Sound Engineer:
Responsible for creating the right high-quality sound in a live and recorded setting. This includes sound-checking instruments, creating the right mix for performers on stage, or creating the perfect recording. Also known as Audio Engineers. The salary for this job can be anywhere between £15,000 – £40,000 per year or around £250 a day for freelance sound techs.
Lighting Engineer:
National Careers Service (Gov. UK) states that a lighting technician needs to be able to follow a lighting designer’s plan, carry out risk assessments, run cables, help to rig the lighting, and much more. These jobs could be carried out anywhere from a music video shoot to a live music event. Their salary is the same as a sound technician at £15,000 – £40,000 per year.
Stage Manager:
According to National Careers Service, a stage manager needs to have the ability to use initiative, customer service skills, and attention to detail. They will stick to a strict schedule so that everyone is where they need to be when they need to be. They will liaise with staff in the venue, especially those in charge of the Front Of House. Their wage spans between £22,000-£48,000 per year.
Riggers:
A rigger is needed to assemble and disassemble equipment, such as lighting or speakers. It is a high-risk job and requires good maths skills and attention to detail (Team, 2023).
Backline Technician:
Backline Techs are responsible for the working order of all instruments in a performance or on a tour. They will assist in the loading and unloading of musical equipment (Bantana Audio, 2020).
Similarly and more specifically, as a Guitar Tech, you are responsible for the maintenance and setup of string instruments including bass and violin in addition to guitars for example. You will also help with any instrument changes on stage (Barnwell, 2022).
Bibliography:
AGCAS editors (2021) Sound engineer job profile | prospects.ac.uk, Sound engineer job profile | Prospects. Prospects. Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/sound-engineer (Accessed: May 4, 2023).
Bantana Audio (2020) How to become a backline technician, Bantana Audio. Available at: https://bantanaaudio.com/how-to-become-a-backline-technician/#:~:text=A%20backline%20technician%20is%20someone,in%20tune%20and%20working%20properly. (Accessed: May 4, 2023).
Barnwell, K. (2022) How to become a guitar technician & tour with bands, Music Careers | Expert Advice – Careers In Music. Available at: https://www.careersinmusic.com/guitar-technician/ (Accessed: May 4, 2023).
Lighting technician (no date) Lighting technician | Explore careers | National Careers Service. UK Government. Available at: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/lighting-technician (Accessed: May 4, 2023).
Rigger job description (2022) Hiring People. Available at: https://www.hiringpeople.co.uk/job-descriptions/rigger-job-description/#:~:text=As%20a%20Rigger%2C%20you%20will,state%20health%20and%20safety%20regulations. (Accessed: May 4, 2023).
Stage manager (no date) Stage manager | Explore careers | National Careers Service. UK Government. Available at: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager (Accessed: May 4, 2023).
Team, N.F.I. (2023) What is a rigger? everything you need to know, NFI. Available at: https://www.nfi.edu/what-is-a-rigger/ (Accessed: May 4, 2023).