Audio Engineering School Nashville
Get the Skills to Be a Professional Audio Engineer in 20 Weeks
Every aspect of this immersive audio engineering certificate program is aimed at one goal: to prepare you for a successful career in audio engineering and music production.
Hands-On in a Working Recording Studio
We don’t make you spend weeks reading textbooks before we let you get your hands on the gear. From day one you work hands-on in one of Dark Horse Institute’s four professional recording studios. You’ll train on professional gear currently used to create chart-topping records.
Personalized Mentorship
Classes are deliberately kept small, just 13 students maximum, to ensure you receive personalized attention and support throughout your program. You’ll pick up new skills quickly with so much direct support from industry experts passionate about helping motivated new professionals get ahead.
Instruction from Working Industry Experts
You’ll learn directly from instructors who have decades of experience recording the “who’s who” of recording artists from all genres of music. They’ve worked on countless Gold, Platinum, and Grammy®-nominated albums and will be sharing their tips, tricks, and tools of the trade with you firsthand.
Real-World Projects
We don’t make you spend weeks reading textbooks before we let you get your hands on the gear. From day one you work hands-on in one of Dark Horse Institute’s four professional recording studios. You’ll train on professional gear currently used to create chart-topping records.
Get the Skills to Be a Professional Audio Engineer in 20 Weeks
Every aspect of this immersive audio engineering certificate program is aimed at one goal: to prepare you for a successful career in audio engineering and music production.
Hands-On in a Working Recording Studio
We don’t make you spend weeks reading textbooks before we let you get your hands on the gear. From day one you work hands-on in one of Dark Horse Institute’s four professional recording studios. You’ll train on professional gear currently used to create chart-topping records.
Personalized Mentorship
Classes are deliberately kept small, just 13 students maximum, to ensure you receive personalized attention and support throughout your program. You’ll pick up new skills quickly with so much direct support from industry experts passionate about helping motivated new professionals get ahead.
Instruction from Working Industry Experts
You’ll learn directly from instructors who have decades of experience recording the “who’s who” of recording artists from all genres of music. They’ve worked on countless Gold, Platinum, and Grammy®-nominated albums and will be sharing their tips, tricks, and tools of the trade with you firsthand.
Real-World Projects
We don’t make you spend weeks reading textbooks before we let you get your hands on the gear. From day one you work hands-on in one of Dark Horse Institute’s four professional recording studios. You’ll train on professional gear currently used to create chart-topping records.
You'll Learn
This 20-week, 500-hour program is divided into 5 modules, including two Real-World Projects. Modules include:
- Introduction to Recording
- Analog Recording Techniques
- Live Sound
- Intro to Digital Audio
- Mid-Term Band Recording Week
- Advanced Pro Tools
- Group Career Training
- Final Full Band Recording Week
Below are some of the hundreds of practical skills you’ll learn at Dark Horse Institute:
Intro To Audio
- Define Sound
- Characteristics of a Sound Wave
- Basic Signal Flow
- How Speakers Work
- Cable Types
- Split Console Signal Flow/Inline Console Signal Flow
- Headphone Mixes
- Critical Listening
- Frequency Ranges for Various Instruments
Microphones
- Microphone Types
- Microphone Handling and Placement
- Psychoacoustics/Spatial Cues
- Stereo Mic Techniques
Music Theory Essentials
- Theory 101 – Rhythmic Symbols and Note/Rest Values
- “Pop” song structure
- Nashville Number System and chart reading
Patch Bay & Connectivity
- Patch Bay Theory
- Trident 80b Signal Flow
- Trident and SSL Studio Session Setup
- Outboard Rack Gear
- SSL 6000 Signal Flow
- “Split” and “Inline” Console Setups
- SSL Dynamics/Filters/EQs
Basic Electronics and Soldering
- Electrical Theory and Concepts
- Cable Types and Connectors
- Create and Repair Mic/Instrument Cables
Recording
- Drum Kit Theory
- Setup, Tuning, etc.
- Mic positions – Phase relationships
- Micing and Recording Acoustic Guitars
- Electric Guitars and Amps
- Recording Bass Guitar
- Using a DI for High Impedance Signals
- Recording Stereo Grand Piano
- Recording Electric Keys/Electronic Keys/Virtual Instruments
- Recording Vocals
- Patch Console and Outboard Gear for Session
- Creating Headphone Mixes and Labeling
- Recording a Full Band
- Recording Instrumental and Vocal Overdubs
- Basic Editing and Comping
Mixing
- Mix Fundamentals
- Mix Signal Flow
- Mix Prep
- Checking for Errors, Editing Mistakes, etc.
