Audio Engineering Principles
The Advanced Programme in Music Production and Sound Engineering is an intensive one year programme which is taught across 48 weeks. The course is then divided into three terms, with each term building on the knowledge and skills you learnt in the previous term.
Using our progressive continuous learning method each module will cover historical and theoretical content alongside practical and technical skills so you develop a rounded knowledge and skill set within each area.
The breadth of the course means that alongside learning what equipment, techniques and microphones to use you also learn why you use them. This will help you develop your own expertise and understanding of how to create different sounds and effects.
Subject Areas
Within the course we cover all of the following subject areas: Acoustics, Computer, Copyright and Legal issues, Digital Audio Technology, Electronics and Analogue Equipment, General Business (Publishing & Marketing), Management Skills, Mastering, Microphones, Mixing and Critical Listening, Music Theory and Production, Production, Recording, Sound Theory, Studio Equipment and Signal Processing, Studio Etiquette and Musicianship.
Below you can browse through the three terms and see the breakdown of modules for each term.
Audio Engineering Principles
These are the learning outcomes for this subject area.
You will be able to:
• Understand the foundational concepts of sound theory
• Understand the use of decibel scales in audio engineering
• Understand the basic principles of electronics and corresponding terminology
• Equate the elementary principles of sound as a physical phenomenon, e.g. frequency, amplitude and spectrum, and as a psychoacoustic phenomenon, e.g. pitch, loudness and timbre
• Interpret and describe sound-related changes using a decibel scale
• Analyse and contrast the different standards for audio operating levels
• Utilise the different types of metering devices used in music production
• Appraise basic electronic quantities and units of measurement with the aim of selecting circuit components
• Solve problems involving audio circuits consisting of resistors, capacitors and inductors
The curriculum is fantastic, extremely comprehensive, contemporary and relevant to today’s industry.
Andrea Mastroiacovo, Graduate 2018
Applying for the diploma was the best thing I could have done for my career. I'm really amazed at how much I learnt in one year.
Lizzie Arnold, Graduate 2019
There is some real visionary foresight in Abbey Road Institute being established to preserve the cultural legacy of Abbey Road.
Youth (Paul McCartney, The Verve, Killing Joke)
I had an incredible experience. The staff have so much to offer and cover so many different areas of music.
Luke Glazewski, Graduate 2019
The course taught me what it means to be a producer and engineer in the industry, I learned things I couldn’t have learned anywhere else.
Marta Di Nozzi, Graduate 2019
It’s a unique experience in so many ways, the location, the calibre of guest lecturers and access to Abbey Road Studios for classes is pretty amazing. There aren't many places you get to record a full orchestra!