The 2024 L-Acoustics x SoundGirls Grant Winners for Professional Sound Systems The 2024 L-Acoustics x SoundGirls Grant Winners for Professional Sound Systems...
L-Acoustics, in collaboration with SoundGirls, is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 training grant program. Since its launch in 2020, this initiative has been a cornerstone in supporting women in the audio industry, providing them with opportunities to deepen their expertise in professional sound systems. This year’s winners represent a group of talented and driven women who are making remarkable strides in the world of audio engineering. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them and our sincere thanks to everyone who applied for these competitive grants.
Meet the 2024 Grant Winners
Carolyn Slothour – System Expert Grant
A freelance live sound engineer based in New York, Carolyn brings over ten years of experience in the audio industry, specializing in front-of-house (FOH) and monitor systems engineering. She has worked with renowned artists like Rob Thomas and Michael Bublé and contributed her expertise at major festivals such as Lollapalooza and Download. Carolyn also teaches live sound engineering courses for a nonprofit focused on improving diversity within the industry. Winning the System Expert Grant allows her to further sharpen her skills in line source optimization and system calibration. “I’m honored to be recognized and excited to expand my knowledge in this field,” says Carolyn.
Monica Bolles – L-ISA Grant
Monica has been at the forefront of spatial audio since 2011, working with immersive sound environments ranging from eight to 140 channels. Her contributions span across custom soundscapes, installations, and collaborations with composers and artists. Monica’s expertise in spatial audio has made her a leader in the field, and her work has been showcased at events like SXSW and the IMERSA Summit. With the L-ISA Grant, she’ll continue to push boundaries in spatial audio technology. “This grant will allow me to refine my use of L-ISA technology and elevate my approach to immersive sound design,” Monica shares.
Madison Keefer – System Engineer Grant
At just 22 years old, Madison is already carving out her path in the audio world. She currently works as a Patch tech with ESI Audio and manages sound for Lightning Hockey games. Her passion for the fast-paced nature of the industry has driven her to continually develop her skills. With the System Engineer Grant, Madison will gain advanced expertise in system simulation, measurement, and tuning, furthering her goal of becoming a top-tier system engineer. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It’s going to be a game-changer for me and my career,” says Madison.
Jessica Baxter – System Technician Grant
Hailing from Perth, Australia, Jessica started her audio career mixing FOH in local live music venues. Today, she works full-time for one of Perth’s largest audio production companies. She focuses on mastering large-scale line array system design and optimization. The System Technician Grant will help Jessica expand her technical knowledge and enhance her practical experience with professional sound systems. “This grant is a huge step in my journey toward becoming an expert in system design,” Jessica notes.
A Thank You to All Professional Sound System Grant Applicants
We want to extend a special thank you to everyone who applied for this year’s grants. Your passion and commitment to advancing your careers in professional sound systems were truly inspiring. While not everyone could be selected, your efforts are a reflection of the incredible talent within the SoundGirls community. We encourage you to continue pursuing excellence in audio engineering and contributing to the industry’s growth.
Congratulations again to our 2024 grant winners. We look forward to seeing how each of you continues to impact the industry of sound and professional sound systems.