Live Sound 3-Month Evening Course

Looking to launch or level up your future in live sound? Our three-month intensive Live Sound Industry Course will help you develop your understanding of live sound engineering in a practical environment, as you learn essential skills to establish or further your career in live sound.

Delivered in-person in the evenings at ICMP’s Queen’s Park campus, this Live Sound course focuses on hands-on learning and practical applications, offering real-world experience that can be put to use straight away. Tailored to those who already work in the industry or have a basic understanding of live sound equipment and venues, this course is the perfect launchpad for a future in live sound.

Using our state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities, you’ll learn how to set up and operate live sound equipment, from digital mixing desks to microphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs). You’ll also explore essential aspects of live sound engineering, such as signal flow, mixing techniques, band setup and troubleshooting. With modules that include everything from understanding sound system design to monitoring and EQ techniques, you’ll leave equipped to handle live shows and gigs with confidence.

The programme is led by Bill Borez, a seasoned live sound engineer who has worked with top artists like Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Simon Le Bon and Roots Manuva. Bill’s extensive background in both touring and venue management provides practical insights into the industry that you won’t find anywhere else.

One of the course’s key features is the ability to participate in ‘band days’, where you’ll work directly with live bands to practise the skills you’ve learned. These sessions simulate the real-world experience of running live gigs – from setting up equipment and running soundchecks to mixing live performances – and provide invaluable experience. These regular sessions will see you get hands-on with industry-standard equipment like the Allen & Heath Avantis mixing desk, Avolites lighting desk, JBL Vertec sound system and Dante IP network.

Whether you’re aiming to work in small venues, larger venues or festivals, our Live Sound Industry Course provides the foundational skills and practical experience you need to succeed in the industry. Gain the confidence and technical know-how to troubleshoot, manage and mix live shows, then go forth and cement yourself in the industry as a well-rounded live sound professional.

Module details

Signal Flow
Learn the essentials of both analogue and digital signal flow within a live sound venue. From input staging and microphone setups to understanding digital IP networks and stage boxes, this module provides you with the foundational knowledge to handle live sound systems effectively.

Mixing Live Shows
Master the technical skills needed for live show mixing, including how to use EQs, compressors, dynamic processors, groupings and more. You'll also explore show setup techniques and mixing tips to create a flawless live sound experience, covering topics such as input staging, filters, noise gates, GEQs, DCAs, live sound FX and offline editing.

Band Setup and Techniques
Learn how to work with live bands in a professional environment. Explore the intricacies of live band setups, from microphone techniques and direct inject (DI) usage to proper cabling and stage safety protocols.

Band Days
Across this course, you’ll take part in several practical band days with your tutor and fellow classmates. These offer hands-on experience as you set up, mix and troubleshoot live shows in a controlled sound engineering learning environment.

Monitor Systems and In-Ear Monitoring
Discover the EQ and GEQ techniques used to ‘ring out’ monitor systems and prevent feedback during a live show. Get familiar with in-ear monitoring systems (IEMs) to ensure musicians hear everything they need to on stage and explore concepts like headroom, frequencies and more.

Band and Technical Riders
Understand how to write and interpret technical show riders, including best practices for working with bands, artists and venues. Explore formatting, mixing desk show files, show file protocols and more.

Sound System Design and Setup
Explore sound system design – from small venue setups to large-scale festival configurations. While this module doesn’t involve hands-on experience with the practical setup of these systems, it offers essential insights into their inner workings, and introduces you to basic point source systems, modern line array speaker systems and complex sub bass arrays.

NEW: Attend a free taster workshop for our Music Industry Courses, explore them here.

Industry Course Terms & Conditions