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Music Production Schools
Music production specialists work behind the scenes and behind the music, as recording engineers and live sound technicians, in studio production, sound mixing and other capacities. There are many facets to a career in music production and numerous paths to attaining success, from sound engineering to audio technology and beyond. This step-by-step guide examines different educational programs and offers useful advice from a professional in the field.
The World of Music Production
Music is everywhere — in films and television, on the radio and the Internet, and, of course, in clubs, theaters and concert halls. This isn't even counting the “muzak” in elevators and dentists' offices. Much of that music might never be heard if not for a special class of creatively minded, technically skilled professionals. Music production specialists in different disciplines capture, compose, amplify and ultimately shape the soundtrack of our world.
The term "music production" encompasses a remarkably wide range of activities: from installing and maintaining sophisticated audio components and systems to working behind digital mixing consoles in recording studios or concert venues. Specialties include touring with bands, symphony orchestras and theater productions, not to mention facilitating live and recorded audio portions of television, radio and Internet broadcasts. Job descriptions also include designing and overseeing sound systems for schools, hotels, office buildings, community facilities and an array of other settings.
A March 19, 2015 report in the Wall Street Journal detailed changes in the music industry. The oft-overlooked army of sound engineers, once called "roadies," are now regarded as skilled “concert technicians.” This group of professionals also shows increasing diversity in the workforce makeup. The article notes the growing clout of technical positions such as DJs and sound mixers at shows, festivals and other live venues.
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Top 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Music Production Schools and Degree Programs
The rapid rate of technological advances has only heightened the need for professionals who are trained in the elements of audio science, up-to-date on the latest digital hardware and software developments, and capable of a finely tuned aesthetic sensibility. Targeted programs from music production schools offer ways to learn the tools of the trade and art of the craft. There are many to choose from, including programs for certificates, associate and bachelor's degrees, or for those looking to move into the top echelons of the field, master's degrees.
Options for music production studies include community colleges, technical and vocational schools , four-year universities, and more specialized art institutes and music schools. There are also an increasing number of online opportunities. The curriculum depends on the school and specialization, but generally focuses on three basic areas: the science and technology of audio recording, the aesthetic elements of sound engineering and the business side of the field.
Vocational Schools
Art Schools
Community Colleges
Four Year Colleges
Music Production Schools
Best Music Production Schools and Programs
OUR METHODOLOGY +
Accredited Schools 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) uses a proprietary blend of cost, quality, and student support services to determine overall rankings. The supporting data comes from reputable sources including the schools themselves. We focus our rankings on accredited and not-for-profit institutions.
Our data analysis team and higher education experts have worked together to create a scoring system that includes key qualitative and quantitative measures. The data attributes are then weighted based on relevance.
The scoring methodology includes factors such as:
- financial aid
- Number of programs and program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- And many others
These factors are assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or bang for your buck of a college or degree program.
Music students have a number of options to consider when choosing a program. Whether their interests lie in composing, conducting or performance, they must choose a school that not only offers training toward their preferred career paths, but that will help them develop within the genre they specialize in, be it classical, soundtrack or electronic music. Taking into consideration factors like the number of programs, cost, and student-teacher-ratio, we've identified the top online and on-campus music programs in the country to help students begin narrowing down their choices. The following schools rose to the top of the pack as the best in music production programs. Find the list and begin your search below.
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Houghton CollegeLocation
Houghton, NY
Graduation Rate67%
By earning a bachelor of science degree in music industry at Houghton College, not only will students develop a wide knowledge base of music industry principles, but they will also make numerous connections with individuals currently working in the music industry field that may be helpful contacts for later job placement. This program takes a hands-on approach, incorporating applied learning techniques that ensure students will have had several semesters of training before applying for positions after graduation. Students studying at Houghton College may make use of any student services that they feel may be beneficial to their college experience, including tutoring and academic advising.
