Rich Flora
Director of Live Sound Engineering & Instructor
Live sound engineering
Learn live sound engineering working with real bands, in classes taught by the best engineers in the business.
Learn live sound engineering hands-on, working with professional bands and the best instructors in the business
Get ready to immerse yourself! At The Blackbird Academy, you will have 720+ hours hands-on training in the Live Sound Program’s classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and labs. Classes meet five days a week, 30-40 hours per week, and there is always a low student-to-teacher ratio. Every student:
- has access to individual workstations featuring the Focusrite RedNet X2P with Dante and ProTools.
- has access to audio labs and equipment outside of regular hours, to work on assignments and/or practice recording and mixing.
- works alongside industry pros and special guest mentors in the classroom, live rehearsals, and training events.
- benefits from on-site visits to Nashville live venues, broadcast outlets, and other audio-related businesses.
Here’s what you’ll be learning:
- Electricity & Entertainment Power
- Cables, Connectors & Audio Electronics
- Live Stage Set Up
- Digital Consoles
- Analog Consoles
- Permanent Installs & Mixing Techniques
- Digital Audio Theory & Networking
- Sound Theory & Acoustics
- Microphones
- Sound System Design, Connections & Optimization
- Live Recordings, DAW (ProTools)
- System Analyzers & Troubleshooting
- Audio Signal Processors
- Backline & Stage Management
- Loudspeakers, Crossovers & Amplifiers
- Line Arrays & Rigging
- RF & IEMS
- Advanced Monitor Setups
- Tour Production
- Music Business & Etiquette
- Live Playback
100% Experiential-Based Learning
The most effective way to learn is first hand, from a mentor working in the industry. The Blackbird Academy’s Live Sound Engineering program is centered 100% on experiential learning, the same mentor-based focus that has created generations of award-winning live sound professionals. We are affiliated with Clair Global, the largest sound company on earth, so students learn from and have access to professional engineers with lengthy credits.
The curriculum includes regular roundtable discussions and guest-mentoring sessions with engineers, audio professionals, and other pros in the live sound industry. Regular “Hot Seat” and “Ears On” challenges teach students the skills needed to listen and respond. Classes are limited in size, giving each student the most individual attention possible. When students are not in the live sound classroom or workshop, they learn on-site at live concert venues and other professional performance workspaces.
Upcoming start dates
| Date | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| April 6, 2026 | open | Enroll |
| July 6, 2026 | open | Enroll |
| September 28, 2026 | open | Enroll |
| January 4, 2027 | open | Enroll |
Meet your Instructors
Ernie Gonzales
Live Sound Engineer & Instructor
The Blackbird Academy gives its students a natural fusion of new recording technology and the old and eternal recording techniques that have been used over the last 50+ years.
