Entry Requirements
Applying for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production & Sound Engineering
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experience levels who have a passion for production and engineering and meet the entry requirements listed below. If you meet these requirements, we would love to hear from you and encourage you to apply for the Advanced Diploma. To be eligible for the program, you should be able to demonstrate the following:
- Music Portfolio: between 4 and 8 productions (preferably in mp3 or .wav format) in which you demonstrate different roles, such as performer, producer, engineer, writer etc. Please describe what role you played in each track.
- Any academic qualifications to give us an idea about your academic background
- Music qualifications – if you don’t have a formal music qualification, please state your level of music knowledge and experience in your motivation letter
- Motivation letter
- Your curriculum vitae / resumé
- Demonstrated competence in English (for non-English speaking countries)
- Copy of photographic passport
- € 200 application fee
A note about Visa for non-EU residents
Currently, we are not able to assist non-EU residents with their VISA application to study in the Netherlands. Since Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam is a private Institute, students are not eligible for a VISA or a student loan. Should you have a personal means of obtaining a VISA, for example, a family connection or registration at a university, then you would be suitable to study with us. Find out more in our FAQs.
If you’d like to apply but are unsure if you meet the requirements, please get in touch, and we’ll be happy to talk with you about your specific experience.
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.