Audiodesigner/Audiodesignerin - Musik (Ausbildung)

Audiodesigners are trained in a school-based format. Learning locations include classrooms at the educational institution and sound studios.

This is a vocational training profession (Ausbildungsberuf). The type of training is school-based, offered at various educational institutions (internally regulated). The training duration is 2 years (full-time). Learning locations are the educational institution and, if applicable, an internship company. In this profession, audiodesigners program soundscapes of different styles, which can usually be saved, modified, or retrieved as files. They also compose, produce, and arrange sounds, songs, and musical scores. This includes, for example, advertising or film music, music software, sounds for video games, or music programs for television and radio. They ensure that the style, tempo, and message of the sounds match their intended use. In marketing, they sustainably shape brand perception through sound logos. They also design sounds for electrically silent cars and motorcycles. Audiodesigners can find employment, for example, in the film industry.

Full-time: 2 years.

Educational providers select applicants according to their own criteria. For example, musical talent is valued. Work samples may be required if necessary.

Depending on the course of study, costs may include: course fees, examination fees, costs for specialized literature and working materials, and costs for external accommodation.

During the training, one acquires knowledge in areas such as: Digital Audio Editing, Digital Audio and Studio Technology, History of Audio Technology, Fundamentals of Acoustics, Instrument Practice, Communication Training, Media Economics, Microphone and Recording Practice, Music History, Sound Design (Jingle, Trailer and Advertising, Animation & Comic/Games/Film), Sound Dramaturgy and Sound Effect, Event Technology. In practical projects, aspiring audiodesigners practice analog and digital recording and processing techniques.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements during this vocational training (Ausbildung): Theoretical lessons are full-time on at least four weekdays. Typically, it involves in-person attendance at the educational institution with other aspiring Audiodesigners, followed by processing the content at home. Practical exercises/projects may include hands-on work under guidance, for example, in sound studios. Requirements include musical abilities and excellent hearing (e.g., for designing soundscapes, sound editing), creativity (e.g., for compositions and sound ideas), technical understanding (e.g., for handling recording/studio technology), and customer orientation (e.g., for customer consulting, implementing customer wishes).

For vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, the following options are available: In Austria, training offers can be found via the AMS Ausbildungskompass (e.g., with the search term 'Audiogestaltung'). In France, training offers are available via onisep - the French training database (e.g., with a free text search for 'designer sonore'). For documenting professional experience abroad, Europass provides the opportunity to document training sections and learning stays completed abroad. Further information about Europass is available.

No remuneration is paid for this vocational training (Ausbildung).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Music: e.g., to set melodies and arrangements to music. Computer Science: e.g., to design film and advertising music with special software. English: e.g., to understand foreign-language music software and manuals.

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) alternatives are available for the profession of Audiodesigner: In the field of event technology, Audio-Engineer. Commonality: recording sounds, music, or speech and editing the recordings on the computer. In the field of music, Musician - Pop/Rock/Jazz (Ausbildung). Commonality: designing musical pieces and sounds.

Audiodesigner is a vocational training (Ausbildung) regulated by the internal regulations of the course providers. It lasts 2 years full-time. Additionally, there is the option to study (Studium) Audio, Sounddesign at universities (Hochschule).

Graduation title: Sounddesigner/Sounddesignerin (Sound Designer).

Finding suitable employment after training: Audiodesigner/Audiodesignerin (Audio Designers) primarily work in the film industry, advertising, internet, and multimedia agencies, broadcasting companies, or music publishing houses. To maintain employability, they can update their specialist knowledge through adaptive further training (Anpassungsweiterbildung). The topics covered range from media design to sound engineering. With a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung), one can also pursue university studies (Studium) and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree in Audio-, Sounddesign. Self-employment (Selbstständigkeit) is also possible, for instance, by opening one's own sound studio.

Legally, no specific prior education is required. Educational institutions set their own admission criteria. In some cases, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) may be a prerequisite. Furthermore, access to the training may require, for example: proof of intact hearing ability via a medical audiogram, English and computer skills.