Training in audio and music production:
NNC.0S Recording and sound design - 16 Months
Program in recording and sound design taught, in English or French, exclusively by active industry professionals with a strong emphasis on hands-on training.
The program is divided into 4 sessions, spread over 16 months.
Session 1:
You'll learn how the industry works and what you need to learn to earn a living doing what you love. You'll need a solid understanding of how each sector of the industry works, such as:
- Industry, organizations and job types
- Copyright
- The different fields of audio
- The different types of teams
- The role of each profession
- The different types of production
- Professional ethics
This course introduces students to the use of a modern digital audio workstation by learning the basics of Pro Tools and MIDI protocol. The aim is to understand and master the essential tools used in the industry for audio recording, editing and production.
- Understanding the Pro Tools working environment: navigation, session organization and basic tools.
- MIDI protocol fundamentals: messages, routing, controllers and integration into an audio session.
- Essential knowledge of how computer technologies work in audio.
- Structure and components of a digital audio workstation (DAW), from hardware to software.
- Troubleshooting common problems with computer audio systems.
You'll learn how an audio studio works to record sound, as well as how to choose the right microphone and know how to position them according to the instrument, use analog consoles, speakers and recording systems.
- Microphones, loudspeakers, consoles, recording systems, preamplifiers, equalizers, dynamic modifiers
- Analysis of technological and logistical requirements inherent in a project
- How to connect recording equipment
- The different types of studio recording
- Analysis of technological and logistical requirements inherent in a project
- Connecting recording equipment
- Multitrack recording
Learn the basics of computer-assisted music composition. From creating your own sounds using synthesis and sampling to creating musical sequences, you'll use professional software such as Ableton Live.
Sound and its fundamental components :
- Introduction to computer-assisted music (CAM) concepts.
- Create and program MIDI sequences.
- Organizing a music project in a DAW environment
- Explore the basic tools and functions of Ableton Live.
- Workflow for digital music creation.
Session 2:
You'll continue to hone your recording skills in a real-life situation where you'll have to record a cover band. You'll put your knowledge into practice, using compressors and EQs right from the recording stage.
- Acoustics, loudspeakers and headphones
- Recording project management
- Psychology of the artist
- Real-life conditions
Learn how to mix an entire song. A good mix can take your song to another level and ensure that the energy and emotion of the original performance is understood and represented.
Whether you're submitting your work to a label or making music for yourself, a good mix is essential if you want to make sure it gets as many listens as possible.
- Studio mixing equipment
- Balancing sound levels
- Equalization
- Dynamic range management
- Focus and impact on the public
- Positioning and movement of sound elements
- Ways to recreate acoustic reality
- Mixing for different musical styles
This course explores the intersection of music theory and sound design.
Designed to equip students with the skills they need to create their own sounds, and professional-level musical structures.
The courses concepts related to music production and design sound. Students will have access to the laboratory and to workstations equipped with with hardware and software specific to music creation, enabling them to create an original composition or adapt an existing one.
- Sound and its fundamental components: frequency, amplitude, spectrum and timbre.
- Sound synthesis methods: additive, subtractive, FM, granular and modular.
- Use envelopes, filters and modulators to shape sound.
- Sampling techniques and integration into synthetic creations.
- Program musical sequences in a sequencer, applying notions of rhythm, melody and harmony.
- Structuring digital music compositions by integrating dynamics and thematic variations.
- Development of workflows for the creation of original and complex sounds, in conjunction with music theory.
Learn how to create a soundscape for a TV or film production, starting with music composition and continuing with audio processing of dialogue, while respecting the various industry standards.
- The recording session
- Sound design and editing
- Synchronizing audio and visual images
- Stereo mixing
Session 3:
Learn how to create and integrate the various sound elements of a video game using the Audiokinetic WWISE audio engine (used for audio integration in AAA licenses such as Overwatch, Assassin's Creed, The Witcher 3, etc.).
- The particularities of video game platforms
- Sound design for video games
- Dynamic integration of sounds into the game using Wwise.
- 3D dynamic sound environment configuration
- Optimized sound quality for limited disk space
- Testing and ensuring the effectiveness of sound integration
Take your music mixing to the next level using advanced techniques. Learn to use a variety of sound mixing equipment and techniques for different contexts such as radio or live concerts.
- Using musical references as a guide
- Sound mixing for a music recording project
- Distribution tools
- Tools used during concerts
- Sound equipment for live indoor events
- Level indicators
Develop the essential skills needed to evolve in the entertainment, live audio recording and radio broadcasting industries. From technical preparation to field operations management, you'll learn to operate effectively in a variety of professional environments.
- Introduction to live sound, perched sound recording and radio.
- Preparation, organization and logistics of an event or live recording.
- Real-life sound recording techniques: microphones and specialized equipment.
- Boom handling and positioning on a film set.
- Introduction to radio standards and practices.
- Teamwork, professional communication and time management in the field.
- Workflows and best practices for smooth, safe production.
Musical projects need to be prepared before mixing. Learn how to correct the rhythm of a drum performance or a vocal that's off-key, how to create artificial harmony or even how to eliminate background noise and other unwanted sounds that might be captured during sound recording.
- How to repair a bad sound recording
- Temporal and rhythmic repair
- Height correction
- Creating harmonies
- Selection and assembly of the best catches (comping)
- Musical preparation before mixing
Session 4:
You will be responsible for all sound creation for the audiovisual project. This includes sound design, foley effects, dialogue recording and editing, and the creation of coherent soundscapes.
