Music can bring much enjoyment to someone who is truly enthusiastic about it. Many universities offer courses in music, however the result has been too little influence on the education system. This article discusses music production schools in los angeles california.
In CollegeLearners, you can find detailed information on los angeles film school music production, audio engineering schools in los angeles, la film school music production online, la film school music production review and los angeles recording school tuition.
About la film school music production online
Bachelor of Science in Business – Entrepreneurship Option
The Entrepreneurship Option at Chico State emphasizes an approach to entrepreneurship that acknowledges entrepreneurs’ responsibility to people and the environment, and the potential for entrepreneurship to contribute to a better world. Our students are challenged to understand their values, accept personal responsibility for their decisions and pursue a life of integrity.
Our program is designed to graduate students who not only know how to start and operate a business, but are ready to assume leadership roles in the business world.
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With one of the highest 4-year graduation rates in the CSU system and lowest average student debt amounts in the country, Chico State offers one of the nation’s highest return on investment.
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What Careers Can an Entrepreneurship Degree Offer Me?
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Start a Business, Oversee a Successful Startup
The Entrepreneurship Option doesn’t just prepare students to start and manage their own business. The knowledge, skills, and creativity required to oversee a successful startup have broad applications and are valued by employers of all kinds.
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Students in the entrepreneurship option program develop:
an understanding of the entire operations of a business;
practical critical thinking,
problem solving and analytical skills
personal skills like teamwork, leadership & communication
Career options for entrepreneurship grads include:
Start a business or join an existing startup
To gain experience and expertise, entrepreneurs often take jobs in industries they intend to start a company in before beginning their own companies.
Corporate management
Research and development
Management consulting
Sales and marketing
Financial analysist
Nonprofit organization founder, manager and fundraiser
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Is a Degree in Entrepreneurship Right for Me?
The Entrepreneurship Option is an excellent choice for students who have or would like to develop what is called an entrepreneurial mindset. People with an entrepreneurial mindset are:
Critical thinkers who question the status quo
Observers of their environment who look for opportunities for improvement
Confident enough to take a risk or handle rejection yet flexible enough to admit a mistake
Motivated to identify and solve problems
Active listeners with good written and verbal communication skills
Self-starters capable of independently organizing and managing their activities
Effective at working in a group and building teams
Students with specialized abilities in areas like music and fine art or with skills in social media or web development, also find the Entrepreneurship Option to be an excellent way to leverage their abilities into a successful career.
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What Program Opportunities Can I Become Involved While Studying at Chico State?
Entrepreneurship students have the opportunity to participate in a wide-range of activities outside of the classroom. The Center for Entrepreneurship hosts new venture and business plan competitions between Chico State student teams and between Chico State and other universities. These popular and exciting events provide students a chance to compete for business startup funds and receive expert advice. We also encourage students to take advantage of the experiential opportunities available to students including company site visits and our internship program.
The Entrepreneurship Center, Entrepreneurship Club and partner organizations host events and programs that provide students with a chance to connect with mentors and successful alumni and hear from distinguished entrepreneurial leaders. Students can also receive targeted consulting, mentoring and training support for their startup ideas from our incubator program and make use of our Makerspace lab featuring 3D printers, a vinyl cutter, an industrial sewing machine, high-powered computers, and much more. Students can apply for a number of scholarships and grants available only to Entrepreneurship students
How to Apply
We can’t wait to meet you! Chico State is part of the California State University system and uses Cal State Apply for applications.
Make sure to select California State University, Chico as your campus of choice when applying. Registering and applying is quick and easy, so let’s get started!
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About Chico State
Nationally Ranked
U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks us in the top 10 of regional public universities in the West, and Forbes ranks Chico State as a top college for educational quality and value (just to name a few).
ICON’s Music Production School in Los Angeles provides aspiring artists industry-leading music education. See why our students choose to learn music production at ICON.
ICON’S MUSIC PRODUCTION SCHOOL IN LOS ANGELES IS CREATED BY ARTISTS FOR ARTISTS
Since 2005, ICON Collective has been at the forefront of music education. Our proven approach to music production empowers students to achieve their goals in the music industry.
ICON will prepare you for success! Whether you aspire to be the next mainstage touring artist, a professional electronic music producer, a mastering engineer, or any other career in the recording industry.