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University of Michigan- Ann ArborLocation
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduation Rate91%
Because starting a career in the music industry is not only about knowledge and skill, but also about making strong connections with experienced individuals, it is highly beneficial for students interested in this field to pursue a bachelor of science degree in sound engineering at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus. In addition to this program, UMICH offers nearly 260 other degrees and certificates for students to pursue, giving undecided learners a large variety of options to explore. Students can get further involved with their academic community by participating in student government, joining student organizations, and participating in campus events.
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Converse CollegeLocation
Spartanburg, SC
Graduation Rate54%
Beginning a career in the music industry is an achievable goal when completing the music business and technology certificate offered at Converse College. In addition to learning how to properly operate equipment commonly found in a recording studio, students pursuing this certificate will also learn to produce their own concerts, ensembles, and work at the campus radio station. Students attending Converse College will be able to stay fit and active by participating in one of the numerous intramural and club sports teams offered. A wide variety of student-operated clubs and organizations are also hosted every semester at Converse, allowing students to better familiarize themselves with their peers.
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Nazareth CollegeLocation
Rochester, NY
Graduation Rate73%
Nazareth College offers a bachelor's degree in music business that can leads students into careers as audio engineers, concert promoters, or artist managers. Because Nazareth College looks to make this program as hands-on as possible, it incorporates several hours of applied audio mixing (both live and in-studio), private music lessons, and a number of internship opportunities. Several Nazareth programs also allow students to incorporate online courses to their degree program, helping to open up their schedule to other external obligations. If a student is worried about paying for their courses and text material, they may be able to receive financial aid coverage.
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Malone UniversityLocation
Canton, OH
Graduation Rate62%
By majoring in music with an emphasis in music production at Malone University, students will learn the complex ins and outs of the music industry. In addition to artist management and business operation courses, students will also gain experience in learning the proper functions of audio engineering equipment, whether it be live or in-studio. Students who are interested in finishing their Malone degree at a quicker rate may take a heavier course load while also incorporating winter and summer classes. If a student needs more flexibility in their schedule, evening or weekend classes may also be a useful opportunity
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Carson-Newman UniversityLocation
Jefferson City, TN
Graduation Rate55%
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Ohio Northern UniversityLocation
Ada, OH
Graduation Rate67%
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Union UniversityLocation
Jackson, TN
Graduation Rate67%
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Samford UniversityLocation
Birmingham, AL
Graduation Rate71%
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Elmhurst CollegeLocation
Elmhurst, IL
Graduation Rate74%
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Baldwin Wallace UniversityLocation
Berea, OH
Graduation Rate68%
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Michigan Technological UniversityLocation
Houghton, MI
Graduation Rate66%
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Judson UniversityLocation
Elgin, IL
Graduation Rate50%
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Bradley UniversityLocation
Peoria, IL
Graduation Rate78%
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SUNY at FredoniaLocation
Fredonia , NY
Graduation Rate64%
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Westminster CollegeLocation
Salt Lake City, UT
Graduation Rate57%
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Ouachita Baptist UniversityLocation
Arkadelphia, AR
Graduation Rate59%
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Cedarville UniversityLocation
Cedarville, OH
Graduation Rate72%
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Hope CollegeLocation
Holland, MI
Graduation Rate77%
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Ohio State UniversityLocation
Columbus, OH
Graduation Rate82%
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Greenville CollegeLocation
Greenville, IL
Graduation Rate54%
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Belmont CollegeLocation
St. Clairsville, OH
Graduation Rate67%
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Hardin-Simmons UniversityLocation
Abilene, TX
Graduation Rate47%
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University of OregonLocation
Eugene, OR
Graduation Rate67%
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Wheaton CollegeLocation
Wheaton, IL
Graduation Rate90%
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SUNY College at PotsdamLocation
Potsdam, NY
Graduation Rate51%
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Kuyper CollegeLocation
Grand Rapids, MI
Graduation Rate55%
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Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityLocation
West Palm Beach, FL
Graduation Rate51%
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University of TulsaLocation
Tulsa, OK
