Music Production & Sound Engineering - 6 month evening course

This part-time course is designed to help you understand the basics of music production and sound engineering techniques, all concisely rounded into a course that lasts six months in the evening. A real-world introduction to the world of production, it’s an ideal choice for those interested in working as a music producer or sound engineer in any studio environment.

Suitable for complete beginners, as well as those already working in the industry and looking to round out their existing knowledge, this course aims to turn you into a comprehensive audio professional by the end of your time at ICMP. Whether you’ve had experience with older analogue equipment in a recording studio, have only ever used digital audio workflows in your bedroom, are a musician keen to take control of your own productions, or are new to the world of sound engineering, you’ll definitely find your niche on this flexible course.

These days, modern music production practitioners need a broad understanding across many different roles – from producer, arranger and engineer, to programmer and mix engineer – and this course spans them all. With a focus on developing your ‘studio craft’ and confidently knowing your way around a professional recording studio, you’ll get hands-on with technical elements such as studio signal routing, microphone placement and technique, the fundamentals of EQ and dynamics. You’ll also gain substantial experience in managing a mixing console.

The course also incorporates the official Avid Pro Tools 101  programme, with ICMP being the only educational facility in South East England to offer Avid-certified Pro Tools Training to ‘Expert’ level.

Module details

Fundamentals of Sound Theory and Audio Recording
Receive a good overview of how a studio works while exploring the principles of sound theory, Digital Audio Workstations and analogue music. You’ll get a solid understanding of what sound is, how it works, the way a studio is organised, and how music is recorded. You’ll also investigate the technology used in sound recordings from a historical perspective, exploring the journey from the wax cylinder and disc to the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and beyond.

Studio Recording Basics
Move from the theory and history of sound recording in the previous module to get hands-on in the studio with cables, connections, set-ups and recording methods. Learn how studios are designed, what an XLR is, and a whole suite of practical sound recording techniques.

Mixing Console Operation, Signal Routing and Studio Monitoring
Explore how sound is sent around the mixing console and how it integrates with the digital audio workstation using our ultra-modern hybrid S6 desk set up. Learn the fundamentals of sound mixing consoles design, signal pathways, gain staging, signal monitoring, routing and more.

Microphone Techniques & Placement
Understand microphones from the ground up with this introduction to microphone design and theory. You’ll explore the science, physics and electronics behind how microphones work, such as coil and magnet arrangements, electron flows and electric currents. You’ll also cover the different types and models of a microphone from Dynamic mics to Condenser and Ribbon mics, and will learn about condensers, mic characteristics, dynamics, and essential mic placement techniques, plus how to mic up a drum kit for stereo recording.

The Fundamentals of Mixing – Balance, Space and Tone
Discover the principles of mixing and EQ, plus concepts including critical listening, dynamic control, audio effects, and balance, space and tone. You’ll explore first-hand how audio is processed and edited in a mix, which makes a good mix, and the tools used to create a cohesive and balanced mix.

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