Introduction to Live Sound with Marta Alvarez (SF)

Join live sound engineer, Marta Alvarez, for a 3-day live sound intensive, where you will learn the ins and outs of setting up and running sound for a live band at iconic SF venue, Neck of the Woods!

The course will take place over 2 weekends. On Saturday, August 15th, students will meet at the WAM Education Lab in Soma for an introductory lesson, where we will discuss the different roles in live sound, review the fundamentals of sound reinforcement, signal flow and speaker mechanics, and will practice setting up a small PA system with an analog console.

The following weekend, on Saturday and Sunday August 22nd and 23rd, students will meet at Neck of the Woods to learn about microphone placement, setting up monitor and FOH mixes on a digital X32 console, and performing sound checks. We'll finish the weekend by bringing in a live band so students can practice setting up and running sound.

Don't miss this rare, hands-on opportunity to learn and practice the fundamentals of sound reinforcement in a real, 380-person venue in a supportive group environment.

This class is great for beginners and intermediate sound engineers alike who are looking to gain hands on experience while having access to expert advice. Also recommended for musicians who hope to learn more about live sound or how to optimize their live show experience from an artist perspective. No previous experience with live sound is required.

Weekend 1 Class Details:

When: Saturday, August 15th, 2026

Time: 10am - 3pm PDT

Location: Class will be held in person at the WAM Education Lab, 447 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Weekend 2 Class Details:

When: Saturday and Sunday, August 22nd and 23rd, 2026

Time: 10am - 3pm PDT

Location: Class will be held in person at Neck of the Woods in San Francisco.

WAM Members get discounts! Become a member here. Current members please reach out to [email protected] for your member code.

Attendees can receive refunds up to 7 days before your event start date.

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About WAM:

Women's Audio Mission courses focus on increasing the gender balance in audio production and technology sectors since less than 5% of the population employed in these sectors are women and gender-diverse individuals. There are limited spots available in our classes, and they often sell out, so we ask that if you are not woman-identified (cisgender or transgender), nonbinary, or gender-expansive, you reconsider enrolling in the class. We will not turn anyone away, but please be mindful that if you take up a seat in the class, that is one less woman, non-binary, or gender-expansive individual that we can serve. We thank you for your understanding in advance and for joining us in our mission to advance women and girls in music production and the recording arts.

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About the Instructor:

Marta Alvarez (she/her) is a musician, producer, and live sound engineer based in Oakland. A performer from a young age, Marta got involved with music production and live sound engineering to gain an understanding of the vocabulary and processes on both sides of the glass and be able to advocate for herself in both concert and studio settings.

She started her audio journey with WAM as an intern and a youth program instructor for Girls on the Mic, and received a Protools certification from Diablo Valley College. Marta now works at several venues in the Bay Area, including Thee Stork Club, Cafe Du Nord, The Chapel and Brava! For Women in the Arts, and is a house engineer at Santo Recording in West Oakland. She is an audio engineer for several corporate production companies in the Bay Area, records and edits the podcast Watt It Takes by Powerhouse Ventures, and has recorded and mixed several studio albums. Marta has also toured as a monitor engineer for the band Mom Jeans, and regularly tours as the lead singer of her own band, Pure Hex.