If you’ve been trying to whittle down your list of potential destinations to learn music production, Chicago should most definitely be on your shortlist. The city has always been a major force to be reckoned with when it comes to music. Not only do many of the biggest contemporary artists come from the city, but there is also a rich musical history of Blues, jazz, house, hip hop and more right here in the windy city. With such a deeply routed and bustling music scene, the demand for music producers is greater here than almost anywhere you might come across inside or outside of the US. You couldn’t ask for a better place to go about narrowing the gap between your current self and what is required in music production roles in the city. You’ll find a host of learning options available to you, catering to all styles and abilities. It’s just a matter of finding classes that best suit your goals. That’s exactly what we’re going to have a look at today: the best classes available to aspiring music producers like yourself.
| Institution | Program/Course | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| DePaul University | Sound Recording Technology Program | - Focuses on recording, editing, and mixing - Offers hands-on experience with professional equipment |
| Columbia College Chicago | Music Technology Bachelor of Science | - Four-year degree program - Covers both creative and technical aspects of music production |
| City Colleges of Chicago | Music Technology Basic Certificate | - Short-term program for foundational skills - Suitable for beginners and those seeking quick skill acquisition |
| CourseHorse | Music Production Classes | - Variety of short courses and workshops - Flexible options for different skill levels and interests |
| Chicago Recording Company (CRC) | Audio Engineering and Music Production Program | - Industry-focused training - Access to professional-grade studios |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) | Sound Department | - Interdisciplinary approach to sound and music - Emphasis on experimental and avant-garde techniques |
| Able2Play | Music Production Courses | - Personalized instruction - Focus on practical, real-world applications |
DePaul University – Sound Recording Technology Program
Imagine an institution being so well renowned for the quality of the learning experience it provides its students, that it finds its way into every conversation surrounding the best music production classes. Well, this is the case for DePaul University, as their Bachelor of Science program in Sound Recording Technology (SRT) is always a top choice for anyone with musical bone.
If you think about the roles you’ll be applying for in the future, they will require you to be in the studio for a substantial portion of your day, so what sense would it make to spend your education learning from textbooks? DePaul's School of Music does a great job of preparing its students for contemporary and future roles by mixing sound engineering classes in NY alongside innovative technology education.
The SRT program gives students two distinct paths. The Performance Track needs an entrance audition, one year of applied lessons, and two years of ensemble participation. The Audio Technology Track welcomes students who want to work in the audio industry but may not have classical or jazz performance experience.
DePaul was ranked #55 on College Factual's most recent list of the best schools for music majors. The SRT program includes coursework in recording, sound for video, music production, multimedia, as well as electronics, sound and acoustics, and music theory and history.
By the time you get done with your learning, you’ll be ticking just about every box an employer might have when searching for a music producer, as you’ll be familiar with surround sound mixing, classical and pop recording, sound for video post-production, and multimedia compositions.
Columbia College Chicago – Music Technology Bachelor of Science
Columbia College Chicago is another gem that offers quality music production classes through its Bachelor of Science in Music Technology. One of the great things about taking this route is not only will you develop your skills over your years of study, but you’ll also earn a degree from an accredited institution in the process. This definitely goes a long way when applying for jobs and internships after graduating from the course. The course blends Audio Arts and Acoustics, Interactive Arts and Media, and Music to create a detailed educational experience.
Unlike other music production courses across the US, Columbia College Chicago makes sure that their students get plenty of time working with professional-grade equipment in state-of-the-art spaces and get hands-on experience with everything from soundboards to advanced software.
You’ll also want to know how the classes are structured if you were to land a place on the course.
Well, it begins with core courses in audio perception and production principles. As you work your way through the classes you can expat to build on this foundation, exploring specialized areas like recording, editing, and mixing techniques.
City Colleges of Chicago – Music Technology Basic Certificate
Harold Washington College, part of City Colleges of Chicago, is another option that you’ve likely already come across on your search for quality classes in the city, and if not, it’s definitely worth making a note of! If you’re trying to find classes that will equip you for the working world and help you meet the demands of an evolving industry, then its Certificate program in Music Technology should fit the bill.
It’s a great option for those who want a more intensive approach to their learning, allowing them to progress in a shorter timeframe. You’ll have 26 credit hours that blend simple music theory courses with hands-on digital audio training.
The program's strong ties to Chicago's music industry also give students a massive advantage when it comes to securing work when it’s all said and done.
