How can you develop your audio engineering skills while working full-time?

If you have a passion for audio engineering, but also a full-time job, you might wonder how you can keep learning and improving your skills. Audio engineering is a complex and dynamic field that requires constant practice, experimentation, and updating. Fortunately, there are some ways you can develop your audio engineering skills while working full-time, without sacrificing your quality of life or your income. Here are some tips to help you balance your career and your craft.

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1 Set realistic goals

The first step to developing your audio engineering skills while working full-time is to set realistic and specific goals for yourself. For example, you might want to learn a new software, master a certain genre, or improve your mixing or mastering techniques. Whatever your goals are, make sure they are achievable, measurable, and relevant to your interests and needs. Write them down and track your progress regularly.

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Mobolaji Onisiwo, AV Technologist

Certified AV Technologist. Communications Development and Deployment Strategist, Pro Audio Evangelist
This is like having a vision about your vision. And it helps to keep you in check so that you do not get socked up in the everyday routine and not look at development.
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2 Create a schedule

The next step is to create a schedule that allows you to dedicate some time to your audio engineering projects every week. Depending on your availability and preferences, you might choose to work on your skills before or after your full-time job, on weekends, or during breaks. The important thing is to be consistent and disciplined, and to avoid distractions and interruptions. You can use tools like calendars, timers, or apps to help you plan and manage your time.

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3 Find online resources

One of the advantages of living in the digital age is that you can find a lot of online resources to help you learn and improve your audio engineering skills. There are many websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, courses, and forums that offer valuable information, tips, tutorials, feedback, and inspiration for audio engineers of all levels. You can also join online communities and networks where you can connect with other audio engineers, share your work, ask questions, and get advice.

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Mobolaji Onisiwo, AV Technologist

Certified AV Technologist. Communications Development and Deployment Strategist, Pro Audio Evangelist
The audio industry is widely invested and embraced by the online space. A signal tag can lead to an endless links of articles and information to learn and relearn.
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4 Practice with projects

The best way to develop your audio engineering skills while working full-time is to practice with real projects. You can either work on your own music, collaborate with other artists, or offer your services to clients. This will help you apply what you learn, challenge yourself, and build your portfolio. You can also use projects as opportunities to experiment with new techniques, tools, or styles, and to learn from your mistakes and successes.

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Mobolaji Onisiwo, AV Technologist

Certified AV Technologist. Communications Development and Deployment Strategist, Pro Audio Evangelist
The beauty of audio is that you have to try it out to get the result. And every time you try, you will always get different results.
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5 Seek feedback and mentorship

Another way to develop your audio engineering skills while working full-time is to seek feedback and mentorship from other audio engineers. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and learn from different perspectives and opinions. Mentorship can help you gain insights, guidance, and support from someone who has more experience and knowledge than you. You can find feedback and mentorship online, or in person, through platforms, groups, events, or workshops.

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6 Keep up with trends and innovations

Finally, to develop your audio engineering skills while working full-time, you need to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the audio engineering field. Audio engineering is a constantly evolving and changing industry that requires you to stay updated and adaptable. You can keep up with the trends and innovations by following industry news, blogs, magazines, podcasts, or social media. You can also attend webinars, conferences, or seminars, or try new software, hardware, or plugins.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you develop your audio engineering skills while working full-time?

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1 Set realistic goals

2 Create a schedule

3 Find online resources

4 Practice with projects

5 Seek feedback and mentorship

6 Keep up with trends and innovations

7 Here’s what else to consider

Music Industry

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