The idea is to build up a picture of what the identity, skill set and career paths are for those working in sound recording in the 21st Century
Dr Jez Wells
The events form part of a ‘Is recording engineering?’ project run by Dr Jez Wells from the University’s Department of Electronics and funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Dr Wells, a Lecturer in Music Technology, said: “The event is open to audio professionals, students already in higher education studying music and audio technology, and those in years 12 and 13 aspiring to study or work in this area.
“The idea is to build up a picture of what the identity, skill set and career paths are for those working in sound recording in the 21st Century. For those attending, it is not only an opportunity to hear from others about who audio professionals are and what they do, but a chance to offer their own perceptions of this industry too.”
The York event, which takes place at the Department of Electronics’ Audio Laboratory research building, will include a guest presentation by Russ Hepworth-Sawyer, author of ‘What is Music Production?’ In addition, there will be a tour of the Audio Lab facilities which include a recording studio, listening space and anechoic chamber. Dr Wells was awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering to explore the role of engineering in sound recording and is collaborating on the research with Dr Dave Beer from the Department of Sociology.
The award under the Academy’s Ingenious scheme is designed to promote ideas which make engineering more accessible to the public. It also aims to equip engineers with the skills they need to explain clearly what they do and how they do it.
The Fellowship began in September and aims to draw three key groups into a debate on whether sound recording is engineering; engineers – both from the sound recording industry and unrelated fields, higher education students on audio-related courses, and 16-18 year-olds considering a career in sound recording.
Dr Beer said: “The events will allow us to collect some very interesting data about identity and how sound engineers define themselves as a community.”
The event ‘Is recording engineering?’ on Wednesday, 7 December, from 2-5pm at the Audio Laboratory in Genesis 6 on the York Science Park, University of York campus, is free and open to all. To book a place, email jez.wells@york.ac.uk.
Notes to editors:
- For further information on the University’s Department of Electronics, visit www.york.ac.uk/electronics
- For more information on the University’s Department of Sociology, visit www.york.ac.uk/sociology
- The Royal Academy of Engineering promotes the engineering and technological welfare of the country.
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