Music producing schools

With the advent of the digital age, many music production schools have come into being around the country. The choices range from classes in community colleges to specialized courses at major facilities. The school you choose can have a big bearing upon the degree of your success. Here are some tips and guidelines that may help.

Tips on finding the right school

• The term “music producer” embodies many areas of expertise. Before choosing a school, analyze exactly what you expect to learn based upon your own aptitudes and desires and choose a school accordingly.
• Decide how much money you want to spend. Can you afford to go to a school in a city across the country full time? Some of the better-known schools are pretty pricey, and money is a definite factor.
• Talk to people in the music industry who can make recommendations. Consult with studio engineers, producers and musicians who have achieved success. Word of mouth is important.
• You can tell a lot about a school from its track record. How many of its graduates have become successful producers? How many have become distinguished in their fields?
• Hands-on experience in an actual studio is vital when learning music production. The technology is ever changing, and you should make sure the school is up to date with the latest gear. And instructor experience is very important.
• Research your school options on the internet, and be sure to visit several campuses and ask lots of questions. Attend a class. Get a feel for the atmosphere; talk to students and instructors alike.
• Learning all the technical bells and whistles is important, but bear in mind that the most important tool for success is your ear for music. Your “feel” for what works musically is an inbred talent and can’t be taught in school. Learn the technical stuff (it’s important to know) but don’t get too caught up in it.
• Most successful producers and studio engineers that I know never had formal training. They started as studio musicians or interns, absorbed the knowledge around them, and worked themselves up the ladder. Spend as much time around actual recording sessions in real studios as you can. Work for free if you have to.
• Don’t expect to land a great producing job as soon as you step out of school. It takes time, experience and patience.

Some good schools

I do not personally recommend any of these schools, because you must choose what’s right for you. However, the schools listed here are well-respected institutions with very good reputations.

• The Institute of Production and Recording (Minneapolis, MN)
• New York University’s Tisch School of Arts (New York City)
• Middle Tennessee State University: Department of Recording Industry (Murfreesboro, TN)
• Full Sail University (Winter Park, FL)
• The Los Angeles Recording School (Los Angeles)
• The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
• The Recording Connection Audio Institute (Los Angeles)
• The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (Tempe, AZ)
• Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)