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.

In line with our commitment to help you curate your sound, your course and your future, we have introduced four elective streams to the curriculum to tailor your JMC experience. Specialise in either Live Events, Electronic Music Production, Sound + Media or Studio Recording + Mixing and become the expert of your choice.

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 control surface, Pro Tools HD with Avid HDX conversion Mics: Neumann U87, FET 47, U89, Royer 121, AKG C414 and many more Plugins: Full Universal Audio Plugin Suite, Waves Mercury Bundle Outboard: Avalon 2022, Universal Audio 2x610, Empirical Labs Distressors, Manley Vari Mu

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

CHOOSE ELECTIVES IN LIVE EVENTS, STUDIO PRODUCTION,
SOUND FOR SCREEN + ELECTRONIC MUSIC PRODUCTION

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]

During the Bachelor Degree, explore acoustic design, microphone techniques, audio electronics and music production and how this can be applied to mixed media such as television, film, digital design and games. Collaborating with students on real projects in these same areas will give you a broader context in which to apply your skills and expand your professional network. You’ll also get the opportunity to specialise in an area most aligned to your skills and interests by taking electives including Live Events, Studio Production, Sound for Screen and Electronic Music Production.

Explore 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 introduces students to the diverse 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 student will also develop the academic skills of research and referencing, independent learning and effective written and oral presentations through specific content and assessment processes. This unit provides grounding for many of the concepts studied in later units.

Digital Audio Workstations Techniques

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

Studio I

In this unit, the student will apply technical and theoretical recording, digital editing and mixing concepts to a podcast and simple recording project. This unit involves a practical approach to using microphones and digital recording equipment; and will explore the demands of editing voice and working with musicians in the recording studio. The student will apply knowledge learnt in other units to practical situations and reflect upon their work and the work of the group. Both recordings will be mixed in a format suitable for professional distribution.

Introduction to Sound

This unit will discuss the nature and behaviour of sound waves as well as how we may experience and describe them. Students will explore how sound waves may exist acoustically, or be represented as electrical or digital signals and also how they may be generated, captured, stored, reproduced and manipulated by various devices. Human perception of sound is investigated as well as how to protect hearing from damage. This unit will provide the theoretical grounding to the course and support the practical application of these concepts.

Acoustic Design

This unit covers considerations in acoustic design for various environments and situations where sound control is required. Acoustic problems such as standing waves, flutter echo, excess reverberation and strategies for controlling these are explored and discussed, particularly from the aspect of working in non-ideal spaces, such as the bedroom studio. This will allow the student to evaluate commercial studio designs and performance spaces from a knowledgeable point of view, and be able to adapt that knowledge to non-traditional spaces.

Studio III

This unit develops the student’s knowledge and technical skills in recording, mixing and editing, and requires the student to apply these skills to an interdisciplinary production activity. In this unit, the student will experience working with an industry professional producer and will develop artist communication skills in the recording studio. Students will put into practice all the knowledge they have gained from previous units into a variety of production projects.

Studio IV

This unit provides students with an opportunity to specialise and build upon their growing skill-sets in audio engineering and sound production. The student will develop their creative and technical knowledge further in a high-end studio environment. This unit will be a practical culmination of the student’s chosen audio stream.

Applied Electronics (Elective)

The purpose of this unit is to enable the student to apply advanced technical concepts relating to audio equipment to the production environment. Students will explore the sonic characteristics of various circuit designs and develop an appreciation of how they contribute to the overall sound of a production. This skill will enable students to select appropriate equipment to achieve the artistic aesthetic required for a variety of production scenarios. Advanced soldering and circuit construction techniques will also be covered. This will build on the soldering techniques learned previously and give students 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.

Post Production Audio (Elective)

This unit introduces students to the post production principles of sound for screen and moving image. Students will focus on the use of sound as a form of creative expression and narrative structure. The unit will cover the functional aspects of sound for screen including the various delivery formats for online and platform requirements. Students will analyse the use of sound, and its emotive qualities for screen and moving image.

Applied Music Production

This unit gives the student an understanding of advanced concepts in evaluating sound in audio and musical recordings, and further develops the ideas presented in the Art of Music Production unit (ASP205). The history of sound recording technologies from the early 20th Century will be investigated and how they have affected recording in the present day. Sound production techniques, and the producer or engineer’s contribution to the sound of the era will be explored along with the development of different mediums and tools used to record, reproduce or master sound and how the application of these tools influenced the sound. This unit will further develop the student’s critical listening skills.

Sound For Screen

This unit covers a range of approaches and techniques required to create and capture various sound sources for screen and moving image. Techniques will include how to effectively combine and merge different sound sources to various visual media. Students will be introduced to the processes of Foley and ADR and develop specific workflow practices that will enable them to work effectively with other creative disciplines. The unit also covers various online platform delivery and format requirements.

Electronics and Maintenance

This unit introduces students to basic electrical circuits and the properties of fundamental electronic components. The principles of computer based digital audio systems and the hardware and software required to capture, store and process audio will be explored. This deepens understanding of the recording and mixing process and the limitations of various pieces of equipment involved in the process. Soldering and lead construction techniques will also be covered. This will give students valuable repair and fault finding skills which can be used in their professional practice.

Music Business and Communications

This unit provides an insight to the strategies for future employment, across job seeking skills as well as business planning and communications. This unit will introduce the students to the fundamentals of how to present professionally, as it applies to their professional practice. The unit will cover marketing and personal communication skills with a commercial focus incorporating different digital platforms and strategies.

Art of Music Production

This unit introduces the concepts and techniques of contemporary music production. Various technical, artistic and creative concerns are surveyed in context to various contemporary and popular musical styles and genres. Production and sonic characteristics are discussed and analysed, illuminating fundamental principles of music production and their qualities.

