ADM101 – Production / Music Theory

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The CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music – Modules and Units of Competency

Are you looking for sound engineering courses in Australia? The CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music is an intensive 12 month program delivered in one of Australia’s top tier recording studios. Upon completing these CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music modules, you’ll be fully equipped with the musical and technological skills to thrive in a variety of audio production roles and environments.

Our practical learning approach includes hands-on activities under the guidance of industry professionals, giving you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. You’ll also have access to specialised workstations and support from our experienced staff both in and out of class.

Units of Competency
During this course, you will need to successfully complete the 15 units of competency as part of the CUA60520 – Advanced Diploma of Music.

Trimester 1
- CUAMLT512 – Assess significance of music and apply knowledge to professional practice
- CUAPPR515 – Establish and maintain safe creative practice
Trimester 2
- CUAMCP511 – Compose music using music technology
- CUASOU513 – Develop sound designs
- CUASOU505 – Implement sound designs
- CUASOU611 – Manage production of sound designs
Trimester 3
- CUAPPR613 – Engage in the business of creative practice
- CUAPPM614 – Plan and manage post-production activities
- CUASOU517 – Compile music for soundtracks
- BSBPMG430 – Undertake project work
- CUASOU612 – Manage production of sound recordings
- CUASOU504 – Produce sound recordings
- CUASOU506 – Create a final sound balance
- CUACMP511 – Manage copyright arrangements
- BSBMKG623 – Develop Marketing Plans
Trimester One
The first trimester focuses on developing the audio engineering fundamentals and will introduce the tools, platforms and theory you will encounter in your production career.

The following opening subjects ensure a strong foundation of knowledge for the basis of future studies.

ADM101 – Production / Music Theory
- History of Production
- Significance and function of music in society
- Production Techniques: EQ / Dynamics / Effects
ADM102 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (PRINCIPLES)
- Work Health & Safety
- Sound Theory
- Decibels
- Metering
- Basic Electronics
- Ear Training
ADM103 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (TOOLS)
- The Music Production Studio
- Preproduction Planning
- Signal Flow
- EQ
- Dynamic Range Processing
- Effects Processing
- Mics
- Mixing Consoles
ADM104 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (DAW)
- Computer Basics
- Analogue & Digital Audio
- Pro Tools – basic
- Logic Pro – basic
- Interconnectivity & Calibration
- ADM101 – 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 related to production / music theory.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - History of Production
  - Significance and function of music in society
  - Production Techniques: EQ / Dynamics / Effects
- ADM102 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Principles)
  The “Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Principles)” 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:
  - Work Health & Safety
  - Sound Theory
  - Decibels
  - Metering
  - Basic Electronics
  - Ear Training
- ADM103 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Tools)
  This module introduces the Music Production Studio. 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 (Digital Audio Workstation) plugins, and explore production techniques in both Pro Tools and Logic Pro audio editing programs.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - The Music Production Studio
  - Preproduction Planning
  - Signal Flow
  - EQ
  - Dynamic Range Processing
  - Effects Processing
  - Mics
  - Mixing Consoles
- ADM104 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (DAW)
  This module introduces DAW (Digital Audio Workstations) 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:
  - Computer Basics
  - Analogue & Digital Audio
  - Pro Tools – basic
  - Logic Pro – basic
  - Interconnectivity & Calibration
Trimester Two
Intermediate Audio Engineering: the second trimester will allow you to expand on your theoretical knowledge gained during the first trimester. You will creatively apply your skills, whilst completing a variety of assessment tasks.

Therefore the following subjects ensure a sustained increase in knowledge for the basis of upcoming trimester three studies, the most advanced subjects.

