The pursuit of a career in music is rewarding, but can only be done by those who possess a passion for it. Although there are many universities with music programs, only a few have earned excellent reputations as Music education leaders. This article provides an overview of music production schools.
Read on to learn more about the best music production schools, best online music production schools, best music production schools in canada, best music production schools in europe, and music engineering and production schools. You can get related articles on CollegeLearners.
About music engineering and production schools
If you’re wanting to learn music production or DJing, chances are you’re looking at attending a school or course for music production.
The issue is that you can very easily waste this learning opportunity on some expensive school that doesn’t get you the results you’re after.
They teach you vague concepts without applying them. They don’t challenge you to become better. They don’t give you concrete results.
That being said, there are a small number of schools that might be worth it if you’re willing to put in the effort. So to save you time, we’ve curated our top picks from among the sea of educational resources.
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Icon Collective
Los Angeles, CA + Online
From $2995
Icon Collective Music Production School Website
Icon is regarded as one of the most prestigious schools for EDM production, and a position there is coveted by many. In fact, Connor our Product Manager attended there.
Firstly, the school is known for its rigorous program. Icon is specifically tailored to electronic music production, so you’re not wasting time learning things that aren’t going to get you results.
No more lecturers spending one hour conveying how to open Logic Pro. You’ll also get really valuable extras, like guest artists, 1-on-1 sessions with staff and a great network.
In addition, you’ll certainly be stretching to find an alumnus who will tell you that graduating Icon was easy. In other words, it’s got a damn challenging syllabus.
Compared to most music production schools, Icon’s 30 contact hours a week (for the LA program) will push you to work harder than you could imagine on your own.
Lastly, Icon’s long list of successful alumni (Jauz, Nghtmre, Slander etc.) is very convincing, especially in an industry that hasn’t been around for 100’s of years.
You’ll be learning the basics of music production with Ableton Live and Logic Pro X, as well as songwriting, music business and intermediate/advanced music production.
If you want more info on their Online classes or Los Angeles class, visit their website.
SAE Institute
Worldwide Campuses + Online
From $23399
SAE Music Production School Website
SAE (School of Audio Engineering) is an arts school that have a solid electronic music production program that has stood the test of time. They have 51 campuses in 25 countries, so there’s a good chance there’ll be one near you.
The exact offerings vary from country to country, but you can get varying levels of education, including an associate degree, diploma, bachelor, and masters.
In other words, they are a higher-education institution and can offer approved degrees if that’s your thing.
They have great access to professional recording studios and equipment, and also a great network of other students, teachers and industry professionals.
Check out the US website here for more info.
Liveschool
Sydney, Australia
Prices Upon Application
Liveschool Music Production School Website
A bit of an oddball amongst some big names, Liveschool is a hidden gem down here in Australia.
They are based in Sydney and offer courses specifically for Ableton Live, as a certified training centre. Like Icon, they boast some big names, this time in the realm of trainers and guest lecturers: Flume, Elizabeth Rose and Mr. Bill.
Their signature course – Produce Music – is an all-encompassing music production course featuring Sound Design, Remixing, Mixing & Mastering and many more modules to help you become a great all-round producer and an Ableton Live master.
The same course is also offered in an intensive 8-week course, instead of the traditional one-year.
Additionally, they offer some of the modules as standalone courses if you weren’t wanting to learn everything.
Although they don’t offer any online courses currently, if you’re based in Australia and want a great option for a brick-and-mortar school, give this one some serious consideration.
No, they aren’t a ‘higher education’ approved institution like some of the colleges and universities here, but does that really matter?
Check out their courses here.
Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA + Valencia, Spain + Online
From $59880
Berklee Website
Well, come on, we couldn’t leave out one of the most respected schools for music across the globe. If you haven’t heard of Berklee, then you’ve been living under at least a couple of rocks.
Based in Boston, this higher-education music school recruits the most promising and talented contemporary musicians from across the US and even the world.
