If you have an ear for music, a career in music production might be for you. As a music producer, sound engineer or other recording arts professional, you could be creating, recording, editing, mixing, or manipulating sounds to create hit songs, movie soundtracks, radio commercials and more. Producing music in a studio is a complex creative process that requires both technical and artistic skills and as new and exciting technologies arise in the music industry, a solid educational background is becoming more and more crucial in order to be successful in this field.
Many colleges and universities offer degrees and certificates in music production. Smaller trade, private and specialty institutions also offer certificate programs in music production.
The professional skills and educational requirements will vary greatly for the many colleges and universities offering certificates and degree programs in music production. Once accepted into a program, students will be expected to take courses in: Musical History and Theory, Composition, Songwriting, Ear Training, Copyright Law, Finance and Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
Students will also have to spend many hours honing their skills in piano in and out of the classroom. Knowing how to play the piano is necessary since it is a songwriter’s and producer’s primary tool used during the composition process.
Modern music production studies are also dependent upon computer software and digital technology. Students enrolled in music production programs will also be required to take courses in various computer software programs and digital technology.
Music production is competitive and involves long hours and variable pay, so another requirement is for students to have a lifelong love of music in order to succeed in this business. Music production students must also love working with performing artists and making music.
Many music production programs are based around independent and team-based projects so networking and collaborating with other students will also be required.
Music production departments offer students the opportunity to build and polish the skills required of today's music producers and engineers. Most departments offer recording studios with professional-level equipment, faculty demonstrations, visiting artist clinics, and hours and hours of hands-on student projects. The department also coordinates internship programs and assists with career guidance.