Welcome to The School of Media Arts & Technology, Chennai! We are thrilled to introduce our comprehensive program designed for aspiring audio professionals. Below is the official prospectus for our sound engineering program, detailing everything you need to know about your academic journey with us.
Audio Engineering and Production Program
Program Overview
The Audio Engineering and Production course is meticulously structured to teach students the core fundamentals of sound engineering and the practical techniques involved in professional audio production.
Course Outcome: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be both creatively and technically equipped to operate the latest technologies and production systems utilized in today’s audio industry.
Curriculum Structure: Theoretical Foundations
Our theoretical modules lay the essential groundwork for understanding the science and technical parameters of sound. Note: Evaluation tests are conducted periodically across these modules to track your progress.
- Module 1: Sound Theory
- Dive into the physics of sound waves, including frequency, wavelength, phase, amplitude, and velocity.
- Understand how sound interacts with obstacles, covering diffraction and the Inverse Square Law.
- Explore human hearing, including loudness, the brain’s perception of sound, musical pitch, and Fletcher and Munson curves.
- Study basic acoustics, covering reflection, absorption, refraction, and acoustic materials (including STC, RT-60, and TL).
- Module 2: Analog Audio
- Learn about input transducers and microphones, including types, polar responses, phantom power, and balanced wiring.
- Understand metering, aural monitoring, and output transducers (loudspeakers) for professional and domestic standards.
- Master stereo audio, including methods for producing inter-channel differences, microphone techniques for stereo, and headphone monitoring.
- Module 3: Audio Engineering Fundamentals
- Get hands-on theoretical knowledge of sound mixers, basic channels, filters, equalizers, and signal/dynamic/effect processors.
- Explore audio lines, patch bays, and manual/electronic level controls.
- Study analog recording devices, magnetic recording fundamentals, noise reduction, multi-track systems, tape speeds, head alignment, and basic analog mixing.
- Module 4: Digital Audio
- Examine the principles of Analog vs. Digital, including Analog to Digital (ADC) and Digital to Analog (DAC) converters.
- Learn about digital audio hardware, formats, storage mediums, and digital mixers.
- Understand the workflow within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for editing, mixing, mastering, and audio post-production for video.
- Module 5: Basics of Live Sound Engineering
- Discover the technology behind full-range sound reinforcement and PA systems.
- Learn about equipment choice, signal flow, Front of House (FOH), Monitor (MOH), and setups for indoor and outdoor applications.
- Prioritize safety, covering ear, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety protocols.
Curriculum Structure: Practical Application
The second half of the course focuses entirely on hands-on practical experience, allowing you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Module 6: Audio Pre-Production
- Conduct survey and research for audio projects.
- Practice two-column and three-column audio scripting techniques.
- Module 7: Radio Production
- Record and edit narration integrated with background music (BGM).
- Produce indoor and outdoor interviews, culminating in a final Radio Edit.
- Module 8: Basic Music Production
- Engage in basic live mixing and live multi-tracking of instruments and vocals using a Zoom H4 recorder.
- Practice stereo overdubbing of instruments and vocals.
- Module 9: Sound Designing
- Apply various miking techniques in studio environments.
- Record indoor and outdoor sound effects (SFX) and perform ambient sound sampling.
- Module 10: Audio for Video
- Capture location sound and perform Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR).
- Create comprehensive Music and Effects (M&E) tracks.
Career Pathways and Market Potential
- The reliance on high-quality audio content across all sectors offers broad career mobility. While compensation varies based on experience, location, and contract type, the following tables outline standard career trajectories and estimated earning potentials within the Indian market.
| Industry / Sector | Career Role | Experience Level | Estimated Pay Scale (INR) |
| Music & Recording Studios | Studio Assistant / Junior Audio Engineer | Entry-Level (0–3 Years) | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per month |
| Recording & Mixing Engineer | Mid-Level (3–7 Years) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per year | |
| Chief Audio Engineer / Mastering Engineer | Senior (8+ Years) | ₹7,00,000 – ₹15,00,000+ per year | |
| Film, OTT & Television | Location Sound Recordist / Boom Operator | Entry to Mid-Level | ₹3,000 – ₹15,000 per shoot day |
| Sound Designer / Foley Artist | Mid to Senior | ₹4,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per year | |
| Broadcast Audio Engineer (Radio/TV) | Mid-Level | ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year | |
| Live Events & Concerts | Live Sound / Front of House (FOH) Engineer | Mid to Senior | ₹35,000 – ₹80,000 per month |
| Audio-Visual (AV) Technician / Systems Engineer | Entry to Mid-Level | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 per year | |
| Gaming & Digital Media | Game Audio Engineer / Interactive Sound Designer | Mid to Senior | ₹4,00,000 – ₹14,00,000 per year |
| Podcast / Digital Content Audio Editor | Entry to Mid-Level | ₹20,000 – ₹45,000 per month | |
| Corporate & Architecture | Acoustic Consultant / System Integrator | Mid to Senior | ₹4,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per year |
Why Choose The School of Media Arts & Technology?
We equip our students with the technical skills and practical experience required to succeed in a competitive media landscape. Our core advantages include:
- Experiential Learning: A curriculum focused on 100% practical, project-based training over traditional theoretical instruction.
- Portfolio Development: Guidance in curating a professional body of work that demonstrates your capabilities to future employers.
- Career Support: Access to internships and placement assistance within media, advertising, and creative agencies.
- Entrepreneurial Guidance: Foundational support for establishing freelance practices or independent studios.
- Professional Networking: Opportunities to engage directly with established industry leaders and practitioners.
Program Offerings and Durations
| Program Title | Duration |
| Diploma in Audio Engineering | 12 Months |
If you are ready to turn your passion for sound into a technical craft, we look forward to welcoming you to The School of Media Arts & Technology!
Enrollment Information
To learn more about our programs or to begin the enrollment process, please contact our admissions team today.
The School of Media Arts & Technology, Chennai
Phone: +919840023640