Live Audio Engineering Technology
Your Future in Live Audio Begins Here
REQUEST INFORMATION
SCHEDULE A VISITWelcome to the first audio engineering program in the country focused exclusively on live audio engineering (sound reinforcement engineering). This unique program is the result of a partnership between Tennessee Tech’s School of Music and the College of Engineering. Students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Live Audio Engineering Technology (LAET) and a minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
What Makes This Program Unique
Audio programs at other schools focus the bulk of their instruction on recording studio engineering. Our program focuses the entire curriculum on sound reinforcement engineering - sound for events staged in front of a live audience. Today’s artists no longer earn the majority of their income from album sales – instead the bulk of their income is made from the sale of concert tickets. The industry needs skilled live audio engineers who can handle complex tour audio systems. Employment opportunities in studios continue to decline, while career opportunities in live audio have grown sharply.
Live Audio students provide production support for major performances by:
- The Golden Eagle Marching Band
- TN Tech Jazz Ensembles and Choirs
- The Bryan Symphony Orchestra
- Guest Artists and Faculty Concerts
A Degree Built on Collaboration
Students will gain hands-on experience designing, setting-up, and mixing real events while learning how music, engineering, and technology work together to create powerful live concert experiences. The Bachelor of Science in Live Audio Engineering Technology (LAET) is offered through a partnership between Tennessee Tech’s School of Music and the College of Engineering
Students in our program graduate with:
- A B.S. degree in Live Audio Engineering Technology
- A minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering
This combination gives graduates both the artistic and technical background needed to stand out in today’s competitive audio industry.
Live Audio majors work with professional, tour–grade audio equipment including:
- Consoles and Digital Snakes by Yamaha and DiGiCo.
- Speaker Systems by Clair, JBL, and Yamaha.
- Power Amplifiers by Lab Gruppen, Yamaha, and Crown.
- Power Distribution Systems by Motion Labs.
- Lake System Control Processing.
- SMAART Analysis Software by Rational Acoustics.
- Microphones by AKG, Beyerdynamic, Countryman,
DPA, Earthworks, Neumann, Sennheiser, and Shure. - Wireless Systems by Shure.
- Cabling Systems by Elite Core, Clair, and Whirlwind.
- Microphone Stands by K&M and Atlas.
- Road Cases by Fiasco, Calzone, and LM Cases.
- Generators by Yamaha.
Academic Rigor: Music, Math, and Engineering
This program challenges students to think creatively and technically. You’ll take courses in live audio, electrical and computer engineering, acoustics, and advanced mathematics. Live Audio Engineering Technology (LAET) majors will also develop basic performance skills while studying with faculty in the School of Music.
Two math tracks are available so students can choose the best path for their skill
level and still graduate on time with the required Electrical and Computer Engineering
minor.
Contact Information
Dr. Eric L. Harris
Program Director
P: (931) 372-3161
E: eharris@tntech.edu
