DMP301 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY

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Modules

Upon graduating this course you will be musically and technologically proficient and able to operate professionally in a diversity of audio production roles and environments.

Our course content is delivered in a unique, practical learning environment where you will complete hands-on activities under direct supervision of our industry professional staff.

As a student, you will have access to highly specialized workstations before, during and after class. Supervisors are available on site to provide learning support outside of classroom hours.

Period One

Trimester one Overview

The first trimester (Period One) focuses on developing the fundamentals, and will introduce the tools, platforms and theory you will encounter in your production career.

The following opening subjects of your diploma ensure a strong foundation of knowledge for the basis of future studies. We ensure each module is crafted to ensure relevance to todays industry, while still treasuring the history of Abbey Road. Studying our Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Period One) will ensure your future as one of the worlds respected members of the Abbey Road Institute community.

Period One

DMP101 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY 

DMP102 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (PRINCIPLES)

DMP103 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (TOOLS)

DMP104 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (DAW)
- DMP101 – Production / Music Theory 
  This module introduces the development of music production techniques as utilised on iconic recordings. You will develop critical listening skills and the ability to analyse and deconstruct all variety of musical recordings, identifying composition form, arrangement and instrumentation; in addition to learning project planning, pre-production activities and production techniques.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Introduction
  - History of Production / Abbey Road
  - Production Techniques-EQ / Dynamics
  - Production Techniques – Effects
  - Session Planning / Procedures
- DMP102 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Principles)
  The opening subjects of your diploma ensure a strong foundation of knowledge for the basis of future studies. We ensure each module is crafted to ensure relevance to todays industry, while still treasuring the history of Abbey Road. Studying our Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (DMP102 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics) will ensure your future as one of the worlds respected members of the Abbey Road Institute community.
  
  Audio Engineering / Acoustics
  
  This module introduces elements of sound theory, psychoacoustics and electronics. You will learn about metering in both analogue and digital environments, and develop critical listening skills by completing a series of ear training exercises throughout the term, in a supervised learning environment. You will complete a theoretical exam designed to test your understanding of the fundamental principles contained in this unit.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Sound Theory
  - Decibels
  - Metering
  - Basic Electronics
  - Digital Audio
  - Ear Training
- DMP103 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Tools)
  The opening subjects of your diploma ensure a strong foundation of knowledge for the basis of future studies. We ensure each module is crafted to ensure relevance to todays industry, while still treasuring the history of Abbey Road. Studying our Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (DMP103 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Tools)) will ensure your future as one of the worlds respected members of the Abbey Road Institute community.
  
  Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Tools)
  
  This module introduces the studio as a production environment. You will learn the theory behind equalisation, dynamic range and effects processors, and discuss the historical development and use of these devices at Abbey Road Studios. You will learn the proper use and application of each device using both hardware and software DAW plugins, and explore production techniques in both Pro Tools and Logic audio editing programs.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - The Music Production Studio
  - EQ
  - Dynamic Range Processing
  - Effects Processing
  - Cabling and Wiring
  - Mixing Consoles
- DMP104 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (DAW)
  The opening subjects of your diploma ensure a strong foundation of knowledge for the basis of future studies. We ensure each module is crafted to ensure relevance to todays industry, while still treasuring the history of Abbey Road. Studying our Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (DMP104 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (DAW)) will ensure your future as one of the worlds respected members of the Abbey Road Institute community.
  
  Audio Engineering / Acoustics (DAW)
  
  This module introduces DAW and the role it plays in the modern recording studio. You will use and explore Pro Tools and Logic audio editing programs through a series of practical activities and tutorials. You will examine the relationship between virtual instruments, traditional instruments and natural acoustic sound sources, and learn to construct musical compositions in the computer lab and studio based working environments.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Pro Tools – basic
  - Logic Pro – basic
Period Two

Trimester two overview

The second trimester (Period Two) will allow you to expand on your theoretical knowledge. You will creatively apply your skills, whilst completing a variety of assessment tasks. Assessments will feature music and synthesis composition and film soundtracks.

Therefore the following subjects of your diploma ensure a sustained increase in knowledge for the basis of upcoming trimester three studies, the most advanced subjects within the diploma. We ensure each module is crafted to ensure relevance to todays industry, while still treasuring the history of Abbey Road. Studying our Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Period Two) will ensure your future as one of the worlds respected members of the Abbey Road Institute community.

PERIOD TWO

DMP201 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY

DMP202 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS

DMP203 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (TOOLS)

DMP204 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (DAW)
- DMP201 – Production / Music Theory
  The opening subjects of your diploma ensure a strong foundation of knowledge for the basis of future studies. We ensure each module is crafted to ensure relevance to todays industry, while still treasuring the history of Abbey Road. Studying our Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (DMP201 – Production / Music Theory) will ensure your future as one of the worlds respected members of the Abbey Road Institute community.
  