YOU WILL LEAVE ICON COLLECTIVE WITH
The knowledge, experience, and skills to thrive in the music and entertainment industries
A profound understanding of your artistic path and the music business
A professional network ready to support you as you embark on your musical journey
A catalog of professional-sounding music ready for release on major labels
The motivation and inspiration to live a successful, creative lifestyle
The results of ICON’s Music Production Programs speak for themselves!
WHY CHOOSE ICON COLLECTIVE COLLEGE OF MUSIC
ICON Collective is a higher-education music school with proven results. We are an accredited music school and Ableton Certified.
Our College of Music offers immersive music production programs available in Los Angeles and Online. ICON’s comprehensive curriculum and philosophies teach you core technical skills while unlocking your unique creative process.
Learning the principles and practices of music production is only part of creating high-quality music. We also provide students the tools and strategies to brand, market, distribute, and sell their music.
In addition, our staff and instructors are working professionals making their mark in the music industry. They share their real-world knowledge and experience in both classroom settings and one-on-one sessions.
Students work with these professional mentors throughout their time at ICON. This opportunity gives each student individual attention to develop their desired skills and unique creative vision.
OUR INDUSTRY-LEADING MUSIC PRODUCTION PROGRAMS IN LOS ANGELES
Icon Collective Music Production School in Los Angeles
Icon Collective Classroom
ICON’s Music Production Programs provide the most intuitive and in-depth music courses in the industry.
Whether you are an experienced musician or a talented newbie, ICON can match your skill level!
Our comprehensive curriculum teaches you a variety of subjects. The immersive music programs cover the fundamentals, including:
- Audio Production
- Music Theory
- Songwriting
- Music Composition
- Song Structure
- Music Arrangement
- Mixing and Mastering
- Music Technology
- Synthesis
- The Art of Flow
- Artist Development
- Sound Design
- Vocal Production
- Keyboard Techniques
- Remixing
- Audio Sampling
- Audio Editing
- Ear Training
- Critical Listening
- Collaboration
- Music Marketing
- Music Business
Students also become proficient in using the latest music technology. Learn hands-on with Ableton Live or Pro Tools, software instruments and effects, mixing consoles, MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, and other music studio essentials.
Don’t hesitate! Learn the technical and creative aspects of music production to create original, commercial-grade music.
Ready to master the art of music production and launch your music career with confidence?
YES, SHOW ME YOUR MUSIC PROGRAMS
OUR THRIVING MUSIC COMMUNITY
When you join ICON, you join a Collective for life.
ICON Collective has built a connected community of artists, producers, DJs, and other music industry professionals. Each member of this Collective fits into the communal spirit we’ve curated from the start.
Every artist needs a support network to help them learn and succeed. At ICON, we give you that network. Our expanding Collective opens doors to continued learning, music collaboration, support groups, exclusive privileges, and more.
Dubstep DJ Spock Teaching in Music Production School Classroom
Live! Q&A with Spock
ICON also provides students additional training and support even after they graduate. All LA graduates receive alumni privileges and exclusive access to resources, including:
Access to our facilities and professional recording studios for life
Weekly Open Office Hour sessions hosted by instructors and staff
Exclusive access to various support groups, mentor sessions, and career services
Access to exclusive resources and events. ICON frequently hosts Q&A events with seasoned veterans of the music industry
Some of our industry guests include Jauz, Slander, the manager of deadmau5, record label reps from Owsla, and more.
FEATURED ICON COLLECTIVE ALUMNI
Join the ranks of ICON Alumni making waves in the world of music.
The success of our alumni inspires future generations of students to pursue their musical dreams in the entertainment industry. We could not be prouder of their success!
Meet some esteemed ICON Collective Alumni thriving in their chosen fields.
SEE OUR ALUMNI
BOOK A CAMPUS TOUR AT OUR EXCITING NEW FACILITY
Music Production School in Los Angeles
Icon Collective Open House Tour
Explore our Los Angeles campus! The admissions department gives exclusive on-campus tours all the time.
Our guided tours offer an opportunity for prospective students to experience ICON. Guests get access to the school and its impressive amenities. You will also meet integral members of the Collective, interact with professional music gear, and take an in-depth look at the curriculum.
