Michele McGonigle, a 2010 graduate of the Audio Technology Program of SAE Institute’s New York campus, co-produced and sound designed Stephen Colbert’s “America Again: Re-becoming The Greatness We Never Weren’t” (Hachette Audio), which won the 2014 Grammy for “Best Spoken Word Album”.
McGonigle has worked on eight titles that have been nominated for Grammys, three of which have won. Along with this year’s award for “America Again”, the other winners include the “Best Spoken Word Album” Grammy in 2011 for her work as Executive Producer on Jon Stewart and The Daily Show’s “Earth” as well as the “Best Spoken Word Album for Children” Grammy for her work as Producer and Director of Julie Andrews’ “Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies.”
“It’s always a thrill to be awarded a Grammy,” says McGonigle. “Each win was the result of brilliant performances, passionate contributors, dedication, pride, and love for one’s art.”
McGonigle grew up in North Merrick, NY and attended Calhoun High School. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology in 1999. In 2000, she began working at Talking Book Productions, an audiobook production facility, where she developed her producing, directing, engineering, and post-production skills. She then moved to Audible, the Internet’s leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment, where she assisted in the launch of their original content program.
“SAE was recommended highly by a friend who owns a recording studio,” says McGonigle. “The course description for the Audio Technology Program was consistent with my goal of sharpening my skills and refining my ears, and the curriculum delivered what I needed to take my productions to the next level. The overall SAE experience gave me the tools and education to become a well-prepared and well-rounded audio professional.”
McGonigle is currently the Director of Audio Production and Executive Producer at Hachette Audio, a division of Hachette Book Group, which she joined in 2007. Among the many projects that she’s currently working on is the memoir of singer-songwriter, record producer, author, and actor Steve Earle, which will be released next February.
SAE Institute\’s New York campus
“If you’re a woman who’s looking to pursue a career in audio engineering, SAE is a great place to get your education,” says McGonigle. “Once you’re in the job market, my advice is to work hard, stick with it and know that you can be just as good, if not better, than most men in the industry. Always own up to and learn from your mistakes, and be sure to keep your head up, even if it feels like you’re being held back. Most of all, be confident in your knowledge and skill.”
