David Loy2015
FOH Engineer for Kane Brown
Become a live sound engineer in 24 weeks!
Learn live sound engineering working with real bands, in classes taught by the best engineers in the business. Affiliated with top audio companies like Clair Global.
94% job placement
Affiliated with Clair Global
720+ hours of hands-on learning
94% of live sound grads land industry work.
Caleb Carter2018
Monitor Engineer for Midland
Cody Peavy2017
Monitor Engineer for Marty Stuart
Brittan Yeomans2019
PA Technician at Clair Global
What you'll learn.
Get ready to immerse yourself. At The Blackbird Academy you’ll log 720+ hours of hands-on training in real classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and labs. Five days (30-40 hours) a week, with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Consoles & Mixing
- Analog Consoles
- Digital Consoles
- Permanent Installs
- Mixing Techniques
Systems & Signal
- Sound System Design/Optimization
- System Analyzers & Troubleshooting
- Audio Signal Processors
- Loudspeakers/Crossovers/Amplifiers
- Line Arrays & Rigging
Stage & Gear
- Live Stage Set Up
- Microphones
- Backline & Stage Management
- RF & IEMs
- Advanced Monitor Setups
Theory & Networking
- Electricity & Power
- Cables/Connectors & Audio Electronics
- Digital Audio Theory & Networking
- Sound Theory & Acoustics
Recording & Career
- Live Recordings/ProTools
- Live Playback
- Tour Production
- Music Business & Etiquette
Not sure where to start?
Hands-on from day one.
Get ready to immerse yourself. At The Blackbird Academy you’ll log 720+ hours of hands-on training in real classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and labs. Five days (30-40 hours) a week, with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Pro workstations
Individual stations with Focusrite RedNet X2P, Dante, and ProTools.
Extended lab access
Practice and finish assignments on real gear, even outside class hours.
Work with pros
Work alongside industry pros and special guest mentors, including engineers from Clair Global (the world’s largest sound company).
Real Nashville venues
On-site visits to Nashville live venues, broadcast outlets, and other audio businesses.
Meet your instructors.
Upcoming start dates.
| Date | Status | Remaining Slots |
|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2026 | open | Registration Open |
| January 4, 2027 | open | Registration Open |
| April 5, 2027 | open | Registration Open |
| July 6, 2027 | open | Registration Open |
Hear from our students.
I was hired by Clair Global after I finished the Live Sound Program, which led me to becoming the front of house engineer for Carly Pearce, who is on tour with Luke Bryan.
Thanks to the education and connections I had received in this program, I began touring even prior to graduating …I have mixed for Aubrie Sellers, Sturgill Simpson, Raelynn, and am currently mixing FOH for Kane Brown.
After my time in the military, I wanted to go to the Blackbird Academy because I wanted to be a tracking engineer, and I knew it was the fastest and most realistic route to make that dream come true. The six-month program was more appealing to me than a four-year program because it started right off with hands-on. Going to the Blackbird Academy really taught me how to speak the language of music in audio.
After getting out of the Marine Corps, I knew I still wanted to pursue something in the music industry; it was always a dream of mine. With Blackbird Academy Live, I was able to get a great baseline on live music and the industry itself; they lined me up for success. Every fee was covered via the GI Bill, and now I work at Clair Global in the ACS department building effects racks!
I gained a lot of actionable experience while I was at school, which made me a better engineer and better roadie altogether once I graduated.
The Blackbird Academy gave me the fundamentals to be able to start in the industry. After graduating from Blackbird Academy, I was touring within two months.
The biggest benefit for me was that they helped me get into this industry and get my dream job.
I am full-time employed as a Road Technician by Clair in Berlin, Germany. I have been on tour with national and international Artists. The Academy provided me with the certain skillset, knowledge, and connections to land this job.
After graduating from the live sound course in June 2025, I was afforded an amazing opportunity to work at one of the largest live sound companies in the world, Clair Global. Without what I learned at Blackbird, I would not be where I am! There really is no better place to get the experience, knowledge, and connections that Blackbird can provide. Anyone who may be considering the jump, go for it!
Ready to start?
Join the next generation of audio professionals. Talk to our team and find your way in.