LaDazeja Charles on mentorship, representation, and success in audio engineering
LaDazeja Charles, a Houston-based audio engineer and musician, credits her professional success to the opportunities and training she received in San Jacinto College’s audio engineering technology program. She complements her achievements with her ability to build relationships with her clients and her commitment to giving back to her community.
Growing up in Channelview, Charles found her love for music through school programs. She picked up the saxophone in the sixth grade and later participated in the high school marching band.
A friend introduced her to San Jac, and from the first interaction, she knew it was where she belonged.
"I loved the audio engineering program, the College's mission, and the professors," Charles said. "It felt like home."
While her love for music started with melodies and creativity, her time at San Jac introduced her to the technical side of audio engineering.
Learning about frequencies, signal flow, and the process of taking a demo to a full production fascinated me. This dual passion for music's creative and technical aspects has defined my approach to the craft.
Charles speaks highly of her San Jac professors, noting their industry accolades and range of experience. She also desires to teach audio engineering someday, inspired by professor Angela Beyer, one of the first female engineers she met.
"She showed me that teaching and advocating for others is a powerful way to leave a legacy," Charles said.
Beyer remembers Charles as a model student with a positive and outgoing personality.
"LaDazeja is a great role model for all students. She shows what is possible through hard work and dedication," said Beyer. "As a former student, it is easy for our students to relate to her and see what is possible after graduation. I am incredibly proud of her successes and have no doubt she would make a wonderful educator in the future."
Charles interned at Lab 45 Studios and Houston's renowned Wire Road Studios. In fall 2019, she was one of five selected interns at Wire Road and notably the only woman.
"It was life-changing to work alongside some of the best professionals in the industry," she said.
Since her graduation in spring 2020, Charles has returned to San Jac several times to lead masterclasses and serve on panels, inspiring current students. In fall 2024, Charles spoke on the Women in Audio panel, addressing the underrepresentation of women in audio engineering — a field where women make up just 5% of professionals.
"I want women to know this is a viable career path where they can excel," she said. "Seeing someone who looks like them can inspire them to pursue their dreams."
She endorses organizations like SoundGirls, She Is the Music, and Women's Audio Mission, which provides opportunities and resources for women and non-binary individuals in the field.
"These programs helped me connect with the community and access opportunities early in my career," she said.
Charles has achieved significant professional milestones, including charting on iTunes two times in the top 10 in the R&B category, with one peaking at No. 5 on the worldwide charts. Over her career, her work has garnered over 8.9 million streams, a testament to her skill and dedication.
Her partnership with artist Jovonte’ Arnold has been particularly impactful. Together, they've created chart-topping projects, with Arnold even receiving an Eddy Award nomination.
"To see an artist's life change through our work together is incredibly rewarding," Charles said.
In the future, Charles dreams of continuing to mentor young artists and engineers, fostering talent, and creating meaningful industry connections.
"For me, it's about changing lives through music and education," she said.
