3 answers
Micky
Student
Des Moines, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How can I have both music and Electrical Engineering in my career?
I'm very passionate about music and plan to get a degree in electrical engineering. In what ways do people combine these two for their career? #Spring25
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3 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
200
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Blending music with electrical engineering opens up exciting career paths in audio engineering, signal processing, acoustics, instrument design, and music technology development. Imagine designing synthesizers, effects pedals, or digital audio tools, working in live or studio sound settings, or creating algorithms for music software. To get ready, choose electives in music technology, DSP, or acoustics, and think about a capstone project focused on a music-related engineering challenge. Get hands-on experience by building audio hardware or software using tools like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Max/MSP, Pure Data, or JUCE for plugin development. Sharing your projects on GitHub, YouTube, or a personal blog can highlight your skills and passion.
Internships at music tech companies like Shure, Bose, Sonos, Universal Audio, Moog, or Focusrite offer valuable real-world experience. Platforms like GitHub, SoundCloud, and BandLab are great for showcasing your work, while websites like MusicTech.net, Gearspace, KVR Audio, and Hackaday provide community support, tutorials, and inspiration. Joining forums and Discord groups focused on audio engineering or synth DIY can deepen your knowledge and expand your network. Attending events like the AES Convention, NAMM Show, or Maker Faire connects you with industry professionals and the latest technologies. By combining technical skills, creative projects, and a strong online presence, you can build a rewarding career at the exciting intersection of music and engineering.
Internships at music tech companies like Shure, Bose, Sonos, Universal Audio, Moog, or Focusrite offer valuable real-world experience. Platforms like GitHub, SoundCloud, and BandLab are great for showcasing your work, while websites like MusicTech.net, Gearspace, KVR Audio, and Hackaday provide community support, tutorials, and inspiration. Joining forums and Discord groups focused on audio engineering or synth DIY can deepen your knowledge and expand your network. Attending events like the AES Convention, NAMM Show, or Maker Faire connects you with industry professionals and the latest technologies. By combining technical skills, creative projects, and a strong online presence, you can build a rewarding career at the exciting intersection of music and engineering.
Thanks Teklemuz! I've been working as a stagehand and sound engineer and I really appreciate your internship recommendations. I'd really enjoy working for a company like Shure, so I'll have to look into it!
Micky
Jennifer Wilcox
Art/artist promoter
5
Answers
Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
There are many ways to combine music and engineering, and Richie Hawtin (aka, Plastikman) is an extraordinary example of one of them. Hawtin has successfully built a meaningful and sustainable career. At the same time, the members of his team are doing and accomplishing what's important to them, and hundreds (thousands?) of secondary beneficiaries also earn a living because Hawtin does what he does. The fans are happy, because that is their nature. In the process, Hawtin awakened an interest that may prove to have greater significance than an unforgettable weekend in Ibiza.
To paraphrase JFK, ask not what music and engineering can do for you--ask what you can do for music and engineering.
Go blow some minds, Micky ;)
To paraphrase JFK, ask not what music and engineering can do for you--ask what you can do for music and engineering.
Go blow some minds, Micky ;)
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
75
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Micky!
If you're passionate about both music and electrical engineering, there are so many exciting ways to combine the two in your career. For example, in audio engineering, you could design and improve sound equipment like microphones, speakers, and mixing consoles. Your engineering knowledge would be key to understanding and advancing the technology that powers these devices.
In sound systems design and maintenance, you'd create and install top-notch sound systems for events, venues, or recording studios. With your electronics expertise, you'd ensure these systems deliver the best sound quality and performance.
Another path is music technology and software development, where you could help design tools for creating and editing music, like digital audio workstations (DAWs) or virtual instruments. Your engineering background would be instrumental in both the hardware and software aspects of music production.
If acoustics interest you, acoustical engineering might be a great fit. You could design spaces like recording studios or concert halls, using your technical skills to optimize sound quality and manage noise levels. This could also involve developing new audio devices or improving music tech products like synthesizers, headphones, or MIDI controllers.
In R&D, you could contribute to the creation of innovative music technology, developing new ways to generate and process sound or enhance musical instruments. This role blends creativity with technical skills, perfect for someone with both musical and engineering passions.
Teaching or consulting is another option, where you could share your knowledge of audio electronics or music technology, perhaps by creating specialized courses or mentoring others who are interested in combining music and engineering.
Finally, music production and sound design for film, games, or virtual reality is a growing field where you could use your engineering expertise to craft immersive sound experiences. Here, your technical skills would be essential in building tools and systems that enhance these industries.
No matter which direction you choose, combining electrical engineering with music opens up a wide range of opportunities where you can contribute to both fields.
Good luck! Saint
If you're passionate about both music and electrical engineering, there are so many exciting ways to combine the two in your career. For example, in audio engineering, you could design and improve sound equipment like microphones, speakers, and mixing consoles. Your engineering knowledge would be key to understanding and advancing the technology that powers these devices.
In sound systems design and maintenance, you'd create and install top-notch sound systems for events, venues, or recording studios. With your electronics expertise, you'd ensure these systems deliver the best sound quality and performance.
Another path is music technology and software development, where you could help design tools for creating and editing music, like digital audio workstations (DAWs) or virtual instruments. Your engineering background would be instrumental in both the hardware and software aspects of music production.
If acoustics interest you, acoustical engineering might be a great fit. You could design spaces like recording studios or concert halls, using your technical skills to optimize sound quality and manage noise levels. This could also involve developing new audio devices or improving music tech products like synthesizers, headphones, or MIDI controllers.
In R&D, you could contribute to the creation of innovative music technology, developing new ways to generate and process sound or enhance musical instruments. This role blends creativity with technical skills, perfect for someone with both musical and engineering passions.
Teaching or consulting is another option, where you could share your knowledge of audio electronics or music technology, perhaps by creating specialized courses or mentoring others who are interested in combining music and engineering.
Finally, music production and sound design for film, games, or virtual reality is a growing field where you could use your engineering expertise to craft immersive sound experiences. Here, your technical skills would be essential in building tools and systems that enhance these industries.
No matter which direction you choose, combining electrical engineering with music opens up a wide range of opportunities where you can contribute to both fields.
Good luck! Saint