Live Event Technology & Production Curriculum

Year 1: Foundations of Live Event Technology

Module 1: Introduction to Live Events

Learners are introduced to the live events sector, production workflow, and the roles of key personnel in event delivery. Topics include event types, production departments, corporate and concert formats, festivals, stage plots, technical riders, show etiquette, and professional communication.

Module 2: Audio Fundamentals

This module covers sound theory, acoustics, human hearing, decibels, signal flow, gain structure, analogue and digital systems, and an introduction to audio networking. Practical sessions include PA system build, monitor ringing, and basic console operation.

Module 3: Mixing Consoles

Learners study digital mixing consoles used in the industry, including Yamaha, Allen & Heath, Midas M32, and Allen & Heath SQ systems. Topics include routing, groups, DCAs, effects, monitor sends, and recording.

Module 4: Microphones and RF Basics

This module introduces dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, wireless systems, antenna basics, frequency coordination, and DI boxes.

Module 5: Loudspeaker Systems

Learners study passive and active loudspeakers, point source systems, basic line arrays, front fills, delays, subs, and amplifiers. Practical work includes deploying systems from scratch.

Module 6: Lighting Fundamentals

This module introduces DMX, conventional fixtures, LED fixtures, moving heads, colour, beam control, basic lighting design, programming, and Avolites Titan basics.

Module 7: Video Systems

Learners explore LED walls, projection, video processors, HDMI, SDI, DisplayPort, scaling, EDID, pixel pitch, and aspect ratios. Practical work includes building LED wall systems.

Module 8: Rigging and Safety

Topics include working at height, PPE, basic rigging awareness, truss, motors, weight calculations, and load distribution.

Module 9: Power Distribution

Learners study single-phase and three-phase power, earthing, power calculations, Camlock, PowerCON, and generator basics.

Module 10: Event Networking

This module introduces IP basics, managed switches, Dante Level 1, AV networking concepts, and VLAN fundamentals.

Module 11: Practical Production Labs

Learners take part in weekly practical productions involving backline setup, virtual sound checks, mixing practise, ear training, small bands, corporate presentations, DJ events, and panel discussions.

Module 12: Stage Management Fundamentals

This module introduces the role of the stage manager and the structure of backstage operations. Topics include stage layout, running orders, cue sheets, cue calling basics, changeovers, stage discipline, timekeeping, communication etiquette, artist liaison fundamentals, and backstage health and safety.

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Year 1 Practical Experience

Learners in Year 1 will develop practical familiarity with:

Audio setup and operation.
Lighting and video deployment.
Basic rigging and safety awareness.
Console operation and signal flow.
Stage support and backstage coordination.
Team-based event delivery.

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Year 1 Outcomes

At the end of Year 1, learners should be capable of working as:

Audio Technician.
Lighting Technician.
LED Technician.
Stage Technician.
AV Technician.
Assistant Stage Technician.

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Year 2: Advanced Live Event Engineering

Module 13: Advanced System Design

Learners study CAD drawings, venue analysis, signal distribution, equipment specification, production planning, cable schedules, and rack design. Introduction to AutoCAD and Vectorworks is included.

Module 14: Line Array Systems

Topics include array theory, coverage, splay angles, prediction software, and practical deployment.

Module 15: System Optimisation

Learners use Open Sound Meter and SMAART to study FFT, transfer function, phase, delay alignment, EQ, and sub alignment.

Module 16: Advanced Digital Consoles

This module covers Matrices, sub-groups, mixing at speed in different genres. Topics include macros, snapshots, advanced routing, Waves integration, and Dante integration.

Module 17: RF Coordination

Learners study wireless microphones, IEM systems, antenna combiners, spectrum analysis, Wireless Workbench, and frequency planning.

Module 18: Timecode and Show Control

This module introduces SMPTE, LTC, MIDI Timecode, OSC, show sequencing, QLab, and playback systems.

Module 19: Video Engineering

Learners study Novastar, Brompton, Barco, image processors, camera systems, video switching, NDI, and SDI routing.

Module 20: Advanced Lighting

Topics include Avolites Titan Professional, cue lists, pixel mapping, timecode programming, Art-Net, sACN, and media servers, QLab software

Module 21: Communications Systems

Learners study Clear-Com, Riedel, RTS, wireless communications, matrix systems, and production communication workflows.

Module 22: Show Networking

This module extends networking knowledge into advanced event applications, including Dante Level 2, Milan overview, AVB, QoS, fibre optics, redundancy, and managed switches.

Module 23: Broadcast and Streaming

Learners explore multi-camera production, live streaming, recording, and hybrid events.

Module 24: Production and Project Management for Live Events

This module focuses on the planning and management of live event projects. Topics include budgeting, crew management, equipment logistics, scheduling, risk assessments, technical documentation, permits, supplier coordination, and event timelines. Learners study the full project lifecycle from pre-production through load-in, show operation, and load-out.

Module 25: Stage and Show Management

This module develops advanced stage management and live show coordination skills. Topics include show calling, cue sheets, standby and GO procedures, rehearsal management, timecode-driven shows, department coordination, artist advancing, festival changeovers, corporate show flow, contingency planning, crisis management, and post-show reporting.

Module 26: Industry Placement

Learners complete approximately 60 hours with production companies across venues, in-stores, concerts, festivals, corporate events, exhibitions, and conferences, for example.

Module 27: Final Project and Live Event

Learners design, plan, set up, operate, and dismantle a complete live event or production. The project may include a conference, small band event, or live recording and mix session. (on-site)

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Year 2 Practical Experience

Learners in Year 2 will develop advanced practical capability in:

System design and deployment.
Sound system tuning and optimisation.
Advanced lighting and video control.
RF planning and management.
Communications and networking integration.
Show calling and stage coordination.
Production planning and live execution.
Live event project management.