Introduction to Mixing Techniques

In this unit, the student will learn the basics of mixing techniques to achieve release-quality music. Listening and mix evaluation skills will be explored with the technical concepts expected of a professional production. Editing, arrangement, and monitoring use, alongside psychological and psychoacoustic techniques will give the student foundational mixing skills.

Studio II

This unit builds on the practice and concepts presented in Studio 1 (ASP204). Students will explore live recording and mixing practices in full band or electronic music based projects, in both a controlled studio and live sound context. Practical approaches to recording and mixing, using a combination of digital and analogue recording techniques will be practised. Students will explore areas including; further application of microphone techniques, overdubbing, appropriate instrumentation, and the application of mixing techniques for specific purposes. This unit provides insight into current industry practices from recording a live band to electronic dance music production.

Live Event Production (Elective)

This unit introduces the student to the principles of effective professional work practices by focusing on the knowledge required to safely and effectively set up and operate appropriate audio visual and PA equipment for sound reinforcement systems. Students set up and operate a basic public address or AV system to suit the requirements of both the venue and client. It has a significant practical component and introduces the student to an area of specialisation for their professional practice.

Introduction to Electronic Music Production Techniques (Elective)

This unit introduces the creative practice of electronic music techniques through software synthesizers, MIDI, arrangement and audio editing via DAW software. The application of various synthesizers and audio manipulation processes are explored including the integration of MIDI. The knowledge gained in this unit will be used extensively in subsequent studio recording projects. Students will familiarize themselves with hardware and software that is commonly used to create electronic music. Students are not required to have prior musical knowledge for this unit; the emphasis is on synthesis and creative audio manipulation.

Immersive Audio

In this unit students learn cutting edge sound manipulation techniques and delivery mediums for Virtual reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR) and Mixed reality (MR). Students will create an immersive audio work and learn how to publish to a variety of platforms. This entails building an understanding of the range of immersive audio techniques, and associated methods of encoding and decoding spatial audio.

Advanced Audio Engineering

This unit develops specialist knowledge in recording small and large ensembles using advanced stereo recording techniques. The student will identify and articulate complex sound production requirements for recording projects including ensembles of numerous sizes, choirs, solo acoustic instruments, and more. The student will also investigate advanced mixing techniques and the creative use of digital manipulation approaches, including the use of time and pitch correction tools. The unit explores parallel processing, multiband compression, harmonic enhancement, and sophisticated digital signal flows.

Major Project - Design

In this unit, the student will design, plan, and prepare their major project to be completed in ASP408 Major Project Delivery. The student will use an applied research approach to their major project and investigate similar projects from industry along with research in context of the student’s specialised stream. The student will integrate with another discipline to synthesise a major project with mentored support from your lecturer. The student will learn to use initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making which can be applied to their professional practice.

Sound Design and Aesthetics

Students will investigate sonic arts and related aesthetics, and apply the insight gained to creative works. This unit will provide students with a contextual framework that can help to inform their own creativity through an investigation of media, art forms and situations where complex sound design and concepts are applied. Students will be able to apply their technical skills in creative ways, creating works based on processes established by musical anarchists of the 20th & 21st centuries. This knowledge will give students an Outside-The-Box perspective on working with audio and music, creating original and unique sound works, and developing a portfolio of short works and sound explorations.

Major Project - Delivery

In this unit, students will deliver their Major Project. Students will focus on the delivery and realisation of their creative project, and learn how to identify and manage unexpected situations in a timely fashion and employ appropriate strategies to solve problems. Students will discuss their project and share their ongoing progress with their peers throughout the trimester. Students will be mentored throughout the trimester and will conclude with a presentation of their project to an industry panel.

AV Technologies (Elective)

This unit explores the theory and practical skills required for professional AV work. In this unit, students will learn how to design and provide Audio Visual solutions to suit a range of platforms and audiences. Students will demonstrate their ability to select, install, operate, troubleshoot and manage a complex scenario brief, and reflect on the event outcome.

Advanced Live Sound (Elective)

This unit provides students with the opportunity to address and evaluate the installation and operation of sound reproduction systems in auditoria and for large outdoor events. Students will be required to design a substantial live sound system and contribute to the operation of a significant live sound event. This unit will build upon the experience obtained in ASP301 Live Event Production and increase student skills in an area of specialisation, enhancing potential for establishing and sustaining professional practice opportunities.

Advanced Electronic Music Production Techniques (Elective)

Students will further develop their skills in Electronic Music production and creation. This will include combining audio with programmed and sequenced elements. Students will further develop their creative approach through advanced electronic production techniques and make use of both hardware and software applications. Students will explore more complex techniques through a mix of contemporary electronic dance music genres and beat making.

Advanced Studio Production Practices (Elective)

This unit explores advanced process of music production, providing insight into how a producer works and communicates in the studio to create a final product. This unit details techniques for working with artists, songs, arrangements, and pre-production techniques, through to booking studios, budgeting, and equipping a home studio to glean a professional result. Students will practice soft skills in class and be assessed by their peers, and use a process of refinement to improve upon their communication strategies. Additionally, students will use post-production techniques to alter the dynamics and improve the story and shape of a pre-recorded work.

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. Kick-off your studies and learn all about software-based synths with an emphasis on editing, arranging and mixing. Master mixing consoles 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

Digital Audio Workstations Techniques

Studio I

Introduction to Sound

Art of Music Production

Introduction to Mixing Techniques

Studio II

Live Event Production (Elective)

Introduction to Electronic Music Production Techniques (Elective)

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 and production 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.

Make it.Audio Engineering + Sound Production

Audio Engineering + Sound Production //

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Make it.Audio Engineering + Sound Production

Audio Engineering + Sound Production //

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entry requirements

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