In a nutshell, you can study from among 27 majors through a B.M., B.F.A., B.P.S. or artist diploma. They also have graduate courses beyond that, and both undergraduate and graduate options for their online program too.
An entry requirement of Berklee is to have a ‘principal instrument’. Traditionally, this refers to pianos, guitars and the like.
However, as of 2019 you can take an EDI (Electronic Digital Instrument) as a principal instrument, like an Ableton Push.
Beyond that, there is a broad number of disciplines taking these courses will introduce you to, including theatre, film and technology. But that gives you the option to specialize in what suits you (if you’re reading this article, probably electronic music production).
Apart from the prestigious curriculum, you’ll find a vast network of people and alumni to connect with at Berklee.
You might ask how that’s different from any old school – their 294 Grammy wins by alumni might help you understand the value there a bit more.
Get more info on the programs at their website.
Point Blank
Worldwide Campuses + Online
From $887 (One Module Only)
Point Blank Website
Point Blank is a great example of a highly focused and wildly successful music school, specifically focused on music production and DJing.
Starting in London, they now have campuses in LA, China, Ibiza and Mumbai, along with their online platform.
They’re also amazingly flexible, offering not just full higher-education courses but a wide variety of different skill-based classes, as well as weekend courses and summer schools. You get the point – they have a lot of options.
They also tend to offer free software copies with their courses, including NI Komplete and Ableton Live, which is a win if you don’t already have them and need them.
If you need more proof that this bunch are the real deal, then check out their YouTube channel and blog for some great educational content.
Convinced? Check out their website to find out more about their online and other courses.
Pyramind
San Francisco, CA + Online
From $495 (One Module Only)
Pyramind Website
Pyramind is and has been quite popular in the electronic music production world, and for a good reason too. They offer quality courses and programs for both music production and DJing, helping you to get career-ready in a focused way.
Their main offering is ‘The Complete Producer’ course, which gets you well acquainted with music production in the broader, multidisciplinary sense. You’ll learn production for bands, film and a whole lot more.
The more relevant program here would be the ‘Electronic Music Producer’ program that covers Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Piano and Music Theory, Sound Design, Mixing & Mastering, Production/Arrangement, Music Business and DJing & Live Performance.
Additionally, they package similar concepts into the online version, at about 1/10th of the price, this time focusing mostly on Ableton Live.
Apart from that, they’ve got great facilities, industry partners (like Ableton and Xfer) and a solid lineup of instructors, including You Suck At Producing’s Underbelly.
Feel free to look more into the San Francisco and Online programs.
343 Labs
Online
Various Prices
343 Labs Website
Out of the ashes of Dubspot comes a new school formed by a group of their former instructors – 343 Labs.
Although I can’t say much about 343 Labs yet, many people have gotten a lot out of the Dubspot courses and the materials that come along with them.
This is because they broke down their learning into 5 different modules: DJ, Music Production, Music Foundations, Sound Design and Mixing & Mastering. The different programs they offered include varying combinations of these, depending on your goals of course.
Nowadays in 343 Labs, they offer both Online and New York-based programs in areas like Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Synthesis, Mixing & Mastering and much more.
This team of instructors has been around for a while, so they know what they’re doing.
Personally, I have gotten a lot from the old Dubspot YouTube channel, especially when I was starting out, so their courses would be more than a slight improvement on that information.
If you want more information on the full range of courses available from them, head over to their website here.
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL + Online
From $57000
Full Sail Website
Like SAE, Full Sail is a holistic arts school, rather than just a music school. But they only have the one campus in Florida, with their online school.
That being said, they are meant to be one of the top 25 music schools in the country.
Looking a bit deeper, Full Sail has designed their programs to be accelerated and feature more contact hours than traditional universities and schools.
You also get a lot more hands-on and professional experience with actual companies than usual, with recording studios operating at the same times they would in the real world. Because they are real-world studios.
The Music Business and Music Production bachelor degrees are available to do online or at the campus, with the Audio Production bachelor and certificate options being online only.