Without having to tie yourself up for a number of years, these classes offer a holistic approach to learning and are a great stepping stone for those looking to become recording engineers, producers, professional musicians, or composers.
CourseHorse – Music Production Classes
For many aspiring music producers, the main focus of their learning is to improve their command of DAWs. If this is what you’re looking for, then you’ll definitely want to hear about the classes offered at CourseHorse, which give students plenty of practice with industry-standard software like Ableton Live and Logic Pro. It also doesn’t take as much time commitment as other music production programs in LA, with just 36 hours of immersive lessons.
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The classes still pack a punch, covering key skills like MIDI programming, audio manipulation, and live performance techniques. So, if you’re looking to make beats from your bedroom or launch your career working in the studio, this course provides a great catalyst for your development. The detailed 36-hour immersive program teaches simple skills such as MIDI programming, audio manipulation, and live performance techniques. Students learn beat-making fundamentals, sound engineering principles, and mixing techniques through one-on-one sessions.
Chicago Recording Company (CRC) – Audio Engineering and Music Production Program
Chicago Recording Company (CRC) is an institution whose track record speaks for itself. Not only has it stood the test of time in an ever-evolving industry, but it has maintained its position as a premier audio recording facility since it first opened its doors to students back in 1975.
This reputation is most certainly earned as the studio has always produced award-winning audio content for film, television, and radio productions. If you were to make it out the other end of their classes, adding the certification to your resume would impress anyone who reviews your future applications.
So, if you’re interested in taking your learning beyond traditional recording services and sprinkling some sound design into the mix through an extensive effects library and custom foley effects creation, then this is most certainly the right choice for you. Production companies worldwide choose CRC for their audio needs, from podcast production to commercial sound design, so the opportunity to learn here will most certainly stand to you, opening many doors in your career. Taking sound engineering classes in Atlanta will also help you enhance your resume.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) – Sound Department
Another option that has been around for some time is The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), which has been leading sound education since 1972. Only this one stands out among the other options in Chicago and even among some of the other mentions featured in this list for merging sound art with experimental music and interdisciplinary exploration.
Everyone has their own sound, or at least that's what it takes in order to be a successful music producer. By taking your classes at SAIC, you’ll have your choice of over 35 courses each semester, allowing you to fine-tune your learning in line with where you want to take your career. You’ll have your pick of classes covering areas like Interactive Art, Creative Coding, Analog Synthesis, and Acoustic Ecology, all learnings that will aid in your development as a skilled music producer who will be valuable not just after completing the classes but long into the future. Another way to make sure that your resume impresses is to have sound engineering courses in Miami down.
Able2Play
Another great option you’ll have available to you here in Chicago that you’ll want to round off your short list of quality music production classes is Able2Play. This is a school that has made its mark in the custom approach it offers electronic music production. Any aspiring music producer will be over the moon to learn that the school specializes in Ableton Live software and provides one-on-one sessions to help you grasp the DAW and improve incrementally at a pace that suits them.
If you’ve spent any time browsing the job opportunities available in this space, you’ve most likely seen Ableton being a core requirement on most of the listings. This is certainly a great way of communicating to potential employers that you have the skills they’re looking for.
One of the reasons it's such an attentive option among aspiring music producers like yourself is that the learning experience goes far beyond what's taught in the classes. Your learning will extend to getting help with session recording, mixing and mastering, live show setup advice, and custom sound design. So, by the time you wrap up your learning, you’ll be well-positioned for a successful career in the music industry.
Choose the Right Classes for Your Goals
Now you can see just why Chicago has the reputation it has and why students flock to the city to further their development in music production. If you dream of pursuing your passions and one day making a living doing what you love, then evidently, you’ll have little difficulty coming across quality education options in the city. Strong industry connections create great networking and internship opportunities. The programs range from affordable certificate courses to full degrees, making quality education available at different price points.
You can also see that the offerings from one school to another differ quite a bit, and there are no classes that are objectively better than others. That's why so many students opt for music production classes from private tutors on Superprof. The platform provides quality tutors who have been vetted for their experience and qualifications, ensuring you get the education possible. Many music production students across the city will tell you that the private tuition available on Superprof offers the best classes in the city. The right classes for you will depend on your goals, interests, learning preferences and the timeline you have in mind for developing your skills. However, equipped with our list of the best music production classes in Chicago, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and get right to the top options out there.
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