Diploma of Audio Engineering & Sound Production

Duration

8 months (2 trimesters)

Locations

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Fees

FEE-HELP Available

Domestic Fees

International Fees

Intake Dates

February, June, September

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International

CRICOS 056932D

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

This practical diploma will give you a solid understanding of digital audio workstations and analogue consoles, and your choice of electives in Electronic Music Production or Live Event Production.

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.

Why Study Audio at JMC?

Australia's leading Audio Engineering Course

Choose electives in Live Events, Studio Production, Sound for Screen and Electronic Music Production

Learn direct from major international producers at regular student masterclasses

Tech

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

When undertaken full-time, the Diploma of Audio Engineering & Sound Production can be completed in 8 months (2 trimesters).

Flexible part-time options are available.

Course Structure

The Diploma of Audio Engineering & Sound Production makes up the first 2 trimesters of the Audio Bachelor's degree. At the successful completion of 2 trimesters, our modular course structure lets you graduate with an officially recognised diploma or continue seamlessly towards the industry standard Bachelor of Creative Technology (Audio Engineering & Sound Production) degree.

Click here to view the detailed course structure →

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Curriculum

Foundations of Audio Engineering

Introduction to the Audio Industry - ASP201

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.

Art of Music Production - ASP205

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 Sound - ASP202

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.

Introduction to Mixing Techniques - ASP206

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.

Studio 1 - ASP204

In this unit, students 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 as well as exploring the demands of editing voice and working with musicians 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.

Studio 2 - ASP208

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.

Digital Audio Workstations Techniques - ASP203

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.

Choose 1 Elective

Trimester 2

Choose from:

Live Event Production
Introduction To Electronic Music Production Techniques

Elective Units

Live Event Production - ASP309

(Available in Trimesters 2 & 4)

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 - ASP310

(Available in Trimesters 2 & 4)

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.

Our Lecturers

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

Nick Franklin

Audio Lecturer

Nick is a music producer and recording engineer that owns and operates Rolodex Sound in Sydney, Aus. Nick's career in audio engineering and sound production began working under industry veteran mastering engineer Rick O'Neil at the southern hemisphere's largest mastering studio Turtlerock Mastering.

Nick then went on to become house engineer at Linear Recording where he worked with artists such as Peking Duk, Daniel Johns (Silverchair), Miley Cyrus, Client Liaison and Deep Sea Arcade.

Nick now produces, mixes and masters in a freelance capacity and develops emerging artists and bands.

Nick Franklin

Audio Lecturer

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)

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)

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.

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

Dan Sugars

Audio Engineering Lecturer

Dan has been involved in the Creative Industries since 2004, turning his childhood passion for music performance into a rewarding and diverse professional career.

He is a professional music producer, sound engineer and composer, and spends most of his time producing music for game developers and recording artists. He also plays drums for the rock band Go Van Go.
Some of his recent work has achieved nominations for various songwriting awards, national radio play and international licensing contracts.

Dan Sugars

Audio Engineering Lecturer

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 Alumni

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, The Brain Recording Studios

Audio Alumni

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 Alumni

Bachelor of Creative Technology (Audio Engineering & Sound Production)

Seamlessly transition into the bachelor's degree with JMC Academy's modular and integrated courses.

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

Apply now →

Avid Certification & SIMSR

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.

FAQs

I'm a musician but want to learn how to produce music as well. Is this the right course for me?

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.

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 for the Audio course?

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 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.