CLASSICAL/ACOUSTIC MUSIC PRODUCER AND ENGINEER

Classical/Acoustic Music Producer and Engineer

Arizona State University

AZ PBS

Campus: Downtown Phoenix

71384BR

Job Description

As a member of the award-winning team at CENTRAL SOUND at Arizona PBS, the Classical/Acoustic Music Producer and Engineer is responsible for producing audio and occasional professional video production, working with music professionals and colleagues to produce quality content for public broadcasting, digital media and commercial distribution.

Central Sound at Arizona PBS is willing to sponsor the right international candidate. It is suggested that international candidates that will need sponsorship in order to work in the USA should answer YES when asked the following question:  Are you currently eligible to work in the United States without ASU sponsorship?

Salary Range

Depends on experience

Close Date

04-October-2021

Essential Duties

This staff salaried benefits eligible position, will be part of a team that consistently provides high quality recording and production services specializing in classical and acoustic music. The Classical/Acoustic Music Producer and Engineer helps shape the sound and character of the music featured in various productions. The candidate has experience in on-location classical music recording and production, specializing in classical music score reading and assessment to facilitate recording sessions and/or live performance evaluation(s), ensuring each production is as high-quality as possible. Working closely with composers, musicians and colleagues, the candidate will have an in-depth knowledge of classical music with excellent interpersonal skills to provide helpful direction, advice and encouragement to artists and colleagues to achieve a desirable outcome. The position requires that the candidate has experience with audio equipment operation, utilization of proper microphone techniques for stereo and surround capture, audio editing, audio mixing, audio repair/restoration software, perform/mix multi-track recording(s), troubleshoot audio signal flow and equipment issues, and utilize source-destination editing paradigms. Reading music notation, evaluating classical music scores and performances, as well as proficiency in classical music repertoire and music theory is required. Other duties may include: obtaining artist(s) recording and broadcast permissions, supervising and training junior personnel and student workers, scheduling and/or facilitating interviews, producing live streaming and/or broadcasting events, podcast production, and preparing audio and related media content for online delivery. Experience facilitating and directing live broadcasts is a plus. Experience with near real-time audio-over-the-Internet tools is a plus. Working knowledge of Sequoia and/or Nuendo a plus.

Central Sound personnel embrace advancements in audio, radio and media production, offering complete stereo to immersive audio production, video, and supporting distribution services. We produce award-winning productions, including radio programs featured locally and nationally, live and on-demand streaming, live radio, and distribute commercial quality content found on media service providers such as Apple Music and Spotify. As part of Arizona PBS and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, we partner on a variety of digital media and television productions.

Selected candidates will be required to provide audio examples and documentation of work. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a program with concentration in audio recording, music production and engineering, music technology, music performance and/or music composition, or the equivalent; AND two years of progressively responsible experience in high fidelity classical and/or acoustic music production; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in high-fidelity classical and/or acoustic music recording (live, remote/on-location, studio) and related post-production.
• Experience facilitating recording sessions in the role of a producer, including communicating effectively with artists (i.e. musicians, composers, conductors), engineers and technicians to achieve a desirable outcome.
• Evidence of effective interpersonal skills with experience providing direction, advice and/or encouragement to artists/colleagues.
• Experience evaluating multiple music performances and/or recording sessions to create edit maps/instructions for post-production.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting classical music scores.
• Ability to evaluate musician stage positions and acoustic conditions to position microphones and recording equipment.
• Experience mixing multitrack music audio recordings, including application of software and hardware audio processing, and related session notes/logs.
• Experience with 3-point, 4-point / source-destination editing.
• Understanding of audio repair/restoration software to remove undesirable noises and disturbances.
• Knowledge of surround production techniques.
• Knowledge of analog and digital audio equipment, signal flow, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Proficiency in operating Sequoia, Nuendo, or similar digital audio workstations.
• Experience in work that requires attention to detail, strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in thriving and adapting in fast pace situations, sometimes under pressure.
• Knowledge of digital media content distribution and aggregation.
• Knowledge of both Microsoft and Apple operating systems.
• Knowledge of AoIP systems such as Dante and/or Ravenna.
• Experience managing and providing at-work training of students and direct reports a plus.
• Experience in immersive production a plus.
• Proficiently in live audio and/or video streaming a plus.
• Knowledge and/or understanding of basic professional video production a plus.

Working Environment

Our office/studios are located at the Downtown Campus of Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite/Arizona PBS building. Assignments occur throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, as well as locations throughout Arizona including Flagstaff, Sedona, and Tucson. This position works a variety of shifts, including evenings and weekends. Work at desk and in a variety of venues, drive; travel to other departments, venues, and offices. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. Most work is performed in a normal office environment and/or in the field at performance venues. Moderately low exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather, temperature extremes and unpleasant odors. Use of graphic instructions including blueprints, maps, layouts and other visual aids to determine proper placement of equipment and/or innovative solutions to problems.

Department Statement

Central Sound at Arizona PBS captures classical and acoustic music performances, taking special care to preserve the authenticity of the experience. As an award-winning premier provider of audio-media services, Central Sound is committed to serving as a central hub for musical events throughout the community, ranging from internationally acclaimed artists to the next generation of young artists. Aiming for that quintessential sound, we specialize in producing content that immerses listeners in the concert experience.

Arizona PBS, one of the nation’s largest and leading public media organizations, delivers in-depth programming on news and public affairs, science, arts and culture, plus dedicated children’s programming, to 1.9 million households and 4.8 million people, reaching 80 percent of the homes in Arizona. On air, online and in the community, Arizona PBS brings its trusted brand of storytelling to Arizonans via four broadcast TV channels and its arizonapbs.org website. The station, which started in 1961, is operated by Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

About the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

The Cronkite School is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier professional journalism programs. Cronkite champions a “teaching hospital” model of journalism education in which students create professional content under the guidance of top professionals. Cronkite News, the student-powered, faculty-led news division of Arizona PBS with news bureaus in Phoenix, Washington and Los Angeles, produces a daily newscast for the station. Cronkite emphasizes programs that experiment with new forms of storytelling, audience engagement, digital interactivity, data visualization, audience analytics and revenue models.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Central Sound at Arizona PBS is willing to sponsor the right international candidate. It is suggested that international candidates that will need sponsorship in order to work in the USA should answer YES when asked the following question:  Are you currently eligible to work in the United States without ASU sponsorship?

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

To apply please go to www.asu.edu/asujob see Req Id#71384BR