Amplifying ambitions: Julia’s rise to sound production

From early childhood education to crafting the perfect sound

Julia started her career in early childhood education but soon recognised that her interests were taking her in a different direction.   Driven by a deep love for music, she decided to switch careers, stepping into the world of sound production. Initially, her dream was to create her own music, but she soon became captivated by live sound, sound design and all aspects of audio production.

The moment that sparked her passion

Julia’s determination to join the music industry was ignited during her first concert – watching Coldplay perform live. Though she had always loved music, she hadn’t considered it as a career until that night. The energy and scale of the concert awakened something inside of her. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be part of the music industry,” she reflects.

Gaining real-world experience

What Julia loves most about studying music at CIT is the practical, hands-on experience she has gained from day one.

"We got to use the equipment really early on, which is rare compared to university programs, where it can take a year or more before you get that kind of experience," she says.

For Julia, this immediate practical approach has been essential in building her skills. She is thriving in the hands-on learning environment, applying her classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Collaborating with both sound production and performance students has allowed her to explore various career pathways from working in studio production, live sound, sound design and even location sound for film shoots and live events.

"The course has opened up so many opportunities for me and the connections I’ve made, especially with teachers who work in the industry, have been invaluable." She says.

The thrill of live music

For Julia, the most exciting part of sound production is working on live music events. Unlike studio work, which is controlled and precise, live sound is high-stakes, requiring quick thinking and problem–solving - elements she particularly enjoys.

"The energy of live music events is just amazing. I love being part of the experience for both the performers and the audience,” she shares.

Thriving in the fast-paced environment, Julia knows her contribution is directly impacting the experience and success of a performance.

Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry

One of the most inspiring aspects of Julia’s journey is her role as a woman breaking new ground in the traditionally male-dominated field of sound production. Transitioning from early childhood education to a field where she is often the only woman has been an empowering experience.

She has always felt included and supported in the classroom, thanks to her classmates and teacher. However, she has also encountered gender bias in the workforce.

"I once had someone ask me where the sound person was and when I told them it was me, they ignored me and only spoke to my male colleague," she says.

Julia is however determined to challenge these industry norms, forging a path for more women to enter and thrive in the industry.

“In the film industry, women are typically found in producer or actress roles with fewer in technical fields like sound design” Julia says.

Meeting the demands of sound production

Sound production is no easy task, and for Julia, the most challenging part has been managing the workload.

“In sound production, you can’t rush the work, you have to plan ahead” she says.

Despite the demanding nature of the work, she is seeing the results of her efforts paying off. The opportunity to apply her skills in real-world settings has been invaluable for her career development.

"The course and projects have helped me apply what I’ve learned in real-world contexts, especially when it comes to sound recording. Being able to go out into the field and record sounds for the project was a unique experience. It was the first time I used those skills in a real project, and it was a rewarding challenge" she reflects.

Paving the way for future generations

Julia’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Her story highlights how women are reshaping industries, pushing boundaries and stepping into leadership roles in fields that were once inaccessible.

Learn more about studying music.