Mason Blake
Sound engineering, or audio engineering, is a field that has often been associated with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). However, there is ongoing debate about whether it truly falls under the STEM umbrella. While sound engineering involves technical aspects such as recording, mixing, and mastering audio, it also heavily overlaps with the music industry and the aesthetic and creative aspects of sound. The term sound engineering can be misleading, as it suggests a stronger connection to traditional engineering fields than may actually be the case. Some argue that sound engineering is more accurately associated with STEAM, which adds art to the traditional STEM fields, recognizing the importance of creativity and collaboration in solving problems and developing new products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound engineering as a part of STEM | No |
| Reasons | Sound engineering is a misleading term that encompasses recording, mixing, and mastering processes in the music industry. It also refers to those who design and build audio equipment, work in acoustic design, and develop audio coding formats. However, the "engineers" who record/mix/master songs deal with the aesthetic and musical aspects, which are not strictly engineering tasks. |
| Sound engineering as a part of STEAM | Yes |
| Reasons | STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) integrates concepts and practices from the arts to deepen the understanding of STEM subjects. Sound engineering is included in STEAM careers, which also include architect, graphic designer, and urban planner. |
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What You'll Learn
Audio engineering is not engineering
The term "audio/sound engineering" is misleading and encompasses too many things. While it mainly refers to the recording, mixing, and mastering process in the music industry, it also includes those who design and build audio equipment, work in acoustic design, and develop new audio coding formats. Audio is a waveform governed by the laws of physics, but when it takes on aesthetic value to the human ear, it enters the realm of music. These two properties of audio operate under distinct rules, and the "engineers" who record, mix, and master songs deal with the latter, which has nothing to do with "engineering."
Engineering, by definition, involves applying scientific principles to design and construct machines, structures, and other objects. To be deemed "engineering," one must directly apply scientific principles to their work, which is not the case with audio engineers who record, mix, and master songs. Their primary objective is to achieve the best sound using equipment already created based on scientific principles. Audio engineers make creative decisions about the gear and settings to use to align with the artistic vision, focusing on what sounds good rather than strict engineering principles.
While some audio engineers have a basic understanding of the physical laws of sound, this knowledge is typically limited to operating the equipment. This operational knowledge does not equate to "engineering." Audio engineering in music production is similar to cinematography in film production, as both involve the technical aspects of signal recording. However, audio engineering does not involve the composition or songwriting process but rather the creative process of adding aesthetic value to the sound of music.
The issue of low diversity in audio engineering, particularly the low number of female audio engineers, has been a topic of discussion in the industry. While this issue is often framed within the context of the male-dominance of STEM fields, this comparison is misleading. Audio engineering does not fall under the traditional STEM categories due to the lack of emphasis on scientific and mathematical content in audio training courses. Additionally, there are no official requirements or standard accreditations needed to become an audio engineer, unlike STEM fields, which typically require bachelor's or higher degrees.
Audio engineering, specifically in the context of recording, mixing, and mastering music, is distinct from traditional engineering disciplines. While audio engineers may possess basic scientific knowledge, their primary focus is on the creative and aesthetic aspects of sound rather than the direct application of scientific principles. The term "audio/sound engineering" encompasses a broader range of specializations, some of which may intersect with engineering, such as sound reinforcement engineering, systems engineering, and audio processing engineering, but the core process of music production through recording, mixing, and mastering falls outside the realm of traditional engineering.
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Audio engineering is a misleading term
The term "audio engineering" is misleading because it suggests a connection to the STEM field, when in reality, it primarily refers to the recording, mixing, and mastering processes in the music industry. While there are audio engineers who work on designing and building audio equipment, acoustic design, and developing audio coding formats, the majority of audio engineers are involved in the creative and artistic aspects of sound production.
The use of the term "engineering" may be an attempt to associate the profession with harder sciences and gain more credibility. However, this misleading label has led to confusion and misunderstandings about the nature of the job. For example, it may give the impression that audio engineering is a male-dominated field due to its association with STEM, when in fact, the low number of female audio engineers is an issue specific to the music industry rather than STEM.
The term "audio engineering" encompasses a wide range of roles and specializations, and the skills required have evolved over time. Audio engineers may work in sound recording, sound reinforcement, or sound broadcasting, and their work involves specialized knowledge and technical skills. While audio engineering may not require the same level of engineering knowledge as other disciplines, it still deals with complex systems and voltages and has important health and safety considerations.
The term "audio technician" or "audio master," as used in Germany, may be more accurate and reflective of the actual work performed by audio engineers. These terms capture the technical and creative aspects of the job without implying a misleading association with engineering or STEM. As the nature of work in audio engineering continues to evolve, it is important to have clear and accurate terminology to ensure a proper understanding of the profession and its contributions to the music and entertainment industries.
In conclusion, while audio engineering may share some similarities with traditional engineering fields, the term "audio engineering" is misleading and does not accurately represent the diverse and creative nature of the profession. Clear and concise terminology is essential to avoid confusion and promote a better understanding of the skills and contributions of audio engineers in the industry.
