Pre-Requisites
The first steps in obtaining a music production degree involve applying to an accredited recording arts school. You’ll have to prove that you’re ready to take on the challenge that music school presents.
Getting into a good music school can be pretty competitive, especially considering that the rewards of a successful music career can be vastly lucrative. In addition to scholastic aptitude and a good academic record, prospective music majors will have to demonstrate that they have the proper foundations of knowledge in musicianship to pursue a career in music.
Entrance
Once you establish that you’re a capable student of music, you’ll have to fill out an application to the school. This usually includes a written essay in which you articulate your experiences and goals in the music industry. Some of the top music schools will also require that you undergo an interview process with a full-time member of the school faculty.
Music Production Degree & Diploma Programs
The professional diploma program at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA is very similar to an associate’s degree. Upon completion of this program, a person could transfer in to the bachelor’s degree program if he meets certain educational requirements. Berklee offers a MP& E program as well as Electronic Production and Design program, the latter the more appropriate choice of sound engineering. Following is a side-by-side comparison of the courses for each diploma program, to be taken in the fourth semester.
Engineering Diploma | Design Diploma |
||
| • Principles of Audio Technology 2 • Mix Techniques Lab • Business of Music Production | • Advanced Sound Design Techniques • Digital Mix Techniques • Control Systems in Advanced Production |
||
| Core Music - 22 | Core Music - 29 | ||
| General Education - 3 | Liberal Arts - 7 | ||
| Private Instruction - 8 | Private Instruction - 6 | Solfege 2 |
|
| Ensemble/Lab - 5 | Ensemble/Lab - 6 | ||
| General Electives - 28 | General Electives - 18 | ||
Curriculum
Once you’ve been accepted into music school, your training begins almost immediately. Although music production majors generally focus their learning on the technical aspects of music, all music students usually have to go through the same core classes that teach the fundamentals of music. These classes are generally divided into two categories: Quality and Techical.
Quality
“Quality” classes generally encompass subjects such as music theory, arrangement, harmony, tonal harmony, and ear training. Students have to learn how to identify “good” music--after all, you can’t make good music unless you know what it’s supposed to sound like. Students will also learn how to read and write music themselves.
Technical
Since music production is mostly technical, technical classes are where most music production majors focus their time and energy. Technical classes include subjects such as audio engineering, music arrangement, audio mixing, record production, and audio technology. As a student, you’ll have access to professional audio equipment and be trained on how to use it. Music production majors also have to take specific courses that involve business concepts, as producers are essentially the entrepreneurs of the music industry.
Internships
One of the major benefits of attending music school is having unique access to a professional network. In the music business, it’s about who you know just as much as it is about what you know, and internships offer students the ability to learn from actual professionals in the industry. As a music production student, you might want to seek an internship at a local studio or radio station, and apply your newly-gained knowledge in a real world environment. In some cases, internships are actually a requirement for graduation.