Graduation Rate66%
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Michigan State UniversityLocation
East Lansing, MI
Graduation Rate79%
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Northwest UniversityLocation
Kirkland, WA
Graduation Rate48%
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Madonna UniversityLocation
Livonia, MI
Graduation Rate36%
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Oklahoma Baptist UniversityLocation
Shawnee, OK
Graduation Rate52%
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Heidelberg UniversityLocation
Tiffin, OH
Graduation Rate53%
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University of Cincinnati-Main CampusLocation
Cincinnati, OH
Graduation Rate62%
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Nyack CollegeLocation
Nyack, NY
Graduation Rate42%
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Belhaven UniversityLocation
Jackson, MS
Graduation Rate49%
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CUNY Brooklyn CollegeLocation
Brooklyn, NY
Graduation Rate54%
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University of Washington-Seattle CampusLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate81%
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Birmingham-Southern CollegeLocation
Birmingham, AL
Graduation Rate66%
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Indiana University-BloomingtonLocation
Bloomington, IN
Graduation Rate75%
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Arizona State University-TempeLocation
Tempe, AZ
Graduation Rate58%
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University of Missouri-Kansas CityLocation
Kansas City, MO
Graduation Rate44%
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University of IdahoLocation
Moscow, ID
Graduation Rate56%
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Maryhurst UniversityLocation
SCHOOL CLOSED, SCHOOL CLOSED
Graduation Rate63%
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University of Rhode IslandLocation
Kingston, RI
Top 10 Music Production Schools 2-Year Colleges
#1 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ |
#2 | Del Mar College Corpus Christi, TX |
#3 | Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas City, KS |
#4 | Santa Fe Community College Santa Fe, NM |
#5 | Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IA |
#6 | Lee College Baytown, TX |
#7 | Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ |
#8 | Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZ |
#9 | Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC |
#10 | Glendale Community College Glendale , AZ |
AccreditedSchools电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录).org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Top 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
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Mesa Community CollegeLocation
Mesa, AZ
By completing one of Mesa Community College's music business or disc jockey techniques programs—either an associate of applied science or a certificate of completion—students will be one step closer to accomplishing their goal of becoming a knowledgeable employee in the music industry. These programs are completed through a variety of classes that range from live and studio audio recording to small business operation. Like many of the Mesa CC programs, these degree paths are flexible in their scheduling, guaranteeing that students will not need to disrupt their schedules to gain an education.
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Del Mar CollegeLocation
Corpus Christi, TX
With the completion of an associate of applied science in sound recording technology at Del Mar College, students will be prepared for employment as soon as they graduate. Students will progress through a thorough curriculum outlining in-studio and live sound mixing principles, proper operation of sound mixing equipment, and the science behind how sound travels and interacts with the human ear. Del Mar College provides its students with academic advising opportunities to help set them on the shortest path to earning their degree. Certain Del Mar College courses may also be completed in a virtual format, if the student finds they are unable to attend the Del Mar campus.
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Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeLocation
Kansas City, KS
Completing an associate of applied science degree in audio engineering at Kansas City Kansas Community College will either lead students into an entry-level job, or it may also prepare students to transfer into a 4-year school to complete a bachelor's degree in a corresponding field. While learning in this program, students will be able to get hands-on experience operating state-of-the-art recording and mixing equipment that will be play a large role in their future careers. KCKCC provides a large number of its students with financial aid, helping to reduce the stresses that accompany attending an institution of higher education.
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Santa Fe Community CollegeLocation
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe Community College offers a certificate in media arts with a specialization in audio production that would be an excellent choice for any student who wishes to pursue a career as an audio engineer. Students will receive a comprehensive education that details all necessary skills to advance into the professional audio field, be it live audio, studio recording, or film audio production. While the SFCC campus offers several student services, student housing complexes, and dining facilities, there are also a number of learning opportunities that may be completed off-campus. 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) learning at SFCC is an excellent way for students to earn their degree in a schedule-friendly manner.