BOOK A TOUR NOW
MUSIC PRODUCTION SCHOOL TESTIMONIALS
The ICON Collective reviews are positive! Check out what our students are saying about their experience at ICON:
THE THRIVING LOS ANGELES MUSIC SCENE
Los Angeles, California, boasts the most vibrant and bustling music scene in the world. It’s the center of the thriving music industry. That’s why ICON started in LA.
Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles California
Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles California
As an ICON student, you have access to more than the amazing education you receive on campus. You also gain access to LA, an exciting city with endless opportunities for aspiring artists.
Numerous record labels, managers, booking agents, promoters, music publishers, and other industry professionals work in Los Angeles. They thrive while making their dreams happen. You can too!
The culture we curate on campus extends the Los Angeles music scene. Support, authenticity, and hard work will take you far in LA, and ICON is next to the action!
Our Burbank location is less than 15 minutes from the heart of Hollywood and less than 20 minutes from Downtown LA. It’s the ideal location to create, learn, and explore California.
Downtown Burbank is also a vibrant destination at the epicenter of the creative community. The surrounding area combines bustling activity, entertainment, dining, shopping, rich culture, and casual vibes. It’s the quintessential SoCal experience!
BEGIN YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY AND JOIN THE COLLECTIVE
Take the first step towards your artistic dreams. Apply for ICON today!
Still have questions? Our dedicated admissions department will answer questions about the music programs, admissions process, tuition, life at ICON, and anything between.
Contact admissions by email at admissions@iconcollective.edu or by phone at (818) 299-8013.
Ready to enroll in our Music Production Program now? Start the application process below.
Are you interested in studying music production, or in starting your career as a Music Producer?
Producing music is a fascinating part of our industry, and there are many excellent training programs in music production to choose from. Not all music production programs require you to train as a musician, but most do.
In this article we will cover the different kinds of programs, why you should attend a music production school, the types of careers available to Music Producers, how to choose a school and program, plus the length of study and costs of some top programs nationwide. We will look at colleges and universities where you can earn your diploma and degree, and also at some certificate courses and other training programs offered by other types of institutions.
Here’s what you need to think about when considering music production schools:
Why should you attend music production school?
What to look for in a music production program
How to choose a school
Career options for after earning your degree
Top 10 schools for music production
Other kinds of training programs
Like any major decision, choosing to study music production and audio engineering will require you to carefully research all options available. Armed with knowledge, you’ll be in a better position to discover the best path forward as you prepare to enter the music industry.
Decades past, most musicians learned music production on the job, and an internship during and after school might still make sense for anyone looking to build their skills and network in order to break into a highly competitive profession. The fact that there are now so many excellent schools where you can study music production attests to the fact that there are terrific career opportunities for those who prepare themselves well.
Can You Go to College for Music Production?
Music production programs are becoming more and more popular at colleges and universities across the nation. So yes, you can attend college to major in music production.
Look for programs with names like Recording Arts, Music Technology, Audio Engineering, Sound Recording, Production and Recording, and (obviously) Music Production. In these programs, you’ll learn your way around the recording studio and be on your way to producing music within 2-4 years.
Why Should You Attend Music Production School?
Training
In preparing yourself to succeed as a Music Producer, having top-notch professional and technical training will be important to learning the creative process and also the business of music. The best schools offer this, and more.
Network
One reason people choose to attend a top school is for the network they can build there. The Professors, staff, clinicians, and the other students you meet will be crucial to your future career success, since they will become your collaborators. You will also certainly get referrals to amazing professional opportunities through your future network.
Location
Another reason for choosing a school might be its location. Many of the schools on my top 10 list are located in urban areas close to where the music industry lives, such as Nashville, Los Angeles, New York City, or Miami. Studying in a place situated close to the industry will give you more potential opportunities to build your network, secure an internship, and get work when you finish school.
Besides building your network and being close to the music industry, the specialized training you receive should give you a distinct advantage as you enter the highly competitive and lucrative global music and entertainment sector.
To get to a decision about whether and where to go to school, it can be hard to know where to start. You will need to research as many programs as possible, and then consider how well they align with your own preferences, priorities, time frame, and budget.
Let us know which career you are most interested in. Start here
What College Courses Are Needed to Become a Music Producer?
As a music production student, the college courses you’ll take may include work in fields like music theory, songwriting, arranging and orchestration, music history, music performance, audio engineering and recording, electronic music, film/video sound, game music, and–of course–music production.