- Determining the needs of an audiovisual project
- Plan your workflow
- Creating and managing a budget
- Creating a list of sounds essential to the project
- Search for sounds in different sound banks
- Sound recording and editing
- A Foley recording session
- Sound mixing for television broadcast
- 5.1 surround sound mixing
Apply all the steps of music production to create a radio hit.
- The role of a music producer
- Create and manage a recording budget
- The pre-production phase of a musical work
- Recording music
- Editing recorded material
- Mixing music
This course introduces students to music composition applied to images. The emphasis is on creating music that reinforces emotions, gives rhythm to scenes and supports the visual narrative. Students will learn to analyze the needs of an audiovisual project, adapt their compositions to different formats (film, animation, advertising) and use digital tools effectively to synchronize music and image.
- Introduction to music in pictures: role, functions and emotional impact.
- Scene analysis and understanding of narrative needs.
Audio/video synchronization techniques and use of timecode.
Musical writing for different moods and visual genres. - Development of themes and motifs for characters, places and emotions.
- Integration of sound elements (effects, sound effects, ambience) into compositions.
- Music production workflow for audiovisual projects: from creation to final delivery.
In this course, you will develop your critical listening skills. You'll learn the concepts needed to improve and maintain your listening skills over the long term. You'll also learn how to approach the music matrix and optimize a mix according to industry standards for traditional broadcast and digital distribution.
- Critical listening using a technical analysis grid
- The role of psychoacoustics
- Frequency bands and their sound characteristics
- The different types of circuits in a compressor
- The different stages of audio mastering
- Sound optimization according to broadcast and distribution standards
This course will prepare you for the realities of the job market and career management. You'll create a portfolio, CV and website to help you get started. In this course, you'll be asked to choose between a final-year project or an internship.
- An analysis of the job market
- Entrepreneurship
- Basic accounting operations (invoicing, taxes, tax deductions)
- Positioning your company or services on the web
- The organization of a project demonstrating the quality of its services
- Project management tools
A PASSIONATE TEAM
Through recording and sound design, students master the professional tools used in the studio.
The Collège Unica team is made up of audio and music enthusiasts who will do everything in their power to provide you with quality training. You'll be supported throughout the program by a team committed to your success!
How to apply
Local students
As an institution recognized by the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur (Ministry of Higher Education), the level of eligibility is that of the Cinquième Secondaire or Diplôme d'études professionnelles (DEP).
If Secondary V has been obtained by equivalence (TENS, adult education course), the student can enroll directly.
If Secondary V has been obtained in high school, the student must wait 2 sessions before registering.
This measure applies to Quebec students only. Students from other provinces can register directly after obtaining their Secondary V (or equivalent).
Note: If you don't meet these criteria, please contact us to present your background so we can assess your eligibility.»
Contact our admissions team for answers to your questions or further information.
Prior to registration, you can submit a online application form to check your eligibility.
To register, you will need to complete our application form and attach the following documents:
- Copy of the identification pages of your passport,
- Copy of your birth certificate,
- Copy of your most recent diploma,
- Copy of most recent transcript,
You will only be asked to pay the admission fee 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 and Bursaries Program if :
- you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a refugee or a person protected under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act,
- you live in Quebec,
- you have been admitted full-time to an educational institution recognized by the Québec government
- you do not have sufficient financial resources to continue your studies.»
For more information on financial aid, please contact our loans and grants advisor: Alanna Quiros
(+1) 514 521-2060 Extension 206
How to apply
International students
Prerequisites
Fifth Secondary diploma or equivalent :
- France | Belgium: Level 1 or BAC
- United StatesHigh school
- United Kingdom: G.C.E. Advanced levels
- India: Higher Secondary School Certificate / All India Secondary School Certificate (SSC) / Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Mexico: Bachillerato General
- Brazil: Certificado de Ensino Médio
- Colombia: Bachillerato.
Fluency in French or English. To be accepted into an English or French program, you need to have sufficient language skills to be comfortable and make the most of it. English proficiency score required: IELTS Band 6 minimum | Duolingo English Test (115 minimum)
An interest in learning and a passion for audio and music production techniques.
Professional experience is not required.
Our program is designed to train beginners while enabling those who already have some knowledge to progress and improve their audio-related careers.
Contact our admission consultants for further information.
You can apply free of charge to assess your eligibility.
To apply, please include a scanned copy of the following documents:
- Passport identification page
- Birth certificate
- Most recent diploma
- Latest transcript
Payment of the admission fee will be required only if you are eligible.
Eligibility fee = 50 $CAD; admission or registration fee = 200 $CAD.
Once you've received your letter of acceptance, you can begin your immigration process.
To study in Québec as an international student, you must obtain :
- The C.A.Q. (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec)
This document is required to enter the province of Quebec. You can obtain information on the application and processing times at “Immigration Québec website.
- Study permits
This document is required to study in Canada. Further information on the application process and processing times is available at Immigration Canada site.
Our AEC in recording and sound design prepares students for the realities of the professional market.
The course in recording and sound design provides expertise tailored to the needs of the audio industry.
By studying recording and sound design, you'll develop an advanced understanding of studio techniques.
The recording and sound design program combines intensive practice with personalized coaching.
Our specialist recording and sound design teachers support students at every stage of the creative process.
The aim of the recording and sound design course is to train versatile sound professionals.
Recording and sound design courses include studio workshops, mixing and sound design.
You will learn to use modern technologies dedicated to sound recording and design in a professional environment.
Recording and sound design form the foundation of the skills our students develop during the AEC.
Our school stands out for its hands-on approach to recording and sound design.