Isaac has been passionate about music since he was four years old, playing the piano and exploring the world of sound from a young age. However, it wasn’t until 2019, when Isaac met composer and Australian National University (ANU) music professor Ken Lampl, that his interest in music truly reignited. Through this connection, Isaac was introduced to the film and music industry, sparking a new fascination with sound design and production. Encouraged by Ken, he enrolled in a sound production course at CIT in the hopes of continuing further study at ANU.

Exploring sound production at CIT

This year, Isaac has taken part in various courses, including studio sound, where he’s learned about sound engineering and recording bands. He’s also been involved in sound design, working on projects that require him to integrate various sounds and foley for clients. In addition, he’s expanded his skills by undertaking composition and freelance service courses.

“The teachers and students are all incredibly passionate about what they do,” Isaac shares. “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who share a love for music and sound engineering, but with different interests and goals. Hearing everyone’s ideas pushes me to step out of my comfort zone. It’s been a truly inspiring experience.”

Isaac highly recommends the course to aspiring sound engineers, composers and musicians. “This program has helped me discover my potential and given me a clear vision of where I want to be in the next five to ten years. It’s kept me optimistic about my career path.”

Applying skills learned at CIT

Last year, Isaac had the opportunity to apply his skills to a project called Adventures Wanted, a collaboration with a school in Canberra. He worked on sound design, enhancing the action and sequences on screen. One of his key tasks was creating sound effects, like dragon roars, by combining different sounds, such as flapping carpets or waving paper.

“It was a fun experience,” Isaac recalls. “The project was screened a couple of weeks ago, and the results were fantastic.”

The project gave Isaac a glimpse into the future. “It showed me the endless possibilities in sound design,” he says. “It’s complex, but I really enjoy it. This experience has opened my eyes to new opportunities and I’m eager to pursue sound design further.”

Audience awareness and the importance of sound

As an audience member, you might not always think about the sound in a film, TV show or video game. But for Isaac, sound design is a crucial element that deeply enhances the experience.

“Sound design should immerse you in the story, making you feel like you’re part of the movie,” Isaac explains. “The audience should experience the realism of the sounds, while also recognising the effort that goes into creating them.”

Isaac often experiments with different methods when creating sounds. For instance, instead of using pre-made effects, he prefers layering everyday noises to create something unique. While there are many free sound libraries online, Isaac believes that knowing when to create original sounds tailored to a specific scene is an essential skill.

“It’s all about creativity and finding the right mix to make it sound as realistic as possible,” Isaac says.

Overcoming challenges and gaining valuable skills

Sound design involves a lot of technical equipment, and Isaac initially found it challenging to keep up with the more experienced students who were already familiar with the tools.

“Thanks to the help of my CIT teachers and peers, I’ve made significant progress,” Isaac reflects. “It’s been a steep learning curve, but I’ve embraced it.”

One of the most valuable lessons Isaac learned from working on the Adventures Wanted project was the importance of teamwork in sound design. He admits that collaborating wasn’t always his strong suit, but this project showed him the value of sharing the workload and working together.

“Collaborating with others really helps reduce stress, and the more people you work with, the better the project turns out,” Isaac says.

Career ambitions and advice for aspiring sound designers
Isaac’s ultimate career goal is to compose music for films and video games or become a sound producer – both paths excite him.

“I love what I’m doing now,” Isaac says. “Even though the start of the year was challenging, it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’m really enjoying the process!”

Isaac’s advice for aspiring sound production students? “Go for it! Don’t hesitate to take the leap. There will be stressful times, but the experiences, opportunities and fun you’ll have are worth it.”

“This field has so much potential, and this course gives you the tools to succeed.”

Learn more about studying sound production