The 5 Best Music Production Schools

By Mark Laurell 

In the dynamic world of music production, where technology meets creativity, choosing the right educational path is a pivotal decision for aspiring producers and sound engineers. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the heart of the industry, uncovering the top music production schools that have been instrumental in shaping the talents of countless music professionals. From the vibrant streets of Boston to the bustling avenues of New York City, each institution offers a unique blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and industry connections, ensuring that students are not just prepared for the challenges ahead but are also steps ahead in the highly competitive music scene. So first, what do you need to look for in a music production or audio engineering school?

What to Look For in a Music Production School

When charting your course through the vast ocean of music production education, the compass that guides you should be attuned to not just the destination but also the journey itself. The right music production school can serve as both a lighthouse and a harbor, offering guidance and shelter as you navigate towards your dreams. Here’s what to consider as you set sail:

Curriculum and Specialization

First and foremost, a school’s curriculum should resonate with your personal and professional aspirations. Look for programs that offer a comprehensive foundation in sound engineering, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and mixing/mastering. Equally important is the presence of specialization options, allowing you to dive deeper into areas such as electronic music production, film scoring, or live sound engineering. A curriculum that marries breadth with depth will prepare you for a versatile career in music production.

Faculty Expertise and Industry Connections

The mentors guiding you through your educational voyage can significantly impact your development and opportunities. Seek out schools where the faculty not only possess academic credentials but also have a rich tapestry of industry experience and connections. These professionals can offer invaluable insights, real-world advice, and introduce you to networks that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Music Production Facilities and Technology

In the rapidly evolving world of music production, staying abreast of technological advancements is key. A school equipped with cutting-edge studios, software, and hardware ensures that you’re learning on the tools you’ll encounter in the professional realm. Facilities that offer a variety of recording environments, from intimate booths to large live rooms, provide a playground for your creativity and skills to flourish.

Real-World Experience

Theory and practice go hand in hand in music production. Schools that embed internships, studio projects, and live performance opportunities into their curriculum offer a bridge to the industry. This real-world experience is crucial for understanding the nuances of the profession, building a portfolio, and making your résumé stand out to future employers.

Flexibility and Diversity

The rhythm of life varies for each individual. A program that offers flexibility in terms of schedule, mode of study (online, on-campus, or in-studio), and course duration can accommodate your unique circumstances. Additionally, a diverse student body enriches your educational experience, exposing you to a wider range of perspectives and collaborations.

Alumni Success and Network

The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the success of a school’s alumni. Research where graduates have gone on to work, the types of projects they’ve contributed to, and their overall impact on the industry. An active and supportive alumni network can be a pivotal resource throughout your career.

Cost and Financial Aid

Finally, while passion and dreams are boundless, resources often are not. Consider the financial implications of your education, including tuition fees, living expenses, and available financial aid or scholarships. An investment in your future should be wise and well-informed, ensuring that the costs do not overshadow the benefits.

Now that we’ve covered the criteria to use to select your ideal program, what exactly are the best schools for the job?

5 Best Music Production Schools

Berkeley College of Music 

Pros: Located in Boston, Berklee College of Music is without a doubt one of the most prestigious Music Production programs in the country. Aside from its excellent facilities and world class staff, it also offers a one-year masters program, so you don’t need to spend your whole young adulthood in a classroom. 

Cons: While a limited number of scholarships are available, the price for most students is pretty high, at over $50,000 all in. Also, while of course having Berklee on your resume will help you land internships after graduation, there is no real-world experience built into the program itself to help you go straight from the classroom to the recording studio. 

 

SAE Institute 

Pros: SAE, located in the heart of New York City, is known for turning out motivated, talented, and gritty graduates. Unlike most music production schools, there is some real world experience built into the program, and its teachers are highly regarded. 

Cons: Again, while not quite as much as Berklee, SAE is pretty expensive. Also, while New York is a great place to learn music production, this program offers no flexibility in terms of location or hours. 

 

Recording Connection

Pros: More of a mentorship program than a traditional school, Recording Connection matches aspiring students with recording studios and industry professionals across the United States. With a stellar roster of mentors, a highly flexible structure, built-in real world experience and connections, and a six month program schedule; it is an amazing option for many students. Did I mention that at around $12,000 it is about $20,000 cheaper than the next cheapest option on this list. 

Cons: Recording Connection has one big issue for a lot of students: You will be in total control of your own education. You won’t have a bunch of people hovering over you, making sure you turn in your assignments or spend your externship hours wisely. This program is only for motivated self-starters. If you are unsure if you are up to it, you can read some of their student success stories, here. 

 

Point Blank 

Pros: Located in sunny Los Angeles, this music school offers a diverse and flexible list of courses and credits. Because of the student body and location, many students leave their program with great industry connections. 

Cons: This program offers students very little real world experience. While, of course, many are happy with their experience, quite a few have complained that they’ve felt at a deficit when entering the job market. 

 

Columbia College 

Pros: If you are looking for a traditional art school experience in the midwest, Columbia College in Chicago, might be for you. With a well regarded Music Production program and a great staff, this Windy-City school is home to a wide array of students from different art disciplines.

Cons: Columbia is quite expensive, with tuition alone running around $65,000. Additionally, its student population is mostly recent highschool graduates pursuing undergraduate degrees, so not a great fit for students in their mid 20’s and older. Columbia sometimes brags that its students leave the school early at a higher rate than other colleges because they receive job offers, but I could not independently verify that for the Music Production department. 

In conclusion, while each of these institutions offers a unique pathway to success in the music production industry, prospective students must consider their personal goals, financial situations, and learning preferences. Whether it’s the accelerated pace of Berklee’s program, the mentorship opportunities at Recording Connection, or the vibrant student life at Point Blank, the key is to find a school that aligns with your vision for the future. With the right education and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the dream of becoming a pivotal player in the music industry is well within reach. This guide aims to be the first note in your symphony of success, guiding you towards a future where your musical aspirations can soar.