What Colleges Are Best for Music Production?
In no particular order, our picks for the best music production colleges/universities include:
Berklee College of Music
NYU Steinhardt
USC Thornton School of Music
Frost School of Music
Middle Tennessee State University
Drexel University
UMass Lowell
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Belmont University
American University
Full Sail University
Musicians Institute
Carnegie Mellon University
SAE Institute
Top 10 Schools for Music Production
It’s really tough to choose the top 10 schools for music production, as there are so many excellent programs in the US. I’ve focused on degree-granting institutions, since most students are seeking at least a bachelor’s degree, but there are also master’s degrees available and some schools offer shorter programs leading to a certificate or diploma. Plan to spend between 2-4 years at most schools. There are also some part-time online programs, such as the ones offered by ICON Collective.
While some good schools may not be included here, all of the following have strong reputations for music production programs. Some are more focused on the technology, and might lead to a bachelor of science (B.S.) while others are more music-focused, or music business focused, leading to a bachelor of music (B.M.), a bachelor of arts (B.A.), or a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.).
For graduate studies, you could earn a master of music (M.M.), a master of arts (M.A.), or a master of fine arts (M.F.A.). There aren’t many doctoral programs in music production, at least not yet.
Full-time college and university programs are extraordinarily expensive in the US, averaging between 40-80 thousand dollars per year, including living costs (yes, you read that right). Most schools offer financial aid, and there might be programs at a state school that will save you money, especially if you are a resident. Certificate programs, individual courses (in-person and online), and 2-year community colleges are much less expensive and also take less time to complete. For some people, a certificate might be enough.
Berklee College of Music
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, New York City, and Valencia, Spain
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: Degree $73,471, Diploma $67,331
Berklee has one of the largest and most reputable programs in Music Production and Engineering. They also offer majors and minors in Sound Design, Film Scoring, Electronic Production, and Video Game Music. A four-year program leads to a Bachelor of Music in the Music Production and Engineering (MP&E) major. A strong background in math and physics is required for admission to the major.
Berklee has a Master of Music in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation at their campuses in New York City and in Valencia, Spain. Berklee owns the legendary Power Station Studios in New York City where many famous albums and songs were recorded, and students run the studios there. Berklee also has online courses, certificates, and degrees in music production and audio engineering.
Berklee College of Music
NYU Steinhardt
Location: New York City
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $78,243
Programs in Music Technology at NYU/Steinhardt lead to the Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Ph.D. in Music Technology. They also have a Tonmeister advanced certificate for graduate students. The facilities comprise thirteen studios, including the 7,500-square-foot James L. Dolan Music Recording Studio. NYU also has the Clive Davis Institute at Tisch, which is more focused on the business side of the music industry and production and offers many innovative courses for Producers and budding Music Executives.
NYU/Steinhardt is recognized as an industry leader in technology, teaching and research, and their programs are highly selective and competitive. The school offers more than forty courses in music technology and production, including audio engineering, multimedia production, and software development for sound engineering. Music students also study marketing and music business. Located in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, students benefit from proximity to top recording studios, music publishing houses, symphonies, jazz clubs, and Broadway theaters.
NYU Steinhardt
USC Thornton School of Music
Location: Los Angeles, California
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $79,063
Housed at the University of Southern California (USC), Thornton is a conservatory-style music school offering a Bachelor of Music in Music Production. Their Music Technology programs are designed for musicians who want to integrate digital music production with other industry disciplines such as composition, performing, arranging, and live recording of acoustic instruments.
Thornton has an innovative approach to blending music technology with cross-disciplinary art forms such as visual media and art. Their students benefit from stellar faculty who also work in the industry, proximity to film studios, and access to industry players.
USC Thornton School of Music
Frost School of Music
Location: Miami, Florida
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $73,712
Housed at the University of Miami, Frost offers a four-year Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Science, plus a Master of Science. Students in the undergraduate programs pursue traditional music studies in performance, history, and theory, while learning the art and science of recording, mixing, and signal processing.
In addition, students gain technical skills in areas such as electrical engineering and computer science. The Master of Science audio program only accepts students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in computer science or electrical engineering.
