Before diving into the more abstract subjects like algebra and calculus, the math curriculum should include a course in doing taxes, mortgages, interest rates and a study of credit card fees and management. In the same way that I feel certain applied math is overlooked in schools, I feel instruction in certain touring practicalities gets overlooked. While the study of gain structure, the use of dynamics or the flying of a speaker array should be mandatory knowledge for a young engineer, it should be as equally vital to know how to juggle your marriage or kids in the middle of a six-month world tour.
It’s also good to know at which point of the current tour one should start calling around for their next gig. My word of advice for those aspiring to a career in live sound is to take as many road gigs as possible while you’re young. Work in clubs mixing three bands a night. Work long hours and do one-off gigs while at the same time figuring out how to save money instead of paying it all to an apartment you visit once every three months.
Baker Lee, from FOH-at-Large, FRONT of HOUSE, May 2024, page 36
