New Zealand Diploma in Audio E - Southern Instit

The New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production is a two-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the audio industry. The program features a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience using industry-standard equipment and covers various aspects of audio production, including recording, mixing, mastering, live sound engineering, and post-production for film and television. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in the audio industry, including recording engineer, mixing engineer, mastering engineer, live sound engineer, and audio post-production engineer.

Program Outline

The Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production is a 120-credit, two-year program equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the audio industry. The program features a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience using industry-standard equipment.

Objectives:

Develop a thorough understanding of audio theory and practical skills in audio production.
Acquire proficiency in industry-standard software applications for music production and audio editing.
Develop critical listening skills and the ability to create high-quality audio products.
Prepare for a variety of career opportunities within the audio industry.

Outline:

Year 1:

Fundamentals of Audio Production: Introduces basic audio concepts, equipment operation, and recording techniques.
Digital Audio Workstations: Focuses on using DAW software for music production, including MIDI programming, mixing, and mastering.
Studio Recording Techniques: Gain practical experience recording instruments and vocals in a professional studio setting.
Live Sound Production: Covers principles and techniques for audio engineering in live performance situations.

Year 2:

Advanced Audio Production: Develops advanced mixing and mastering techniques for producing professional-level audio.
Audio for Games and Interactive Media: Explores audio design and implementation techniques for games and interactive media.
Project Management for Audio Professionals: Provides skills in project planning, budgeting, and client communication for successful audio projects.
Professional Practice and Employability: Prepares graduates for the working world through portfolio development, career exploration, and interview skills training.

Course Schedule:

The Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production is delivered over four semesters per year. Each semester typically involves three modules, with each module spanning a period of eight weeks. The course schedule for each year is subject to change and may vary slightly depending on the campus offering.

Individual Modules:

The specific modules offered within the Diploma program may differ depending on the chosen campus. Both campuses offer a similar core curriculum with potential variations in elective options. Some examples of modules offered include:

Fundamentals of Music Production
Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) 1
Studio Recording Techniques 1
Fundamentals of Live Sound
Music Technology and Synthesis
MIDI for Music Production
Advanced Recording Techniques
Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) 2
Fundamentals of Mixing
Advanced Mixing and Mastering
Fundamentals of Audio Post-Production
Sound Design for Film and TV
Audio for Games and Interactive Media
Project Management for Audio Professionals
Professional Practice and Employability

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the specific modules but typically involve a combination of:

Assignments: Theoretical essays, research projects, and creative tasks related to audio production.
Practical Work: Completion of individual or group projects using audio production tools and techniques.
Presentations: Demonstrating acquired skills and knowledge through oral presentations and project demonstrations.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program employs a blend of teaching strategies, including:

Lectures: Interactive sessions introducing core concepts and theoretical foundations of audio production.
Tutorials: Smaller group sessions offering personalized support and clarifying complex topics.
Workshops: Hands-on sessions practicing specific audio production skills using industry-standard equipment and software.
Guest Lectures: Industry professionals sharing real-world experiences and insights on the audio industry.
Self-Directed Learning: Independent study and research to deepen understanding of specialized topics and develop self-management skills.

Faculty:

The program is delivered by experienced industry professionals with extensive knowledge in audio engineering and production. The faculty includes established sound engineers, musicians, producers, and academics, each bringing unique expertise to the classroom.

Unique Approach:

The program fosters a practical learning environment with access to professional-grade audio studios, recording equipment, and industry-standard software. Students receive guidance from experienced faculty to develop strong practical skills and critical thinking necessary for success in the audio industry. The program emphasizes industry connections with opportunities for practical projects, internships, and networking within the audio community.

Careers:

Upon completion of the Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production, graduates can pursue diverse career paths in the audio industry. Some potential career options include:

Recording Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Live Sound Engineer
Audio Post-Production Engineer
Sound Designer
Music Producer
Freelance Audio Professional
Studio Technician

Other:

Students completing the Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production at MAINZ Christchurch can receive an additional New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 5).
The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities at each campus, featuring professional recording studios, editing suites, and digital audio workstations.