Berklee Presents Playback Engineer

Berklee College of Music; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Berklee College of Music is seeking a Playback Engineer for the Berklee Presents production team. You will operate the playback rig (iConnectivity PlayAudio12) using Ableton Live during rehearsals and live performances, coordinating with track production assistants and arrangers.

Reporting to the Senior Concert Producer, you will contribute to sound design, manage live stems, and collaborate with a VJ design team. The role emphasizes teamwork, DAW skills, and a passion for live music.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with live sound, audio engineering, editing and mixing.
• Familiarity with DAW and file management.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary commercial music.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Ableton Live playback rig for rehearsals and on-stage performances.
• Assist track production assistants as a programmer for sound design.
• Manage incorporation of live audio stems in tracks.
• Aid the Production Supervisor in standardizing and QC of tracks used in playback.
• Collaborate with musical directors on triggering effects during concerts.
• Coordinate with lighting designers and VJ teams for synced multimedia elements.
• Coach other Berklee Presents student employees on playback rig operation.
• Assist with processing and mixing of stems for arranging mockups.
• Support setup and breakdown of rehearsal room equipment and troubleshoot live sound issues.
• Adhere to recording studio policies and maintain equipment inventory.

Skills

Live sound experience

Music production

Team collaboration

Time management

Strong communication

Organized

Willingness to learn

Education

Current Berklee student

Enrolled at least half-time in degree program

Tools

iConnectivity PlayAudio12

Ableton Live

Pro Tools

Logic Pro X

Job description

In order to participate in Berklee Student Employment, a student must fulfill the following requirements: Current student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Enrolled at least half-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate-seeking undergraduate or graduate program. Summer is the only semester in which a student can maintain employment without being enrolled. In this case, the student must be pre-registered for the upcoming fall semester. This exception does not apply to fall or spring semesters. Have a valid United States Social Security Number (SSN). Remain in "valid" Visa status as applicable. A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students in their first semester can work, even though they do not have an official GPA until the completion of their first semester. Federal Work Study student may apply. In good disciplinary standing. Must be located in the U.S. For complete program details, please go to our website: www.berklee.edu/se.

The Playback Engineer for the Berklee Presents production team will have the opportunity to actively engage in the process of mounting a live interdisciplinary student concert from start to finish. Reporting to the Senior Concert Producer, and receiving mentorship from a faculty Track Production Supervisor, they will be responsible for operating the playback rig (iConnectivity PlayAudio12) using Ableton Live during rehearsals and on stage during the live concert. The role will involve close collaboration with track production assistants, arrangers, as well as, on occasion, visual artists as part of a VJ design team. The Playback Engineer will coordinate programmed and live stem audio tracks from the creative time, and depending on their own level of experience, will assist with sound design, as needed. The applicant should have some prior experience with live sound, audio engineering, editing, and mixing, DAW and file management skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of contemporary commercial music and model the values of teamwork, respect, and self-confidence. The Berklee Presents team, including faculty, staff, and student employees produces a variety of high-profile Signature Series concerts each year including Singers Showcase, Great American Songbook, and the Commencement Concert.

HOURS NEEDED

Hours are varied depending on the assigned project, but you must be consistently available for rehearsals on a Thursday evening during the Fall and Spring semester from 6:00pm-11:00pm, several Friday evenings from 5:00pm/6:00pm-11:00pm, and a few Saturday day rehearsals for full cast run throughs in B41 (150 Mass Ave - multipurpose room). Specific dates for full-cast rehearsals are TBD, but will be shared prior to the start of the first rehearsal in Fall semester. Must also be available to work several evenings during the "BPC Tech Week", and on the night of each production. Additional session and administrative pre-production work will be assigned, and can be completed remotely on a more flexible schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and operate the Ableton Live playback rig for concert rehearsals and on-stage during live performances, including possible use of a talkback microphone
• Assist the track production assistants as a programmer for sound design to support the musical arrangements
• Manage the incorporation of live audio stems in tracks
• Aid the Production Supervisor in the standardization and quality control of tracks used in playback, including cue tracks and clicks
• Consult with the Berklee Presents musical directors regarding strategies and best practice for incorporating and triggering effects such as live autotune, pitch-shifting, delays, and harmonizers during concerts
• Collaborate with lighting designers and VJ design teams on the inclusion of time-coded and synced multimedia elements within concerts
• Help to coach other Berklee Presents student employees on the basic operation of the playback rig to assist with coverage, when needed
• In consultation with the faculty Track Supervisor and Producer, comp audio stems to a high-level for arranging mockups and playback tracks, and assist with processing and mixing, as needed
• Help the Berklee Presents Live Sound and Recording Engineers with the setup and breakdown of rehearsal room equipment for a large ensemble (stands, keys, mics, amps, monitors), as needed, and for troubleshooting issues of live sound for a large ensemble with a wealth of varied instrumentation
• Collaborate with the Berklee Presents team to adhere to the recording studio booking calendar and session log
• Maintain recording studio policies in terms of care of equipment and inventory oversight
• Support the Berklee Presents team's common mission to create a safe and inspiring environment for students to achieve their musical and creative potential, and to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Assist with general administrative task for the Berklee Presents production team on an as-needed basis, such as for auditions, info-sessions, and one-off special events
• May work occasional prolonged or irregular hours, especially in the lead up to performances

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Extremely well-organized and detail oriented
• Reliable, punctual, and diligent
• Strong time management skills, work well under pressure
• Strong live sound and audio playback experience
• Solid music production experience with electronic devices and computer software, working with ensembles and vocalists, a plus
• Proficiency of software including Ableton Live, ProTools, and LogicProX, a plus
• Fluency in Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite, and Dropbox software
• Must enjoy working with culturally diverse populations and on interdisciplinary teams
• Must be a team player, work cooperatively and collaboratively, and be focused on the student and project success
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills
• Appreciation for and understanding of the exacting needs of musicians
• Bring a sense of fun and a passion for live music and open mindedness for the diverse needs of students of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels
• Ability to follow directions and also motivated to work independently, seeking clarify when needed
• Agility and resourcefulness
• Discretion and confidentiality, a must

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Cover letter expressing interest and relevant experience for the position Portfolio link: Please provide 1-3 examples of playback, show-control, or related audio projects you have worked on. Examples may include playback sessions, track programming, cueing/show files, or other relevant projects.

Hourly Rate: 16.97

Hiring Manager: Maureen McMullan

If you are looking to get involved with the Berklee community while earning some money, you may want to consider applying for student employment. The Student Employment program provides opportunities for you to work part-time on campus, thereby helping you to meet some of your living expenses. With more than 900 positions ranging from 10 to 15 hours of work per week, as well as daily opportunities for project-based temporary employment, student employment is a great opportunity for professional and educational growth.