While everyone has their own motivations for taking steps towards their musical goals, there is simply no ignoring NYC's thriving music scene. It’s a whopping $21 billion industry that welcomes talented producers with open arms. So, while you might be following your passion or getting around to doing something you had always dreamed of, it’s certainly comforting to know that you can get a piece of a very large pie by doing so here in New York.
Given the transformative process that takes place when learning at a reputable institution, selecting the right classes for you is a major part of carving your path in the industry. Let this guide inform your decision so that you can select a program that suits your goals and interests. We'll explore programs that combine technical expertise with real-world experience so that you are well set up for success in this dynamic industry not just when you graduate but long into the future!
Fundamentals of Music Production at Berklee NYC
Let’s not beat around the bush and kick off our list with an institution where everyone with half an interest in music production dreams of taking music production classes. Berklee NYC offers a fresh approach to music production that prepares you for today's ever-changing artistic landscape. Part of the upside of learning at such an established music school is that you’ll be learning from world-renowned faculty members who bring their real-world wisdom right into your classroom.
So, no matter what you might be unsure about throughout your learning, you’ll be able to have your questions answered by some experienced educators and also have the opportunity to engage in stimulating classroom discussions that will inspire your learning. The school's world-renowned faculty members bring their real-world wisdom right into your classroom.
One thing that you might want to be mindful of when attempting to arrive at a course that works for you is that music production is a field that is always evolving with changing trends and new tools and technologies. This is why it's important to consider classes that will help you become valuable, not only in the workplace as it currently stands but long into the future.
There are currently 7,549 students enrolled in their undergraduate programs, and Berklee offers undergraduate programs for enrolled students in Boston and online, as well as credit-bearing summer programs for Berklee and non-Berklee students in Spain and in Boston.
It's also a great idea to interview or seek the opinion of past students who have made it out to the other end of any classes you might be interested in. Music students at Berklee will likely attest to how the learning journey feels personal and meaningful. The small class sizes of just 20 students certainly have a lot to do with the institution's success in fostering this kind of learning environment, offering plenty of one-on-one guidance.
While you enjoy this close-knit atmosphere, you're also part of something bigger, as it is actually one of the world's largest online music schools in Atlanta and right here in New York, connecting 30,000 musicians across 140 countries.
The program fits perfectly into a one-year timeframe, with tuition set at about $33,120 for 31 credits. Students take a total of 31 credits (12 credits of core courses and 19 credits of specialization courses) with an additional one-credit internship upon completion of the program.
It always helps to imagine the end goal, and when you consider that when you graduate in just a year's time, you’ll have developed your unique artistic voice alongside essential production skills, you can safely say you’ll be well prepared to step into the industry.
Recording Connection: Ableton for Music Producers and Audio Engineers
If you are looking to gain valuable experience inside the studio directly from industry pros then you're going to need to have Recording Connection right up there on your list of candidate options. While familiarity with a number of DAWs is the mark of a well-rounded music producer, honing your craft and developing expertise in one is going to be a massive help for your career in the industry.
What better avenue to focus your improvement than the most widely used DAW in music production? Their specialized Ableton course skips traditional classrooms for something much more valuable: The effectiveness of this learning approach is evident from the progression of students when compared to similar classes provided by music production institutions in Los Angeles.
You might find yourself wondering why this platform is held in such high regard with so many strong alternatives available across NYC. Well, both present and past students who have taken their classes here will tell you that the magic of this program lies in its real-world approach. It’s much easier to drag yourself out of bed when you know you’ll be engaging with hands-on projects that build your skills naturally, which is certainly a refreshing break from piles of pre-recorded videos that might be offered by competing studios.
You can rest assured that by the end of your lessons, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Ableton Live's powerful interface to perfect your audio recording techniques. Another reason so many students speak so highly of the level of guidance offered here is that some of the more complex aspects of any music production curriculum, like sound design, mixing, and mastering, become second nature as you work on actual music projects under expert guidance. It’s also reassuring to know that your future career is also considered from the moment you enroll in these classes, seeing as you’ll also be building valuable industry relationships and creating an impressive portfolio as you progress.
Ableton Live Class (343 Labs)
The growth that a school has experienced over time is going to be a telltale sign of the quality of the learning experience it offers. 343 Labs is one of NYC's fastest-growing music production communities, with more and more students enrolling in their music production courses as the years go by. Now, the school houses more Ableton Certified Trainers than any other institution worldwide. So, if this is your DAW of choice, then you’ve likely got your eyebrows raised and want to know more about this gem.
