Harry Lowther Music

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description of job role

 

A Technician in professional working practice could range from a sound technician, looking after the sound for a performance, to stage technician whose role it is to make sure the performers needs are met stage wise. Their role would include setting up the stage for the performer and making sure they have everything they would need on stage for their performances. 

 

Due to my experience with different music schools and past events, I have had a multitude of experiences in a technicians role. For example, when I was a member at ‘The New School Of Music’ based in Leighton Buzzard, I was given the role of a stage technician when we had our regular concerts and events. I was in charge of setting up the stage for different performers which meant that I would be working tirelessly to meet the needs of the performer. For example, some performances required three vocal miss and a direct input for an acoustic guitar accompliament whereas others required a full band set up. Furthermore, my technician duties cover school events also. For our A-Level event i played a huge part in the setup of the sound equipment and setting up the stage due to my previous experiences in the particular area.

 

Relationships with other roles

 

Without the technician, a performance or studio session wouldn't happen. As important as the performer is for a good performance, without the technician they wouldn't have sound, or anything on stage that they would need. The technician would work very closely with artists especially if they are delegated to particular examples. For example John Mayers sound technician, Chad Franscoviak, is with John for all of his tours, performances and album work. Chad would work extremely close to Mayer to understand what his needs are in terms of live sound and studio mix.

 

Qualifications, training and skills needed

 

In terms of formal courses, there are many sound engineering degree’s from universities that offer courses to help consolidate your skills and be professionally trained. However, the majority of technicians don't have high qualifications, their skills lie in their experience. A lot of technicians get their experiences and training for volunteering at different venues to do some tech work. There is also the option to shadow a professional technician or engineer on performances to build up a reputation in the industry and also to build up a portfolio. Another unorthodox way of gaining skills and experience is simply being a tea and coffee runner for a studio and to build up contacts. 

 

Terms and conditions of job role and effect of lifestyle

 

professional technicians and engineers are most likely to be in high demand from artists who are high up in the industry. This means that the techs would most likely be expected to work on artists tours for most of the working year. This means travelling constantly and spending a lot of time from home. The sacrifices that a professional technician would have to make include spending a lot of time from friends and family, and time off from work. Furthermore, touring can be tiring for the tech as well as the performer so it can mean that errors can occur and also health risks that they would have to monitor. 

 

Technological developments

 

During my time as a technician and a performer I have been able to witness some technological developments. For example, In my function band we used to use the classic setup of a physical desk to mix the band. However, we invested in a computer based PA system where we can mix the band from a laptop or an iPad.

 

Evaluation

 

Over the last two years I believe that my knowledge of sound engineering and skills to become a technician has become more consolidated and more up to date. Working alongside my teacher, Mr Edwards, has allowed me to effectively shadow him when mixing a live band. From what I have learnt over the last two years, I believe that I can now confidently sit in an engineer role for a small to medium scale performance and I look to further my skills and knowledge in the future in order to broaden my opportunities in the music industry.