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Course details

New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production (Level 5)
NZQF Level 5

About the course

Develop your career as a professional audio engineer in the music industry with the New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production (Level 5). Learn a range of audio engineering skills to produce a variety of music and recordings at a professional level.

In this course you will work with a range of music software and equipment to create and produce complex music, recordings and other sound-related works.

You will learn:

  • Acoustics
  • Audio Software and Technology
  • Audio Engineering and Production Theory and Techniques
  • Music Theory
  • Industry Studies

Students must complete all of the following:

AUD501 Acoustics 1

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of the science of sound. The nature of sound is explored, both theoretically and practically, providing an understanding of the audio process. The sonic theories of binaural localisation and psychoacoustics of sound gives a necessary platform from which all further sound mixes, and decisions, will benefit.

AUD502 Applied Audio Engineering 1

This paper is intended to address the principles of audio engineering equipment through the practical knowledge and application of audio engineering tools at an operational level. The development should bring operational competence on each audio device.

AUD503 Applied Audio Production 1

The paper prepares students in the use of recording and production techniques use to operate a recording studio correctly and safely, recording modest sized groups in a professional manner.

AUD504 Information Technology and Audio Software 1

This paper prepares students in the use of a personal computer as a tool for audio engineering and music production. Through an in depth knowledge of the computer architecture required for this production task, students will develop skills in fundamental computing for digital audio workstation design, installation and operation. The required desktop publishing skills necessary for academic publications, presentations and multimedia file integration required for successful study are integrated through audio industry relevant topics and projects.

AUD505 Music Theory and Technology 1

Music technology involves any device used in the creation of music. Audio technicians and producers work for a significant part of their time with music tracks. This paper develops both rudimentary music theory and musical instrument performance skills for audio producers and musicians ensuring an acceptable understanding when dealing with the music industry conventions. As important as it is for sound engineers to follow a musical score, especially when recording instrumentalists as in the case of classical music, subsequently the pursuit of music contextual history and style analysis from classical to popular music periods are necessary elements to enform recording engineering and production processes.
These music theory, instrument and style analysis skills are combined w

Music technology involves any device used in the creation of music. Audio technicians and producers work for a significant part of their time with music tracks. This paper develops both rudimentary music theory and musical instrument performance skills for audio producers and musicians ensuring an acceptable understanding when dealing with the music industry conventions. As important as it is for sound engineers to follow a musical score, especially when recording instrumentalists as in the case of classical music, subsequently the pursuit of music contextual history and style analysis from classical to popular music periods are necessary elements to enform recording engineering and production processes.

AUD506 Audio Electronics 1

As well as electrical and electromagnetic theory, audio electronics includes the ability to maintain audio cables and equipment, implement reasonable repairs, and rudimentary circuit construction.

CON501 Contextual Studies

The student will develop knowledge and skills in academic writing and presenting in the context of music and audio creative arts. The students will develop this knowledge and these skills by examining historical, technological influences and developments in popular music in socio-cultural contexts. This paper leads onto Contextual Studies 2.

MAI501 Music and Audio Industry Studies

Students will be introduced to the music, audio and related industries internationally and in New Zealand. This paper will examine different roles and how they function within the industries (locally, nationally, and internationally). Students will gain an awareness of the supporting societies and organisations within these industries in New Zealand. Students will learn the basic principles of small business management and self-employment skills pertinent to practitioners in the music and audio industry, along with relevant marketing and promotional skills.

About the provider

MAINZ - The Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand is a faculty of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) with campuses in Auckland and Christchurch. We offer a range of programmes designed with the music industry in mind. Whatever your passion - Music Performance, Audio Engineering/Production or Event Management - you will get the best start in the music industry at MAINZ.

MAINZ has built an enviable reputation over the years for our high quality programmes and the calibre of our graduates. Our tutors are all seasoned industry professionals, with extensive knowledge and experience to share. We are well supported by the industry, because of our responsiveness to its needs and relevance of our courses. All our programmes are New Zealand Qualifications Authority approved.

Our campuses have state-of-the-art facilities and great programmes. We offer introductory short courses, through to certificate, diploma and degree level qualifications. Subjects covered include music performance, DJ and electronic music production, live sound, audio engineering / production and event management.

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