Sound Design For Pros

Here’s what people are saying about Sound Design for Pros webinars and David Sonnenschein’s book Sound Design:  The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema.

“David Sonnenschein is without a doubt an expert on sound design for film, television, and multimedia projects. His long career as a musician, composer, sound editor, mixer, and educator makes him uniquely qualified to teach sound design at any level for any situation. His impressive knowledge and easy-going personality make his classes both informative and enjoyable.” — Joel Krantz, Sound Editor/Mixer and Author, Pro Tools Post Production Techniques

“I’m very impressed with the broad range of well-researched information and David’s fascinating reflections about the emotional power of sound and music.  His ‘Try This” sidebars are clever, stimulating exercises. The need for such a book is great indeed, fulfilled in this obviously heartfelt project. ” — Gary Rydstrom, 7-time Academy Award-winning Sound Designer, Terminator 2, Titantic, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan

“I’ve participated in David’s sound design webinars since the beginning and really enjoyed the experience. David gives a lot of fantastic theory and examples about the emotional and technical side of sound design with detailed explanations, presentations and audiovisual material. Also, the analysis of others’ work on each seminar is very inspiring and rich.  If you enjoyed David’s book you will love his webinars.”   — Miguel Isaza, DesigningSound.org

“A must-read!.. ‘Sound Design’ is a fascinating read for anybody who has even a passing interest in the subject. Whether you are considering a career in sound design or film, are already involved and want to improve your skills, or want to learn more about how sound propels a film’s narrative, this book is a must-read.   — Steve Harvey, Pro Sound Magazine review

“Great book to teach with!.. I use this book in my Sound Design class at the University of Saint Francis. It is a great foundation upon which you can build confidence in your inexperienced students just by having them read the book! Also it helps make sense out of the confusion of directors dealing with sound and audio crew. This book has made my teaching job a lot easier and the students of my class a lot more savvy in sound design. Thanks David Sonnenschein for writing it! — Kenny Bergle, teacher, audio expert at Sweetwater Pro Audio, Ft. Wayne, IN, USA

“Beyond mere technical jargon, in accessible and eloquent language David opens creative gateways for dramatic storytelling through the potent and inventive use of sound. His book is of enormous merit that should prove useful not only to sound editors, but to all film artists and, indeed, anyone who cherishes a good movie.” — Richard Walter Chairman, UCLA Screenwriting Dept., Author, Screenwriting: The Art, Craft and a Business of Film and Television Writing

“For all film/video professionals, not just audio technicians… This is one of the most eye (I mean EAR) opening and fascinating books I have looked at for a long time. I am an animation producer, and admittedly have always taken a hit-and-miss, often formulaic approach to sound as something secondary in importance to the visuals. This book changed my thinking. It provides a clear foundation in the narrative power of sound and music, is written with great insight and passion, and includes thought-provoking and playful exercises that you can’t resist trying!” — Larry Feign, cartoonist and author, Hong Kong

“Perfect on every level… With my attempt at becoming a Sound Designer I’ve found that there are not many books that pin-point all the aspects as this one does. Mr. Sonnenschein has written my Bible! It covers everything that can be heard on a soundtrack. An absolute MUST for anyone interested in sound design and should be required reading for anyone involved in film.” — Scott D. Parker, San Gabriel, CA USA

“The Bible of Aural Excitement… If you can only afford to purchase one book on Sound Design, this is the ONE.  Sonnenschein not only shows the creative side but also the business side in presenting yourself to the director and/or producer. Some of things that he explains involve how contrast works, changing frequency to enhance moods, mapping out the script, searching for the writer’s sound clues, and building your sound library.” — JBM, San Francisco, CA USA