Berklee Presents Playback Engineer

Berklee College of Music•Boston, MA

1d•$17•Hybrid

About The Position

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—which includes 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.

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.
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

Nice To Haves

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

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