Live Events Technical Director and Audio Engineer

KYLE SCHOOLMASTER

Live Events Technical Director · Audio Engineer · Live Production & AV Systems

Los Angeles, CA 503-***-**** ****************@*****.*** pkoblivion.com PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Audio engineer and live event technical director with 25+ years of experience across live sound reinforcement, theatrical production, AV/lighting systems, and technical education. Nearly a decade on faculty at ICON Collective, mentoring 500+ students in audio engineering and the craft of live production. Proven track record serving as lead A1 audio engineer for concerts, ceremonies, and live productions; coordinating full event logistics from setup through breakdown; and maintaining performance-ready AV, sound, and lighting systems. Founder of a full-service production practice built on reducing reliance on outside vendors through in-house technical capability. Combines deep audio/AV/lighting fluency, hands-on equipment diagnostics and repair experience, and a calm, collaborative approach to high-stakes live events. CORE COMPETENCIES

Live Event Production & Technical Direction: Lead A1 Audio Engineering · Rehearsal & Live Production Logistics · Sound Reinforcement · Multi-Camera & Livestream Support · Event Organizer & Stakeholder Collaboration Theatrical & AV Systems: Theatrical Lighting Programming & Operation · PA Systems & Signal Flow · AV Equipment Integration · Preventative Maintenance & Diagnostics · Vendor & Contractor Coordination Audio Engineering & Production: Recording, Mixing & Mastering · Studio & Live Signal Flow · Hardware Troubleshooting & Repair · Pro Tools · Ableton Live · Logic Pro

Education & Mentorship: Curriculum Development · Technical Mentorship (500+ Students) · Training Students in Live Production Craft · Session & Event Direction

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Instructor — Audio Engineering & Music Production — ICON Collective, Los Angeles, CA 2016 – 2025

• Taught audio engineering, live sound, synthesis, arrangement, and DJ technique to 500+ students over a nearly decade-long tenure at a nationally recognized music school, mentoring students in the craft of live production and technical event readiness.

• Designed curriculum grounded in signal flow, gain structure, critical listening, and equipment troubleshooting, translating complex technical concepts into practical, hands-on skills.

• Prepared graduates for professional live-event, club, and production careers, emphasizing readiness, professionalism, and sound technical judgment under pressure.

Founder · Producer · Audio Engineer — PKOblivion Creative Development, Los Angeles, CA 2010 – Present

• Built and operate a full-service production and engineering practice, directing complete project lifecycles from pre-production through final delivery — reducing reliance on outside engineers and production support.

• Apply live sound experience — PA systems, monitor configuration, and front-of-house signal flow — across studio, consulting, and live production contexts.

• Provide technical direction, artist development, and production consulting, maintaining long-term working relationships with artists, producers, and venues throughout Los Angeles. Freelance DJ & Event Production Professional — Independent, Los Angeles, CA 2014 – Present

• Serve as lead technical and audio lead for corporate events, fashion shows, weddings, and large-scale productions, coordinating and executing full event production: setup, sound check, live operation, troubleshooting, and breakdown from load-in to load- out.

• Operate as primary point of contact for event organizers and stakeholders, collaborating to meet the technical and aesthetic requirements of each event.

• Configure and operate sound reinforcement and lighting systems in real time, adapting to live production needs across diverse event formats and venues.

Recording Technician — Amp Rehearsal Studio, Los Angeles, CA 2015 – 2016

• Recorded and mixed live demo and rehearsal sessions across rock, pop, and electronic acts, managing room setup, mic placement, signal routing, and mix delivery end-to-end.

• Maintained recording systems and studio equipment readiness across back-to-back sessions. DJ Equipment Sales & Technical Specialist — Quality Electronics, Los Angeles, CA 2014 – 2015

• Provided technical sales and diagnostic support for DJ and audio equipment, guiding customers through system configuration and setup while coordinating with vendors on repair options and parts. Equipment Repair Technician — Platinum Records, Portland, OR 2012 – 2014

• Diagnosed and repaired professional audio equipment — turntables, CDJs, mixers, and speaker systems — through systematic troubleshooting of signal path, mechanical, electrical, and calibration issues in professional-grade hardware.

• Built hands-on hardware fluency that continues to inform equipment integration, preventative maintenance, and technical asset management.

DJ, Audio & Lighting Technician — Concept Entertainment, Portland, OR 2011 – 2013

• Operated PA systems and lighting rigs for full-evening live event productions, engineering audio and running lighting cues across performance formats.

EDUCATION

Associate of Arts, Music and Fine Arts — Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY Technical Coursework: Recording Technology · Analog Recording Techniques · Console-Based Recording · Studio Production Fundamentals

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