▶︎HOFA-College
The international online academy for audio engineering and music production
Do you want to learn how to record, mix and master your songs successfully? Is it your dream to produce music on a professional level?
Are you interested in a promising future in the audio industry or even a bachelor’s degree in audio engineering & music production?
With HOFA’s officially approved and certified online course AUDIO DIPLOMA, you can achieve everything – with fun and from home!
German Association for
Audio Professionals
Start now and become a pro music producer.
Black Friday Deal
Get it now – it doesn’t get any better on Black Friday 🙂
The ultimate audio engineering course for the best price ever
- Everything you need to know for outstanding music productions and your career in the audio industry.
- Learn all relevant techniques from the fields of recording, mixing, producing & mastering from basics to expert level.
- Gain essential know-how in important fields of the music industry.
Now for only $4,339 (was $6,484) – YOU SAVE 33 %
Monthly payment possible.
Award-winning premium plugins from HOFA as a gift with the course
- In total 48 plugins – the perfect tools for the online course and your productions.
- EQs, reverbs, transient shapers, limiters, compressors, de-esser, analyzer, delays, saturators, phaser, flanger, chorus ...
- The entire HOFA mastering suite CD-Burn.DDP.Master PRO
You get audio plugins worth $1,099 FOR FREE!
▶︎Special Offer ends Nov 3
All 48 HOFA plugins worth a total of $1,099 as a gift with the AUDIO DIPLOMA online course!
- IQ-Series EQ, IQ-Series Reverb, IQ-Series Transient, IQ-Series Limiter, IQ-Series Comp, IQ-Series DeEsser & IQ-Series Analyser
- The entire HOFA mastering suite CD-Burn.DDP.Master PRO
- HOFA SYSTEM effect suite with Saturator, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Algoverb...
- All other plugins from HOFA
With the award-winning plugins from HOFA, you have the best tools for your online course and your productions.
HOFA Course Finder
What describes you best?
Find out in just 3 clicks which online course is the perfect choice for you.
How you learn with HOFA
Start the course at any time.
Get started right now with your audio engineering online course. Or benefit from the current special offer and begin later.
Everything can be done at home.
You can take the HOFA course at home – with constant access to all your lessons and practical exercises. And you can also do the assignments and exams at your computer and upload them.
Your online campus.
Learn with multimedia content in the HOFA Online Campus: tutorials, entire studio productions, theory lessons and instructive sound examples. You will also find livestreams and studio workshops on this learning platform.
Regular studio livestreams.
Every month, there are exclusive studio workshops that you can watch live. You will also have the chance to chat with the tutors and students. These workshops are permanently available to you as recordings.
Feedback from the pros on your projects.
In the course, you will work on fascinating exercises and even entire mixes and receive individual analyses from the HOFA tutors. And if you want, we will give you detailed feedback on your own productions!
Answers to your questions.
Throughout the course, a team of professional audio engineers will be there to answer all your questions – by phone, chat & email.
You'll learn all this:
- Miking of various instruments
- Different types of microphones
- Preamps & effects
- Workflows
- Microphone technology
- Recording vocals and spoken word
- Monitoring and communication
- Mixing of various instruments and genres
- Mix architecture
- Levels and panning
- EQing and frequencies
- Compression and dynamics
- Reverb and depth
- Effects
- Groups and stems
- Automation
- Mixing vocals and speech recordings
- 3D and immersive audio production
- Ear training
- Pre-mastering
- Loudness and limiting
- Mastering in practice
- Stem mastering
- Analog vs. digital
- Interviews with successful mastering engineers
- Workflow of modern audio production
- Overview of popular DAWs & plugins
- MIDI basics
- Tools in the DAW
- Fades and crossfades
- Comping
- Pitch correction and auto-tune
- Arrangement
- Sample-based productions
- Vocal production
- Relevant production workflows
- Songwriting and arrangement
- Important equipment
- Recording techniques
- Mixing
- Drumset overview
- Rhythm and grooves for various genres
- Songwriting and arrangement for drums
- Orchestral percussion
- Sampling, synthesis, effects and recording for sound design
- Creating own sounds
- Sound design for film, games and media
- Working with modern synthesizers
- Music theory (scales, intervals, rhythm)
- Chords
- Songwriting
- Arrangement
- Preparation and production
- Miking and recording large ensembles (e.g. orchestra and big band)
- Producing virtual orchestral music
- Miking on stage
- All about PA systems (subwoofer, line arrays, delay lines…)
- Monitoring
- Mixing consoles
- Speech and vocals
- Stringed instruments
- Keyboard instruments
- Drums and percussion
- Orchestra instruments
- Oscillations and waves
- Sound energy, sound pressure level and sound intensity
- Standing waves and room modes
- Absorption and diffusion
- Acoustics in the studio
- Psychoacoustics
- Signal transmission
- Electroacoustics and digital audio technology
- Levels
- Microphone technology
- Mixing consoles
- Loudspeaker technology
- 3D audio
- Location sound recording
- Dialogue editing
- Foley, ambience and effects
- Sound design
- Mixing sound for film
- Low-budget equipment
- Cameras, lenses, lighting and additional gear
- From concept to finished video
- Post-production, cutting and color grading
- Dialogue, sound effects and music
- Integration of sound in games without any programming skills
- Audio middlewares
- Adding sound to a game (project)
This course provides you with 7 studio productions from different genres. Included are all tracks, project files for different DAWs and detailed recording, mixing & mastering documentation.