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Year 2 Outcomes

At the end of Year 2, learners should be capable of working as:

Live Sound Engineer.
FOH Engineer.
Monitor Engineer.
System Technician.
System Engineer.
RF Technician.
Lighting Technician.
Lighting Programmer.
LED Wall Technician.
Video Engineer.
Projection Technician.
Broadcast AV Technician.
Corporate AV Engineer.
Event Technology Specialist.
Technical Production Coordinator.
Stage Manager.
Assistant Stage Manager.
Show Caller.
Production Coordinator.

Assessment Structure

Assessment is continuous and competency-based. Each module includes four assessment components:

1. Theory Examination — 20%

Multiple choice, calculations, short answer questions, and technical knowledge assessment.

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2. Signal Flow Examination — 50%

Learners draw complete signal flow diagrams from memory and explain each stage of the system. This is the principal assessment method for technical understanding, troubleshooting logic, and systems literacy.

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3. Practical Examination — 20%

Learners complete industry-standard tasks such as:

Building a PA system.
Programming a lighting cue.
Configuring an LED wall.
Setting up wireless microphones.
Routing Dante audio.
Aligning a loudspeaker system.
Programming a lighting show.
Configuring a digital console.

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4. Technical Presentation — 10%

Learners deliver a 5 to 10 minute presentation on a technical or practical topic studied during the module, supported by AV setup prepared by the learners.

Assessment Philosophy

The programme is designed around regular practical application and progressive competency development. Learners are assessed through:

Weekly practical exercises.
Equipment setup tasks.
Workshop participation.
Signal flow quizzes.
Online knowledge tests.
Technical presentations.
Group production projects.
Mid-module tests.
End-of-module examinations.
Final integrated production projects.
Industry placement evaluations.

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Signal Flow Competency

Signal flow is treated as a core skill throughout the programme. Learners complete progressive exercises in:

Audio signal paths.
Lighting control and power distribution.
Video routing and distribution.
Communications and intercom systems.
Networking and audio-over-IP.
Redundant system design.

Learners are expected to draw complete signal flow diagrams from memory, identify faults, and explain system operation in written and practical assessments.

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Graduate Profile

Graduates of this programme will be technically capable, professionally aware, and prepared for operational or management work in live event production environments. You will be able to support or lead technical operations safely, communicate effectively with production teams and clients, and contribute to live event delivery with confidence and professionalism.

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Progression Routes

Graduates may progress into:

Live event technical roles.
Production company employment.
Event coordination and stage management roles.
Further training in specialist audio, lighting, video, or broadcast disciplines.
Advanced professional development in production management and system engineering.

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Programme Summary

The KHDA Certificate in Live Event Technology & Production provides a structured pathway from foundational event technology to advanced production, stage management, and project management. It offers learners the technical knowledge, practical experience, and professional discipline required to succeed in the live events industry

Got a question?

After the course, can I get a job?

If you're a beginner, after a 6-week course, you'll unlikely find a job. However, our live sound operator course has a 90% success rate in that almost all students who have taken it are now audio practitioners, either full-time, busy freelance, or on long-term contracts.

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How much do sound engineers earn?

In the UAE and MENA, Freelance sound engineers can earn between AED500 and AED3500 per day; here's a guide for daily rates from 2024.

Audio Techs AED 1500 +
A2 Operators - AED 1800+
A1 Operators- AED 2250+
System Tech AED 3500+

Full-time sound engineers, depending on experience, can earn monthly
AED3000 for freshers up to 18,000 or more.

What's the difference between live sound, studio, and broadcast audio?

Live sound, studio, and broadcast audio engineering are distinct fields within the audio industry, each with unique focus and skill sets.

Live Sound Engineers plan, install, tune, and mix audio at live events, adjusting sound in real-time to deliver optimal audio quality.
Studio Engineers record, edit, and mix audio in studios, collaborating with artists or clients to produce high-quality sound.
Broadcast Engineers handle audio for radio and TV, or streaming to ensure quality sound for live and recorded broadcasts.

What Career Options are available?

Parents of students are often concerned about career options. Fear not because live sound engineers have a wide range of career paths such as: Junior sound engineer (A2) • Senior sound engineer (A1) • Front of house engineer • Monitor engineer • Translation booth (setup and operate) • Comms (communications) • Corporate/conference engineer • AV Technician (AV Tech) • Stage Tech • Backline engineer • Sound systems engineer • Systems Tuning • Fixed Installation • RF engineer • Streaming/Broadcast • Systems integration • Project management • Technical manager.

How much are your courses?

Our course prices range from AED 2000 to AED45,000 To see what the course fees are, please visit the relevant courses

How do I register for the courses?

Just fill in this inquiry form, and tell us which course you’re interested in. Students interested in work experience program must sign work experience agreement and all students sign health and safety disclaimers.

Can I have a discount?

Discounts are available at certain holidays and occasional promotions. Students enrolling 30 days before a start date can avail discounts, too. Follow socials to get updated.

What is the refund policy?

If you are to cancel the enrolled course, notice must be given at least 7 days before the course starts to get a refund (minus the admin fee of AED 300). Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days before the course starts.

If a student decides to withdraw from an ongoing course, he/she will not be eligible to receive a certificate from Skill Tech Audio even if he/she already finished 80% of the classes. Withdrawals from ongoing courses are not qualified for refunds. All discounted enrollments are not qualified for refunds.