PixelEvent
loading

Sound Recording & Production

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Sound Recording & Production

  • Program Code: 2B7
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Area: Applied Arts
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: OPEN
  • Location/Delivery Modes & Dates:
  • C
    Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September 2026
APPLY NOW Compare To View Another Program
SHOW PROGRAM DETAILS:

Program Overview

Print Overview

Craft the soundscape of your future.
 
Canada's entertainment industry is a powerhouse, and the demand for qualified sound technicians and audio engineers is constantly growing. With audio playing a critical role in music, television, film, live events and digital media, skilled sound professionals are in high demand across the globe.
 
If you are interested in playing a part in this exciting industry, we invite you to enroll in this dynamic, hands-on program. Gain experience in everything from the fast-paced world of live sound to the high-stakes environment of TV & film sets and develop the technical expertise and creative instincts required to bring sound to life. 
 
In CNA’s Sound Recording & Production program, you will cultivate the skills and techniques necessary to excel in the field, from working with industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs) and consoles to mastering advanced microphone practices and the physics for audio. Dive into post-production, where audio editing, sound design, and dialogue enhancement bring projects to life. Explore music studio work where you will be introduced to the essentials of recording, mixing, and mastering. Whether you are fine-tuning live performances, engineering sound for film, or creating rich soundscapes, this program prepares you for success in the professional audio industry.
 
This program blends theory with practical application across six semesters, culminating in a capstone project or work-integrated learning experience that prepares you for real-world success. Channel your passion for sound into a profession.
 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Live Sound Production: Gain expertise in capturing high-quality audio at live events including concerts, conferences, and theatrical performances. The program covers live mixing consoles, microphone placement and real-time troubleshooting to ensure high-quality audio delivery.
  • On-Set Sound for TV and Film: Master the techniques of on-location sound recording, including boom mic operation and field recording, ensuring seamless integration with visual storytelling.
  • Post-Production Audio Design: Develop skills in editing, mixing and mastering audio for film, television, and multimedia using industry-standard software and equipment.
  • Stage Sound and Lighting Fundamentals: Develop skills in stage sound, lighting design, and operation to complement live sound production. You will operate lighting equipment to create dynamic visual effects and synchronize sound and lighting to enhance live performances.
  • Industry-Focused Training: Gain practical experience through hands-on projects and collaborations, simulating real-world scenarios.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Graduates have toured the globe with international touring acts.
  • Program instructors are active industry experts, providing students with current, real-world knowledge.
  • Students and graduates have been recognized with a multitude of provincial and regional music awards.
  • Students have provided sound for many live events, conferences and awards shows with local, regional, and national partners, including the ECMA and JUNO awards.
  • Canada is home to some of the world's most renowned sound engineers and producers, such as Greg Wells, Bob Rock and Arnold Lanni, who have worked with international music icons. [1]
  • The province is a location for notable film and TV productions, including Son of a Critch, Hudson & Rex, and Saint-Pierre, creating job opportunities for local sound recordists and engineers. [2]
  • Newfoundland and Labrador hosts several music festivals, such as the St. John's Folk Festival and the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent, which provide opportunities for live sound professionals. [3]
  • Newfoundland and Labrador offers funding programs specifically for the development of the entertainment industry and professionals, supporting for creative projects and fostering a vibrant audio landscape. [4]

OBJECTIVES

Graduates of the diploma in Sound Recording & Production will be able to:
 

