Training in audio and music production (online)
NNC.0S Recording and sound design - 16 Months online
Program taught live by videophone, in French or English, exclusively by active industry professionals with a strong emphasis on hands-on training.
The program is divided into 4 sessions, spread over 16 months
The advantages of our AEC live online course
We've adapted and refined the knowledge we've been teaching for over 37 years with our training to make it more accessible and available to you from the comfort of your own home. Interaction is the key word in these live courses, where you will have access to the same resources as our face-to-face students:
Our teaching team
All from the audio industry, these passionate and connected professionals are here to support you in your professional and personal projects.
An official diploma (AEC)
Although the training is 100% online, we deliver a real diploma recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education.
Licenses for Pro Tools, Ableton and Cubase + a MacBook Air M2
We provide you with the software licenses (Pro Tools, Ableton, Cubase) needed for our course. Have a turnkey MacBook Air delivered to your home so you can take the course. (choose between the equipped offer or a discount on the training price).
INDUSTRY-STANDARD PARTNERS
SESSION 1:
You will learn to understand how the industry works and what you need to learn in order to make a living while doing what you love. You will need solid knowledge of the operation of each industry sector such as:
- Industry, organizations and types of jobs
- Copyright
- The different areas related to audio
- The various types of teams
- The role of each job
- The different types of productions
- Professional ethics
Acquiring the knowledge needed to set up, optimize and operate your digital audio workstation.
You will learn how an audio studio works to record sound as well as how to choose the right microphone, use the consoles, speakers, recording systems and more:
- Acoustics, microphones, speakers, consoles, recording systems, preamplifiers, equalizers, dynamic modifiers
- Analysis of technological and logistical needs inherent to a project
- How to connect the recording equipment
- The different types of studio recordings
You will also apply the different concepts & techniques of sound recording according to the different contexts: multitrack recording, film sound recording, mobile and remote sound recording.
– Effects, consoles, recording systems, preamplifiers, equalizers, dynamic modifiers
- Analysis of technological and logistical needs inherent to a project
- Connecting the recording equipment
- The multitrack recording
Learn the basics for computer-assisted music composition. From the creation of your own sounds using synthesis and sampling to the creation of musical sequences, you will use professional software such as: Ableton Live, Wavelab, Omnisphere, Kontakt, Serum…
- Sound and its fundamental components
- Sound synthesis
- Sampling
- The Sequencer
Session 2:
By building on the notions learned in the Session 1 course “Introduction to Computer-assisted Music composition”, learn the basics of music theory and musical performance techniques to create original music in a specific genre and format.
- The use of sequencer software for music creation
- The creation of a rhythmic sequence and understand the notion of “groove”
- The understanding of musical theory: scales & chord progressions
Music projects need to be prepared before mixing. Learn how to correct the rhythm of a drum performance or a vocal that is off-pitch, create an artificial harmony or even eliminate background noise and other unwanted sounds that might be potentially captured in the sound recording.
- How to repair a bad sound recording
- Temporal and rhythmic repair
- Pitch correction
- The creation of harmonies
- The selection and assembly of the best takes (comping)
- Musical preparation before mixing
Learn to properly mix an entire song. A good mix can bring your song to another level and ensure an understanding and representation of the energy and emotion of the original performance. Whether you are submitting your work to a label or just to making music for yourself, a good mix is essential if you want to ensure that it is listened to as much as possible.
- Studio equipment for mixing
- Balancing sound levels
- Equalization
- Management of the dynamic range
- The focus and impact on the audience
- Positioning and movement of the sound elements
- Ways to recreate the acoustic reality
- Mixing adapted to the various musical styles
Learn how to create a soundscape for a television or cinematographic production from the musical composition to the audio treatment of the dialogue while applying and meeting the various industry standards.
- The tracking session
- Editing and sound design
- The synchronization of audio and visual images
- The stereo mix
Session 3:
Learn how to create the different sound elements of a video game and integrate them using Audiokinetic’s audio engine WWISE (used for audio integration in some AAA licences like Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, The Witcher 3…).
- The peculiarities of gaming platforms
- Sound design for video games
- Dynamic integration of sounds in the game using Wwise.
- Setting the 3D dynamic sound environment
- Optimizing sound quality for limited disk space
- Testing and assurance of sound integration efficiency
Building on the concepts learned in Music Creation 101, learn the techniques of music making to create an original production in a specific genre and format.
Learn how to create a melodic and rhythmic structure and arrange it to create an original production.
- Establish the aesthetic codes related to a musical style,
- Create a melodic and rhythmic structure,
- Establish the arrangement of a song,
- Archiving the work session.
Take your music mixing to the next level using advanced techniques. Learn how to use the various sound mixing equipment and techniques for different contexts such as radio or live concerts.
