Recognising the growing demand for skilled technical professionals in the entertainment industry, Bhutan has launched its first dedicated training programme focused on live sound engineering, marking an important step toward strengthening the country’s creative sector.
The four-day Essentials Training Programme for Live Sound, organised by the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP), commenced in Thimphu yesterday. More than 20 sound technicians and audio practitioners from across the country are participating in the initiative.
As concerts, festivals and live events become increasingly common in Bhutan, industry stakeholders say the quality of sound production plays a crucial role in shaping audience experiences. Poor audio can undermine even the strongest performances, making the role of sound engineers indispensable.
The training is being led by Indian audio specialist Shray Saxena, who has over ten years of experience in live sound reinforcement, touring productions and audio system optimisation. According to Saxena, the programme aims to equip participants with practical and technical knowledge essential for modern live sound production.
Participants are being introduced to key concepts such as sound propagation, system tuning, live audio management and professional communication between engineers and performers.
Industry representatives welcomed the initiative, noting that technical professionals often receive less attention than artists despite their significant contributions to successful productions.
Choeying Jatsho, Founder and Creative Director of M-Studio, described the programme as a milestone for Bhutan’s sound engineering community.
“Technical experts working behind the scenes are critical to the success of any live event, yet opportunities for professional development in this field have been limited. This training addresses an important gap and is the first programme of its kind for sound professionals in the country,” he said.
Veteran freelance sound technician Raj Kumar Biswa, who has spent more than 16 years in the industry, said the sessions had broadened his understanding of the profession and introduced new perspectives on live sound practices.
He expressed appreciation to DoMCIIP for organising the training and encouraged similar initiatives for professionals in other technical areas of the creative industry.
The programme is being coordinated through a partnership involving DoMCIIP, M-Studio and Bhutanese singer Ugyen Dorji, better known by his stage name, Ugyen Dorji.
With Bhutan’s creative economy continuing to expand, industry experts emphasise that developing technical capacity will be essential to sustaining high-quality productions and supporting the sector’s long-term growth. They believe that investments in specialised training can help create a stronger pool of professionals capable of meeting the increasing demands of the country’s entertainment and events industries.