- Incorporating additional groups and parallel compression
- Analog Summing
- Equalization
- Equalizer Types
- Compressors and Compression Techniques
- Limiters
- Analog and Digital Delay
- Analog and Digital Reverberation
- Pitch/Time Shift Effects
Editing
- Using Beat Detective
- Using Elastic Audio
- Using Melodyne
- Comping and Manual Edits
Analog Recording
- Analog Recording History
- Analog Setup
- 24-Track Analog Tape Machine Function
- Sync Tape To Pro Tools with LTC
- Track Drums and Bass to Tape
- Transfer Analog Recordings to Pro Tools
Intro To Digital Audio
- Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog Conversion
- Sample Rates and Bit Depths
- Word Clock and Digital Recorders
- Digital Audio/Computers/Digital Audio Cables
- Digital Audio Workstation Theory
- Audio Interfaces – Latency
- DSP vs Native Processing and Workarounds
Protools Mixing & Recording
- Mac and Pro Tools Basics
- Mac Operating System and File Handling
- Pro Tools Installation and Session Creation
- File Management, Folder Structures, etc.
- Mix/Edit Windows Primary Functions
- Track Types
- Transport, Groups, and Busses
- Pro Tools HD/HDX Interfaces
- I/O Sync – Operation and Function
- Using Pro Tools to Create Headphone Mixes
- Customize I/O for Session
- Creating Great Headphone Mixes/Environments
- The Pro Tools Grid
- Editing Theory – When and How To Do It
- Pro Tools Mixing Explained
- Mixing with Plugin Inserts
- Digital Transfer/Connectivity
- Digital Connections – Audio/Position/Sync
- MIDI History and Function
- Midi Controllers/Function/History
- MIDI Programming and Editing
- Creating Midi and Instrument Tracks
- Virtual Instruments
- Creating Essentials – Beat, Melody, Supporting Instruments
- Analog Synth/Tones/Filters/Control Voltages
Post Production Sound Design
- Define Foley/ADR/Sound Design
- Introduce “Video” Track and Handling in Pro Tools
- Creating special effects and Foley content
- Set Up Pro Tools session for Dialog Recording
- Comping and Playlists
Mastering
- Mastering Theory – Purpose and Procedure
- Mastering Deliverables Requirements
- Leveling, Limiting, and Equalization
Live Sound
- Digital Consoles and the X32
- Equipment Used in Small Venues
- Setting Up a Small PA
- Creating Monitor Mixes for the Band
- Mixing Live Sound in Different Environments
- Live Sound Microphones and Techniques
- Digital Console Concepts
- Creating “More Me” Mixes
- Time Align and Room Tuning
- Digital Connectivity for Consoles
- Snakes and Splitters
- EQs and Networked Power Amps
Career Days
- Creating a Resume
- Business Information about the Music Industry
- Business Etiquette and Techniques for the Music Industry
- Life Skills
- Business Exercises
- Freelancing 101
Beyond technical skills, you’ll leave this program with the crucial business and practical life skills it takes to turn what you’ve learned into a rewarding career.
“The studio is a classroom. You’re in the studio every day. You actually get to learn by doing it. Seeing the real 
instruments, learning how to mic them, what’s a good sound and what’s not and being able to fine tune everything to get that sound that you want.” – John, DHI Graduate
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the DHI audio engineering program are prepared to pursue a wide variety of interesting and rewarding positions in the entertainment industry, including:
- Live Music Engineer
- Recording Engineer
- TV/Video Scoring Engineer
- Game Audio Designer
- Live Stage/Theatre Sound
- Manufacturer’s Specialist/Audio Equipment Sales
- Radio Production
- Corporate Media Tech
And More
For more details on these careers,visit our Audio Engineering Careers page.
Get an Inside Look at DHI's Audio Engineering Program
Is a Career in Audio Engineering Right for You? Find Out!
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Learn From Leaders in the Industry
All DHI instructors are leading practitioners with years of experience in their field. Take a look at some of the incredible talent that guides this audio engineering school program and their incredible contributions to the music recording industry.
Visit our team page to learn more.
Elliot Sabbagh
Ell is a DJ, producer, and engineer with a global reach. He’s toured with Afroman, ASAP Rocky, J. Cole, and many more. His production credits span ESPN, HBO, RCA, Sony, and Young Money. A Berklee alum, he’s passionate about mentoring new artists.
Rob Tate
Rob began his Nashville journey as FOH engineer for CCM supergroup Audio Adrenaline before co-founding a studio with Jay DeMarcus in the mid-'90s. He's worked with music legends and passionately helps artists navigate the evolving entertainment industry.
Dennis Ritchie
As a Grammy-nominated producer, Dennis blends studio design and mastering that have charting hits across multiple music genres. Some of his many credits include Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, and more, plus music for radio, TV, and film.
Sam Falle
Sam Falle is a producer and engineer with 20+ years of U.K. and U.S. studio experience. He’s worked with Ed Sheeran, The Struts, Clean Bandit, and Sony BMG. A former house engineer for Gilbert O’Sullivan, he now teaches at Dark Horse Institute while producing artists worldwide.