For people wanting to learn music production, the Music Production bachelor is probably the best bet. There is yet to be a dedicated electronic music program, however.
Other than the basics, Full Sail has a dope campus, a great network and an integrated online program that makes you feel like you’re there.
Need more info? Here’s the website.
EDMProd
Online
From $197
EDMProd Website
What? Did you expect us not to include out our own courses? Yeah, right.
In all seriousness, the factors that we believe sets our courses apart from the rest are our course principles: practical-oriented, fast-tracked and relevant content.
All for something you pay only 100’s for instead of 10000’s. And you’ll have finished music by the end of the course, including one original that you can release into the world and call your very own.
Why else would you choose us over a traditional school? We’re a small team of dedicated educators with a passion for electronic music and over 30 years of combined industry experience.
You’re not going to get lost in a sea of staff members or 100000’s of students. So you get all your questions answered and the attention to detail you need.
Interested? Check out our more info on our beginner’s course, EDM Foundations, or our music theory course, Songwriting for Producers.
If you’re doubtful as to how our courses stack up to the traditional schools, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
Find Out More
Hyperbits
Online
From $1997
Hyperbits Masterclass
It’s easy to get delivered a course by someone who has no idea what they’re doing or just doesn’t have the experience. That’s simply not the case with Hyperbits.
If you’re not familiar with our three-time podcast guest, then you definitely should be.
Not only is he an incredible producer who’s remixed for the likes of Laidback Luke, but his Masterclass has been taken by producers who have gone on to play some of the world’s biggest festivals, like EDC. So you’re not in bad hands here.
You’ll go through an 8-week structured course with valuable live sessions and contact hours added in along the way. Not to mention, you’ll get a dedicated 1-on-1 session with Hyperbits himself.
On top of that, there are heaps of software discounts you’ll be able to gain access to (50% off brands like iZotope etc.), as well as other awesome bonuses.
Interested? Check out the masterclass here.
Masterclass
Online
From $200/year
Masterclass Website
Masterclass is a multi-faceted organisation, focusing on utilising successful artists, writers, entrepreneurs and whoever, on teaching what they know in their specific areas of expertise.
When it comes to the realm of music production, you can gain insights into the processes of deadmau5, Armin van Buuren, Timbaland and a couple more people.
While Masterclass is a less-traditional approach to education – and isn’t focused on action-based learning, it’s certainly valuable and doesn’t cost too much.
With the deadmau5 class, you’ll be seeing more of his thought processes and approaches to music production, rather than the technical specifics, or watching him create an entire track from scratch.
While I haven’t seen in the other two, the Armin van Burren Masterclass is aimed at teaching DJing and Production for dance music, and the Timbaland masterclass is focused on beatmaking for hip-hop oriented music.
Is it worth the money? Maybe, maybe not. But insight from successful producers is generally not something that you’ll want to skip.
Check out their website here for the full range of Masterclasses.
Beat Lab Academy
Los Angeles, CA & Online
From $1795/level
Beat Lab Website
Another music school in the heart of the thriving music industry in LA, Beat Lab is a unique flip on the traditional lecture-oriented music school. The school is focused on collaborative learning and education through practice.
In other words, you make music with a bunch of people and learn as you go.
Furthermore, the learning system is split into 4 ‘levels’ to help all producers at whatever experience level: Foundation of Music Production, Producer Skills, Artist Progression and The Art of the Super Producer.
They also have an assortment of weekend classes and other programs to suit people who are wanting to pick up skills around the 9-5.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Beat Lab has garnered a lot of support over the years. As a plus, they have Ableton Certified Trainer Sidebrain at the helm, who also has a great website.
Check out what they’ve got to offer on their website. The promo video is pretty cool.
Toolroom Academy
London, UK & Online
Enquire Online
Toolroom Academy Home Page
Run by the guys at Toolroom Records, if you’re into House, Tech House or Techno, then the range of courses here are for you.
