Duration
2 years (6 trimesters) accelerated
Locations
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Fees
Intake Dates

February, June, September

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International

CRICOS 074474J

JMC welcomes students from all over the world.
Find out more

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.

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 focus 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 speciality and create a tailored showreel designed to kick-start your career in the industry.

Why Study Audio at JMC?

Australia's premier Audio Engineering course with world-class studios and smaller class sizes for optimal learning experience
Choose electives in Live Events, Studio Production, Sound for Screen and Electronic Music Production
Learn direct from major international producers and regular student masterclasses

Technology & Facilities

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

Duration

In just 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 may choose to complete the course in 3 years [CRICOS 056930F] rather than the accelerated 2 year option.

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

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.

Course Structure

The industry standard Bachelor of Creative Technology (Audio Engineering & Sound Production) is taught over 2 years (6 trimesters). 

Click here to view the detailed course structure →

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CURRICULUM

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

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.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

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.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit will discuss the nature and behaviour of sound waves as well as how they are experienced and described. 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.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

In this unit, students 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 students foundational mixing skills.

Prerequisite: ASP203 (Digital Audio Workstations Techniques)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

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.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit builds on the practice and concepts presented in Studio 1 (ASP204). Students will apply practical approaches to recording and mixing using a combination of digital and analogue recording techniques. Students will explore areas including further application of microphone techniques; overdubbing, appropriate instrumentation; and the application of mixing techniques for specific purposes.

Prerequisites: ASP204 (Studio 1), ASP203 (Digital Audio Workstations Techniques)

Corequisite: ASP206 (Introduction to Mixing Techniques)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

In this unit, students will apply technical and theoretical recording, digital editing and mixing concepts to simple recording projects. This unit involves a practical approach to using microphones and digital recording equipment as well as exploring the demands of editing voice and working with artists in the recording studio. Students will apply the 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.

Trimester 2

Choose from:

  • Live Event Production - ASP309
  • Introduction To Electronic Music Production Techniques - ASP310

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit provides students with the opportunity to develop 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 student’s critical listening skills. 

Prerequisites: ASP205 (The Art of Music Production), ASP206 (Introduction to Mixing Techniques) Continued: ASP304 (Studio 3)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 4

his unit provides students with an insight to the strategies for future employment, across job seeking skills as well as business planning and communications. This unit will introduce 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. 

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

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. 

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 4

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.   

Prerequisite: ASP302 (Sound for Screen)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit introduces students to basic electrical circuits and the properties of fundamental electronic components.  Their effect on audio circuits will also be discussed. Principles of inter-connecting analogue audio devices 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. 

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 4

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.   

Prerequisite: ASP304 (Studio 3)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit develops students’ knowledge and technical skills in recording, mixing and editing, and requires them to apply these skills to an interdisciplinary production activity. In this unit, students 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. 

Prerequisites: ASP208 (Studio 2)

Corequisite: ASP301 (Applied Music production)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 4

Choose from:

  • AV Technologies - ASP409
  • Advanced Live Sound - ASP410
  • Independent Music Producer Techniques - ASP411
  • Advanced Electronic Music Production - ASP412
  • Post-Production Audio - ASP413
  • Applied Electronics - ASP415

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit considers 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 students 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. 

Prerequisite: ASP202 (Introduction to Sound)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 6

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. 

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit offers students the opportunity to develop the specialised knowledge required for recording acoustic ensembles of various sizes on location using advanced stereo recording techniques. Students will continue to expand their critical listening skills required to evaluate and analyse recordings to effectively identify and articulate their sonic qualities. Students will contextualise this knowledge to plan and budget for location recordings based on a variety of hypothetical scenarios which may include choirs, solo acoustic instruments, and more. Additionally, students will investigate specialised mixing techniques, explore advanced reverb concepts and advanced digital audio editing methods.   

Prerequisite: ASP308 (Studio 4)

Credit Points: 12
Trimester 6

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. 

