Module 1- Sound Engineering

Lesson 1: And then there was sound: The history of sound recording

Lesson 2: The wonderful world of sound

Lesson 3: What do all the numbers mean?

This lesson will introduce you to reading meters, time and tempo in DAW’s. 

Lesson 4: Music Theory for Sound Engineers

In Lesson 3 we will introduce you to pitch, timbre, musical notes, how to build chords, midi, velocity as well as learn how to use music theory to compose a basic 4 bar chord loop, bass line and melody.  

Lesson 5: Real vs Digital Acoustics

In lesson 5 you will how to use reverb and delay as an effect, as well as sound propagation and the addition of special elements in a recording.  

Lesson 6: The secret to beautiful recordings

Introduction into the mechanics of microphone design and function, noise levels, polarity and how to record a voice.  

Lesson 7: Clean it up

Learn how to identify and reduce noise and masking frequency bands. Also gain an understanding of the tools that are available and how to apply them.  

Lesson 8: Feel the pressure

Introduction into dynamic control through applying basic compression techniques.  

Module 2- Sound Engineering

Lesson 1: Get it right every time

Intermediate composing, arrangement and mixing. Apply all skills from lessons 1-8.  

Lesson 2: Make some noise

Learn how the different acoustic and electric instruments produce sound and how to approach them in a recording session.  

Lesson 3: Music Theory for sound engineers and producers (Part B)

Learn how to use major and minor 7th chords and accompanying baselines.  

Lesson 4: Can you hear it?

Listening training to identify different frequency bands. A crucial skill for any sound or music enthusiast! 

Lesson 5: Beat it!

Apply intermediate musical principles to compose an eight bar sequence of music.  

Lesson 6: How low can you go?

Learn the influence of bass on a mix, how to control the dynamics of kick and bass and how to balance the low-end in a mix. 

Lesson 7: Polish your track

Learn the use and application of time based processing.  

Lesson 8: Housekeeping

Learn and revise best industry practices regarding workflow, arrangement and mixing.  

Module 3- Sound Engineering

Lesson 1: Advanced Acoustics

Learn the fundamentals of sound proofing, improving room acoustics and designing a professional studio.  

Lesson 2: Microphone Pairs and Placements

To gain an understanding of microphone pairs and its applications.  

Lesson 3: Pitch and Time Correction

Manipulate transients, pitch and timbre to improve time and pitch properties of recordings.  

Lesson 4: Mic and record

Learn best practices for microphone placement to record loud sounds like drums, saxophone and other impacts.  

Lesson 5: Music Theory for sound engineers and producers (Part C)

Learn the importance of voice leading, counter melody lines and when to use it.  

Lesson 6: Audio burgers: Stacking layers

Understand matching different timbres and instruments to achieve aesthetic compositional goals.  

Lesson 7: The movies aren’t real! (Part A)

An introduction into recording dialogue and dialogue replacement for film.  

Lesson 8: The movies aren’t real! (Part B) Make your own

How, when and where to add sound effects to video and how to make your own.  

Module 4- Sound Engineering

Lesson 1: Sound is everywhere

An introduction into surround panning and mixing.  

Lesson 2: Advanced Music Theory and composition

Learn advanced musical nuances and techniques to emphasise emotive music.  

Lesson 3: Understanding loudness

Differentiate between true peak, rms, integrated and momentary loudness.  

Lesson 4: Introduction into mastering

Understand the differences in approach when mixing compared to mastering.  

Lesson 5: Balancing the mix: EQ

Learn how to apply equalisation in mastering.  

Lesson 6: Learn to listen: Compression

Learn how to apply compression in mastering and achieve a target integrated loudness.  

Lesson 7: Put a cap on it: Limiting

Learn how to apply limiting to achieve a target integrated loudness and deliver your promo video in its final format.  

Lesson 8: Mastering insights

A deep look at noise profiles created by different software limiters, formats and compression techniques used by audio engineers and streaming services.