Flying Solo: Elevating student sound engineers into responsible work-experience roles at live music events

The role of live sound mixer is somewhat akin to piloting an aeroplane full of passengers: you are in control of the outcome for a number of people for a certain time, and must take in a lot of sensory information, process and act upon it using highly technical controls and equipment. Work-experience students at live events often work up to this role and have to undertake more menial tasks such as running cables, moving loudspeakers and other equipment, loading vans and trucks; even on a long-term placement. However, by taking the lead from pilot training where the learner takes the controls under supervision of a more experienced professional pilot, student sound engineers can assume control of a live mix with an audience present while benefitting from the guidance of a professional. This article discusses such an approach in the context of its place within or alongside the curriculum.