Frost School of Music
Middle Tennessee State University
Location: Murfreesboro Tennessee (near Nashville)
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $43,936 (out-of-state), $24,250 (in-state)
MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry benefits from proximity to the recorded music industry and state-of-the-art facilities in Nashville, known as “Music City.” The program is frequently cited by Billboard Magazine as a top 10 U.S. school for audio engineering and music business.
One of the largest audio engineering programs in the country, they offer a Bachelor of Science in Audio Production and a Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technology. Undergraduates majoring in audio production also pursue a technical or industry minor, such as computer science, entrepreneurship, or video and film production.
Middle Tennessee State University
Drexel University
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $70,457
Situated in the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Drexel offers a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies. Students can choose to focus on music technology and production within the recording arts and music production concentrate. With tracks for musicians and non-musicians, playing an instrument is not always a requirement.
Students get real-life experience working at Drexel’s independent record label, Mad Dragon Records. Drexel works very hard to place every graduate in a job or internship immediately after graduation.
Drexel University
UMass Lowell
Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $49,054 (out-of-state), $31,128 (in-state), $42,668 (regional New England)
Twenty miles north of Boston, UMass Lowell’s highly-rated Sound Recording Technology program is housed in the Music Department and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students must perform and audition on a musical instrument or voice. Students can earn a combined Bachelors and Master’s degree in five years. (Note: UMass has temporarily suspended admissions to the master’s degree while they revise the curriculum and program.)
UMass Lowell
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Estimated annual tuition, fees: Varies according to family income, credits taken, and whether in-state or out-of-state. Tuition and fees only between $4,000-8,000 annually for in-state and $8,000-17,000 for out-of-state.
Tri-C’s Recording Arts and Technology program occupies the Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts. This superb 75,000 square-foot facility is a jointly managed with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and houses modern recording studios, a concert hall, and the archives of the Rock Hall. The Center also accommodates the media and recording arts programs, an animation laboratory, keyboard classrooms, dance and theater studios, plus multiple music technology and editing suites.
Tri-C’s programs lead to a Certificate or an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Recording Arts and Technology. Tri-C is one of the largest and best-rated community colleges in the country, and has an articulation agreement (2 + 2) with Berklee College of Music in Boston where students can complete their Bachelors at Berklee in just two years after transferring from Tri-C with their Associate’s.
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Belmont University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $51,670
Placed very close to the music industry in Nashville, Belmont University’s Entertainment and Music Business Department offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Audio Engineering Technology with an optional music production emphasis. Students take courses in audio engineering, physics, electronic circuitry, and other science-oriented subjects, and are also required to complete a minor in an industry-related discipline. Belmont University claims it is a “Christian Community” for learning and service.
Belmont University
American University
Location: Washington, D.C.
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $67,694
Located in the nation’s capital, AU offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production and the Bachelor of Science in Audio Technology, plus a Master of Arts in Audio Technology. Programs concentrate on sound synthesis and studio management, and students specialize in music, communication, computer science, or physics.
The Audio Technology Program blends the art and the science of audio with music technology. Core courses are in sound synthesis, audio production, electronics, physics, and using digital audio workstations. They have state-of-the-art recording studios, live performance spaces that can be used for recording, and even a synthesizer collection.
American University
Following are a few bonus schools and other options for studying music production:
Full Sail University
Location: Winter Park, Florida (near Orlando)
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $40,363
Full Sail started out in 1979 as a recording school offering courses in Audio Engineering. Their curriculum has expanded to include programs in many other technical and creative disciplines. Bachelor of Science degrees are available in Recording Arts, Audio Production, and Show Production. They also offer a Certificate in Audio Production which can be completed in as little as five months.
Some of their programs are online or campus only, while others are blended with both online and on-campus courses required. Their campus has numerous modern recording environments ranging from full recording studios to live venues.
Full Sail University
Musicians Institute
Location: Hollywood, California
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $47,088
Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music (known as M.I.) has an Audio Engineering program offering a Certificate in Production. They also offer Associate’s, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Science, Arts, and Music. Students can focus on music business or songwriting along with sound engineering and music production.
MI has some online programs as well, such as the Artist Producer Entrepreneur, Electronic Music Production, and Studio Recording courses of study. Musicians Institute has many alumni working in the music industry worldwide.
Musicians Institute
Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $74,491
Carnegie Mellon offers a Music and Technology Bachelor of Science as a joint project between the School of Music, the School of Computer Science, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Undergraduates take courses in recording technology, audio engineering, computer music, music composition, music performance, music theory, and Pro-Tools.
