The One Lesson All Sound Techs Should Learn

Francis Chan said "if I did not have time with God, I'd be so self-centered, so arrogant, so in my own world because I can fool people."  His point is he can't be arrogant if he's constantly learning from God and communing with Him and submitting himself to Him.

Applying that to the craft of live audio production,
"I can't be arrogant if I'm constantly learning my craft and in communication with others who are more knowledgeable than myself."

My first exposure to live sound production was as a radio broadcaster.  I know that's not the same as running sound for a 5,000 seat congregation.  But it does have it's challenges like doing three things at once while talking on the air and knowing that any on-air mistake is heard by 125,000 people.  Running sound at my first church for 300 people was a lot less pressure and I was used to multi-tasking.

I was a "pro" at my first church.  I took it seriously.  I was the best of the group.  I was blind to the fact that I didn't know much at all.  "All vocal microphones are the same" type of thinking. 

At the next church, I was the best.  I took it more seriously than anyone else.  This sounds familiar, doesn't it. 

There was a time when I let the arrogance come over me.  You know how it goes; figure you can't learn anything else and you think you know more than anyone in your congregation on the subject.  Then I starting reading sound tech blogs.  I quickly learned that not only was there more than one type of microphone but there were many ways to use microphones on the same sound source.  Quite simply, I learned this...

there is a big difference between an audio professional and a weekend warrior.

Where Are You?

There are three levels of sound tech's;
1. The amateurs who are new to the craft and need all the help they can get.
2. The weekend warriors.
3. The professionals.

It's obvious who are the amateurs and professions.  The problem is the varying degree of knowledge of those of us in the middle.  I know of volunteers who think they know best but have a lot to learn and their congregation suffers because of it.  I know of volunteers who work professionally in the audio world Monday through Friday.  I know of others like myself who are constantly learning and trying to be better each time they are working in their craft.  The range of experience and attitude is wide within the middle group.

Respecting Where You Are

When the Church Tech Directors Roundtable (http://ctdrt.com) was formed, I was excited.  I thought to myself, "finally, a place where I can get together with other like-minded people."  I read this note on their application form;

"Note that only full-time church employees serving as directors over technical areas are considered for membership. If you are not full-time, you may not wish to complete this application."

I was devastated.  I was hurt.  I felt like people I knew in this group had turned their back on me.

Then I remembered, "I can't be arrogant if I'm constantly learning my craft and in communication with others who are more educated than myself."

The truth of the matter is simple; the people at ctdrt are at a different level than me.  I have twittered and emailed with some of them.  They have posted on my blog and I on theirs.  But there comes a time when they must be in an environment with people who are at or above their level so they can grow and learn.  They are in group #3, I am in group #2.

It Comes Down To This

The moment I become arrogant in my craft is the moment that I've stopped learning and listening to others. 

To those who are new to the craft; beg your church for professional training.  There are a number of companies that tour the US and UK with training that is perfect for first-timers.
To those who are professionals; check out ctdrt.com.  Learn from your peers.
To those of us in the middle; keep learning and listening.  Seek out other sound tech's via web sites, forums, and social sites.  There are others like you and other who would love to help you. 

To everyone, God has placed us in a position of responsibility.  We are tasked with producing a great sound.  We are tasked with working with others (pastor, worship leader, musicians) as a team.  We are tasked with setting a mood in the service.  Our work can mean the difference between someone walking up for an alter call and someone saying "maybe next time."   
 

Question:  What Do You Think?