Training in audio and music production (online)
NNC.0S Recording and sound design - 16 Months online
Program taught in English or French, exclusively by active industry professionals, with a strong emphasis on practical training.
The program is divided into 4 sessions, spread over 16 months
The benefits 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'll 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
We provide you with the software licenses (Pro Tools, Ableton, Cubase) required for our course.
Industry-standard partners
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
Acquire the knowledge you need to configure, optimize and use your digital audio workstation.
You'll learn how an audio studio works to record sound, as well as how to choose the right microphone, use consoles, speakers, recording systems and more:
- Acoustics, 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
You'll also apply the different concepts and techniques of sound recording in a variety of contexts: multi-track recording, sound recording for cinema, mobile and remote sound recording.
- Effects, consoles, recording systems, preamplifiers, equalizers, dynamic modifiers
- 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, Wavelab, Omnisphere, Kontakt, Serum...
- Sound and its fundamental components
- Sound synthesis
- Sampling
- The Sequencer
Session 2:
Building on the concepts learned in Session 1«s »Introduction to Computer-Assisted Music Composition" course, learn the basics of music theory and music performance techniques to create original music in a specific genre and format.
- The use of sequencer software for musical creation
- Creating a rhythmic sequence and understanding the notion of groove«
- Understanding music theory: scales and chord progressions
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
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 heard as much 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
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
Building on the concepts learned in Music Creation 101, learn music creation techniques 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 associated with a musical style,
- Create a melodic and rhythmic structure,
- Create a song arrangement,
- Archive work session.
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
Discover the concepts you need to manage your career. Students have access to recording studios and computer workstations to develop a project that will demonstrate their expertise. This career project can also take the form of an internship.
- Job market analysis,
- Entrepreneurship,
- Accounting operations,
- Positioning your company or services on the web,
- Organizing and promoting 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 creating a soundtrack and ambience for an audiovisual project:
- Determine 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
- 3D 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
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
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 on a full-time basis to an educational institution recognized by the Quebec 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.