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Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeLocation
Sioux City, IA
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Lee CollegeLocation
Baytown, TX
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Paradise Valley Community CollegeLocation
Phoenix, AZ
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Scottsdale Community CollegeLocation
Scottsdale, AZ
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Guilford Technical Community CollegeLocation
Jamestown, NC
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Glendale Community CollegeLocation
Glendale , AZ
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Angelina CollegeLocation
Lufkin, TX
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Prairie State CollegeLocation
Chicago Heights , IL
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Spokane Falls Community CollegeLocation
Spokane, WA
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Salt Lake Community CollegeLocation
Salt Lake City, UT
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Aims Community CollegeLocation
Greeley, Co
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Houston Community CollegeLocation
Houston, TX
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McLennan Community CollegeLocation
Waco, TX
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Southwestern Illinois CollegeLocation
Belleville, IL
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Fresno City CollegeLocation
Fresno, CA
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South Plains CollegeLocation
Levelland, TX
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Long Beach City CollegeLocation
Long Beach, CA
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Amarillo CollegeLocation
Amarillo, TX
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Chaffey CollegeLocation
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
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Springfield Technical Community CollegeLocation
Springfield, MA
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Foothill CollegeLocation
Los Altos Hills, CA
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Schoolcraft CollegeLocation
Livonia, MI
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Lehigh Carbon Community CollegeLocation
Schnecksville, PA
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Citrus CollegeLocation
Glendora, CA
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Northwest Vista CollegeLocation
San Antonio, TX
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American River CollegeLocation
Sacramento, CA
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San Diego City CollegeLocation
San Diego, CA
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Los Medanos CollegeLocation
Pittsburgh, CA
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Sacramento City CollegeLocation
Sacramento, CA
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Montgomery County Community CollegeLocation
Blue Bell, PA
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Hennepin Technical CollegeLocation
Brooklyn Park, MN
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Norco CollegeLocation
Norco, CA
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Los Angeles Valley CollegeLocation
Valley Glen, CA
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Cedar Valley CollegeLocation
Lancaster, TX
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Luzerne County Community CollegeLocation
Nanticoke, PA
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Finger Lakes Community CollegeLocation
Canandaigua, NY
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Southwestern CollegeLocation
Winfield, KS
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MT San Jacinto Community College DistrictLocation
San Jancinto, CA
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Community College of PhiladelphiaLocation
Philadelphia, PA
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MiraCosta CollegeLocation
Oceanside, CA
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Minneapolis Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Minneapolis, MN
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Ridgewater CollegeLocation
Willmar, MN
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CUNY LaGuardia Community CollegeLocation
Long Island City, NY
Music Production Quick Facts
The job market for broadcast and sound engineering technicians should grow by 9% in the 2012-2022 time frame.Growth comes from updates to audio and video infrastructure and capabilities for clients ranging from corporations to radio and TV stations.Academic institutions are upgrading equipment with features such as interactive whiteboards and video equipment for multimedia presentations.The Wall Street Journal describes strong job opportunities for music production techs in live music venues, more so than in the traditional recording industry.
Must Have List for Music Production Schools
When choosing a music production program, important considerations include institutional quality standards, fieldwork opportunities and access to the actual gear used in this industry.
- Curriculum
- Music production is an applied skill. While a background in music theory, the aesthetics of sounds and other more theoretically based disciplines can be helpful, it's critical to be familiar with the tools of the trade—for example, the hardware and software commonly found in studios, live venues or broadcast media.
- Accreditation
- No central organization accredits music production programs. Schools should be accredited on an institutional level by regional or national organizations that are recognized by agencies such as the Department of Education.
- Faculty
- Look for knowledgeable faculty with academic credentials and a teaching background as well as experience applying the science of music production outside of academia.
- Internships/Work Study
- Having a certificate or a degree has become more essential, but there's no substitute for practicing the art and science of music production in a real-world setting. Internships and fieldwork are also a good way of figuring out what area or specialization best suits your interests and skill set.
- Recording Studios
- The craft of music production is grounded in an understanding of how music is recorded, mixed and mastered for final approval. Ask schools about their facilities to make sure you will be intimately acquainted with the nuts and bolts of the recording studio by the time you graduate.