- Creating a concept for a scientific elaboration
- Writing a scientific paper
- Comprehensive preparation for your bachelor studies
- Academic work and research
- Self-employment/starting a business
- Marketing and promotion
- Music law and contracts
- Distributors, publishers, labels, promotion & copyright societies…
How your online course works:
Learn audio engineering everywhere.
The HOFA Online Campus gives you access to all your learning content via your computer, tablet and smartphone at any time.
This way, you learn multimedia-based with video tutorials, studio workshops, texts, sound examples, complete studio productions & practical exercises – no matter if you are at home or on the road…
Didactic structure.
The AUDIO DIPLOMA is made up of 24 progressive levels, giving you the complete knowledge in audio engineering and music production.
Each level contains several modules on different topics, which ensures both consistent didactics and a varified and dynamic course.
An online course that adapts to you.
When you register, you can set the course duration to 24 or 48 months. This allows you to define your pace and the monthly rate.
If you happen to have more time, you can bring learning content forward. And there is also the option of pausing your course when you need a break.
If you decide to make a one-time payment, you will receive all the content at once. This gives you full flexibility and the best price.
Your certified degree.
You will receive the DIPLOMA certificate at the end of the course. Besides, there will be certificates for all successfully completed topics.
With HOFA to a Bachelor's degree.
With the DIPLOMA certificate, you qualify for the Bachelor’s program in Audio Engineering & Music Production. This top-up program can be done part-time from home in just one year.
Get started right away.
Start your online course at any time.
You can start your audio engineering online course whenever you want.
With registration, you also choose whether you want to start immediately or at a later date.
Work with the DAW of your choice.
You can complete the course with any DAW: Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Studio One, Reaper…
At the start of the course, you can have Cubase LE or Ableton Live Intro as a gift.
Try it for 14 days.
After your registration you can try the course for two weeks.
During this time you will have the opportunity to cancel the online course immediately and get your money back.
Affordable & flexible:
one-time payment
With one-time payment, you will get a huge discount and access to all the content at the start of the course. This allows you to organize your time individually.
Feedback from course participants:
I even got offered a job and I’ve already recorded 7 songs for clients, two of which are on Spotify and iTunes!
After doing this course I fell in love with all aspects of the audio world and now mixing, mastering has become a big part of my life.
I really recommend this college to anyone involved in music!
It has broadened up my point of view on the audio engineering world.
All the HOFA-College tutors are very kind and always ready to help. It is easy to communicate via phone, online chat or email. And this way, online learning is fun!
A wide range of practical exercises help you reach your goal.
1. Exercises straight from the studio.
You can submit 35 practical assignments in the AUDIO DIPLOMA program. These are, for example, mixes, masterings, recordings and even your own productions.
In the course we use productions covering various genres recorded at the HOFA-Studios and other top facilities, as well as home recordings. You are provided with a wide range of tracks, recordings and styles to choose from – including titles from well-known and successful artists.
2. Everything can be done at home.
Work on these exercises at home with the equipment you are familiar with and in the DAW of your choice. Afterwards, simply upload the result to the HOFA Online Campus.
We are always there for you to answer any questions you may have about the exercises and assignments.
3. Mix feedback from studio pros.
Your submissions will be heard and analyzed by experienced sound engineers and producers in the HOFA studios.
We provide detailed and individual analyses of your mixes and works and give you valuable feedback on the strengths and weaknesses with specific examples and screenshots.
We are there for you.
Personal support
Throughout the course, a team of professional audio engineers will be there to answer all your questions – by phone, chat & email.
If you have any questions on an audio topic, if there is something you don’t understand, or if you just need help, please feel free to contact us at any time!
Forum & community
In the exclusive HOFA Forum, you can contact tutors and build a network with other students to exchange ideas on a wide range of topics.
Discounts on software & hardware
You can use your Student ID to buy hardware and software from various manufacturers such as Ableton, Adam Audio, Adobe, Avid, Apple, Steinberg, Waves, HOFA-Plugins, HOFA-Akustik, etc. Almost all DAWs and plugins can be purchased with up to 50% educational discount.
Signed and sealed.
Your DIPLOMA certificate.