  1. Capture High-Quality Audio: Demonstrate expertise in recording live sound for events including concerts, conferences, and performances using professional-grade equipment and techniques.
  2. Record, Mix, & Master Music: Utilize industry-standard music mixing and mastering workflows, learning to optimize audio for various playback platforms and mastering for diverse genres, while adhering to professional loudness and dynamic range standards.
  3. Operate Audio Equipment on TV and Film Sets: Effectively use boom microphones, wireless systems, and other audio tools to capture clear and consistent sound on television and film sets while collaborating with production teams.
  4. Create and Edit Post-Production Sound: Apply advanced techniques in sound editing, mixing, and mastering to produce high-quality audio for film, TV, and multimedia projects.
  5. Demonstrate Safe Working Practices: Work safely in lighting and sound production environments.
  6. Integrate Sound with Visual Media: Synchronize audio seamlessly with visual elements, ensuring clarity and emotional impact in media productions.
  7. Master Industry Tools and Software: Utilize industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs) as well as other software to create professional audio content.
  8. Troubleshoot Sound Challenges: Analyze and resolve audio issues in live and studio settings to maintain high production standards.
  9. Design Immersive Audio Experiences: Create foley, soundscapes, and other custom audio elements to enhance storytelling and engagement in multimedia content.
  10. Broadcast and Webcasting: Develop the practical skills to manage and deliver high-quality audio for broadcast and webcasting, including complex signal management, synchronization with video, and streaming configurations, within a live production workflow.
  11. Collaborate with Industry Professionals: Work effectively as part of a team in fast-paced environments, maintaining clear communication and professionalism during live events and production settings.
  12. Adhere to Industry Standards and Practices: Apply best practices in audio recording, editing, and production, while maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  13. Engage in Work Integrated Learning: Learn through collaborative projects with community businesses providing hands-on experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Within the program, as well as for moving forward in this career, students will need a pair of professional, closed back headphones with a 1/4" connector.
 

CERTIFICATIONS

Students in the Sound Recording & Production program will complete the following professional certifications during the program:

  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Fall Protection
  • Aerial Work Platform
  • First Aid & CPR
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Dante Level 1

Admission Requirements

1.  High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent including:
i. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
   Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% in each course)
   Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum) 
2.  College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
Math Fundamentals: MA1040, MA1041
3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) including the following courses:
Mathematics 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
4.  Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Please Note: 
1) Students who do not meet the entrance requirements as a result of their Mathematics courses and grades should explore options that may be available to them through the College Transition – Mathematics courses.

 

Courses

 

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
PH1125 Physics for Audio 2 2 0
SN1205 Consoles & Signal Processing 5 4 2
SN1210 Digital Audio Workstations 4 3 2
SN1215 Microphone Theory & Practice 2 1 2
TF1015 TV & Film Analysis 3 3 0
TF1010 TV & Film Industry Foundations 4 3 2
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
CM2100 Workplace Communications 3 3 0
SN1190 MIDI, Synths & Samplers 3 2 2
SN2205 Music Recording 3 2 2
SN1220 Concert Rigging 4 3 3
SN1225 Music Concepts & Ear Training 2 2 1
SN1230 Professional Certifications 0 2 0
SN1235 Studio Setup & Maintenance 3 3 0
         
Semester 3 (Intersession) Cr Le La
SN1310 Concert Lighting Fundamentals 3 2 3
SN1315 Live Sound Production 4 3 2
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
CM2200 Oral Communications 2 2 0
SN2110 Music Mixing & Mastering 3 2 2
SN2135 Business of Sound 3 2 2
SN2155 Broadcasting and Webcasting 3 2 2
SN2160 Sound Design 3 2 2
TF2111 Location Sound Recording 3 2 3
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
SN2210 Career Development 3 2 2
SN2215 Concert Production 3 2 4
TF2156 Dialogue Editing & Recording 4 3 2
TF2251 Sound Effects & Foley 3 2 2
TF2256 Audio Mixing for TV & Film 3 2 2
         
Semester 6 (Intersession) Cr Le La
SN2305 Capstone Project 5 3 7
  OR      
SN2310 Field Placement 6 0 6 wks

 

Careers & Pathways

A graduate of the Sound Recording & Production program has a wide range of career paths available across industries like music, film, television, gaming, live events, and even corporate or educational sectors.

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $1,197.00 (per semester) $572.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $4,581.00 (per semester) $2,291.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2025–2026 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

TOP