  DMP201 – Production / Music Theory
  
  This module introduces basic music theory, harmony and instrumental arrangements. You will learn to practically apply theoretical concepts to create compositions utilising a range of acoustic, pre-recorded and virtual instrumentation. You will also explore basic notation and transcription techniques.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Music Theory
  - Arranging / Orchestration
  - Practical Recording Workshops
  - Practical Mixing Workshops
- DMP202 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics
  This module introduces analogue and digital audio theory. You will explore sound synthesis and sampling and apply compositional techniques to virtual instrumentation to create a variety of musical compositions. You will also discuss studio and control room acoustic principles.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Analogue Audio
  - Digital Audio
  - Interconnectivity / Calibration
  - Synthesis
  - Sampling
  - Acoustics
  - Mastering
- DMP203 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Tools)
  This module will develop your understanding of console operation and functionality, microphone applications and stereo techniques, and loudspeaker and amplifier setup and operation.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Studio Consoles
  - Microphones
  - Stereo Microphones Techniques
  - Loudspeakers
  - Amplifiers
  - Outboard Processing Workshop
- DMP204 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (DAW)
  This module will expand on your knowledge of DAW editing platforms. You will explore advanced functionality in ProTools and Logic with practical applications, and complete a variety of compositions within Ableton. You will discuss synchronisation techniques and transfer audio material from Ableton to ProTools for editing and mixdown.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Pro Tools – advanced
  - Logic Pro – advanced
  - Ableton Live
  - Alignment / Pitch Correction Tools
  - Restoration Tools
Period Three

Trimester Three Overview

In trimester three the focus will be on developing your ‘soft skills’ (team leadership, artist management, group work) by completing larger and more complex productions in the studio environment. You will also learn about the business, management and legal aspects of the sound production industry.
- DMP301 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY
  Music Theory introduces the advanced production and planning techniques required for conducting complex recording and mixing sessions. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of project planning, session management and group work dynamics.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Advanced Studio Consoles
  - Recording Workshops
  - Mixing Workshops
- DMP302 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (Principles)
  Acoustics introduces post-production and film sound. You will learn to design, capture and edit elements such as foley, dialogue, sound effects and music to add the audio component to visual material. You will explore the history of film sound and analyse the sound aesthetics of a film of your choosing. You will also explore live sound production techniques.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Film Sound History
  - Film Production Sound
  - Sound Design
  - Post Production
  - Foley, Sound Effects
  - Ambience
  - Dialogue Editing
  - Film Music
  - Film Sound Aesthetics
  - Live Sound
- DMP303 – Legal
  Legal introduces the legal aspects of the music industry. You will explore copyright and contractual law, and learn the art of negotiation, whilst completing a sample licensing agreement in consultation with industry stakeholders.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - The Australian Legal System
  - Copyright
  - International Copyright Regimes
  - Contract formation
  - Music Industry Deals
  - Licensing
- DMP304 – Management and Music Business
  The Management and Music Business module introduces the business related aspects of the music industry, emphasizing artist management and team work skills. You will complete a business plan for a new product in consultation with industry stakeholders.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Mechanical, Performance and Synchronisation Royalties
  - Business Fundamentals
  - Accounting
  - Business Plans
  - Management
  - Teamwork
  - Presentation Skills

DMP301 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY

Music Theory introduces the advanced production and planning techniques required for conducting complex recording and mixing sessions. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of project planning, session management and group work dynamics.

Module Syllabus:

Advanced Studio Consoles
Recording Workshops
Mixing Workshops

This course taught me how to set up a freelance structure. Knowing things about invoicing and tax and learning how much I should charge. Abbey Road taught me that I have to look after this myself.

Alex Mraz, Graduate

Before I was at Abbey Road, it was easy to write a song, and get a singer. But the songwriting process doesn’t work like that. It was important to understand vocal production, writing, and music. It should all happen simultaneously.

Joel Robinson, Graduate

Abbey Road really helped me with the foundation of audio. It’s an overwhelming subject at first, but [the course] really breaks it down and really makes it digestible.

Charlotte Rochecouste, Graduate

The time I spent at Abbey Road Institute helped me transform my skills. I came from a bedroom producer who made music as a hobby to an audio professional.

Phoenix Manson, Graduate

Abbey Road was the perfect stepping stone into my professional career as an artist and audio engineer.

Alex Braithwaite, Graduate

Education is more than a lecture. It is decades of experience from all corners of the globe brought together into a community of dedicated and passionate individuals joined together in journey to push the limits of creativity. This is what we aspire to every day at Abbey Road.

Gianni Michelini, COO

Studying the past year at Abbey Road has been phenomenal. The teaching staff are top notch and I now have a community of people to draw on who are as obsessed with music as me.

Emily Toner, Graduate

Abbey Road Institute gives students the head-start they need to succeed in today's industry. The facilities at Melbourne are second to none and it’s great to see students grow and be rewarded for their efforts.

DMP301 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY

Modules

DMP301 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY

Module Syllabus:

Alex Mraz, Graduate

Joel Robinson, Graduate

Charlotte Rochecouste, Graduate

Phoenix Manson, Graduate

Alex Braithwaite, Graduate

Gianni Michelini, COO

Emily Toner, Graduate

David Weaver, Academic Coordinator