When you complete the AUDIO DIPLOMA, you’ll get the credentials and certifications to take your career in the audio engineering industry to the next level.
At the end of the course, you will receive a DIPLOMA certificate that opens the doors to many interesting jobs and also gives you the possibility to study for a bachelor’s degree. Plus, you will benefit from the certificates given to you for all successfully completed topics.
State-certified online course.
The HOFA online course is evaluated and certified by the German State Central Office for Distance Learning “ZFU”. With this, a meaningful didactic approach, a pedagogically structured programme and fair terms of contract are certified.
Due to the state certification, all training costs might be tax-deductible (depending on your location).
Live from the HOFA-Studios
As a HOFA-College student you can also attend fascinating online workshops on audio engineering held in the HOFA studios. Recordings of the live streams can be found in the Online Campus afterwards.
In addition to the experienced tutors from our studios, many experts from the music business hold workshops as well.
FAQ
Is the HOFA Audio Engineering DIPLOMA a recognised degree?
The HOFA AUDIO DIPLOMA is evaluated and certified by the German State Central Office for Distance Learning “ZFU”. This certifies meaningful didactics, an educationally meaningful course structure and fair contractual conditions.
After your DIPLOMA course, you can also graduate with an internationally recognised Bachelor’s degree in just one year.
Is this the right course for me, even if I am not interested in getting a Bachelor's degree?
Yes, definitely, because this course is one of the most comprehensive audio engineering courses available on the web. In addition to the basics, you will gain expert knowledge from all relevant aspects of audio engineering and music production. The great variety and depth of this training will allow you to achieve all your goals – whether it is for your hobby or your career.
Are there any admission requirements for this online course?
No, you can take this online course without a specific school degree or grading (NC).
What happens when I choose a longer course duration?
When you choose a course duration of 48 months, the content will no longer be unlocked on a monthly basis, but at a slower pace. This gives you more time for your online course and you pay less per month.
How much time should I plan for the course?
The 8-25 hours per week that you should plan for the course depend on your chosen course duration, your previous knowledge in audio engineering & music production and your personal learning goals.
Many of our students complete the HOFA online courses parallel to their job.
Can I cancel the online course?
You can cancel your registration within the first 14 days. 6 months after the beginning you have the possibility to cancel with a period of 6 weeks. After the first six months you can cancel the online course with a period of 3 months.
You can also pause the course at any time.
When do I have to take which exams?
To successfully pass the DIPLOMA, you must submit 6 practical exams and complete the multiple-choice tests in the topics.
There are no fixed exam dates or deadlines. All exams, assignments and tests can be completed at your own pace and from home.
Which certificates do I get?
If you pass the relevant exams, you will receive the following certificates:
- Audio Engineering DIPLOMA
- Audio Engineer
- Audio Assistant
- Acoustics
- Drum Programming
- Digital Audio Production
- Producing Electronic Music & Hip-Hop
- Audio Engineering for Film
- Game Audio
- Harmony, Music Theory & Songwriting
- Instrument Studies
- Classical Music Production
- Live Sound Engineering
- Mastering
- Mixing
- Musik Business
- Music Video Production
- Producing Pop, Rock & Heavy Rock
- Recording
- Editing
- Sound Design
- Technology in Sound Engineering
- Academic Work
Technical requirements
You will need a pair of speakers or headphones and an average PC or Mac.
Any of the following audio software (DAW) can be used to complete the online course:
Ableton Live | Apple Logic | Avid Pro Tools | Cockos Reaper | Image Line FL Studio | Magix Samplitude | PreSonus Studio One | Propellerhead Reason | Steinberg Cubase | or similar.
An audio interface is recommended, but not essential.
If you are not sure which software and hardware to use, please get in touch with us.
HOFA-College Blog
16th HOFA XMAS MIX CONTEST
The long nights finally give you more time for your favourite activities: making music, recording, producing, mixing and mastering. Of course, this will also put you in the mood for
Audio Engineer & Guitarist Analyze Dream Theater’s Latest Release
Simon and Pascal analyze Dream Theater’s comeback hit “Night Terror” with a focus on the band’s signature sound, their songwriting and the surprising return of original drummer Mike Portnoy. https://youtu.be/h7DTUGlVn1I
50,000 Mixes Analysed – These Are the 4 Most Common Mixing Mistakes
We’ll show you the four most common mixing mistakes made by aspiring audio engineers so that you can avoid them in your mixes and productions.
Test your audio knowledge!
Beginner or pro?
This test will show you in 5 minutes!
HOFA AUDIO DIPLOMA
The ultimate audio engineering course.
From $136 per month
was: $151.11 per month
Black FRIDAY Deal
SAVE 33 % with one-time payment:
Only $4,339 was: $6,484.08
Choose your perfect online course.
Learn audio engineering online.
Now starting at $140 $119 per month.
German Association for
Audio Professionals
