Audio company Prosound is running a series of sound engineering training courses for musicians, DJs and sound students looking at improving their practical skills at its premises in Roodepoort, which has access to equipment of international standard.
Lecturer and sound engineer Izan Greyling says that although South Africa has many colleges where people can study sound, there is a lack of short, part-time courses with an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge. He has 10 years' lecturing experience and was department head of Entertainment Technology at the Durban University of Technology prior to joining the company.
"In most areas of study, there is a vast discrepancy between academic learning and the real world, and this is particularly true for sound. It's a bit like trying to learn to drive a car by reading a textbook. Often, sound students struggle to apply the theory they have learnt into practice in the real world," he says.
A non-profit initiative, the idea was inspired by a desire to contribute to the industry. The company has a high number of schools and churches among its nationwide customer base and the company identified that many of these clients had never been taught to use their sound equipment properly. Most are professionals with full-time jobs who volunteer to contribute to amateur dramatic and concert productions.
Practical applications
The first course was held in February and March this year, and was attended by 25 people who learnt about sound systems, sound theory, stage and system set-up and live mixing. The course also includes practical training in terms of setting up bands for actual gigs. The four-day courses will be held twice a year.
"We concentrate on giving the students an opportunity to apply what they've learned," says Greyling. "For example, if they learn about compressors in the morning, they will use a compressor in the afternoon. On the final day of the course, the students set up a stage and sound for a band, do the sound check with the band, and run a show in front of their parents and friends. It's a great way to experience the pressure of a live gig!"
Greyling stresses that, while the course is ideal for amateurs and hobbyists, it is only one step on the journey towards becoming a professional as it takes a couple of years to become a sound engineer.
For more information, email Lisa de Reyter at .
Update 8 February 2012: Izan Greyling and Lisa de Reyter are no longer with Prosound.
Hi lisa my name is MLANDELI 4rm GERMISTON. I have been searching 4 college which offers sound engineering part-time with long duration bcoz I do not want 2 do basics I want 2 do advance sound engineering. @ Prosound would u help me? Iam working during the week. I am working untill 17H00, so I am available on sartudays. Posted on 21 May 2010 16:12
This is a wonderful opportunity, a once in a lifetime one!-
It couldn't have presented itself at a more better time, I am currently a Trainee Sound Technician at The South African Roadies Association in Newtown, we train on aspects of a Live Event Technical Production such as Live Sound, Stage Lighting, Health & Safety etc. I am truly passionate about Sound/Audio Engineering and I see myself as a highly qualified Sound Engineer in future. I am more than prepared and willing to grab this opportunity and use it to the best of my abilities, in pursuance of my dreams. Posted on 21 May 2010 17:07
I just wanna get some precisions about your College cause my pleasure is to be one of your students, so that i can realize my dream that's to become a Recording Sound Engineer. Posted on 7 Jan 2011 15:58
guys would you please inform me about this course i mean fees for a diploma and registration ? And what do i need to do/qualify for this course? Posted on 7 Jan 2011 20:10
hi, would anyone happen to know any places in or near Randburg johannesburg that offer a full time sound engineering course?.. please help.. thanx Posted on 12 Jan 2011 17:42
i am parent who concerned about her child. he wants to do sound engineering and he is doing grade 11 he failed twice and what i can see he is interested in sound. he was hoping that he will pass his grade 11 last but he failed. he dont want to go back to school. he cant do sound engineering with grade 11. Posted on 19 Jan 2011 06:50
Hi there, your son will still be able to study Sound at an FET college, such as Damelin, and if he works hard he will get his diploma. I am a sound lecturer myself and while he would not be able to enter into Higher Education, the Further Education option offered by Damelin will sort him out. I suggest Damelin Randburg. Good luck! Posted on 9 Feb 2011 23:57
I would like to do sound engineering bt the problem is I'm working in Welkom(FREE STATE) cn u help me out I'm passionate abt music Posted on 24 Aug 2011 15:01
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Lecturer and sound engineer Izan Greyling says that although South Africa has many colleges where people can study sound, there is a lack of short, part-time courses with an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge. He has 10 years' lecturing experience and was department head of Entertainment Technology at the Durban University of Technology prior to joining the company.
