Audio Engineering and Sound Production

Audio Engineering + Sound Production //

We get inspired by the little sounds that no-one else stops to hear

Audio Engineering + Sound Production is a hands-on production-based course that is directly in sync with the audio industry. It explores the fundamentals of sound and music production, the operation of both studio and live sound equipment, and event audio production.

You will gain the core skills you need to pursue a career in the audio industry, have the chance to collaborate with your peers, build your portfolio and practical experience, and be mentored by well-connected industry professionals in Australia's leading, award-winning audio engineering course.

TECH //

We take audio seriously at JMC, with studios full of the best tech in the trade including high-end equipment and recording studios, fitted with 5.1 surround sound and all the latest gear, including: Consoles: SSL Duality 48 Channel, Avid C24 console: Pro Tools HD, HDX converters Mics: Neumann U87, FET 47, U89, Royer 121, AKG C414 Plugins: Universal Audio Plugin Suite, Waves Mercury Bundle Outboard: Avalon 2022, Universal Audio 2x610, Empirical Labs Distressors, DBX 160a, AKG-c414

INTERNSHIPS //

Our internship subject is designed to connect students with industry partners to get real-world experience and put you in the best position to land employment. We have partnered with Lighting, Sound, AV, Recording Studios, Film and TV companies such as The Brain Studios, ARN, KISS FM and many others.

Australia's leading
Audio Engineering course

SSL Duality Consoles
exclusively for student learning

Intern with leading studios,
radio stations + more

Learn direct from major International
Producers at regular student masterclasses

course guide //

Bachelor of creative technology (audio engineering & sound production)
[CRICOS 074474J]
Diploma of audio engineering & sound production
[CRICOS 056932D]

Explore acoustic design, audio electronics and music production and how this can be applied to mixed media such as TV, film and games with a Bachelor degree. Use highly sophisticated equipment and recording studios fitted with 5.1 surround sound and all the latest gear, including: SSL Duality 48 Channel consoles, Pro Tools HD DAWs, Neumann and Royer mics and Empirical Lab Distressors.

Master post-production, surround sound and large-scale live sound systems, develop an area of specialisation, and create a tailored showreel designed to kick-start your career in the industry.

In only 2 years you can graduate with a Bachelor degree thanks to our accelerated full-time course. Part-time study is also available to domestic students. International students many choose to complete the course in 3 years [CRICOS 056930F] rather than the accelerated 2 year option.

curriculum

Introduction to the Audio Industry

This unit provides grounding for many of the concepts studied in later units. The scope of the industry is examined and employment opportunities identified. It will introduce you to the range of careers available in the industry as well as some of the equipment and standard practices in various industry sectors. It introduces professional practice in various settings and identifies the skills required to function within them as well as developing networks for future engagement in industry. The unit also develop academic skills of research, independent learning and effective written and oral presentations through specific content and assessment processes.

Audio and Acoustics Theory

The purpose of this unit is to introduce the concept of sound by exploring the behaviour of sound waves, their methods of generation and propagation, as well as their units and parameters. Decibel theory will be explored and measurements taken to allow calculations to be performed, leading to an understanding of the practical application of this knowledge, fundamental to understanding theory concepts presented in future units. Also examined is the ear and the hearing process as well as how to protect hearing from damage. Psychoacoustics and human perception of sound will also be investigated as part of this unit, leading to an introduction to architectural acoustics. This unit enables you to understand the nature of sound and its physical properties. By understanding sound, you can start to appreciate the methods by which sound can be captured and manipulated. This will form the basis of your knowledge of the physics of sound and increase their comprehension of advanced concepts in future units of study.

Music Production Analysis

This unit introduces the concept and techniques of critical listening in production. Various technical and artistic concerns are examined and solutions developed for difficult situations. This unit also examines various musical styles and genres as well as instrument characteristics such as timbre and sound dispersion. This knowledge will enable you to critically analyse a music production. You will gain an understanding of musical terms, forms and structure. This enhances your effectiveness to communicate with musicians in recording situations.

