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How does one become proficient in audio editing without formal training?

Tavares Knolles-Green

Becoming proficient in audio editing without formal training is not as daunting as it may seem. Technology has advanced to a point where learning audio editing has become much more accessible. Luckily, there are numerous ways to gain proficiency in this skill without spending a fortune on formal training.

Firstly, one can start by seeking out free online resources such as tutorials, YouTube videos, and blogs. These can provide step-by-step guidance and techniques that help one to get started. Moreover, these free resources offer an opportunity to learn at one's pace. In particular, YouTube is a treasure trove of educational material with a variety of channels providing advice, tutorials, and sometimes even free software.

Another excellent way to learn audio editing outside formal training is through volunteer work or internships. The benefit of this approach is that it provides a real-world experience that hones your skills. Besides, it offers an opportunity to network with experienced audio editors, sound engineers, and music producers who can offer constructive feedback and assign practical tasks. In this way, you get to work on audio projects, and your expertise, creativity, and willingness to learn grows tremendously.

Also, attending podcasting or audio production meetups can offer unique insights into the practice and art of audio editing. These events provide a platform to interact with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn tricks and techniques from experts in the industry. Building relationships with people in the same field could lead to collaborations, new insights, and easier opportunities to try out various digital audio workstations and plug-ins.

Another underappreciated method is to practice with music stems, old radio shows or audio books. This provides the opportunity to work with different material and develop one's unique style. It's like training wheels for a beginner and allows one to make mistakes, experiment, and learn without significant consequences.

Finally, paid courses and software can take one's skills to the next level. Although not formal training per se, paying for courses and software opens up opportunities that free resources don't provide. Online courses like the Berklee Institute of Music's “Introduction to Digital Sound Design” offer quality instruction and certificate upon completion. Also, spending on software, like Adobe Audition or Logic Pro, provides access to premium features that the free software doesn't offer, making the editing process faster and easier.

To sum it up, becoming proficient in audio editing without formal training is entirely possible. One can start by taking advantage of free online resources, volunteer work, podcasts, and practising with music stems. These methods provide an opportunity to experiment, develop one's unique style, and gain the real-world experience required to hone audio editing skills. Investing in paid courses and software provides an opportunity to learn from the industry's experts and allows access to premium features that will improve the quality of the final product.