Many people with a passion for music become recording artists without ever singing or playing a note. They are sound engineering technicians. And in addition to the music industry, these experts in recording and processing audio find work in the broadcast, motion picture and cable fields as well.

At a radio or TV station, the sound technician might run the controls for a live program in the studio, or to tape a commercial. He or she might set up the equipment for transmitting reports from the field.

In the recording studio, sound engineering technicians are responsible for obtaining a clean recording of a performance. Then, in what's called 'post-production,' they manipulate vocal or instrumental sound, adding special effects, inserting audio from other sources, even changing the musical key or tempo. They may mix many tracks that were recorded separately into a multilayered final cut of vocals and instrumental accompaniment. They may create sound effects and add them to movie soundtracks.

It's a blend of art and science. This worker must stay up-to-date on the latest sound capturing technology and its functions, which are increasingly digital. Entry-level positions in this very competitive field usually require a high school diploma and technical school or college training.

Advancement comes if you can demonstrate solid aptitude with electronic and computer equipment, a good ear, and conscientious attention to detail. Expert sound engineering technicians often go on to find their groove as producers or studio owners.