- Digital and MIDI Assets
- Students need instruction and hands-on time with the hardware and programming software that underlies sound engineering in computer-based recording, specifically Pro Tools and Logic, as well as Avid audio interfaces. Also important is MIDI, or musical instrument digital interface, which is the industry standard for connecting analog instruments to digital recording equipment. Because music is converging with video, it does not hurt to look for training in Final Cut Pro software for video editing, production and rendering.
- Microphones
- It may seem too obvious to mention, but music production, engineering and recording begin with microphones. A suite of high-end, multifunctional mikes is often a standard by which professional studios are judged. It's also a major consideration in choosing a music production school, particularly for vocational programs and community colleges.
The science of audio recording was developed in research universities, laboratories, and technology and communications companies. This knowledge was refined, often by trial and error, by the producers and engineers who put the new technologies to work. Real experience is still a major component in learning about music production. It's true that digital software enables recording and mixing in a virtual space-but actual musicians and instruments, with the knobs and wires that go along with them, are very much a part of music production on a day-to-day basis.
Check, Five, Six. . . Music Production Degrees and Certificates
So, what exactly is required to earn a degree or a certificate in music production? This can and does differ somewhat from program to program. But here's a baseline of what to expect at the various levels of study in music production, from one-year certificates up through full bachelor's degrees and the master's degree programs that can follow.
Music Production Certificates
A music production certificate is not subject to any academic standards and is essentially a proof-of-study stamp of approval from an institution. Certificates can be used as stepping stones in building a professional resume and as a means of staying current in the field through continuing education. Certificates come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. For example, a general certificate from a community college or vocational school will likely indicate that the holder has spent a certain number of hours in the classroom and in the studio learning the basics of music production.
Music schools and art institutes often offer an array of certificates in specialty areas, which might include a specific platform like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, or a particular professional capacity like live sound or film/video audio engineering. Specializations could range from recording orchestras to guitars to electronic music production. Examples of courses in certificate programs are shown below.
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MUSIC PRODUCTION ANALYSIS
An overview of the elements of a successful audio recording, including how recording sessions are engineered and overseen by the music production professional. -
PRO TOOLS
An introduction to the Pro Tools digital recording and mixing platform and some of its uses and functionalities. -
LIVE SOUND
How to set up, mix and break down the equipment necessary in various venues. Examination of the challenges those venues might pose.
Music Production Associate Degrees
A typical associate degree in music production-usually Associate in Science- entails between 45 and 60 credit hours of coursework, which many students can complete in about two years. The associate degree is considered the baseline qualification for many jobs in music production, such as working in radio, television or in an institutional setting where a full-time audio specialist is needed.
Certain programs may have different choices for concentrations, but most associate degree programs are aimed at giving students a broad introduction to the various environments and capacities in which audio engineers and music production specialists work. While there can be elective courses open to students who have particular interests, the main goal is to impart the knowledge and skills necessary in any number of areas of music production.
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DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATIONS
The software and techniques used to record, edit, process and mix the elements of a complete audio recording. -
AUDIOTRONICS
How to properly set up, employ and maintain industry-standard digital recording hardware and software. Work with electronics could include wiring, soldering and manually testing audio equipment. -
POSTPRODUCTION
Recording and overdubbing dialogue, effects and other sonic embellishments on a final mix of an audio project.
Music Production Bachelor's Degrees
While some colleges and universities do offer Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in this field, Bachelor of Science degrees are far more common. BS degrees are intended to take four years of full-time studies, with at least 120 credit hours of coursework. Music production is the major, or primary focus, in a course of study that also includes general education requirements in areas such as the humanities, behavioral sciences and physical sciences. A baccalaureate program also offers students the opportunity to select a minor, or create a secondary focus in a discipline that might be helpful in professional life. However, the core coursework is in the area of music production and engineering, as well as music history and other related disciplines.