There is also a Master of Science in music and technology, where students study technologically assisted composition or performance, computer music systems, or instrument design. They even have a class in musical robotics, where computers play electro-mechanical instruments.
Carnegie Mellon University
SAE Institute
Location: Multiple U.S. locations, and overseas
Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $47,739
With six campuses in the U.S. and fifty locations worldwide, SAE has offered Audio engineering programs since 1976. The accredited programs in Audio Technology and Audio Production lead to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree or the Audio Diploma. They also have courses in music business, game audio production, and film production.
In the U.S., SAE has locations in New York City, Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco, Chicago, and Nashville. Additionally, SAE focuses on professional development for Producers and Engineers with their online courses.
SAE Institute
Shorter Courses
ICON Collective
ICON Collective offers shorter programs in music production at their school in Los Angeles and online. Students can choose from a single intro online 12-week course for $3,000, the 18-month online music production program for $15,000, the on campus 12-month “Flagship” music production program for $26,000, or the advanced music production program for 18 months at $39,000. (The on-campus versions have more weekly training hours than the online courses do.)
ICON claims to teach you “core technical skills while also unlocking your unique creative process.”
ICON Collective
Pyramind
Located in San Francisco and online, Pyramind is an Ableton and Avid certified training center offering an intensive 1-year music, post-production, and sound for picture and games career-building course. The in-person course starts at about $21,000 and students have access to four great-sounding studio rooms where they can work with industry-standard gear, plus engage with their structured mentorship program.
Pyramind also hosts a record label, which they bill as an artist development and release platform for Pyramind SF student body, alumni, staff, and the greater community.
Pyramind
Soundfly
Online courses only, starting at $649. Soundfly is an interesting solution as they offer active customized learning under the guidance of an expert mentor. Their courses are affordable and flexible, and in addition to music production courses, they offer courses in songwriting, music theory, composition, performance, electronic music, music business, and music marketing.
Soundfly
What to Look for in a Music Production Program
First, take the time to consider your career goals and your preferences. There are many different types of Music Producers working in a seemingly endless number of different markets. It’s okay to not have a clear picture of where you want to end up, but at least make note of your likes and dislikes as you compare the programs on offer.
Some things you might want to consider while choosing a music production school:
Who is on faculty?
What are the facilities like?
How many students are enrolled?
What is the typical class size?
Who are their successful graduates?
How long does the program take?
What is the cost and is there financial aid available?
Additionally, you might consider the climate, the industry focus (Los Angeles has a focus on film music, Miami has a big Latin music market), crime rates, proximity to cultural assets (like museums or theme parks), the school’s “vibe,” or anything else that might impact your decision. The goal at this point is to come up with a list of criteria you can apply to each school you are looking at.
How to Choose a Music Production School
Considering the above, I recommend you research a number of schools first, perhaps as many as 10 or 15. Make a list of the things you like or dislike about each school. As you narrow down your list, plan to visit the school, if possible, or at least take a virtual tour if offered.
You should also reach out to speak directly with current faculty, staff, and students. You want to get a realistic idea of what it’s like to study there, and to imagine what your day-to-day life would be like if you were to attend.
Also, take a look at the admissions process and what will be required to make an application. Your ultimate choice doesn’t need to be on any top 10 list, as long as it’s a great fit for you. Take enough time to evaluate each program.
Your final decision could be based on any number of things, such as notable alumni, experience of the Instructors, location, costs, or your interest in the coursework. Since every school is different, think carefully about your choice and consult with other trustworthy people about where might be the best place for you.
Career Options After Earning Your Degree
So, what does a Music Producer actually do? According to world-renowned, GRAMMY-winning Record Producer and Berklee Professor Prince Charles Alexander:
“The main role of the Producer is to create an overall vision of what the record will sound like, and to harness the efforts of the team to bring that vision to life. There are three areas, or levels, of being a Producer: an Executive Producer provides funding, the Creative Producer is what we usually think of when we use the word ‘Producer’ whose job is to set the artistic direction, and the Technical Engineer. The first two kinds of Producers are relatively straightforward, but the Technical Engineer can actually be divided into three realms: recording, mixing, and mastering. So, the Engineer is a part of the production team, and their role is highly technical. Most Engineers specialize, to some degree in one of those areas, especially Mastering Engineers.”