Prerequisite: ASP404 (Major Project - Design)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

In this unit, students will have the opportunity to design and plan their major project for ASP408 Major Project - Delivery. Students can choose to design their project from a creative practice approach, or conduct applied research, while also examining comparable projects in their industry and conducting research related to their specialized field. Under the guidance of their lecturer, they will synthesize a major project and develop crucial skills in project management, problem-solving, decision-making, and planning that can be applied to their professional practice. 

Prerequisite: ASP308 (Studio 4)

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 6

Choose from:

  • AV Technologies - ASP409
  • Advanced Live Sound - ASP410
  • Independent Music Producer Techniques - ASP411
  • Advanced Electronic Music Production - ASP412
  • Post-Production Audio - ASP413
  • Applied Electronics - ASP415
  • Internship - COL401
  • E-Portfolio - COL402

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

Choose from:

  • AV Technologies - ASP409
  • Advanced Live Sound - ASP410
  • Independent Music Producer Techniques - ASP411
  • Advanced Electronic Music Production - ASP412
  • Post-Production Audio - ASP413
  • Applied Electronics - ASP415
  • Internship - COL401
  • E-Portfolio - COL402

(Available in Trimester 2)

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.

(Available in Trimester 2)

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.

Prerequisite: ASP208 (Studio 2)

(Available in Trimesters 4,5 and 6)

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. Areas such as AV installation and systems operation, projection and lighting, and webcasting, video conferencing and streaming will be explored. 

Prerequisite: ASP309 (Live Event Production)

(Available in Trimesters 4,5 and 6)

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.

Prerequisite: AGA309 (Live Event Production)

(Available in Trimesters 4,5 and 6)

This unit explores advanced processes of music production, providing insight into how an independent producer works and communicates with the artist to create a final product. This unit details techniques for working with artists, songs, arrangements, and pre-production techniques, budgeting, and equipping a home studio to glean a professional result.  

Students will practice ‘soft skills’ in class and as they are assessed by their peers 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. There will be an opportunity to reflect on the processes used and their effectiveness on the outcome 

Prerequisite: AGA301 (Applied Music Production)

(Available in Trimesters 4,5 and 6)

The purpose of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to further develop their skills in Electronic Music Production. 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. 

Prerequisite: ASP310 (Introduction to Electronic Music Production )

(Available in Trimesters 4,5 and 6)

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. 

Prerequisite: ASP302 (Sound for Screen)

(Available in Trimesters 4,5 and 6)

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. 

Prerequisite: ASP303 (Electronics and Maintenance)

(Trimester 5 and 6)

COL401 Internship aims to provide students with an internship opportunity that has sound educational value and provides students the chance to initiate and/or develop relationships with professionals in their discipline. COL401 allows students to prepare or consolidate their know-how to work as a professional and increase their technical and creative skills base. It also allows students to explore potential areas of employment. 

In this unit the National Society for Experiential Education’s definition of “internship” is used. This is internship is a carefully monitored volunteering or working experience where an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what they are learning throughout the experience. For this reason, beside the time students spend during their internship, they will also spend self-study time. They will reflect upon their awareness of applying theory to practice during their internship, practicing their ability to evaluate situations, critical thinking, and effective communication of their decision-making. 

Students will also elaborate a professional plan where they explain their aspiring professional development goals and the activities that would assist them to achieve these under the guidance of their Internship Coordinator/Supervisor.  

(Trimesters 5 and 6)

Context 

At JMC Academy, students undertake a rigorous academic program of practice-based learning, into which is embedded a range of work-integrated learning activities. To complement their on-campus learning, students are also encouraged to generate their own creative work. This unit of study has been designed to formally recognise that work. Students will have access to an e-portfolio as a presentation mode for the assessable items. The unit is placed during the final study periods of the bachelor’s degree, enabling students to collect and display their best and most recent examples of their engagement with their discipline outside of their formal study.

 

How it works 

Students are introduced to this unit during Trimester 1 and then again in successive study periods. Students must be invited by their Head of Department to enrol in this unit; a student will only be enrolled in this unit if the Head of Department is confident that the student can meet all learning outcomes. The e-portfolio JMC students will be given access to an e-portfolio platform at no cost as part of the Microsoft365 subscription. The platform provides students with a place to curate and display their extra-curricular activities for assessment in this unit. It is not the professional portfolio students could use COL401 Internship aims to provide students with an internship opportunity that has sound educational value and provides students the chance to initiate and/or develop relationships with professionals in their discipline. COL401 allows students to prepare or consolidate their know-how to work as a professional and increase their technical and creative skills base. It also allows students to explore potential areas of employment.