Studios & Equipment
As a student in this program, you’ll learn recording and music production techniques on world-class “studio standard” analog and digital gear. During recording sessions with working musicians you’ll learn proper mic placement using our collection of high-end microphones and how to route them through one of our two recording consoles and racks of analog preamps, equalizers, compressors and various effects.
You’ll also have access to your own Mac computer with digital interface and MIDI controller loaded with Pro Tools, Melodyne and access to all of the Universal Audio plug-in. At Dark Horse Institute, we don’t use “student” equipment. You’ll learn the software standard in professional recording studios – Avid Pro Tools.
Visit our “Avid Pro Tools” & “Equipment” pages to learn more.
Deepen Your Knowledge & Enhance Your Potential
As a graduate of the Audio Engineering program, not only will you have the skills and hands-on experience to tackle rewarding audio engineering challenges, you’ll also be eligible for tuition discounts on other DHI programs.
Around 80% of DHI students ultimately take all three programs – Audio Engineering, Music Business and Songwriting and Composition. Learn the ins-and-outs of the music business, explore your creativity in songwriting or both! Combine your interests and strengthen your natural talents.
Get the ongoing support and expert, multi-disciplinary training it takes to become a well-rounded music professional and take your career potential to the next level.
See It For Yourself - Book a Tour
One of the best ways to see if the creative, collaborative and professional environment at Dark Horse Institute is right for you is to come and experience it firsthand. Tours include an explanation of our audio program and curriculum, a video history of the school and a tour of both the Dark Horse Recording Studios and Dark Horse Institute campus. If you visit in the morning you may also have the opportunity to sit in on a class.
On-Campus & Virtual Appointments Available. Book a tour today!
Is a Fulfilling Career in Audio Engineering Right for You? Find Out!
Fill out the form on this page and take the next step toward your rewarding future in the music and entertainment industry. You’ll get more information on all that DHI has to offer and a friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Adviser can help you to explore if accelerated, hands-on audio engineering training is right for you.
To speak with an Admissions Adviser right away, give us a call at 1-615-791-7020
Nashville based Producer / Audio Mix Engineer who has had the opportunity to work on Grammy
Award winning album, “A Holly Dolly Christmas” with Dolly Parton. Kevin has also worked with
several independent artists in various genres throughout his career. Credits: Dolly Parton, Olivia Newton John, Dee Rock
Crystal Taliefero, a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist that has been touring and recording with various
artists since the 1980’s, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Joe Cocker, Tina
Arena, Bob Seger, Brooks & Dunn, Richie Sambora, Elton John, Enrique Iglesias, Natalie Merchant,
Meat Loaf, Michael McDonald, Bruce Springsteen, The Northern Pikes, Julian Lennon, The Bee
Gees, Dolly Parton's "Two Doors Down", Steven Van Zandt, Mick Jones of Foreigner and Buddy Guy
among others.
Dark Horse Institute gave me the tools to turn my passion into a career. I learned real-world audio and business skills—from studio etiquette to contracts and client work. Since graduating, I’ve toured with the Harlem Globetrotters, worked corporate events in NYC, been a production assistant for Nate Smith, and now engineer Spanish-language audio for an ed-tech company. I’m also active in sync licensing and music production. The program gave me the structure I needed to break into the industry.
Griffin Albee is an audio engineer / musician based out of Nashville. Originally from Memphis, by way
of Colorado. He is open to any and all genres of music. Griffin has had the privilege of working with
Toby Keith, Jellyroll, Walk the Moon, and he is currently working as Front of House (FOH) with
Tenacious D and Pierce The Veil.
Emma is working full-time at Clair Global
(perhaps the largest live production company in the world)
as a rehearsal technician. This has given her the opportunity
to work with Greta Van Fleet, Blessing Offor, and Tucker
Whitmore to name a few.
“After taking Music Business, Audio Engineering and
Songwriting classes I now understand how the music industry
really works. My teachers were amazing.”
Massimo is a drummer, vocalist, audio engineer, and producer currently at The Franklin Theatre and The Ryman Auditorium as a live sound engineer. He has worked on several projects with Declan Weir Productions, Stonebrook Media, and with many independent artists on the road and in the studio. “It was a bit of a reality check to get a good grasp on the business side of things. It was so great getting to learn more about audio techniques. I knew a little coming in, but this really expanded on what I want to do and the course was great.”
Crystal has been working in the music industry for over 10+ years as an audio engineer, producer, marketing, and one on one coaching with artists. She has worked with artists such as Mick Mars (Motley Crue), MercyMe and many others. Currently she runs Edge 3 Marketing working with artists and clients. “DHI gave me the tools and knowledge I needed to be able to feel comfortable in any studio session. I was able to start working within two weeks!”
