You’ve probably seen the commercials when you watch late-night TV. Some trade college or trade school is advertising a music production, digital media, or recording technology program of some kind.
There are many colleges, universities, and specialized schools that offer vocational diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in music production, music business, and similar courses of study.
I myself graduated from a one-year vocational program in music and recording technology. While I got a pretty good foundation, there are a lot of things I wish I knew beforehand. Higher education in any form can be quite expensive, and it is important that you consider all of your options before shelling out a small fortune.
Why do you want the title?
Control your motivations. Are you trying to get a job in the music industry? Do you want to improve your skill set? Do you want to produce your own music?
Music production and related fields are both creative and technical. Since it’s not really a standardized industry like accounting or law, you’ll want to weigh how much a degree actually plays into your ability to find work. Your success will depend more on your relationships with people, skill level, and proven track record than the degree or certificate you hold.
Make sure the institution is legitimately accredited for the degrees it confers. You don’t want your degree to go unrecognized if you choose to transfer to a different course of study, another field entirely, or a graduate school.
If you’re going just so you can acquire specific skills, accreditation isn’t that important, but check to see that the program fits your learning goals and that the investment is worth your time and money. Your time may be better spent following others who are already working on projects that interest you.
What to Expect from a Music Recording or Production Program
No school can fully prepare you for the real world. That is true for any course of study or discipline. Your education and training is what you do with it. Rest assured, your upbringing alone won’t make you the next Clive Davis or Timbaland (a feat not easily accomplished, even if brilliant).
Recording engineering and production, like any creative art, is governed by the principle that there are no rules, only guidelines. There is a lot of experimentation and hands-on learning that must take place. You won’t be taught how to develop your ear and be creative (as if that sort of thing can be taught), as much as the very technical aspects that go into producing an album. In fact, I shudder when I think of my old projects.
Some programs will teach basic music theory and music business. Others will be more focused on a particular area. Only you can determine which program will best suit the desired result.
Technology is constantly changing. Instruments, software, computers, processors, etc., become more and more sophisticated. You’ll already be behind on the latest and greatest gadgets by the time you graduate. This is nothing to fear, as many of the skills you acquire are very likely to be transposed. Just be prepared to adapt to changing environments (a good quality to have in life anyway).
Alternatives
If you just want to get started, or have a few personal music projects you want to complete, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish with a personal computer and modest recording setup.
Vocational programs cost thousands of dollars. Private universities offering 4-year programs can cost more than $ 80k.
What if you just want to learn very specific things? What if you don’t have personal time to go to school? What if you can’t or don’t want to fork out the cash?
A very inexpensive and much more convenient option is to learn how to produce music online.
Whatever your educational choice, get out there and start learning! The more you learn and the more practical experience you get, the better you will develop your skills. Like singing, playing an instrument, or any other creative art, it takes practice.