Our Lecturers

Daniel Spirovski

Head of Audio Engineering & Sound Production (Brisbane)

While completing his performance degree in Jazz on Tenor Saxophone, Daniel developed his skill in music production and recording. For close to 20 years, he has been working as a professional musician performing locally and internationally in corporate and original bands. He is also a composer, music director, recording session musician, and multi-instrumentalist (saxophone, keyboards, and bass guitar).

Since 2008, he has worked as an independent music producer, live sound, and mix engineer and produced a large body of work across many genres. Daniel has traveled and performed on saxophone extensively with the Chicago-based Gospel group, Light of Love (backing vocalists for Paul Simon and Toto) in the US and in Australia. He was their Production Manager for a Live Recording in Stavanger, Norway.

Daniel has worked for Education QLD and Brisbane City Council music program initiatives and was the USQ Summerschool Music Program Co-ordinator for five years.

He started at JMC academy as a sessional music lecturer in 2013 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Music where he coordinated the Ensemble Program, Music Technology, and Production units as well as lecturing and mentoring in Songwriting. He has represented JMC internationally on trips to India, Nepal, and Indonesia.

In 2020 Daniel was promoted to the role of Head of Audio in Brisbane.

Daniel Spirovski

Head of Audio Engineering & Sound Production (Brisbane)

While completing his performance degree in Jazz on Tenor Saxophone, Daniel developed his skill in music production and recording. For close to 20 years, he has been working as a professional musician performing locally and internationally in corporate and original bands. He is also a composer, music director, recording session musician, and multi-instrumentalist (saxophone, keyboards, and bass guitar).

Since 2008, he has worked as an independent music producer, live sound, and mix engineer and produced a large body of work across many genres. Daniel has traveled and performed on saxophone extensively with the Chicago-based Gospel group, Light of Love (backing vocalists for Paul Simon and Toto) in the US and in Australia. He was their Production Manager for a Live Recording in Stavanger, Norway.

Daniel has worked for Education QLD and Brisbane City Council music program initiatives and was the USQ Summerschool Music Program Co-ordinator for five years.

He started at JMC academy as a sessional music lecturer in 2013 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Music where he coordinated the Ensemble Program, Music Technology, and Production units as well as lecturing and mentoring in Songwriting. He has represented JMC internationally on trips to India, Nepal, and Indonesia.

In 2020 Daniel was promoted to the role of Head of Audio in Brisbane.

Glenn Ferguson

Head of Audio Engineering & Sound Production (Sydney)

Glenn commenced lecturing at JMC Academy in 1996 and has held the position of Department Head since 2006. This experience, coupled with 20 years of industry experience and academic accomplishment has made Glenn a master specialist in his field. Having worked in a variety of recording situations, from world class SSL equipped studios, to temporary setups in farmhouses, schools and garages, Glenn has built a broad repertoire of skills.

Glenn has recorded a variety of acts from rock bands to jazz artists; Welsh choirs to brass bands. He also has extensive location recording experience including gigs at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Town Hall, Newcastle Town Hall, Enmore Theatre and Cessnock Town Hall to name a few. Personally inspired by Rick Rubin, Glenn encourages his students to develop their own unique ‘sound’ to ensure they establish a competitive, sustainable career in the industry.

Glenn Ferguson

Head of Audio Engineering & Sound Production (Sydney)

Glenn commenced lecturing at JMC Academy in 1996 and has held the position of Department Head since 2006. This experience, coupled with 20 years of industry experience and academic accomplishment has made Glenn a master specialist in his field. Having worked in a variety of recording situations, from world class SSL equipped studios, to temporary setups in farmhouses, schools and garages, Glenn has built a broad repertoire of skills.

