Position: Audio Engineer
Department: Artistic Operations
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Status: Seasonal, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Employment Period: Remote orientation sessions during the week of June 2, 2025
In Person: Monday, June 9 through Monday, August 11, 2025
Housing provided for non-local employees Sunday, June 8 through the morning of Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Position Summary
The Audio Engineer oversees the implementation of live and recorded audio production needs during the Music Academy Summer Festival. Duties include providing audio support and managing technical elements for public and video-recorded events. The Audio Engineer reports to the Manager of Production and Technology and collaborates with Music Academy administration, fellows, teaching artists, and guest artists. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop audio production experience in a dynamic environment with intensive performance activity.
Position Responsibilities
- Manage the setup and operation of live and recorded audio for events at the Music Academy’s Miraflores campus
- Collaborate with Music Academy stage crew and audio personnel at off-site performance venues to support audio needs during live events
- Work with the Manager of Production and Technology to procure and manage equipment for artistic programming involving electronics or audio reinforcement
- Record announcements for public events, including sponsorships and dedications as provided by the Advancement department
- Other production duties as assigned
Candidate Profile
The Music Academy values colleagues with diverse perspectives who thrive in a collaborative, highly communicative workplace. Our administration collectively informs and agrees upon the organization’s expectations for teamwork, including a positive, goal-oriented environment that positions every employee for success.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate some, if not all, of the following:
- Experience and knowledge of live and recorded audio production, related equipment, and technology including digital mixing consoles, digital audio workstations, and the Dante platform
- Knowledge of classical music repertoire
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Dropbox, and Google Workspace; experience with ArtsVision a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities
- Superior organizational skills with keen attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, adapting to shifting priorities as needed
- Positive, professional demeanor, especially in high-pressure environments
- Previous summer festival experience a plus
Additional Requirements
- Most nights and weekends are required, including concert duty
- Frequent travel between Music Academy’s Miraflores campus and off-site venues
Compensation and Benefits
This is a seasonal, non-exempt, full-time position. Compensation is $18-20 per hour, commensurate with skills and experience. Seasonal employees are not eligible for Music Academy benefits unless required by law. Housing and meals are included during the summer residency for those not based in the Santa Barbara area. Lunch is provided on the Miraflores campus Monday-Friday for those not on the residential meal plan. Complimentary tickets are offered when available.
Application Process
Please email a letter of interest and current resume to hr@musicacademy.org, using the Subject Header Audio Engineer. PDF format only. No phone calls, please. A background screening will be performed as a condition of employment.
To apply for multiple positions, please include separate letters of interest for each position.
The Music Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive work environment and we value each employee’s unique experiences and perspectives.
Our MISSION
The mission of the Music Academy of the West is to provide classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. We support musicians to expand their talents, inspire each other, and pursue artistic innovation.
About the Music Academy of the West
Located in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West creates a space where exceptional talent can thrive by encouraging artists to stretch, experiment, improvise, and play. The Academy provides classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. The Music Academy’s programs include an annual eight-week Summer School & Music Festival (June 15 through August 9, 2025) which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18-34 and presents more than 130 performances and events, competitions, and a fully staged opera; Sing!, a children’s choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; the innovative Alumni Enterprise Awards; and Mariposa Concert Series.
For more information, please visit musicacademy.org.