Our members come from a wide range of occupations working in all fields of acoustics, such as bioacoustics, electro-acoustics, auditorium acoustics, physical acoustics, musical acoustics, speech communication, ultrasonics, noise control, vibration, etc.
Only members of grades MAAS and FAAS are normally deemed to be a ‘Member’ of the AAS by meeting minimum levels of educational qualifications and professional experience. Consider individuals with a high degree of experience and training in acoustics for sign off on critical work appraisals. Note that 'member' with the lower case 'm' means all members of the Society in all grades; and Member with the upper case 'M' means those members of the Society in the grade Member.
There are seven grades of membership that cater for people and organisations; Fellow, Member, Graduate, Associate, Student, Subscriber and Sustaining members.
- The grade of Fellow is conferred by Council in recognition of exemplary achievements by Members of the Society, and may use the postnominal 'FAAS' with full voting rights. The grade of Fellow is not open to individual application as it is conferred by Council.
- The grade Member is awarded to qualified and experienced acousticians and may use the postnominal 'MAAS' with full voting rights. As a learned society, AAS requires applicants to have reached an adequate standard of study in acoustics and have had a number of years experience working in the area, before they will be admitted.
- Graduate members are qualified but lack practical experience working in acoustics and have the postnominal 'AAS(Grad)'. Graduates can stand on a Divisional Committee however cannot become Chairman or Vice Chairman of a Divisional Committee and cannot stand for Federal Council.
- Associate members work as technicians in the field of acoustics.
- Students studying tertiary courses related to acoustics may be awarded the grade of Student.
- The grade of Subscriber is open to people without appropriate qualifications or experience but who are interested in acoustics.
- Companies and organisations who make a contribution to assist the Society may become Sustaining Members.
Further to the above, an individual person may be awarded the distinction of Honorary member in recognition of outstanding contributions made to acoustics or to the Society. There is also a Retired status available for those no longer working professionally.
Of the seven grades of membership of the Society, Fellows, Members and Graduates have corporate membership with full voting rights. Associates, Subscribers and Students have limited membership privileges and have the right to elect up to two representatives to their relevant Division Committee. Sustaining Members and Honorary Members have no voting rights.