About the course
What you’ll learn
The Advanced Diploma focuses on 3 key subject areas, which are then made up of individual specialist modules.The three subject areas are engineering, music production and business.
The course is taught across an intensive one year period, which is divided into three terms. Throughout the three terms you will go deeper into each of these subject areas to so that you’re constantly building on your knowledge and skills.
Our Abbey Road heritage is important in giving context to today’s music industry. You’ll learn about the evolution of the studios and how innovation at Abbey Road helped drive the music industry forward. Alongside the history and theory we put a strong emphasis on learning technical skills, so you’ll spend time both in dedicated lectures and independently working with ProTools and Logic as well as Ableton Live.
We encourage all of our students to participate in the many practical opportunities that are available. These include a wide range of ensembles, recording sessions and performance/composition workshops. You’ll learn on industry standard equipment, including the latest Apple generation computers, Pro Tools and Logic professional studio software as well as a wide array of native plug-ins from Abbey Road partners and Universal Music.
Through our broad range of industry professionals, from sound engineers to music producers, and artists you’ll gain insights into the breadth of the recording industry and establish your personal career path.
Progressive Continuous Learning
You’ll learn through our unique teaching method, Progressive Continuous Learning, which breaks down the modules into shorter sessions which are linked together and delivered in a progressive logical manner, combining theory and practice. This is different from more traditional styles of teaching, where programmes are delivered in self-contained isolated modules. We’ve found this method really embeds the practical skills you will learn alongside the context and theory in a way that brings everything together and supports your learning.
You’ll be taught in an apprenticeship style, with practical hands-on lessons in all the modules, so you can develop a broad range of new skills, confidence and experience that you can take into the work place.
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It’s been a life-changing experience really. I came with the willingness and hunger to learn and I left with the awareness of being not only a better producer and engineer, but a better person/human being. Once you’ve learnt all the techy stuff, you realise how much more essential it is to learn the emotional and psychological part of the game and how to deal with artists. And that only comes with passion, hunger and dedication.
Marco Spaggiari, Amsterdam Graduate 2018
It’s insane how inspiring it is to put fifteen musicians of all genres and backgrounds in one class and work on your skills together. I mean, Abbey Road brought me a lot of knowledge, a great network and practical skills – that’s what I signed up for. But it also gave me a bloody great time, tons of fun and sort of a second family.
Rudy Mackay, Amsterdam Graduate 2017
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for this course, not only for the invaluable education but also for the good people at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, and everyone I’ve met along the year.
Kiko Medeiros, Amsterdam Graduate 2018
By day, you’re soaking in the knowledge of industry experts. By night, you practice what you’ve learnt in a playground of high-end studio equipment. What more could you possibly want?
Janice Wong, Amsterdam Graduate 2017
Abbey Road Institute is not a school, it is a high end production studio with a control room full of learners.
Théo Dorey, Amsterdam Graduate 2016
“Every day spent here felt like I was better than the day before. It is beautiful to think in colours, mix with flavours and develop a unique way to listen and understand music. Abbey Road is all about perspective and attitude, things which are taught so well between the magical walls of the institute“
Stefan Roscovan, Amsterdam Graduate 2017
From the moment I entered Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam it took me a total of 5 minutes to realise that I came to the right place. It has been one of the best experiences, meeting new friends for life from all over the world. You learn so, so much in just 1 year in an incredible environment, which has to be felt to understand.