Audio Engineering Principles
The Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering is delivered over 48 teaching weeks, organised into three terms. Each term strengthens what you learned in the previous one and introduces new subjects at the right level of depth.
Through our progressive continuous learning method, modules combine listening, theory and studio work so that concepts are always tied to what you are doing with real music. You will not only learn which tools, microphones and techniques to use, but also why a particular choice works in a given musical or technical context.
As you move through the curriculum you will notice your work sounding more deliberate and consistent, and you will be able to explain your choices to artists, collaborators and clients.
Subject areas you will study
Across the diploma you will work the following core subject areas:
• Production and Music Theory
• Audio Engineering & Acoustic Principles
• Audio Engineering Tools
• Digital Audio Workstations
• Large Format Studio Operation
• Introduction to Live Sound
• Music Business and Management
Below, you can browse through a more detailed breakdown for each of the three term. By connecting these strands rather than treating them in isolation, the course helps you think like a modern producer or engineer who can move confidently between creative and technical decisions.
To understand where these skills can take you, and the career paths our graduates pursue, move to the Careers tab.
Audio Engineering Principles
These are the learning outcomes for this subject area.
You will be able to:
• Understand the fundamentals of studio equipment interconnection
• Understand the contrasting principles of analogue and digital sound recording, storage and reproduction
• Understand the fundamental principles of sound synthesis
• Understand the basic concepts of sound sampling
• Understand the elemental principles of acoustics
• Appraise the audio equipment interconnection strategies of small music production environments
• Evaluate the calibration requirements of small music production setups
• Utilise analogue devices commonly found in music production studios’ signal chains
• Utilise digital audio devices that are commonly used in music production
• Manipulate parameters that affect the quality of digital audio recordings
• Generate and utilise different types of digital audio files during recording, editing and mixing
• Discuss the basic principles of digital audio data compression
• Utilise virtual (DAW-based) additive, subtractive, FM, wavetable, vector and granular synthesisers for music production
• Synthesise instruments using subtractive synthesis techniques
• Synthesise instruments using physical modelling tools
• Operate virtual (DAW-based) samplers
• Define standing waves
• Calculate simple room modes
• Describe how the volume and the absorption coefficient of the materials covering the surfaces of a room affect the latter’s reverberation time
• Calculate the RT60 of different environments
• Select devices to improve the acoustic qualities of recording spaces
• Appraise the acoustic qualities of materials
• Appraise the acoustic qualities of recording studios and other music production environments
Nothing like this existed when I started out - having access to this kind of infrastructure, resources, and a structured global curriculum makes a huge difference. Students today are genuinely lucky to learn the right way, in the right environment.
Karan Kanchan, Music Producer
Access is everything. Great training builds great skills, and the networks you build often shape your career. Bringing a globally proven curriculum here comes at exactly the right time, especially when the industry needs more producers than ever.
Vasundhara Vee, Vocalist
Had an amazing time at Abbey Road Institute Mumbai. The fact that they do these sessions every week, with one-on-one interaction, gives students real, first-hand access to working artists and practical insights beyond theory. Incredible what they’re bringing to the city, especially with focus on the business side as well.
Gulraj Singh, Music Composer
I had a wonderful time conducting a workshop at Abbey Road Institute Mumbai. It was inspiring to work with such engaged students, and I truly believe the institute is doing a fantastic job of nurturing the next generation of music creators.
Shazneen Arethna, Vocalist
Great to see music and production schools in India reaching international standards. I highly recommend Abbey Road Institute Mumbai for anyone serious about recording engineering and music production. I'm having a great time here at the Abbey Road Institute, Mumbai, one of the best schools of its time.
Ehsaan Noorani, Guitarist
Number one is that it's Abbey Road Institute Mumbai. Its arguably one of the most prestigious programs, and I also feel like, the resources that are available for the students are, you know, top of the line. So I ask them to exploit every single resource available to them because this is not gonna happen again.