Audio Engineering & Acoustics (Principles)
The Advanced Diploma is an intensive one year programme which is taught across 48 weeks. The course is then divided into three terms, with each term building on the knowledge and skills you learnt in the previous term.
Using our progressive continuous learning method each module will cover historical and theoretical content alongside practical and technical skills so you develop a rounded knowledge and skill set within each area.
The breadth of the course means that alongside learning what equipment, techniques and microphones to use you also learn why you use them. This will help you develop your own expertise and understanding of how to create different sounds and effects.
Subject Areas
Within the diploma we cover all of the following subject areas: Acoustics, Computer, Copyright and Legal issues, Digital Audio Technology, Electronics and Analogue Equipment, General Business (Publishing & Marketing), Management Skills, Mastering, Microphones, Mixing and Critical Listening, Music Theory and Production, Production, Recording, Sound Theory, Studio Equipment and Signal Processing, Studio Etiquette and Musicianship.
Below you can browse through the three terms and see the breakdown of modules for each term.
Audio Engineering & Acoustics (Principles)
• Describe sound as a physical and as a psychoacoustic phenomenon;
• Categorise acoustic-related concepts, including reflection, absorption, diffusion and refraction;
• Recall fundamental wave theory-related concepts;
• Recognise the relevance of Equal Loudness Contours in music production;
• Appraise the relevance of human hearing localisation mechanisms;
• Identify the anatomical components of the human hearing system;
• Recognise the dangers of excessive exposure to loud sound;
• Describe the rationale for the use of decibels in sound engineering;
• Express sound-related changes using a decibel scale (referenced or not);
• Recall the different standards for audio operating levels;
• Recall the different standards for audio signal metering;
• Interpret simple audio meter readings;
• Recognise basic electronic quantities and units of measurement;
• Identify the basic components found in passive electronic circuits;
• Discuss the principles of impedance and reactance;
• Recognise simple CR, LR and CLR equalisation circuits;
• Summarise the role of earthing and grounding in electronic circuits.
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.