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MIDI SYSTEMS
Using Musical Instrument Digital Interface technology in conjunction with Pro Tools and Logic recording software to create and mix audio tracks. -
MULTI-TRACK RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Optimal practices for setting up live recording sessions, incorporating overdubbing and signal processing hardware, as well as microphone placement. -
BUSINESS OF MUSIC PRODUCTION
Setting up a private recording studio, marketing skills, branding and other considerations from the commercial side of the business.
Music Production Graduate Degrees
Master of Science degrees related to music production usually take the form of upper-level music technology credentials, and there are also Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs available in sound design and engineering. These programs can require two years of additional study beyond the bachelor's degree, a good deal of which is dedicated toward projects such as a master's thesis. An MS or MFA degree in music technology and/or sound design may be a prerequisite for academic work in the field or advanced professional roles, although it's not usually necessary to work in the realm of music production.
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DIGITAL AUDIO PROCESSING
In-depth study of the science of digital sound recording and processing. -
SIGNAL THEORY
Review of the mathematics of signal processing and algorithmic analysis of audio in musical applications. -
MUSIC AND VIDEO
Advanced uses of music in video production and in video game technologies.
No doctoral degree programs are dedicated to music production per se, but PhDs are available in areas related to music technology. These programs are rare, and they tend to focus on the most advanced theories and practices of signal processing in digital media, film scoring and multimedia production as well as interactive audio system technologies.
Music Production Toolbox/Checklist
Diverse career paths in music production can accommodate more than one personality type and skill set, but there are some basic strengths and foundational knowledge students should aim to cultivate.
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Computer literacy:
Music production is an almost fully digital field, particularly when it comes to audio files, recording, playback or almost any other phase of the game. Students should aim, at the very least, to be well versed in Pro Tools and Logic Pro, as well as comfortable navigating the online domain in general.
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Communication Skills:
Working in music production can involve describing the impact and effects of various sound techniques, or interpreting the artistic vision of a client. Oral, written and visual communication skills are important elements in the professional's toolbox.
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Audio Engineering:
Sophisticated audio equipment ranges from recording and playback devices to PA systems. Students need a body of technical knowledge that allows them to work confidently and competently whether they are installing, maintaining or operating such equipment.
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Telecommunications:
Digital media convergence has brought all areas of communication closer together. Music production has always played a big role in radio and television, and is expanding its presence in online media. Graduates should be at home in these environments and have a working knowledge of how these media operate on a fundamental level.
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Business Acumen:
Many music production professionals opt to work in an entrepreneurial context, either full time or in addition to a day job. These specialists understand not just the inner workings of the entertainment, music and sports businesses, but also the necessary skills to run a business, whether that be a home recording studio or a live song engineering operation.
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Video Software:
Increasingly, audio and video production happens in the same place, the software for these separate functions is designed to work in tandem and audio projects have a video component. It can be absolutely necessary to know the ins and outs of the video production process, and have some capability working with video creation and editing software assets like Final Cut Pro.
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Internships:
The Must-Have list above already stressed the vital role these opportunities play- but it's worth repeating. A music production school should offer the chance to work as an intern, learning the art and craft of audio engineering in the field.
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Certifications:
There are no licensure requirements in the field of music production and sound engineering. However, professional organizations offer various forms of certification-for example, the Society of Broadcast Engineers and InfoComm International have credentials for broadcast and sound engineering technicians. Faculty at music production schools may advise graduates on certifications that could be helpful in their area of interest.
Music production specialists may work on a team tasked with installing and running the sound equipment at a festival concert or handling the maintenance and day-to-day operations of a public address (PA) system in a sports arena. Or, the audio specialist may work largely alone, performing the involved technical task of mixing multi-tracked digital audio files for clients, some of whom might have volatile artistic temperaments. A solid training in fundamentals can serve in these jobs and others.
Music Production and Sound Design Specializations
Specialization is often a part of moving forward in music production careers. That might mean working in a particular area of sound engineering, like multi-track mixing or live studio recording. Or, it can entail going into a particular sector of the field, like the concert business, sports broadcasting or video production. Here are some other areas of emphasis:
Video Game Production
Working in the video game industry is probably a childhood dream for many people, and there are many different sound and music-related careers one can pursue. Audio workers, such as sound engineers, develop, record and process every sound within the game - music, dialogue and all the small unique sound effects that bring the game to life.
