What are the differnt kinds of jobs are there in the field of Sound (not music related, please)? Also, if people can mention which ones are in high demand, it would be great. Thanks in advance.

I'm assuming you mean in games, if so your options are:

Sound designer/audio engineer - tiny demand

Audio programmer - very high demand

Increasingly, larger companies are looking for people with knowledge of audio who can implement sound assets rather than create content. This is part of a general trend to specialise audio departments, so you have individuals who work solely in dialogue, cutscenes or in-game.

Thanks for responding. Audio programmer sounds pretty cool. Would you happen to know what's a good major to pick to become one?

Anyone?

Computer Science, as it's a programming job

Enjoy your new life with sound only referred to by it's sample rate or filename!

Computer Science? Eh...isn't there any other major that'd help (besides music too)?

Well, you *could* go for a Math major (could give you a head start over cs in things like dsp) or Physics (Acoustics are the interesting part here)

Anyways, there's no way you are getting around some pretty heavy math. (think fourier transforms, nyquist, fir and iir filters and all this fun stuff)

EDIT: Oh, and I think to become an Audio Programmer, music is probably *not* a good major, as you will be approaching music from the technical side not the musical side (didn't want to say "creative side" because you can be creative with technology as well)

Hmm, I see. Still not the answer I'm looking for though...


In any case, what exactly are the duties of an audio programmer? Do they do the mixing and stuff?

If you're interested in working with sound you need to come to terms with the fact that there are very few jobs no matter what industry you want to work in. Choosing to be a composer or sound designer is similar to wanting to be an actor - you start at the bottom of the pile and the majority of people don't make it, even if they're really good.

If that doesn't put you off then you're probably crazy enough to give it a go.

Sound designers who are good and experienced will always be in high demand when a company needs one, but there are no "high demand" sound jobs in games.

I think the best way in to the industry is via a junior sound design position. These are quite hard to find, but the shortage of experienced staff is turning this slightly in your favour right now.

I mentioned audio programmer because it is the only sound related job in games which you will see advertised on a regular basis. It kinda looks right now that everyone is looking for at least one audio programmer. It does not involve recording or creating sound content, but it is not possible to have a great sounding, cutting edge game without at least one dedicated audio programmer.

If you've never done any programming, and I'd say it was pretty clear that you haven't, then I'd check it out to see if you might have some aptitude or interest because that is your best route to working with sound in some capacity in games.