Live shows are back — louder, bigger, and more complex than ever. Whether at a packed stadium concert, a festival in the park, or a local music venue, one thing powers the experience: sound. 

Behind every unforgettable show is a live sound engineer making sure every lyric, beat, and bass drop hits just right.

Since the return of in-person events, the demand for skilled audio professionals has skyrocketed. Tours need consistent crews, venues are hiring, and tech has advanced. While artists might get the spotlight, live sound engineers are at the heart of every performance.

If you’re passionate about music, love tech, or want to turn your interest in sound into a real job, this could be the path you’ve been looking for.

Keep reading to learn how the industry has changed, what live sound engineers do, and the skills you’ll need to succeed. Discover how live sound schools like OIART are empowering grads to turn this fast-paced world into a career they love.

Live Sound Is Back, And Bigger Than Before

The pandemic shut down concert halls, clubs, and theatres worldwide. Once restrictions were lifted, something unexpected happened: audiences came back fast, and they came back hungry.

By 2023, global touring had surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Festivals were selling out, and artists who delayed tours booked back-to-back dates. Even small venues found themselves busier than ever, hosting everything from band showcases to spoken word nights. 

This rapid rebound exposed a major problem: there weren’t enough trained audio professionals to keep up. We’re seeing a golden era for live sound engineers; every stage needs them. 

Theatre, corporate events, churches, esports, conferences, and political rallies rely on skilled technicians who can manage microphones and mixers, and monitor systems under pressure. 

New production technologies, from immersive audio rigs to wireless digital consoles, have also raised expectations, creating even more opportunity for those trained to handle modern setups.

If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the clarity of a singer’s voice in an arena, or why the bass thumps just right at a festival, that’s the work of live sound engineers. And right now, they’re in high demand.

What Does a Live Sound Engineer Do?

Live sound is one of the audio world's most active, fast-thinking, and hands-on areas. At a basic level, engineers handle setup, mixing, and teardown of all audio gear. 

That includes microphones, speakers, mixing consoles, monitors, wireless systems, and more. But the way they work in real time sets them apart. There are two main roles in most live setups are:

• 
  Front-of-House (FOH) engineers mix what the audience hears
• Monitor engineers create mixes for the performers on stage

Both require precision, teamwork, and a good understanding of acoustics. You might be EQing a vocal mic for clarity one moment, then troubleshooting a crackling cable mid-show the next. There’s no pause button. Everything happens live.

Andrew Brown, an OIART grad, knows this firsthand. As a touring audio engineer, he’s mixed shows across Canada. His sound technician training in live sound prepared him to adapt quickly, stay calm, and deliver consistent results, even under pressure.

Devon Nutty, another OIART alum, is now a Live Sound Producer. He works closely with artists, venues, and stage crews to create memorable experiences from a technical and creative angle. His job demands technical precision and a strong passion for music.

Many live engineers also work across genres and formats. One week, they handle a rock band’s headline show, the next, they manage wireless mics and lecterns for a corporate event. The variety keeps things fresh and the learning constant.

Skills You’ll Need, and How OIART Teaches Them

Live sound engineers need to think fast, communicate clearly, and stay focused when things go sideways, because in live environments, they often do. Some essential technical skills include:

• 
  Understanding signal flow and gain staging
• EQing for different room sizes and acoustics
• Mixing vocals and instruments live
• Managing feedback and wireless interference
• Setting up and breaking down gear efficiently
• Using digital and analog consoles

But equally important are the soft skills:

• 
  Staying calm under pressure
• Solving problems on the fly
• Working closely with artists and stage crews
• Listening critically in loud environments

OIART students learn and apply these skills in real-world scenarios, embodying the excellence in sound engineering in Canada. The school features dedicated live sound labs that mirror actual venues. Students work with industry-standard gear, from digital consoles to PA systems, and practice in conditions that simulate live performances.

You won’t just run sound in a classroom. You’ll learn to troubleshoot gear during sound checks and deal with mic bleed and stage volume. You’ll also make decisions in seconds and see the immediate results of your mix, just like on tour.

Because OIART keeps class sizes small, instructors can give each student direct feedback and coaching. And since instructors are working professionals, you’ll learn what works and what’s expected in the field.