Glenn has recorded a variety of acts from rock bands to jazz artists; Welsh choirs to brass bands. He also has extensive location recording experience including gigs at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Town Hall, Newcastle Town Hall, Enmore Theatre and Cessnock Town Hall to name a few. Personally inspired by Rick Rubin, Glenn encourages his students to develop their own unique ‘sound’ to ensure they establish a competitive, sustainable career in the industry.

Richie Poate

Head of Audio Engineering and Sound Production (Melbourne)

Richie is a technically proficient musician (electric and acoustic guitar) with a sound knowledge of music theory and practice, music production, recording, mixing and mastering engineering, Contemporary songwriting, composition and arrangement. Experience in the business aspects of the music industry – contract negotiation, tour and concert organising, promotions and media, grants and relationship building.

Richie Poate

Head of Audio Engineering and Sound Production (Melbourne)

Richie is a technically proficient musician (electric and acoustic guitar) with a sound knowledge of music theory and practice, music production, recording, mixing and mastering engineering, Contemporary songwriting, composition and arrangement. Experience in the business aspects of the music industry – contract negotiation, tour and concert organising, promotions and media, grants and relationship building.

Lewis Mitchell

Audio Engineering Lecturer

Lewis Mitchell is a contemporary record producer, engineer and songwriter. Lewis Mitchell started his career at Jungle Studios in 2013, working with notable artists like Urthboy, Birds Of Tokyo, and JOY. He eventually joined Sony Music in 2016, where he lent his talent and passion for recording to artists such as Delta Goodrem and Gang Of Youths. His work on the latter's album, 'Go Farther In Lightness,' earned the record four ARIA Awards.

During his tenure at Sony, Lewis collaborated with renowned musicians like Johnny McDaid on Ed Sheeran productions and hosted sessions for Anderson Paak and the Free Nationals. In 2018, he joined Forbes Street Studios (Universal Music Group), where he worked closely with Def Jam Recordings to develop emerging talents.

Throughout his career, Lewis worked with a diverse range of artists, including A.B. Original, Amy Shark, A$AP Rocky, and Guy Sebastian. He also contributed to soundtracks for Australian films and TV series like '6 Festivals' and 'Black Snow.'

Currently, Lewis is producing and mixing for various talents at Forbes Street Studios (Universal Music Group), and he is working on Ziggy Ramo's third album, building on their previous successful collaborations, including the acclaimed 'Sugar Coated Lies' album. Lewis Mitchell's versatile contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry, showcasing his prowess as a producer and songwriter.

Lewis Mitchell

Audio Engineering Lecturer

Lewis Mitchell is a contemporary record producer, engineer and songwriter. Lewis Mitchell started his career at Jungle Studios in 2013, working with notable artists like Urthboy, Birds Of Tokyo, and JOY. He eventually joined Sony Music in 2016, where he lent his talent and passion for recording to artists such as Delta Goodrem and Gang Of Youths. His work on the latter's album, 'Go Farther In Lightness,' earned the record four ARIA Awards.

During his tenure at Sony, Lewis collaborated with renowned musicians like Johnny McDaid on Ed Sheeran productions and hosted sessions for Anderson Paak and the Free Nationals. In 2018, he joined Forbes Street Studios (Universal Music Group), where he worked closely with Def Jam Recordings to develop emerging talents.

Throughout his career, Lewis worked with a diverse range of artists, including A.B. Original, Amy Shark, A$AP Rocky, and Guy Sebastian. He also contributed to soundtracks for Australian films and TV series like '6 Festivals' and 'Black Snow.'

Currently, Lewis is producing and mixing for various talents at Forbes Street Studios (Universal Music Group), and he is working on Ziggy Ramo's third album, building on their previous successful collaborations, including the acclaimed 'Sugar Coated Lies' album. Lewis Mitchell's versatile contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry, showcasing his prowess as a producer and songwriter.

Paul McKercher

Audio Lecturer

Credited with five Aria Awards and hundreds of releases, the Sonic signatures of clarity, power, punch and musicality are the defining qualities of Paul's work. He understands musicians and can tap into the essence of their artistic vision while making the recording process transparent, enjoyable, even transcendent.