If you are looking to wet your toes by taking some music production classes, then you might want to take a look at their flagship course, which is priced at $2,295. You could also shave a few hundred dollars off this price if you manage to get in ahead of the crowd and snag that early bird price.
If you know your craving to learn will only be satisfied by taking a deeper dive, then their four-week Ableton Live Immersive program at $3,175 will guide you through creating two original tracks from scratch.
Having something to show for your learning as rewarding as your very own songs not only gives you something to boast about to your friends and family, but it also allows you to learn the entirety of the production process.
Fundamentals of Music Production at Clive Davis Institute at NYU Tisch
The Clive Davis Institute at NYU Tisch is another option you’ll want to jot down in your notes as it opens doors to endless musical possibilities through its remarkable BFA in Recorded Music program. This is as close as you can come to a holistic education in music production, seeing as you’ll have 128 credits to make up for learning. You’ll be able to weave all sorts of modules together to grow in whatever direction you like, whether your interest lies in music education, sound engineering, or electronic music studies.
Located at 370 Jay Street in Brooklyn, NY, their in-person info sessions include a tour our facilities on the 5th and 6th floors followed by a presentation that covers information about their faculty, curriculum, and application requirements. The CDI tour is specifically for prospective students interested in applying to the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.
Given that there are so many facets to making it as a professional music producer, the learning process needs to include more than just technical skills. By taking this course, you’ll get a perfect blend of business wisdom and artistic growth that prepares future music industry leaders. So, in addition to mastering essential technology concepts from MIDI sequencing to sound synthesis throughout your time on the course, you’ll also get expert guidance and insights from the established faculty.
Electronic Music Production at Stevens Institute of Technology
You’ll notice that as we progress through the classes featured on our list, there is no dip in the quality. This speaks volumes about the standard of classes and the general standard of learning across New York. Of course, being in New York, you might have already expected to be well looked after when it comes to music production, but it still seems to exceed expectations. Even among some of the most exceptional classes offered across the city, Stevens Institute of Technology brings something special to the table with its Bachelor of Arts program in Music and Technology.
I learned a lot about balancing independent work with collaboration. I am better able to voice my opinion in a group setting and, despite potential changes, still create something that I and the rest of the team are happy with. It is still important to me to maintain my vision and be confident in my ideas, but I obviously can't step all over collaborators. I now have the skills needed to achieve this balance.
Aidan Mutschler, Music & Technology '19
Its core offering would be the Stevens Electronic Music & Immersive Audio Lab (SEMIA), a state-of-the-art space that will have every music enthusiast gasping every time they enter the facility. So by paying the tuition fee and starting the course, you’ll have access to professional-grade equipment, from classic analogue synthesizers to an impressive Genelec 8.2 channel surround system with Adam A77X speakers. So you’ll be able to hear every bit of the sounds you create over the course of your learning.
Given that you’ll be tucking into an entire undergraduate course, you can expect a variety of learnings to surface throughout your time there, like Programming in Max, Electroacoustic Composition, Techno Music Composition, and Spatial Music Applications. Rest assured that every freshman who walks through the doors of their music production classes will start with a tutorial-based Introduction to Electronic Music course, building a rock-solid foundation for the learnings to follow.
See what's offered when it comes to music production education in Chicago.
Getting Started with Your Music Production Classes
Having so many options available to you can sometimes make the decision process a bit more challenging. You’ll have to sort through the options and find those that align with your personal goals, interests, and learning timeline. This is certainly a welcomed issue to have when you consider that many cities might only have one or two options for students to choose from when it comes to music production lessons. Make sure not to rush the selection prices so that you can be sure to land on lessons that best cater to your needs. Each school brings its own magic to the table, whether it’s hands-on learning with professional equipment, building skills or valuable industry friendships along the way.
If you want to be assured that you land quality lessons while locking in an affordable price, you'll want to head over to Supeprof for your search. There are countless private tutors teaching music production on the platform. You'll be able to filter your search according to your needs and interests and pair up with a tutor that suits you best. Whether you're taking your first steps or ready to soar higher, you should find yourself better prepared to make an informed decision on the right music production classes for you.
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