Studio I

This unit provides fundamental concepts for all practicum-based units throughout the degree. It involves a practical introduction to software based recording systems with an emphasis on editing, arranging and mixing using a digital audio workstation (DAW). You will learn about the fundamental hardware and software components in the mixing chain of audio production as well as the function an audio engineer plays in preparing and completing a mix. This unit also covers an introduction to signal processing in the context of plugin based digital signal processing in the form of equalisation, dynamics processing and time modification effects.

History of Western Sound Recording

The aim of this unit is to give you an historical overview of Western sound recording. You will investigate and research major recording periods from the early 20th Century to the present day and define the key characteristics, including sound production techniques and the producer or engineer’s contribution to the sound of the era.

You will also explore the development of different mediums and tools used to record, reproduce or master sound and how the application of these tools influenced the sound. Practical considerations surrounding restoration will be covered, requiring you to restore a recording considered inferior in the present marketplace.

This unit will contextualise professional practice within the Western tradition of sound recording and production. The knowledge and skills achieved in this unit will enable you to expand your understanding of production techniques as well as examine the potential of sound restoration as an income-generating stream for your professional practice.

Acoustic Design

This unit covers considerations in acoustic design for various environments and situations where sound control is an issue. Acoustic problems such as flutter echo, excess reverberation and strategies for controlling these are also explored and discussed. Control room design philosophies and specialised construction techniques are also examined. This will allow you to evaluate studio designs and performance spaces from a knowledgeable point of view.

Acoustic Design also introduces you to a possible area of specialisation for your professional practice. Acousticians work with building developers, councils, venue owners and many other businesses and organisations on a range of tasks concerned with the beneficial treatment of sound indoors.

This unit enables you to recognise and evaluate various design principles of acoustic environments. This will enable you to make better recordings and mixes in their practical units. You will develop an appreciation of the acoustic design factors and construction techniques involved in recording studios and performance spaces.

Advanced Music Production Analysis

This unit gives you an understanding of the advanced concepts of evaluating sound in audio and musical recordings and introduces the concept of the Art of Record Production. Topics to be covered include advanced mixing and production techniques, musical and production technique history and how they relate to modern recordings. You will also deepen your knowledge of music literacy to give them greater ability to function as sound producers in your professional practice.

This unit contributes to the degree by giving you a deeper understanding of music traditions and music production techniques. This knowledge will enhance your creativity in your professional practice.

Studio III

This unit develops your conceptual knowledge and technical skills in recording, mixing and editing and requires them to apply these skills to the whole-of-campus production activities undertaken during Integration I.

Integration I is a whole of campus collaborative project that may involve students from any of the other course disciplines. For example, Entertainment Business Management students may establish and manage projects involving the live and studio recording of their “clients’” (students’) music by the Audio Engineering students. This may lead to the production of a music video clip or ‘live’ clip by the Film and Television students.

This unit contributes to the degree by enabling you to put into practice all the knowledge they have gained from previous units into a range of production projects. At this stage, you will work with producers from industry to mix, master and produce. This contributes to their developing professional practice. Integration I is your opportunity to contribute your creativity and problem solving skills to a real world production activity.

Introduction to TV, Radio and Film Audio

You will gain an understanding of the specific requirements and basic techniques used in television, broadcasting, film and radio production. The concepts of Foley recording for film and video, audio editing, plus mixing audio for picture will help you effectively understand and practice sound design and creation across a range of platforms. Classes for this unit are split between the MIDI lab and classroom. At this point, you will be introduced to an area of specialisation for their professional practice.

Studio IV

This unit broadens your skill set in a variety of practical areas relevant to the recording engineer and producer. You will plan and undertake the recording of an acoustic ensemble, outside the confines of the traditional recording studio, encouraging the development of acoustic analysis, critical listening and problem solving skills. You will also explore and develop skills in the field of Digital Sequencing and electronic music production and learn how to solder correctly and take accurate electronic measurements for maintenance and electronic construction projects.

These projects will contribute to your student showreels, and demonstrate your ability to undertake further demanding production work in the forthcoming trimesters.

