Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Zhou.
Hi Ann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I fell in love with music from a very young age, and attending Berklee College of Music was my biggest dream. When I actually got in and sat in my first class, I had this moment where I thought, “Okay… now what?” I wasn’t sure what came next for me, and that uncertainty really pushed me to explore other areas.
That’s when I started getting into audio engineering and live sound. I became fascinated by the live entertainment industry—the energy, the logistics, how a single venue could bring together thousands of people for one unforgettable night. One of the biggest moments for me was interning with the Boston Celtics. Standing on the parquet for the first time, being part of such a massive production—I honestly can’t put that feeling into words. That experience made it clear: I wanted to work in live sports and music production.
From there, I just kept on building. I took on more projects in recording, live sound, and stage management. Eventually, that path led me to an amazing opportunity with ESPN, where I now work as an Audio Operator.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This industry can be tough to break into, especially because it’s so relationship-driven. People often call it the “people industry,” and I’ve seen firsthand how true that is. Getting your foot in the door often comes down to who you know—whether it’s a mentor, a former colleague, or someone you worked with years ago. I’ve been fortunate to build strong, lasting connections with people who’ve not only opened doors for me but also inspired me to keep growing.
Another big challenge has been learning how to work with all kinds of personalities. In live environments especially, clients and musicians all have different expectations, communication styles, and stress levels. I had to become really adaptable. Over time, I’ve learned how to simplify conversations, stay calm under pressure, and focus on offering solutions instead of saying, “I don’t know how.” That approach has helped me build trust and keep projects moving forward, even in high-stress situations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m currently an Audio Operator at ESPN and freelance in all things audio including producing, mixing, and live sound. I know it can be hard for people to connect music with sports, and most of my friends went straight to L.A. to pursue music after graduating from Berklee. But I believe that’s what makes me stand out in the live entertainment industry.
I had four years of professional training in audio and acoustics, giving me a strong foundation in equipment, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving. I’ve worked in a variety of environments—from outdoor music festivals and theater productions to NBA games and NPR editorial events. That mix of music and sports experience has really prepared me for the fast-paced control room environment at ESPN, where lots of inputs, cues, and communications happen at the same time. I also recently completed video tech training at LMG, so I’m familiar with video production as well, which adds another layer to my skill set.
How do you think about luck?
My father always said I am a lucky person, because I always got accepted into wherever I wanted to be, whether it was college, internship, or jobs that I applied to. But I think besides luck, the hard work I put into it is more likely the reason of my success. I am constantly learning something new, and preparing for what could happen next, because what if when the opportunity comes and I’m not ready?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annzhoumusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann_zhouf/?next=%2F
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annzhouf/
Image Credits
Jimmy Liu
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