- The use of musical references as a guide
- Sound mixing of a musical recording project
- Tools used in broadcast
- The tools used during concerts
- Sound equipment for indoor live events
- Level indicators
Discover the concepts necessary to perform good career management. Students have access to recording studios and computer stations to develop a project that will demonstrate their expertise. This career project can also take the form of an internship.
- Analysis of the job market,
- Entrepreneurship,
- Accounting operations,
- The positioning of your business or services on the web,
- The organization and promotion of your services on the web,
- Management of a project demonstrating the quality of your services,
- Project management tools.
Session 4:
You will be responsible for making a soundtrack and soundscape for an audiovisual project:
- Determine the needs of an audiovisual project
- Planning your workflow
- Creation and management of a budget
- The creation of a list of sounds essential to the project
- Search for sounds in various sound backs
- Recording and edit sounds
- A Foley recording session
- Sound mixing for television broadcasting
- A 3D surround sound mix
Apply all the steps of music production to create a radio hit.
- The job of a producer
- Creation and management of a recording budget
- The pre-production stage of a musical work
- Recording the music
- Editing the recorded material
- Mix the music
In this course you will develop your capacity to listen critically. You will learn the concepts necessary to improve and maintain your listening ability for the long run. You will also learn how to approach music mastering and optimize a mix according to the industry standards of traditional broadcast and digital distribution.
- Critical listening using a technical analysis grid
- The role of psychoacoustics
- Frequency bands and their sonic peculiarities
- The different types of circuits in a compressor
- The different steps of audio mastering
- Sound optimization according to broadcast and distribution standards
This course will prepare you for the reality of the job market and the management of your career. You will create a portfolio, a resume and a website to help you get started. In this course you will have to choose to make an end of the year project or an internship.
- An analysis of the job market
- Entrepreneurship
- Basic accounting operations (invoicing, taxes, tax deductions)
- The positioning of the company or services on the web
- The organization of a project demonstrating the quality of its services
- Project management tools
How To Apply
Local Students
As an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education, the level of eligibility is that of Secondary 5 or Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS).
If Secondary 5 was obtained by equivalence (TENS, adult education courses), the student can register directly.
If Secondary 5 has been obtained at the secondary level, the student must wait 2 sessions before being able to register.
This measure applies only to Quebec students. Students from other provinces can register directly after obtaining secondary 5 (or equivalence).
Note: If you do not meet these criteria, please contact us to present your background in order for us to evaluate your eligibility.
Contact our admissions team for answers to your questions or any additional information.
Prior to registration you can submit an admission request via our online form to check your eligibility.
To register, you will need to complete our application form and attach the following documents:
- Copy of your passport identification pages,
- Copy of your birth certificate,
- Copy of your most recent degree,
- Copy of the most recent transcript,
You will only be asked to pay admission fees if your documents are in order and accepted.
Eligibility fee = 50 $CAD; admission or registration fee = 200 $CAD.
You are eligible for the Quebec Loans & Bursaries Program if :
- you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, refugee or protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act,
- you live in Quebec,
- you have been admitted to an educational institution recognized by the Ministry of Education of Quebec, Recreation and Sports or the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Sciences and Technology for the award of financial assistance and you are enrolled full-time in recognized studies where you are considered to be taking full-time studies there,
- you do not have sufficient financial resources to pursue studies.
For more information about financial aid, you can contact our loans and grants advisor: Alanna Quiros
(+1) 514 521-2060 Extension 206
How To Apply
International Students
Pre-requisites
Secondary 5 diploma or equivalent:
- France | Belgium: Level 1 or BAC
- United States:High school
- United Kingdom: G.C.E. Advanced Levels
- India: Higher Secondry School Certificate / All India Senior School Certificate (SSC) / Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Mexico: Bachillerato General
- Brazil: Certificado de Ensino Médio
- Colombia: Bachillerato.
Have a fluent level in French or English. To be admitted to a French or English program, you must have sufficient language skills to be comfortable and to make the most of it. Required english proficiency score: IELTS Band 6 minimum | Duolingo English Test (115 minimum)
Have an interest to learn and a passion for Audio and Music production techniques.
Professional experience is not required.
Our program is designed to train beginners as well as to allow people with some background to go further and enhance their audio-related career.
Contact our admission advisors for additional information.
You may apply for free to assess your eligibility..
To apply, please include a scanned copy of the following documents:
- Identification page of your passport
- Birth certificate
- Most recent degree
- Most recent transcript
Admission fees payment will be required only if you are eligible.
Eligibility fee = 50 $CAD; admission or registration fee = 200 $CAD.
Once you have received your acceptance letter, you will be able to start your immigration process.
In order to come and study in Québec as an international student, you will need to obtain:
- The C.A.Q. (Québec Acceptance Certificate)
This document is required in order to enter the province of Quebec. You can obtain information on the application and processing times on the "Immigration Québec website.
- Study Permit
This document is required to study in Canada. More information on the application process and processing times can be found on the Immigration Canada site..
English 
French