Applied Electronics

The purpose of this unit is to enable you to explore the sonic characteristics of various electronic topologies and develop an appreciation of how they contribute to the overall sound of a production. This skill will enable you to select appropriate equipment to achieve the artistic aesthetic required for a variety of production scenarios.

Soldering and circuit construction techniques will also be covered. This will give you valuable repair and fault finding skills as well as an appreciation of the design and implementation of the circuits that contribute to the sound of recordings.

This unit prepares you for managing and maintaining the various pieces of audio equipment found in studios. These skills, in combination with those acquired throughout the course, will ensure that you can competently operate a modern professional recording studio.

Audio Technologies

Music and audio production continues to develop as an electronic medium, and via purely electronic means. This unit focuses on computer based audio and music production technologies. It develops awareness and skills in audio compression and delivery formats for various multimedia contexts including web and integrated media as well as developing professional audio resources for educational instruction. It continues to develop electronic music production skills via MIDI and audio DAW software.

This unit contributes to the degree by introducing you to an area of specialisation for their professional practice. It provides a theoretical and practical framework for maintaining appropriate skills in technology driven and fast changing work practices.

Electronics

This unit introduces basic electrical circuits and the properties of basic electronic components and deepens understanding of the recording and mixing process and the limitations of various pieces of equipment involved in the process. Transducers such as microphones and loudspeakers are examined from a technical perspective, while digital and analogue recording mediums are also covered. The unit explores electrical safety issues enabling you to assess and avoid hazardous situations while at work. The unit also provides a technical perspective of the studio equipment whether it is analogue or digital-based circuitry, and extends knowledge and skills of equipment involved in the recording and mixing process.

Introduction to Electronic Music

This unit will introduce you to MIDI and virtual music systems, synthesis and music programming/editing. It will explain the principles and functions of MIDI and the development and application of various synthesisers and audio manipulation processes.

This unit enables you to understand the workings of a MIDI system, sound synthesis and sound design and music programming with sequencers. The knowledge will be used in subsequent studio recording projects and will familiarise you with equipment you are likely to meet in a professional studio environment. The knowledge, skills and understanding achieved in this unit will enable you to explore a possible specialisation for your professional practice.

Producing Live Sound

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the principles of effective professional work practices by focussing on the knowledge required to select, set up, operate and maintain appropriate audio equipment for live sound environments, including speaker and enclosure design, types and specifications.

This unit contributes to the degree by enabling you to plan, install, and operate a public address system to suit specific requirements of both the venue and performer. It has a significant practical component and introduces you to an area of specialisation for their professional practice.

Studio II

The purpose of this unit is to provide the you with an opportunity to apply basic recording and mixing concepts to a full band-recording project.

This unit builds on many of the concepts studied in the first studio unit. It involves a practical approach to recording and mixing using a combination of digital and analogue recording equipment. You will record a full band including a drum kit using multi-microphone techniques and then overdub other instruments to a digital audio workstation (DAW). In addition, you will complete a stereo mix from the DAW to be suitable for a ‘red book’ audio compact disc.

This unit provides you with real life practical experience and an understanding of the demands of working with musicians and organizing a recording session. Completing this unit gives you skills in dealing with larger musical groups. This studio unit is a fundamental component of the degree, as it gives you access to a variety of analogue and digital studio recording equipment to develop both microphone and mixing skills and knowledge, relevant to your professional practice.

Senior Seminar

This unit is designed to develop your ability to research and study at a higher education level while still focussing on your chosen field of study.

You will engage in academic research and present conclusions through means of formal documents and seminar presentations. Research will focus on an audio related topic of your choice in context with intellectual, ethical and historical perspectives. You will participate in a process of peer review and assessment.

This unit provides you with an opportunity to expand your knowledge towards an individual career interest of life long learning and the ability to convey information at a professional, academic level.

Advanced Audio System Design

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the opportunity to address the installation of sound reproduction systems in auditoria and for large outdoor events. You will be required to design a substantial live sound system and present a proposal and costing.

This unit will expose you to another area of specialisation and therefore enhance your potential for establishing and sustaining professional practice opportunities.

The knowledge, skills and understanding achieved in this unit will enable you to appreciate the role of a system designer and also work more effectively with large scale PA systems.