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Audio engineering is male-dominated
The term "audio/sound engineering" is often used to refer to the recording, mixing, and mastering processes in the music industry. However, it can also encompass those who design and build audio equipment, work in acoustic design, and develop audio coding formats. While audio engineering involves technical skills and knowledge, it is not the same as engineering in the traditional sense and does not necessarily fall under the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) umbrella.
That being said, audio engineering is a male-dominated field, with women making up less than 5% of the industry, according to estimates. This gender imbalance is not due to audio engineering being considered a STEM field, but rather because it is a field that has been and continues to be predominantly male. The issue of diversity in audio engineering is more closely tied to the music industry's dynamics and cultural and historical privileges and stereotypes than to any particular association with STEM.
Historically, audio engineering has relied on apprenticeships, with established engineers taking on younger protégés and teaching them the job. This mentorship model can create barriers for women, as older male engineers may be less likely to see themselves in young women and take them under their wing. Susan Rogers, a professor at Berklee College of Music and a sound engineer herself, notes that this dynamic presents "another barrier of entry" for women in audio engineering.
The industry is slowly moving towards colleges and universities for training audio professionals, but even in these educational settings, women are underrepresented in music engineering classes. This trend starts early, as evidenced by initiatives like the Live Sound Camp for Girls, which aims to introduce girls to careers in audio and give them hands-on experience with sound equipment.
Women in audio engineering face unique challenges, including struggling for respect and being second-guessed by their peers. They may also encounter gender biases and stereotypes that devalue their contributions and limit their opportunities for advancement, as Grammy-nominated audio engineer Mary Mazurek has experienced and spoken out about.
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Sound engineering is a STEAM profession
However, sound engineering also extends beyond the purely technical aspects and enters the realm of art and aesthetics. Sound engineers in the music industry, for example, may be involved in recording, mixing, and mastering processes. These tasks involve creative decision-making and an understanding of the artistic elements of music. The work of a sound engineer can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of a musical piece, film, or any other medium in which sound is used.
The distinction between STEM and STEAM is important in this context. While STEM focuses on hard skills and knowledge in specific disciplines, STEAM recognizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of arts and humanities. STEAM encourages professionals to leverage both hard and soft skills, fostering creativity and collaboration to solve complex problems.
In sound engineering, this integration of arts and sciences is evident. For instance, a sound engineer may use data visualization tools or imagery to enhance the presentation and understanding of sound data. They may also collaborate with artists, programmers, and designers to develop innovative products or experiences in fields like gaming and simulation.
By embracing the STEAM approach, sound engineers can not only enhance their technical skills but also develop their creative and collaborative abilities. This well-rounded approach prepares them to meet the evolving needs of various industries and contribute to the development of new products and experiences that blend art and technology seamlessly.
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STEM curricula focus on hard skills
While there are differing opinions on whether sound engineering falls under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) umbrella, one thing is clear: STEM curricula have traditionally focused on hard skills. These technical competencies and expertise are seen as the cornerstone of success in STEM fields. However, the importance of soft skills in STEM education is increasingly being recognized, creating a balance between hard and soft skills to prepare students for academic and professional challenges.
Hard skills in the context of STEM refer to technical proficiency and knowledge. They are the foundation for any STEM career and include competencies such as computer programming, mathematics, and engineering principles. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, STEM professionals focus on creating better medicines, while software developers aim to craft the best applications. Engineers, on the other hand, concentrate on designing structures that are safe to use. These are all examples of the practical application of hard skills within the STEM realm.
Teaching hard skills in STEM often involves providing students with hands-on activities and projects that challenge them to apply their knowledge. This might include teaching students how to use tools safely, cultivating their fine motor skills, and introducing them to specific tools and equipment relevant to their chosen STEM discipline. Online guides and resources are also readily available to help students enhance their hard skills, such as computer programming or mathematics abilities.
However, the debate around hard skills versus soft skills in STEM education is ongoing. While hard skills are undeniably essential, soft skills like collaboration, communication, and adaptability are also crucial for students' holistic development and future career success. For example, customer service skills can be vital when interacting directly with clients or users in STEM fields. Therefore, educators are encouraged to integrate strategies that develop both skill sets, ensuring students are technically proficient while also possessing the soft skills needed to excel in a dynamic and evolving STEM landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Sound engineering, also known as audio engineering, involves recording, mixing, and mastering sound in the music industry. It also includes designing and building audio equipment, working in acoustic design, and developing new audio coding formats.
Sound engineering does not fall neatly under STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). While it involves some technical skills and knowledge of physics, it is primarily associated with the music industry and deals with the aesthetic and musical aspects of sound rather than pure engineering.
STEM fields focus on hard scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematical skills and concepts. Sound engineering, while involving some engineering aspects, is heavily influenced by artistic and musical considerations. It requires a blend of technical skills and creative, soft skills, which aligns more with the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) approach.
STEM focuses on technical disciplines, while STEAM incorporates the arts and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving. Sound engineering, as discussed, has elements of both but leans more towards the arts due to its creative nature. The inclusion of arts in curricula, as in STEAM, aims to foster well-rounded professionals who can collaborate across disciplines and drive innovation.
