When most people think of audio careers, they picture mixing music in a studio or working on live concerts. But there’s another side of the industry, one that powers classrooms, boardrooms, lecture theatres, stadiums, and retail spaces every day: Professional AV (Pro AV).
What is Pro AV?
Pro AV is the design, integration, and installation of digital technology systems across education, government, corporate, and retail sectors. It’s not about live events or broadcast. It’s about making sure the microphones, speakers, projectors, and conferencing systems in our classrooms, offices, and auditoriums actually work, reliably, every time.
This is a fast-growing industry that blends audio, IT, and design to create the spaces where people connect, learn, and collaborate.
Why Pro AV is a Hidden Career Path
Despite its importance, Pro AV is often overlooked by young creatives. Industry leaders are warning of a critical shortage of skilled graduates who understand both AV technology and audio fundamentals. That’s why there’s a push to bring electricians, IT specialists, and audio-trained graduates into the sector.
And that’s where musicians and audio engineers come in. Having a background in signal flow, microphones, gain structure, soldering, and electronics means you already have the transferable skills the Pro AV industry is desperate for.
Graduate Spotlight: Chris Harding
Chris Harding graduated from JMC with a Bachelor of Creative Technology, Audio in 2011. Today, he’s a Solutions Architect at AVA Distribution, where he designs and supports AV systems for schools, universities, clubs, and government spaces.
“Over the past 10 years, I’ve programmed approximately 500 QLD school halls and venues with Yamaha DSPs. JMC gave me the confidence and creative angles to scope, build, and troubleshoot professional audio solutions. Without JMC, I would not have put the pieces together to grow and succeed.”
Chris’s work includes major venues like Lefty’s Music Hall, Boundary Hotel, and Coolum Surf Club, using industry-standard technologies like Dante Audio, Kramer AVoIP, and Yamaha Commer.
How JMC Prepares You
At JMC, our Audio Engineering & Sound Production courses don’t just train you for the studio. You’ll graduate with the foundational technical skills, from soldering and signal flow to electronics and mic placement — that set you up for success in both creative and technical careers like Pro AV.
Explore JMC’s Audio Engineering courses and discover how your audio skills could power the future of Pro AV.
