Live Sound Course Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be teaching me?
Our very intensive 4‐month course offers comprehensive practical and theoretical coverage of all aspects of live sound engineering. Our tutors have been there, done it and blagged the t‐shirt. As well as using experienced in‐house tutors who are still actively involved in the industry you will also be taught by freelance live sound professionals of high industry standing. Alchemea’s live sound tutors have worked at the highest level with large international acts including Tool, Metallica, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Van Morrison, Razorlight, Tori Amos, Estelle, Rage Against The Machine, Biffy Clyro, Editors, Franz Ferdinand, White Stripes, Stereophonics and many more...

Click here for more info about our Live Sound Tutors

How many students will be on this course?
We limit our live sound class size to 16 students to ensure personal attention and maximum practical time. We starting our live sound course at 3 points throughout the year (February, June and September) so in total there will only ever be 48 seats available every year.

What equipment will I learn?
Our venue is equipped with one of the countries best PA’s (d&b J-series line array). You will also learn industry standard digital and analogue mixing consoles from Digidesign (Venue Profile), Midas (XL-3) Yamaha’s (M7CL) and Midas (Pro 6). All of this is set up to emulate real‐life situations in a safe environment. We also have a smaller PA, which reflects what you may find in a pub or smaller working venue.

Click here for the full list of Live Sound Equipment

Will all my classes take place at the Fridge in Brixton?
Most will however a few lectures will make use of our fantastic facilities at our Islington site.

Will I go on any field trips?
Several field trips will be taken to see the real world in action. We arrange visits to companies like loudspeaker and console manufacturers, watch a big gig go into a large venue and witness rigging in action from close‐up.

What links do you have with the industry?
As an educational institution we pride ourselves at being up‐to‐date with industry standards and practices, and keeping abreast with products and trends in the industry. Our relationship with various manufacturers, industry bodies and hire companies ensures we stay in touch with the latest equipment and technologies, and the fact that all our tutors are still active in the industry ensures the course keeps in line with the modern realities of the live sound world.

Click here for more information about our industry partners

Will I get any work experience?
As well as gaining invaluable work experience at Fridge events students will be offered work experience within other various London venues giving them the opportunity to assist on real gigs in real situations. We aim to have students out and working in the real world as much as possible. This will not only prepare you for the demands on the industry but it will get you networking early on.

Can I work at the same time as taking the course?
Our Live Sound Course is very intensive and while it is possible to do some part time work, please bear in mind that some lectures and numerous practical sessions will be arranged on weekends. We advise that if possible you save enough money to carry you through the 4-months without the distraction of having to work to avoid money worries.

Is this qualification recognized?
To be blunt a piece of paper counts for little in the Live Sound world. Employers are initially more interested in your attitude and work ethic. We consulted the leading players in the live sound world to help design our course and whilst still a “self-validated” program, our Live Sound Diploma has quickly gained a fantastic reputation. That said, as a Live Sound Diploma student you will work towards becoming a Certified Digidesign Venue Operator and gaining an industry recognised safety passport. Alchemea has been established since 1992 and during that time has become renowned as being one of the best audio schools in the world.

Is the course hands on?
Practical, Practical, Practical!!! Our philosophy at Alchemea is that you learn by doing. This is especially pertinent for learning about Live Sound. It is essential that our graduates can build and break down PA's, solder cables and troubleshoot confidently with their eyes closed. While morning class will be spent studying live sound theory, afternoons will be dedicated to related practical work. On top of your practical work at Alchemea you will have plenty of opportunities to get your hand dirty working on real gigs. Your final mark is also heavily weighted towards your practical achievements.

Will I get a job after taking this course?
While we cannot guarantee that you will walk straight into your dream job we can assure you that you will be very well placed to start work in the industry as soon as your course is over. Remember that attitude and especially reliability counts for everything in the Live Sound world and if you have been working hard and making the most of the networking opportunities on offer then there is every chance that you will have picked up some paid work even before you course finishes.

Can I visit the Venue and talk to the teachers?
Yes – we arrange regular open evenings so to book your place please get in touch with our Registrar Tony Garston on 020 7359 3986 or email info@alchemea.com

More questions?
Then please get in touch with Tony (see above) who will be happy to help.