Advanced Spatial Recording Techniques

This Unit provides the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in large ensemble and location recording techniques in stereo and surround formats.

You will identify and articulate complex sound production requirements for recording projects including orchestras of numerous sizes, choirs, solo acoustic instruments, and more. You will be expected to maintain and present from a reflective journal throughout the trimester.

This unit provides an understanding of specialized recording techniques enabling you to develop as a professional engineer and project manager.

Studio V

The purpose of this unit is to provide the opportunity to creatively experiment with your audio engineering and sound production craft in preparation for your final showreel. You will also be introduced to the concepts of surround sound for music applications.

This unit will enable you to further develop your creative and technical skills in audio engineering and sound production with an overall emphasis on project management.

The understanding and skills acquired through a collaborative process will enhance personal practice and networking abilities in preparation of building a level of expertise valued in the industry.

Sound Aesthetics

This unit provides you with the opportunity to analyse and evaluate the appropriateness of different audiophonic genres for a variety of purposes and through an extensive investigation of related aesthetics. This unit will provide a theoretical framework within which to place your creativity through an investigation of media, art forms and situations where your complex sound designs may be used. Throughout the course of the unit you will maintain a logbook detailing your decision making process as you complete a series of Process Development Exercises. The logbook will also provide opportunity for reflection and analysis of the success or otherwise of the completed exercises.

Post Production Audio

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to develop recording techniques in areas of distinct speciality, increasing their potential to establish a sustainable professional practice.

You will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and prepare audio for a complete high quality soundtrack mix catering to film and television mediums.

Music Business Management

As you prepare for graduation and start to explore your options for future employment, it’s important to consider both job seeking skills as well as business planning skills. The purpose of this unit is to provide you with grounding business principles, as it applies to the establishment of your professional practice. The unit will cover fundamental business and financial planning, as well as marketing and personal communication skills. It will also inform you of the principles and application of copyright and publishing issues in the creative industries.

This unit contributes to the degree by providing you with the knowledge and skills you require to apply for jobs, as well as research opportunities for self employment and to complete a rudimentary business plan. This unit will give you fundamental skills for planning, starting and managing a small business.

Studio VI

This unit provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate the level of technical and artistic competence reached across six trimesters of training and practice. You will be required to demonstrate their readiness for professional practice by negotiating, proposing and completing a set of group based projects with individual mixes, creating a folio and defending the technical and aesthetic processes. Effective maintenance of a reflective journal is considered essential to this unit.

This unit gives you the opportunity to refine your creative audio engineering and sound production expertise in the context of surround sound, and also provides opportunity for integration with the Music, Animation, Games, Film and Television, Entertainment Business Management or Digital Design departments.

The production of high quality, diverse work produced will enable you to build a showreel.

This practical diploma will give you a solid understanding of digital audio workstations and analogue consoles, as well as how to operate live sound equipment. Explore software-based synths with an emphasis on editing, arranging and mixing, and master microphones, mixing desks and signal processors, and record, overdub and mix a band in the studio.

Put your technical skills into practice by collaborating with other students recording a band using multi-microphone techniques, or overdubbing other instruments to a multi-track recorder, and gain a real headstart securing your dream audio job.

Associate Degree Exit Point: Students who have successfully completed 4 trimesters of the Bachelor programme may successfully graduate with an Associate Degree qualification.

curriculum

Introduction to the Audio Industry

Audio and Acoustics Theory

Music Production Analysis

Studio I

Electronics

Introduction to Electronic Music

Producing Live Sound

Studio II

Careers in the Industry //

Combining the fundamental audio principles with practical application and training on a range of tech both traditional and contemporary, this course ensures you graduate with the ability and flexibility to undertake a wide range of industry projects.

Integration across other disciplines within JMC Academy ensures that as a graduate, you will be able to approach your chosen industry with a broad perspective and comprehensive understanding of what is required.

