Read books to learn the basics of sound engineering. "The Recording Engineers Handbook," written by Bobby Owsinski, has become a staple for those seeking to learn sound engineering on their own and as a practical supplement for students. Other popular books include "Audio In Media: The Recording Studio" by Stanley R. Alten and "Recording and Producing in the Home Studio: A Complete Guide" by David Franz (see Resources section).
Practice new techniques. Most books break down how to use and understand certain pieces of recording equipment.
Compare a variety of information about a particular area of audio engineering. Sound engineering is a subjective subject and many books will provide you with slightly different information. Try out a variety of techniques to find the one that works best for you.
Attend an school, like Full Sail University and The Los Angeles Recording School, that offers courses in audio engineering at various levels--from freshman courses to refresher courses for working professionals (see Resources section).
Pursue a degree in audio or sound engineering in order to obtain the proper credentials. These courses also provide access to top-notch recording equipment. Some schools also offer job assistance programs for graduates interested in pursuing sound engineering as a career.
Ask artists and bands to come to your chosen school and record with you. While you may not be able to charge them, you will gain valuable experience by working on various styles of music.
Apply for an internship at a recording studio. While many of these internships are unpaid, they will provide you with a vast amount of experience and knowledge. As an added benefit, many studios hire interns as assistant engineers once the internship is complete.
Ask the supervisor of your internship if you can bring in your own projects when work is slow or when the studio is normally closed. This will not only give you much needed recording practice, it will also help the studio, as bands and artists are likely to return to a studio where they previously had a positive experience.
Ensure your unpaid internship allows you to spend time learning and working with the assistant and head engineers. Some studios advertise unpaid internships in the recording business, but only want you to answer the phone and make coffee. While this may be a way to get your foot in the door of a very competitive business, it will not teach you anything about the process of sound engineering. If you find yourself in an internship like this, perform the tasks requested, but take the initiative to observe and offer your assistance inside the studio as well.