Electronic Music Production
While much music is still created the old fashioned way — by real live people playing instruments and singing — digital technology has evolved to a point where entire tracks can be conceived, created, mixed and mastered in a virtual workspace. This technology, and its many applications, are gaining interest as an area of specialization.
Audio Mastering
The final step in music production is called mastering, and it has been seen as a mysterious hidden realm. It involves a comprehensive knowledge of sound mixing and editing processes, as well as a finely tuned ear, because it rests on creating a final cut of an audio track that is ready for duplication and mass distribution.
Interview with a Music Production Professional
Jeff Wagoner graduated from Full Sail University with an Associate of Science degree in 2004 and now works as the full-time technical director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Lynchburg, VA. This regional performing arts and education center has a wide range of programming: from an opera company in residence, to a rock, pop and folk concert series, to community and family oriented events.
What does your job at the Academy entail?
What does a typical day at the job look like?
But, that's just your not-only-during-the-day day job, right?
How did you find your way into a music production degree program?
What did you like about your music production training program?
What are some of the coolest experiences you've had in music production?
What kind of advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field?
After Music Production School: What's Next
A certificate or degree from a music production school can open doors to many occupations in different settings, which makes it difficult to neatly encapsulate a typical trajectory.
If you prefer a mobile lifestyle on the road, traveling from venue to venue with a performer or a group, then live sound engineering is a viable choice. For the stability of a day job that incorporates the creativity of a music career, consider positions for studio engineers or sound system specialists at colleges, universities, large companies and institutions that rely on complex audio gear. Other options span the domains of broadcast media, multimedia online publishing, sports broadcasting, video game production and webcasting.
Finally, there's the entrepreneurial route, which could mean designing and installing advanced components or recording audio for commercial purposes. Also possible are engineering sessions- for musicians, film or advertising projects-or even commercial voice-overs. Whatever the career decision, these fields are technologically driven and always changing, so music production schools offer a way to stay current with the latest developments.
Career | Mean yearly wage | Mean hourly wage | Est. Growth | No. Employed | Minimum Education |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians | $58,670 | $28.21 | 9% | 121,400 | Postsecondary non-degree |
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians | $46,040 | $22.13 | 14% | 60,200 | Postsecondary non-degree |
Broadcast and Sound Engineers: operate, adjust, monitor, set up and take down audio equipment for broadcasts, live events, recording and more. Troubleshoot and resolve problems with complicated electronic equipment. Convert audio and visual files from one format to another.
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians: Work with computer sound or visual files, including compressing, digitizing, duplicating and storing. Perform repairs on equipment. Design layout of equipment, and move equipment around. Monitor feeds for sound and visual.
Advice From a Music Production Professional
Q: What advice would you give to someone who's looking into applying
to a music production school?
A: At a technical school, you want to look up what some of their alumni are doing. You want to figure out where they are and what they're doing. A lot of schools will mention their high-profile graduates, but not everyone is going to go out there and win a Grammy or a Tony Award. And, you might not get a job in the biggest cities. Which is fine. If there are graduates who are working in the field, at venues or on tours, then that's a good sign. So, you want to look past the huge success stories, and figure out what it's really like to work in the field.
Q: How about advice for those who are seriously considering a career in
music production?
A: It's the same advice I give to anyone going into anything. If you think you know what you want to do in the field, then that's where you should focus. But, if you're not sure, then you need to find a way to continue your education while you're getting out there and doing it. So, if you're interested in doing sound engineering, find a local band or a local artist and volunteer to do a couple of bar gigs for them. If you're good with coiling cable at two in the morning with a bunch of drunk people around you, then get a degree in live sound engineering. Or, find someone who's willing to give you an internship. Music production schools are expensive because the people they have there know what they're doing, and the gear they have is top notch. So, you're going to get the education. But, it's really important before you take that step to make sure that it's really something that you want to do.