Specific roles may include

Music Producer
Studio Engineer
Environmental Acoustics Engineer
Recording Engineer
Freelance Engineer
Studio Manager
Studio Owner
Programmer
Front of House Engineer
Pro Tools Operator

Sound Effects Editor
Music Editor
Dialogue Editor
Location Sound Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Sound Designer
Stage Technician
AV Specialist
Radio Content Producer

AVID Certification

After a rigorous review of JMC Academy’s facilities and superior technology used in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane’s Audio courses, JMC Academy is also a certified AVID Training location. This recognition allows JMC Academy to offer 100 and 200 level courses in ProTools for introductory and formal ProTools certification.
This certification makes JMC Academy the only provider in Australia to offer 200 level courses in more than one state.

Sydney Institute of Music + Sound Research (SIMSR)

In a constantly developing field, it’s important to keep exploring and innovating. That’s why we’ve partnered with the School of Communication at UTS to build The Sydney Institute of Music and Sound Research. SIMSR is dedicated to developing research in various forms of music and sound and exploring the relationship between them and audiovisual media. SIMSR members are active in researching, publishing and presenting on various aspects of music and sound cultures and in supervising postgraduate research, bringing you the latest advances in music + sound.

spotlight //

The in-depth practical work gave me an edge in the real world. Lecturers are knowledgeable and experienced with a real passion for the subject matter, making learning much easier.
Aldo Sampaio, Audio Director, Ubisoft Montreal (Canada), Audio Engineering + Sound Production Alumni

Hard work and collaboration between other JMC departments enabled me to work across live sound, audio-to-picture sound and studio recording, opening up job prospects after graduating.
Daniel Brown , Film Score recordist, engineer and mixer, Trackdown Studios , Audio Engineering + Sound Production (Alumni Award recipient 2014)

Going to JMC, I really loved the community of students and lecturers - everyone was so supportive and passionate about making great music, films and art.
Angie Watson, Recording Engineer at The Brain Recording Studios, Audio Engineering + Sound Production

There is nothing more artistically satisfying than to have your thoughts and ideas come to life in the form of a finished recording or mix
Peter Mulas, Audiologist, Phonak (Hearing Solutions), Audio Engineering + Sound Production

Not only did I learn plenty about audio, I learnt so much more about collaboration. My favourite part of JMC was getting to work with other industries; including FTV, Music, Animation and Game Design
Ethyne Wesley, Founder of Chaos Audio, Audio Engineering + Sound Production

Whilst studying, I was able to meet people working in industries I would not have been exposed to otherwise.
Sam Kwok, Creator of FruitFat, Audio Engineering + Sound Production

I made a close group of friends at JMC, a great support network.
Sam Strachan , Freelance Audio Engineer , Audio Engineering + Sound Production

Faqs //

I’m a musician but want to learn how to produce music as well. Is this the Audio Engineering & Sound Production the right course for me?

This depends on where you would like to focus your career. Would you like to be a performer, or be behind the desk? In our music + songwriting courses there are units on how to produce your own music which might be worth considering. If you want to know all there is about audio — including how to produce all kinds of music and sound, then this is the course for you. Being a musician is an added bonus for this course as the knowledge and skills you have as a musician can be applied to production. Having said that, you don’t need to be a musician to study this course, as basic music theory is included in the curriculum.

Are JMC courses available to study online?

No, our courses are hands on and practical. Students are required to attend classes to receive ongoing mentorship, learn new skills and work with the equipment provided. We do encourage our students to use online study resources, however our courses would not be as immersive as they are without the practical component.

Do I need to provide samples of my work to support my application to the Audio Engineering & Sound Production?

No, you need not provide any samples. However, you are welcome to provide samples of work. This may include any recordings you’ve done - whether that be live, studio or in your room, screen shots of any ProTools sessions or examples of any technical experience you've had including PA setup, session setup, helping out at live music events, at school or otherwise. Although not necessary, experience such as this demonstrates your keen interest in pursuing audio as a career.

Is a JMC Academy degree of equal standing/value to a university degree?

Yes. The JMC Academy is registered and regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) which is Australia’s independent national regulator of the higher education sector, both public and private.

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Audio Engineering + Sound Production //

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Make it.Audio Engineering + Sound Production

Audio Engineering + Sound Production //

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