These guys are new to the scene, but what they’ve already put out is great quality and focused on their core audience.
They also work alongside big-name producers in the game, like D.Ramirez, and they actually give you challenging assignments to be completed weekly.
In addition, you work with either Logic or Ableton, both of which are common among electronic music producers. No Pro Tools or irrelevant stuff here.
Based in London, you have the option to do in-person classes or complete them from the comfort of your own home. Up to you.
Current courses include: Production Masterclass, Shadow Child in the Studio, Production Certificate & Creativity: Unlocked.
Check them out
How Do I Decide?
Well, you’ve been presented with the options. Time to make a decision.
But I’ll reiterate my earlier point – most of these schools will cost you an arm and a leg.
That’s why we’ve created a FREE video training to get you started on the right path. No hidden fees, nothing.
Write & Produce Pop Songs with Blanks
Who is this class for?
This class is for all skill levels, whether you’re new to making music, an instrumentalist or songwriter who wants to produce your own songs, or a more experienced producer looking to accelerate your growth and expand your skills. The projects are designed so that you can practice and learn on the edge of your own personal abilities.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a month-long musical learning experience, level up your songwriting and production skills, and finish the class with three polished songs that you can share with your friends and family, this class is for you.
How much musical knowledge and experience do I need to take this class?
This class is packed with information and you’ll likely get different things out of it depending on your level of musical knowledge.
If you are a complete beginner, this class will give you a strong musical foundation to build on.
If you’re more advanced, you’ll appreciate the huge range of deeper techniques, tips, workflows, and music creation strategies.
Whatever musical knowledge you have coming into the class, you’ll finish the class with the skills necessary to write and produce the music you want to make.
How exactly does the month-long class work?
Once you enroll, you’ll be placed in a peer group of about 20 other students from around the world, who will take the class with you. You all will start the class on the same day.
Each day, for 30 days, you’ll come back to the classroom to see ‘Today’s Tasks’, the classwork you should complete to stay on track. Some days the classwork will be watching video lessons. Other days you’ll be working on songwriting and production projects.
Throughout the class, you’ll share your ongoing work and give and receive peer feedback. Your peers will answer your questions and offer support and guidance every step of the way.
By the end of the class, you’ll create 3 polished tracks (one cover and two originals), applying all the new skills, techniques, and ideas you’ve learned and practiced throughout the class.
What is the time commitment and schedule for this class?
The time commitment for the class is around 7-10 hours per week for 4 weeks. This includes about 3-4 hours per week of instruction and 4-6 hours per week of music production projects, feedback sessions, and other class work.
Depending on your schedule, you can budget about 1 hour every day during the month, or you can schedule a few longer sessions each week.
Either way, the class is designed to immerse you in the learning process, while still fitting into almost anyone’s busy schedule.
Are classes live? Do I have to log in at a specific time?
No, all the video lessons are pre-recorded, allowing you to watch them whenever is best for you.
Inside the classroom, you’ll see a ‘Today’s Tasks’ section, where you’ll see the classwork you should complete to stay on track. Even though other students might complete things at different hours during the day, everyone is completing the same projects and watching the same videos day-by-day. It will still feel like you’re in a classroom and part of a vibrant group of students: You’ll be interacting with peers, getting feedback, and learning with hands-on projects.
You’ll get many of the benefits of learning in-person, but from the comfort of your own home and the flexibility of your own hours.
What tools and equipment will I need for this class? Do I need to use Logic Pro X?
The only thing you absolutely need for this class is a computer and some software to make music. This software (called your Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW) can be any option you prefer.
Blanks uses Logic Pro X in the class, but you’ll be able to apply the concepts he teaches within any DAW. If you’re already comfortable with a DAW, we encourage you to stick with that. If you want to follow along directly with Blanks, we recommend you use Logic Pro X. Once you enroll, we’ll provide you with a full list of possible DAWs — both free options and paid options. We’ll also let you know some of the other optional, but nice-to-have gear like headphones, MIDI keyboards, and microphones (including Blanks’s preferred gear across the board).
