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Subject · 148 verified programs

Music Production: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs on shaping recorded music, from beat-making and arrangement to mixing, in both studio and computer-based settings.

Also called: Music Production and Sound Design, Record Production, Contemporary Music Production, Beat Production, Musikproduktion, Produzione musicale, Production musicale.

50 BA / BA (Hons) · 33 BM / BMus · 15 Certificate · 12 BS / BSc · 10 Other bachelor’s award · 9 MA · 7 Other master’s award · 3 MM / MMus · 3 Other diploma · 3 BFA · 1 MS / MSc · 1 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 1 PhD · 23 official concentration, 19 named major, 93 dedicated degree, 13 documented pathway

148 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About music production study

Music production is the creative and technical process of turning musical ideas into finished recordings. A producer may arrange, program, record, edit and mix, or guide artists through a project and decide how it should sound. Degree study treats production as a craft in which taste, collaboration and technical fluency develop together.

Programs commonly teach digital audio workstations, MIDI and sampling, studio recording, editing and mixing, and styles such as pop, hip-hop, electronic dance and rock. Students work on a stream of projects, often with bands and artists from other courses, building a portfolio of tracks. Courses in musicianship, arranging and the history of recorded music support the practical work.

Music production overlaps with audio engineering, which focuses more on capturing and processing sound well, and with electronic music, which prioritizes experimental or art-music aims. In practice the roles blend, and many programs combine them. Titles vary, so the curriculum shows more than the program name.

What study typically involves

  • Digital audio workstation techniques and arrangement
  • MIDI, sampling and sound design
  • Recording, editing and comping
  • Mixing and basic mastering concepts
  • Genre studies such as pop, hip-hop and dance music
  • Working with artists and managing a session
  • Music theory and ear training for production
  • Release, rights and distribution basics

Award titles. Music production is commonly recognized through the BA, BSc, BMus or BM at undergraduate level and the MA, MSc, MMus or MM at master's level, along with foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates in some countries. Doctoral study is uncommon and may be a research or practice-based PhD. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program is listed under Music Production only when it is a dedicated music production degree, a named production major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. A single recording class does not count. Programs focused on engineering are listed under Audio Engineering and Recording.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Applicants are typically asked for a portfolio of their own tracks or productions, usually as audio files with notes on the tools used and what they contributed. Panels look for musical judgment, creativity and development more than expensive gear. Collaborative projects are acceptable if the applicant's role is clear.

Some programs interview applicants, ask for a personal statement and test basic music skills or technical understanding. Courses with more science content may look at maths or physics background, while artist-oriented courses may ask for a live element or a conversation about influences. Postgraduate programs generally expect a developed portfolio and a project proposal.

Requirements vary by institution and country and are distinct from audition-based routes. Check the official admissions page for what to submit. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include portfolio-based scholarships, tuition waivers, studio assistantships and public loans or grants where available. Industry organizations, labels and foundations occasionally offer development awards.

Availability and terms vary by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check directly with each program and funding body.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include a computer, audio interface, monitors and headphones, microphones, DAW and plugin licenses, storage, and rental of studio time beyond what the institution provides.