Over the course of an extensive career in music production, Paul’s inclusive approach and versatility has led to successful collaborations with artists from multiple genres.

He has a deep technical knowledge and is a multi-instrumentalist with formal training in music (AMEB grade 7) and the recording arts, working at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for a decade taking the role of Triple J live music producer for three years.

Bringing a critical approach to studio practice and an empathic ear to music production, Paul has written articles, spoken at industry conferences, podcasts and lectured extensively in music production.

Paul McKercher

Audio Lecturer

Credited with five Aria Awards and hundreds of releases, the Sonic signatures of clarity, power, punch and musicality are the defining qualities of Paul's work. He understands musicians and can tap into the essence of their artistic vision while making the recording process transparent, enjoyable, even transcendent.

Over the course of an extensive career in music production, Paul’s inclusive approach and versatility has led to successful collaborations with artists from multiple genres.

He has a deep technical knowledge and is a multi-instrumentalist with formal training in music (AMEB grade 7) and the recording arts, working at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for a decade taking the role of Triple J live music producer for three years.

Bringing a critical approach to studio practice and an empathic ear to music production, Paul has written articles, spoken at industry conferences, podcasts and lectured extensively in music production.

Thomas Combes

Senior Audio Lecturer and Music Lecturer

Music has been a passion of Thomas' since he picked up his first guitar at the tender age of 10. Fast forward 17 years and Tom’s phenomenal finger-style playing, subtle tone and seasoned musical taste push the boundaries of what is possible on an acoustic guitar. His unique style of playing incorporates finger picking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a detailed wall of sound.

Tom has toured nationally as an in-demand session player, played on the main stage of several music festivals and has had his signature guitar playing recorded on several albums. These accomplishments have been complemented with his in-depth Audio Engineering and Production knowledge obtained through his degree in the Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith.

Tom now resides in Brisbane where he lectures Audio classes and teaches guitar at JMC Academy.

Thomas Combes

Senior Audio Lecturer and Music Lecturer

Music has been a passion of Thomas' since he picked up his first guitar at the tender age of 10. Fast forward 17 years and Tom’s phenomenal finger-style playing, subtle tone and seasoned musical taste push the boundaries of what is possible on an acoustic guitar. His unique style of playing incorporates finger picking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a detailed wall of sound.

Tom has toured nationally as an in-demand session player, played on the main stage of several music festivals and has had his signature guitar playing recorded on several albums. These accomplishments have been complemented with his in-depth Audio Engineering and Production knowledge obtained through his degree in the Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith.

Tom now resides in Brisbane where he lectures Audio classes and teaches guitar at JMC Academy.

Beau Sherrard

Senior Audio Lecturer

Formerly an in-house engineer at Q Studios (Rhinoceros Recordings), Beau Sherrard is a sound engineer with over 20 years of studio and teaching experience. Beau has worked with numerous artists including INXS, Grinspoon, The Living End, Mick Hart, Steve Smyth, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Jack Thompson, Grün, No Apologies, Jungle Fever and the cast of the Lion King. He has designed and teaches numerous units in spatial audio, recording, mixing, mastering and music production.

Beau Sherrard

Senior Audio Lecturer

Formerly an in-house engineer at Q Studios (Rhinoceros Recordings), Beau Sherrard is a sound engineer with over 20 years of studio and teaching experience. Beau has worked with numerous artists including INXS, Grinspoon, The Living End, Mick Hart, Steve Smyth, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Jack Thompson, Grün, No Apologies, Jungle Fever and the cast of the Lion King. He has designed and teaches numerous units in spatial audio, recording, mixing, mastering and music production.

Are you ready to take the next step toward your career in Audio?

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

FAQs

This depends on where you would like to focus your career. Do you want to be a performer, composer, songwriter or learn about the technical aspects of sound, recording and mixing techniques? In JMC's music 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.

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.

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.

JMC Academy is broadly recognised and accredited:

  • Registered Higher Education Provider.
  • Accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
  • Registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
  • Regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
  • Member of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA).
  • Nationally recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Our strong industry links also ensure that JMC Academy qualifications are recognised within the creative industries. 

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.