How do the peer groups and feedback work?
Once you enroll, you’ll be placed in a peer group of about 20 other producers from around the world, who will take the class with you. You all will start the class on the same day. Throughout the class, you’ll share your ongoing work, give and receive feedback, and ask and answer questions.
Your peer group will help you stay accountable, learn from new perspectives, and make new friends around the world.
Will I get direct feedback from Blanks?
You’ll be learning from Blanks during the lesson videos, but the feedback during class will be from your peers. We’ve designed the class so that you’ll get thorough feedback from your peers at every step along the way. Your peer group will include songwriters and producers of all experience levels who will be there to answer your questions, troubleshoot, and give advice and support throughout the class.
What happens if I miss a project deadline or don’t finish the class on time?
We recommend that you follow the curriculum as it’s laid out to avoid falling behind. If you do submit a project late, we’ll help you get back on track. Nevertheless, submitting your work on time is the best way to build momentum and receive personalized feedback from Blanks and your peers.
Do I take this class from home?
Yes, the class is taught completely online, allowing you to take it from anywhere. Even though it’s online, it will still feel like you’re in a classroom and part of a vibrant group of students: You’ll be interacting with peers, getting feedback, seeing video responses from Blanks on project submissions, and learning with hands-on projects.
You’ll get all the learning benefits of an intensive music school, but from the comfort of your own home.
Will I still have access to the class after the month is over?
Yes, once the month is over, you’ll have lifetime access to the video lessons, full curriculum, and community. You’ll be able to use the class as a resource for the rest of your musical career.
How much does the class cost?
This class is an accelerated process that takes you through an intensive songwriting and production program in 30 days. To make this learning experience as accessible as possible, this one-month class is priced at $179. This is a commitment you are making to yourself, and an investment in your future as a music-maker.
I’m a parent. Is this something I can purchase for my child?
Yes, many parents have purchased Monthly classes for their children, so this can be a great option. In fact, this 30-day Monthly class costs the same as only a few piano lessons, for example, but will have a much greater transformational effect on the way your child makes and enjoys music. This class will give your child all the tools they need to write and produce their own songs.
Additionally, the community aspects of Monthly are carefully monitored to ensure a friendly and safe learning environment, and all video content is family-friendly.
If you’re also passionate about music, you can even take the class together with your child and enjoy the learning experience together.
Do you have a refund policy?
Yes. If for any reason you don’t want to take the class anymore, get 100% of your money back if you request it within the first 5 days of the class. You can process your refund directly in your account settings.
When does this class start? When’s the next one?
The previous session of this class started on Sep 13, 2021. Please join the waitlist to be notified when the next session of the class opens for enrollment.
This class is only offered a few times per year.
Does it matter which timezone I’m in?
No, it doesn’t matter which timezone you are in. You can take this class from anywhere in the world.
The lessons are pre-recorded, so you can watch them around your own schedule. Monthly recommends the tasks you should complete each day, but you can decide when you will complete them.
Despite your timezone, you will start the class on the same day as all the other students, and will be working towards the same goals at the same time. We’ve tried to design the class in a way that it will help you stay committed and feel immersed in the process, but also flexible enough that you can fit it into your personal schedule.
What if I’m too busy right now? Can I enroll later?
We know that life is busy. There’s probably never going to be a perfect time. We also know that we all crave to be more creative and to do interesting things outside of our normal day-to-day routines.
We’ve designed this class to fit into almost anyone’s busy schedule, so you can easily immerse yourself in the creative process in a way you probably never thought possible.
Yes, even if you have a full-time job, or are a full-time student, or have family obligations. If you commit to yourself and to your creativity, we think you’ll be surprised by just how much you can learn and create in a month. If you’re interested and enrollment is still open, we say go for it!
Otherwise, the class runs a few times per year, so there will be future opportunities.