In the dynamic world of audio engineering and digital media, few professionals exhibit the versatility and innovation that define Emma Staake’s career. With a rich background spanning music education, live sound engineering, and post-production editing, Emma has emerged as a trailblazer in the industry. Her journey reflects a harmonious blend of technical expertise and creative vision, positioning her as a leading figure in shaping the future of sound and media.
Early Life and Educational Background
Emma Staake’s passion for music and sound was evident from a young age. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Seattle in 2009, she pursued her interests in jazz vocals and music theory at Bellevue College, where she studied from 2009 to 2011. Her academic journey continued at The Evergreen State College between 2012 and 2014, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology, Health Arts, and Transformational Leadership. This interdisciplinary education provided her with a unique perspective on community engagement and human behavior, enriching her approach to media and sound production. Further honing her technical skills, Emma completed an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS) in Audio Engineering Production at Shoreline Community College from 2017 to 2022, gaining hands-on experience in sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and production management.
Professional Experience and Career Trajectory
Emma’s professional journey is marked by a diverse array of roles that showcase her adaptability and commitment to excellence. As a Post-Production Editor at FaderPro since August 2022, she has been instrumental in editing and assembling final audio and video content, collaborating remotely with teams to ensure high-quality production output for online distribution. Her proficiency with tools like Pro Tools, Izotope RX, and Adobe Premiere Pro has been pivotal in refining and enhancing sound quality.
Simultaneously, Emma serves as an Audio Visual Technician at Blue Danube Productions, where she contributes to live and streamed productions. Her responsibilities include programming and distributing audio, visual, and lighting components, managing wireless microphone systems, and providing engineering support for corporate and high-profile events.
In June 2018, Emma founded Funny Button Productions, a creative media studio specializing in sound design and composition for film, narrative, and commercial media. As the lead consultant, she oversees production supervision, session planning, and post-production editing, delivering audio mastering for various projects.
Emma’s dedication to education is evident from her tenure as a Teaching Artist at Rain City Rock Camp in 2021, where she mentored young musicians in songwriting, confidence, and stage performance. Her earlier roles include serving as a Live Sound Engineer at Kremwerk from 2018 to 2019, managing sound systems for live performances, and as a Voice and Piano Instructor at 4/4 School of Music from 2016 to 2018, teaching music theory, vocal techniques, and stage performance.
Skills and Expertise
Emma Staake’s multifaceted skill set encompasses:
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Audio Production and Editing: Expertise in sound design, mixing, mastering, and both live and studio recording, utilizing tools like Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, and Izotope RX.
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Digital and Post-Production: Advanced knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro for video and audio post-production, along with strong background in file management and revisions.
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Music Education and Training: Experience in vocal coaching, piano instruction, music theory, songwriting, and composition, fostering the next generation of musicians.
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Event and Live Sound Engineering: Proficiency in managing live sound mixing, lighting, AV installations, microphone placement, and stage setup for various events.
Achievements and Contributions
Emma’s contributions to the audio and media industry are both significant and diverse:
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Produced high-profile media projects, ensuring top-quality sound production.
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Founded and successfully ran Funny Button Productions, delivering innovative sound design and composition services.
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Mentored young musicians, fostering their growth in songwriting and performance.
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Played an essential role in corporate and live production environments, managing complex audio-visual setups.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Emma Staake aims to:
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Develop new audio production courses for aspiring sound engineers, sharing her knowledge and experience.
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Contribute to large-scale film and commercial projects, expanding her impact in the media industry.
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Collaborate with industry leaders to advance digital media accessibility, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Conclusion
Emma Staake’s journey through the realms of audio engineering, digital production, and music education exemplifies a harmonious blend of technical prowess and creative ingenuity. Her multifaceted career reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and mentorship, making her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of sound and media. As she continues to break new ground and inspire others, Emma’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and transformative impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Emma Staake known for?
A: Emma Staake is renowned for her work in audio production, post-production editing, sound engineering, and music education.
Q: What educational background does Emma have?
A: Emma holds an AAAS in Audio Engineering Production from Shoreline Community College, a BA in Integrative Psychology, Health Arts, and Transformational Leadership from The Evergreen State College, and has studied Jazz, Music Theory, German, and Philosophy at Bellevue College.
Q: What are Emma’s current professional roles?
A: Emma currently serves as a Post-Production Editor at FaderPro, an Audio Visual Technician at Blue Danube Productions, and is the Founder and Lead Consultant at Funny Button Productions.
Q: How has Emma contributed to music education?
A: Emma has significantly impacted music education through her roles as a voice and piano instructor, and as a mentor at Rain City Rock Camp, where she guided young musicians in songwriting, confidence, and stage performance.
Q: What are Emma’s future aspirations?
A: Emma aims to develop new audio production courses, contribute to large-scale film and commercial projects, and collaborate with industry leaders to enhance digital media accessibility.
