Emma Staake: A Trailblazer in Audio Engineering and Digital Production
In the ever-evolving world of media production and sound engineering, one name that stands out is Emma Staake. A dynamic professional in live and digital production, she has carved a niche for herself in the industry with her expertise in post-production editing, sound engineering, and media production. Her passion for accessibility, equity, and diversity in media and technology makes her a respected figure in the field.
This article delves into her career, achievements, and contributions to the world of digital production and audio engineering.
Who is Emma Staake?
Emma Staake is a post-production editor, sound engineer, and digital media producer. She has extensive experience in audio production, editing, mixing, mastering, and live engineering. With a background in psychology and health arts, she combines her technical expertise with a unique understanding of the human connection to sound and media.
With years of experience working in the music and media industry, Emma has collaborated with various organizations, contributing to their success through her skills in post-production, media content creation, and sound design.
Educational Background
Shoreline Community College (2017 – 2022)
Emma Staake pursued an AAAS in Audio Engineering Production, which provided her with hands-on training in sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and production management. She gained expertise in recording and post-production workflows, working with commercial, radio, audiobook, video, and film projects.
The Evergreen State College (2012 – 2014)
She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Integrative Psychology, Health Arts, and Transformational Leadership. This academic foundation gave her a deeper understanding of community engagement, wellness, and human behavior, which complements her work in sound and media production.
Bellevue College (2009 – 2011)
At Bellevue College, Emma pursued an Associate of Arts (AA) in Jazz Studies, Music Theory, German, and Philosophy. Her passion for music education and performance was evident even in her early years.
Professional Journey and Experience
Emma Staake has an impressive portfolio, working in various roles within the music and media production industry. Her vast skill set enables her to excel in multiple domains.
1. Post Production Editor – FaderPro (Aug 2022 – Present)
Emma works as a freelance post-production editor at FaderPro, a platform offering professional music production courses. Her responsibilities include:
- Editing and assembling final audio and video content.
- Collaborating remotely with a team in a startup environment.
- Utilizing Pro Tools, Izotope RX, and Adobe Premiere Pro to refine and enhance sound quality.
- Ensuring high-quality production output for online content distribution.
2. Audio Visual Technician – Blue Danube Productions (Jul 2022 – Present)
As an audio-visual technician, Emma contributes to live and streamed productions, working closely with technical teams to:
- Program and distribute audio, visual, and lighting components.
- Manage wireless microphone systems and sound mixing for live events.
- Provide engineering support for corporate and high-profile productions.
3. Sound Engineer & Production Consultant – Funny Button Productions (Jun 2018 – Present)
Emma is the founder and lead consultant at Funny Button Productions, a creative media studio specializing in:
- Sound design and composition for film, narrative, and commercial media.
- Production supervision, session planning, and post-production editing.
- Audio mastering for commercial, radio, audiobook, and film projects.
4. Teaching Artist – Rain City Rock Camp (Jul 2021 – Sep 2021)
Emma’s passion for education led her to mentor young musicians at Rain City Rock Camp, where she:
- Coached youth bands on songwriting, confidence, and stage performance.
- Provided training in musicianship and collaborative teamwork.
5. Live Sound Engineer – Kremwerk (Sep 2018 – Nov 2019)
Kremwerk, a premier Seattle-based music venue, enlisted Emma’s expertise as a live sound engineer. Her role involved:
- Managing sound systems for live performances.
- Mixing and balancing audio levels for concerts and DJ events.
- Collaborating with artists to ensure optimal sound production.
6. Voice and Piano Instructor – 4/4 School of Music (Dec 2016 – Oct 2018)
Emma’s strong musical foundation allowed her to work as a voice and piano instructor, teaching students the nuances of:
- Music theory and vocal techniques.
- Stage performance and repertoire building.
Skills and Expertise
Emma Staake’s expertise spans multiple disciplines, making her an asset in media and sound production. Some of her top skills include:
Audio Production and Editing
- Proficiency in Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, and Izotope RX.
- Expertise in audio mixing, mastering, and sound design.
- Skilled in live and studio recording.
Digital and Post-Production
- Advanced knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro for video/audio post-production.
- Strong background in file management and revisions.
Music Education and Training
- Experienced in vocal coaching, piano training, and music theory instruction.
- Provides guidance in songwriting and composition.
Event and Live Sound Engineering
- Manages live sound mixing, lighting, and AV installations.
- Skilled in microphone placement and stage setup.
Achievements and Contributions
Emma’s journey in sound and media production has been marked by several milestones:
- Worked on high-profile media projects, ensuring top-quality sound production.
- Mentored young musicians, fostering the next generation of artists.
- Successfully ran Funny Button Productions, a creative media venture.
- Played an essential role in corporate and live production environments.
Future Aspirations
Emma continues to expand her portfolio, working on innovative projects in sound engineering and media production. With a strong commitment to diversity, accessibility, and equity in tech and media, she aims to:
- Develop new audio production courses for aspiring sound engineers.
- Work on large-scale film and commercial projects.
- Collaborate with industry leaders to advance digital media accessibility.
Conclusion
Emma Staake’s contributions to audio production, post-production editing, and digital media are a testament to her expertise and dedication. Her vast experience across multiple disciplines makes her a leading figure in sound engineering and media production. With her innovative approach and technical skills, Emma is set to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Her journey is an inspiration for aspiring sound engineers and media professionals looking to carve out a successful career in the digital production space. Keep an eye on Emma Staake, as she continues to shape the future of sound and media!
