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 focuses on developing the fundamentals and will introduce the tools, platforms, and theory that are applied daily in a music and sound production workflow.
- 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)
  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)
  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)
  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

Trimester two will allow you to expand on your theoretical knowledge, and creatively apply your skills, whilst completing a variety of assessment tasks such as music and synthesis composition and film soundtracks.
- 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
  This module 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)
  This module 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
  - Film Production Sound
  - Post Production
  - Film Music
  - Film Sound Aesthetics
  - Live Sound
- DMP303 – Legal
  This module 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
  This 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

This module 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

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.

Paul Ledingham, CEO

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.

Paul Edwards, Academic Manager

There is surely no better place to be when you are studying music production and sound engineering!

Tori Sunnucks, Graduate

On the first day of the course it was clear that I had found my tribe; we’re like a family, and it’s uncanny how everyone gets on creatively.

DMP301 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY

Modules

DMP301 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC THEORY

Module Syllabus:

Paul Ledingham, CEO

Emily Toner, Graduate

Paul Edwards, Academic Manager

Tori Sunnucks, Graduate

Deborah Melliard, Graduate