Intro to Studio Engineering: For Women, Non-Binary and Trans People

Interested in a career in audio engineering?

This ten-week course has been designed for women, non-binary and trans people aged 18-25 covering all the ins and outs of studio engineering.

In an industry with a historic gender imbalance, this is a space for women, non-binary and trans people to feel confident and empowered to learn about the technical side of music-making.

The course will consist of an initial six weeks of course content delivery, followed by three weeks during which participants will be offered the opportunity to shadow sessions in our recording studios, and wrapping up with a final, hands-on recording session in a professional recording studio.

What you get

We’ll cover an introduction to the basics of sound engineering including:

• Basic principles of sound engineering
• Recording equipment and how to use it
• How to run a recording session
• Pop and classical recording techniques
• A beginners approach to mixing and mastering music

Who is teaching the project?

Mimi Hemchaoui is a female recording engineer working in London with over 10 years experience. Previously employed as Studios Coordinator at the Roundhouse, she has gone on to be the mixing and recording engineer for a number of projects ranging from music videos, to live shows, to art installations.

Mimi will be joined by special guests throughout the course, established engineers who will be sharing expertise from their own corners of the music industry.

Do I need any particular skills or experience to take part?

This programme is for women, non-binary and trans people and aimed at beginners who are interested in learning the ins and outs of studio engineering and are considering careers related to audio-engineering. Experience recording music using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) is preferable but not essential. If you’re keen to learn please apply!

The course schedule

Week 1 (Weds 31 January): Studio Basics (Theory) 

• Studio Intro & Gear: Tour the facility, meet your team, and get introduced to all the key equipment (mics, mixers, etc.).
• Sound Science & Roles: Learn fundamental engineering principles (signal flow) and the different jobs in a recording studio.

Week 2 (Wed 7 February): Studio Basics (Practical)

• Recording Setup: Practice setting up a basic session (vocals/guitar) and understanding the complete audio signal path.
• Mic Techniques: Learn about different microphone types (dynamic, condenser, ribbon) and proper placement for instruments and vocals.

Week 3 (Wed 14 February): Recording Session (Pop)

• Hands-on Pop Session: Full-day practice recording a band, focusing on drums and vocals with a Guest Tutor.
• Engineering Practice: Take turns engineering and assisting while learning studio etiquette and working with musicians.

Week 4 (Wed 21 February): Recording Session (Classical)

• Classical Approach: Learn the unique setup, principles, and mic techniques required for recording an ensemble.
• Theory & Mixing: Understand the role of music theory and practice mixing techniques specifically for classical music.

Week 5 (Wed 28 February): Mixing Music (Pop)

• DAW Mastery (Logic Pro): Get comfortable with the software, learning navigation, basic editing, and proper gain staging.
• Core Mixing Tools: Learn how to apply essential processing like EQ, compression, and FX to balance and shape your tracks.

Week 6 (Wed 7 March): Mastering Music

• Final Polish: Learn the techniques and tools needed for the last step in production: Mastering.
• Release Prep: Apply mastering principles to both Pop and Classical tracks to prepare them for release.

Weeks 7-9 (Mon 9 March – Sun 29 March): Shadowing Opportunities

• Pro Observation: Gain invaluable experience by shadowing live recording sessions in the Roundhouse studios.
• Industry Insight: See professional engineers and producers at work, giving you a real-world view of the job.

Week 10 (early April date TBC): Wrap Up & Offsite Session

• External Studio Trip: Travel to a professional recording studio for a high-level session.
• Refined Skills: Practice recording a full pop band (including overdubbing) and reflect on everything learned over the course.

How to join

Apply online by Monday 5 January 2026, 11pm. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 12 January 2026.

The Roundhouse champions diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe in a just society and in the benefit for all gained from the richness of diverse experiences and expressions within cultural output.

Through its youth programmes, the Roundhouse actively seeks to increase diversity and address disadvantage and inequality. Under the provisions made for Positive Action in the Equality Act 2010 the Roundhouse may, in the event of identifying two or more candidates of equal merit, give preference to a candidate or candidates that are from a group that is disproportionately underrepresented or otherwise disadvantaged.

I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…

If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.

I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.