Charles points out that there are different types of Music Producers, and they may specialize in one or more areas. As a job description, “Producer” can mean many things. For example, some Producers might work in A&R (Artist and Repertoire) at a record label, be a Music Executive, work hands-on in the studio, or even do live sound for clubs, concerts, tours, or sporting events. Many Producers are also Music Arrangers and performers, or they could be Songwriters and Composers.
For the recent college graduate, securing an internship could lead to a job, or to working primarily as a Freelance Producer helping other Singers, Songwriters, Composers, bands, or musical performers to realize their own unique artistic vision.
Final Thoughts
As you see, there are many great choices out there if you are seeking to create your future career through training to be a Music Producer. Whether or not you see earning a degree as your main goal, there’s much to learn and many places to learn it. Invest the time to understand what each institution and program has to offer, and make your choice wisely.
Our admissions department can also answer questions via the homepage Live Chat or from our Contact Page.
What is the ICON Collective Tuition Cost?
ICON’s Music Production Programs range from $2,995 to $38,992. The most popular program is our Flagship LA Program, which costs $25,995.
Contact our admissions department to learn about admission requirements, tuition costs, and how to schedule a registration appointment.
How long is your music production school?
The Advanced LA Program provides 18 months of music education. It includes 60 hours with a professional producer, 1,200 office hours, live Q&A with guest artists, and more.
The Flagship LA Program provides 12 months of music education. It includes 40 hours with a professional producer, 800 office hours, live Q&A with guest artists, and more.
Should I go to a music production school or learn online?
Choosing how to learn music production depends on your ambitions, learning style, and budget. However, postsecondary education at ICON offers something online tutorials can’t.
Music production schools provide an organized and carefully planned out method of learning. They offer structured programs conducted by passionate, qualified instructors who inspire students to achieve their creative goals.
Through a structured curriculum, an aspiring producer can also accelerate how thoroughly they gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to advance their music and career.
Read our blog post: Should You Attend a Music Production School? We compare music production schools with free online tutorials.
How hard is it to become a music producer?
Learning music production is challenging but rewarding. It takes a long time to reach a level where you are releasing professional music.
Producing music requires practice and knowledge of the intricacies involved in making music. For example, music theory, sound design, music composition, mixing and mastering, music technology, and more.
Success in the music production field also requires music business skills. For example, knowledge of music marketing, contracts, music royalties, distribution, industry trends, and more.
Is going to school for music production worth it?
YES! The knowledge, skills, experience, and connections you gain at music production schools prepare students for real-world success. That’s not the case with other non-structured methods.
Students also get hands-on learning from industry professionals using the latest music technology. The unique learning environment will also accelerate the learning process, enhance comprehension, boost confidence, and more.
If you’re passionate about music and serious about pursuing a career in the industry, then it’s worth investing in yourself.
ABOUT ICON COLLECTIVE
ICON Collective is a Los Angeles and Online music production school that teaches you core technical skills while unlocking your unique creative process. Mentorships with industry professionals let you access real-world insights and help you personalize your music education. Check out our Music Production Programs.
Business Internships
College of Business internships are a great way to gain real work experience. Build your resume and earn 3 course credits toward your business degree at CSU, Chico.
Details and Requirements
BADM 389 is used for all internships. Below is the list of possible areas to pursue.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (MGMT 389K)
Human Resource Management (MGMT 389A)
Management (MGMT 389C)
Project Management (MGMT 389E)
Sustainability (MGMT 389D)
What’s involved?
Academic interns write a term paper and a brief reflection paper while completing their work duties to earn course credit. No lectures, no exams, no group projects! Plus, internships can be completed during the fall, spring, or summer terms, and can be done from anywhere across the globe.
How to Apply / Requirements
Department of Accounting
Kristina Brown
Accounting and Professional Accounting Certificate (PAC) Advisor
530-898-4480
kbrown60@csuchico.edu
Accounting students are encouraged to contact Kristina Brown for advising and program planning. She helps students plan out classes semester by semester and assistance with the following items:
internships
CPA exam process
Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi meetings
career guidance
For Employers
Are you a company interested in establishing in hiring our students? Email us at bus@csuchico.edu for more information.