ADM201 – PRODUCTION / MUSIC COMPOSITION THEORY
- Music Composition Theory
- Arranging / Orchestration
- Practical Recording Workshops
- Practical Mixing Workshops
ADM202 – AUDIO ENGINEERING & ACOUSTICS (PRINCIPLES)
- MIDI
- Synthesis
- Sampling
- Acoustics
- Mastering
ADM203 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (TOOLS)
- Running a studio session
- Studio Consoles
- Microphones
- Stereo Microphones Techniques
- Loudspeakers
- Amplifiers
- Outboard Processing
- Signal Flow
- Recording session practicals
ADM204 – AUDIO ENGINEERING / ACOUSTICS (DAW)
- Pro Tools – advanced
- Ableton Live – basic
- Alignment / Pitch Correction Tools
- Restoration Tools
- ADM201 – Production / Music Composition Theory
  DMP201 – Production / Music Composition 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 Composition Theory
  - Arranging / Orchestration
  - Practical Recording Workshops
  - Practical Mixing Workshops
- ADM202 – Audio Engineering & Acoustics (Principles)
  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. This module ends with a mastering introduction.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - MIDI
  - Synthesis
  - Sampling
  - Acoustics
  - Mastering
- ADM203 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (Tools)
  Mixing Console Operation – this module will develop your understanding of how a mixing console functions. In addition we’ll cover microphone applications and stereo techniques, loudspeaker and amplifier setup and operation.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Running a studio session
  - Studio Consoles
  - Microphones
  - Stereo Microphones Techniques
  - Loudspeakers
  - Amplifiers
  - Outboard Processing
  - Signal Flow
  - Recording session practicals
- ADM204 – Audio Engineering / Acoustics (DAW)
  This module will expand on your knowledge of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) editing platforms. You will explore advanced functionality in ProTools 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 mix-down. In addition, you will develop, implement and manage the production of sound designs.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Pro Tools – advanced
  - Ableton Live – basic
  - Alignment / Pitch Correction Tools
  - Restoration Tools
Trimester Three
In the third trimester, we’ll focus on enhancing your “soft skills” such as team leadership, artist management, and group collaboration through larger, more complex studio productions.

You’ll also delve into the business, management, and legal side of the sound production industry. This is the final and most advanced level of your studies, building on the knowledge and experience you gained during the first two trimesters.

ADM301 – REMIXING & LIVE
- Remixing history and techniques
- introduction to Max for Live programming
- Live sound engineering
- Music directing
- Performance
ADM302 – SOUND & MUSIC FOR SCREEN
- Film Sound
- Film Production Sound
- Post Production
- Film Music
- Film Sound Aesthetics
ADM303 – ADVANCED RECORDING & MIXING
- Planning & managing a project
- Coordinate & conduction a sound recording session
- Creating & evaluating a final mix
ADM304 – MANAGEMENT AND MUSIC BUSINESS
- IP & Copyright, royalties and revenue streams
- Record labels, publishing and sync licensing
- Business Fundamentals
- Marketing Strategy & Plan
- Presentation Skills
- ADM301 – Remixing & Live
  Remixing & Live introduces the advanced production and planning techniques by exploring remixing, visual programming and the elements of a live sound production. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of project planning, session management and group work dynamics and engage in personal and professional development.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Remixing history and techniques
  - introduction to Max for Live programming
  - Live sound engineering
  - Music directing
  - Performance
- ADM302 – Sound & Music for Screen
  Sound & Music for Screen 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 plan and manage a film sound project and compile music for soundtracks.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Film Sound
  - Film Production Sound
  - Post Production
  - Film Music
  - Film Sound Aesthetics
- ADM303 – Advanced Recording & Mixing
  In this module, you will manage the planning and preparations for an advanced sound recording and mixing project. You will have the opportunity to run your own session from Studios 301.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - Planning & managing a project
  - Coordinate & conduction a sound recording session
  - Creating & evaluating a final mix
- ADM304 – Management and Music Business
  The Management and Music Business module introduces the business related aspects of the music industry, emphasising the management of copyright arrangements, business and marketing fundamentals and strategy. This module explores the unique network and connections of contemporary music industry organisations.
  
  Module Syllabus:
  - IP & Copyright, royalties and revenue streams
  - Record labels, publishing and sync licensing
  - Business Fundamentals
  - Marketing Strategy & Plan
  - Presentation Skills

ADM101 – 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 related to production / music theory.

Module Syllabus:

History of Production
Significance and function of music in society
Production Techniques: EQ / Dynamics / Effects

Do you have any questions about the course content?

Get in touch now

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 Adelle, 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

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.

ADM101 – Production / Music Theory

The CUA60520 Advanced Diploma of Music – Modules and Units of Competency

ADM101 – Production / Music Theory

Module Syllabus:

Do you have any questions about the course content?

Joel Robinson, Graduate

Charlotte Adelle, Graduate

Phoenix Manson, Graduate

Alex Braithwaite, Graduate

Emily Toner, Graduate