ROTHERHAM COLLEGE LECTURE
DATE PERFORMED
Q1 2023/Q4 2023
EXPERTISE
Support and Guidance
LOCATION
Rotherham, UK
ROLE
Advisor/Mentor
ABOUT
I had the immense pleasure of pairing with my friend Morgan and give a lecture to students at Rotherham College about pursuing sound design in their future studies and careers. The focus of the session was to provide guidance and insights on what it truly means to be a sound designer, the different paths available in the field, and the skills they would need to develop. I discussed the importance of creativity, technical expertise, and adaptability in the industry, highlighting how sound designers can shape the mood and narrative of a project. I also shared practical tips on building their first portfolio, networking within the audio community, and staying updated with emerging technologies. My aim was to inspire students to explore the vast possibilities within sound design and give them the tools and information to make informed decisions about their future in the audio field.
COMPLETED IN THIS PROJECT
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Student Mentorship
EXPERTISE
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Support
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Guidance
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Leadership
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Dependability
HOW WE HELPED
Not long ago, I had the privilege and opportunity to provide support and guidance through an engaging lecture on Sound Design to media students at Rotherham College, who are passionate about stepping into the world of audio. Sound design is an ever-evolving field, integral to video games, film, television, and beyond, and my goal was to offer students a solid foundation and a clearer perspective on what it takes to succeed.
We explored the technical and creative aspects of sound design, from crafting environmental sounds to building immersive audio for interactive media. I highlighted essential skills, such as field recording and digital manipulation, along with insights into using industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine, Wwise, Unity, different DAWs, and Fmod, to name a few. Below are some of the topics we have discussed with the students to better advise them on a good direction for their future careers and University paths.
WHAT WE COVERED
Fundamentals of Sound Design
We explored the basics of what sound design is, its importance in storytelling, and how it enhances the viewer's emotional experience. From foley and SFX to ambient soundscapes, we discussed how audio shapes the worlds we see on screen.
​​Tools and Techniques
I walked students through the industry-standard tools, such as DAWs, Engines and Middleware, while also highlighting the importance of recording and editing equipment. We discussed how field recording and foley artistry can be used to build unique sounds and how digital manipulation allows designers to elevate everyday noises into something extraordinary.
Career Paths in Audio
One of the biggest takeaways was demystifying the career opportunities in the sound design world. Whether students were interested in working in game development, film post-production, or even interactive media and VR, we looked at the roles available, from sound designers and audio engineers to foley artists and composers.
Tips for Getting Started
For those considering a career in audio, I shared advice on building a strong portfolio, networking within the industry, and keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies in sound design, such as spatial audio and dynamic sound systems for interactive media.
Q&A
We finally had a nice Q&A session at the end which allowed us to address their questions about the industry, discuss the different paths one can take in sound design, and share insights from my own experiences. It was rewarding to connect with students who are just beginning to explore their passions and to hopefully provide guidance that might shape their future careers.
LATER THE SAME YEAR
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The students feedback was so good that we planned a return visit to Rotherham College where with the input of the head teacher, we designed a hands-on exercise for the students that was both challenging and practical, giving them a real taste of the work involved in sound design for games. We assigned them the task of recording original sounds, so anything from everyday objects to environmental ambience, and then to manipulate these recordings within a DAW to create unique audio assets that could be used in a game setting. This exercise was developed specifically to align with their sound design module, offering them an opportunity to apply what they’d learned in a creative and experimental way. The project was structured as a graded assignment, adding a level of accountability that I hoped would motivate them to produce high-quality work. It was exciting to see them dive into the project with enthusiasm, experimenting with sound in ways that could one day translate to real-world applications.
​​​To those students ready to dive deeper into the world of audio, these visits were just the beginning. Whether they are already experimenting with sound or just curious about what it takes, the field of sound design holds an incredible future for them!