A former Stratford-upon-Avon College student is currently living his dream as a Sound Designer for computer games.
Jack Sandall, originally from Birmingham, studied Music at the College finishing in 2015. He has since gone onto achieve success in the gaming industry as an Audio Engineer and Sound Designer.
Jack explains why he chose Stratford-upon-Avon College: “The College has a great reputation of offering an amazing Music course. You are taught fundamental music production techniques and the core theories and practices you need to know, such as workflows, technical knowledge, and how to use the equipment properly in order to succeed in the industry. The course, I felt for me, was essentially there to be shaped to serve what you’re interested in.”
Jack has worked on a range of car audio sounds for racing games through which he earned a credit on Forza Horizon 4
Though originally interested in recording bands, Jack was drawn to film & game sound after his lecturer introduced it to the group through a module on the course. After leaving College, Jack took a gap year and worked at Stratford ArtsHouse as a Live Sound Engineer as well as some freelance work in live sound and music.
Jack comments: “I soon realised that to get to where I wanted in my audio career, I needed to progress to university. I studied Audio Production at SAE Institute in Oxford and what I realised there is that I was at an advantage as Stratford teaches audio in real depth and what I learnt at Oxford wasn’t too far from what Stratford teaches.”
By the time Jack graduated, he had already secured a job in the industry due to his dedication, talent, and resourcefulness. He says: “In my second year I applied for a 3-month work placement, and I managed to put a small portfolio together of stuff I had worked on at both Stratford and Oxford. A recording and audio production company took me on as an Audio Production Assistant where I worked in audio for games. They then took me on after I finished University.”
Earning a credit on Forza Horizon 4 was only the beginning of Jack’s success. He has since worked on games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Ghost Recon Breakpoint and Gwent (The Witcher card game), as well as new games he cannot yet reveal.
Watch Jack’s sound design showreel to see some of the impressive projects he has been involved in
Reaching this career height did not come overnight. Jack reflects: “I never anticipated I would reach this point as it is really competitive, but I have given up a lot of free time to get here, I’d like to say I’m pretty dedicated, and I’m living the dream.”
Keen to share his expertise and support with current Music students at Stratford, Jack has returned to the College to deliver workshops. He remarks: “Gaming is the biggest media industry in the UK and there are jobs out there in game audio. I come in to speak to students because a lecturer showed me this is an option and I want to show others. I want to give students a taster and let them know this is a career that’s out there.”
Follow Jack on Instagram @jacksandallsounds and visit his website to keep up to date with his flourishing career.
