Music production is the process of producing a piece of music, which often includes writing, recording, and editing.
If music production is your passion, you can earn a degree in music production at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
Below, we've broken down some of the top music production programs in the country to help you find the right one.
Best Colleges for Music Production in the U.S.
Several colleges and universities in the United States offer degrees in music production. We've listed some of our top choices below in alphabetical order.
1. Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music is a private music college based in Boston, MA. It offers multiple degrees for music production.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in music production, but that's not their only option. Other bachelor's degrees in music production include:
- Bachelor of Music in contemporary writing and production
- Bachelor of Music in electronic production and design
- Bachelor of Music in independent recording and production
- Bachelor of Music in music production and engineering.
Likewise, students can earn a Master of Music in music production. They can also earn degrees like:
- Master of Music in music production, technology, and innovation
- Master of Music in contemporary music with a production concentration
The bachelor's programs take four years, while the master's programs take one. Several programs are available online.
Berklee also offers minors and certificates in music production.
2. Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in music industry with a concentration in recording arts and media production.
This degree is offered by Drexel's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. It requires 187 quarter credits for graduation.
Courses offered in the recording arts and media production concentration include:
- Commercial Music Production
- Electronic Music Production
- Music Production Master Class
- Synthesis and Sampling
3. Full Sail University
Full Sail University is a private, for-profit university based in Winter Park, FL. It offers primarily art and media programs, including a Bachelor of Science in music production.
This program offers courses such as:
- Audio Engineering Techniques
- Fundamentals of Music Business
- Music Production for Media
- Musical Arrangement
Students can take this program either on campus or online. The on-campus program is a 20-month program, while the online program takes 27 months.
4. Indiana University Southeast
Indiana University Southeast is a public university in New Albany, a city just outside of Louisville, KY. It offers a Bachelor of Science in music with a concentration in audio production.
The program requires 120 credits and takes about four years to complete. Courses offered in the concentration include:
- Basic Physics of Sound
- Legal Aspects of the Music Industry
- Multitrack Studio Techniques
- Sound For Visual Media
Students must audition to get into this program, which may include an assessment of an instrument or the student's voice.
5. Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University is a public research university in Murfreesboro, a city in the suburbs of Nashville. It offers two degrees for students interested in music production.
The first is a four-year Bachelor of Science in audio production. It includes courses such as:
- Audio Signals and Systems
- Live Event Production
- Mastering
- Recording Studio Techniques
The second is a Master of Fine Arts in recording arts and technologies, which offers students an advanced look at audio production, recording, and integrated electronic media. It takes three years.
Both programs are offered through the Department of Recording Industry in the university's College of Media and Entertainment.
6. New York University
New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City. Through its Tisch School of the Arts, it offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in recorded music.
This degree is designed to provide students with the skills they need to become visionaries in the music industry.
Students receive a holistic education in the music industry. The program offers several production electives including:
- Advanced Production for Songwriters and Artists
- Mastering the Record
- Mix intensive
- The Virtual Producer: Beats and Beatmaking
The program is four years long and includes study abroad opportunities in the third year.
7. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles. It offers a Bachelor of Music Production through its Thornton School of Music.
The degree is 132 total credits, including 50 in the music production program. Courses offered in the program include:
- Desktop Music Production
- Fundamentals of Audio Engineering
- Introduction to the Music Industry
- Music Production
Before making it into the program, students must be accepted by USC and pass two rounds of auditions.
FAQs About Colleges for Music Production in the U.S.
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about colleges for music production in the U.S.
Can I Earn a Degree in Music Production Online?
Yes, several colleges and universities, including some listed above, are available online.
How Long Are Music Production Programs?
The length of a music production program will depend on what level of degree you're earning. Bachelor's degrees average four years while master's can last one to three years.
Do I Need a Degree to Become a Music Producer?
While you can learn music production through other methods, degree programs will cover everything you need to know and help you network with those in the industry.
Find a College for Music Production
Students can learn music production through a number of excellent colleges and universities. Check out the ones above to get started today.
