11 Best Music Production Schools Of All Time (Updated 2024) (2024)

• Looking to level up your production skills?
• We’ve rounded up 9 of the best music production schools you can enroll in.
• Get certified with a professional qualification from these academies.

Music production can be an unusual subject to learn. After all, it can refer to a number of skills from studio engineering to mixing to sound design.

There isn’t one single way to ‘learn’ music production or become a music producer, with many successful producers having started out by sweeping the floor of their local recording studio, whilst others followed a more academic process and gaining a formal qualification in music production before beginning their career.

Admittedly there is no best music production school either – each will offer its own pros and cons.

Nowadays, thanks to the internet, a lot of techniques can be learned online through countless web communities of producers from novices through to experts.

However, the benefit of attending a music production school is that it gives up and coming producers hands-on experience with the opportunity to ask questions and make mistakes without being in a working situation.

Not only that but production schools can be great for forming contacts and honing your skills under the direction of established tutors and mentors.

If you’re thinking of pursuing production as a qualification its worth doing a bit of research into the industry itself. A qualification in music production won’t instantly gain you a job at a top recording studio, it’s very much about gaining contacts and making the most of your time in education. This is something that is much easier to do in person than online, however you will find many of these institutions offer online courses as well.

But, if you work hard at your craft, then studying music production can be immensely rewarding and set you on an exciting career path.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve put together a list of the 11 best music production schools.

11 Best Music Production Schools (2021)

BIMM

BIMM (or the British and Irish Modern Music Institute) is one of the largest music production schools in Europe. It boasts 8 sites, all of which offer top recording and production facilities to take advantage of as a music student.

Beginning in 1983 as Drumtech (a drum teaching center) the organization has since grown to become one of the most attractive options for those wanting to study in Europe.

BIMM offers several courses outside of production meaning as a producer you’ll get a chance to network (and record) with like-minded musicians.

Not only that but you’ll have the opportunity to join masterclasses from key players in the music industry. Music producers are invited to attend any of these, even if they aren’t related to production. This can be an invaluable opportunity for you to expand your horizons and step out of your comfort zone.

Courses available are:

• BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production
• BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production

Also available are:

• BMus (Hons) Songwriting
• BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Keyboards)
• BA (Hons) Music Business
• BA (Hons) Event Management
• BA (Hons) Music Marketing, Media and Communication

Best For

Networking – students have the opportunity to split courses across any BIMM site meaning you could begin your qualification doing music production in Bristol and finish it in Berlin.

For more information on the tuition team, courses, and acceptance rate head to BIMM’s website.

ICON Collective

ICON Collective is an L.A. based music production school that also offers vocal and music business courses.

ICON is one of the best music production schools for its focus on individualized support from its teachers, coaches, and staff averaging 20-40 hours one to one which surpasses other courses that usually offer around 16 hours.

ICON offers a number of music production programs from introductory two-month courses of 12 hours per week up to 18-month courses of 30 hours a week, meaning there is a course to suit all music producers whether you want to be a full-time student or just grasp the basics.

Courses available are:

• Music Production Intro Course (12 Hours Per Week/3 Months)
• Music Production Program (12 Hours Per Week/18 Months)
• Flagship Music Production Program (30 Hours Per Week/12 Months)
• Advance Music Production Program (30 Hours Per Week/18 Months)

Also available are:

• Vocal Program
• Music Business Program

Best For

One-on-one time with tutors, each course outlines a set time for tutoring depending on course length.

For more information on music production courses and cost, head to ICON Collective’s website.

Liveschool

Liveschool is quite a unique school of music based in Sydney, Australia, that is focussed on Ableton Live, as opposed to other courses that let you choose your own DAW.

This isn’t a bad thing however as you’ll really get to grips with Ableton Live and learn all its nuances as well as music production and electronic music.

Liveschool is a certified Ableton training center so you know the information you are getting will be invaluable. This may not be the best choice if you are wanting to expand into other DAWs such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro but if you are wanting to learn electronic music or using Ableton to play live then Liveschool is a good option.

Some of the courses available include:

• Produce Music (50 weeks part-time)
• Produce Music: Intensive (6 weeks full-time study followed by 6 weeks online mentorship)
• Produce Music: Online (42 weeks part-time)
• Perform Live (8 x 3-hour sessions)
• Remix and Creative: Intensive (2 weeks full time)

…and more

Best For

Learning electronic music production and using Ableton to play live.

For full details on courses and cost head to Liveschool.

Point Blank Music School

Beginning in London, Point Blank has been teaching music production since 1994 and has even been voted as ‘Best Music Production School’ by DJ Magazine.

Since then they have expanded to now offer courses in London, Los Angeles, China, Ibiza, Mumbai, and also online.

If you’re into production, regardless of what aspect, then Point Blank more than likely has a course for you ranging from 3-year degrees in sound engineering to shorter DJ courses and live sound.

Some of the production courses available include:

• BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree
• Audio Mastering
• Live Sound
• Professional Radio
• Music Industry Management

….and more

Best For

Those looking for a wide variety of courses and who may not want to commit to a full degree.

Further information on locations, courses, and how they can help you on your journey to becoming a music producer can be found at Point Blank Music School.

(We’ve also got a full review of Point Blank Music School that you can read here.)

Pyramind

Pyramind is a San Francisco-based music school also offering online tuition. Pyramind is both Ableton and Pro Tools certified and boasts top-spec studio facilities for production students to take advantage of.

Aside from study, Pyramid offers a unique mentorship scheme, priced at $100 per hour, that allows you to connect with industry tutors for guidance.

Some of the courses available include:

• Complete Producer (Full Time)
• Sound For Picture and Games (Full Time)
• Music Production with Ableton Live (Part-Time)
• Essential Producer (Online)

…and more

Best For

Anyone looking to learn aspects of audio outside of music such as movies and computer games.

For more information and course details, head to Pyramind’s website.

Catalyst Berlin

Catalyst is a creative arts school based in Funkhaus, Berlin which itself is arguably one of the most creative and inspiring cities in the world.

Aside from music, Catalyst offers courses on film, visual effects, and acting meaning you’ll be surrounded by creatives of various disciplines. For music students, you’ll be able to get your hands on top-end gear in their recording studios with a strong focus on practical work to improve your skills in audio engineering.

Catalyst is also a great institution for self-development with a strong emphasis on improvement outside of just practical skills.

Some of the courses available include:

• Electronic Music Production and Performance
• Advanced Sound Design
• Mixing and Mastering
• Studio Recording
• Creative Audio Production

Best For

Anyone wanting to immerse themselves fully in a creative environment and work with like-minded people across many disciplines – it is based in Berlin after all!

For further information on Catalyst’s courses and how to apply, head to their website.

ACM

The ACM (or Academy of Contemporary Music) was established in 1995. Based in the UK, you’ll have the choice of their Birmingham, London, and Guildford sites.

Each site offers a wide range of courses from music production to more specialized areas such as computer game audio and even rap, making it one of the best music production schools for varying disciplines.

ACM prides itself on industry links as well, which can be vitally important when pursuing a career in the music business. Headed by Martin ‘Ace’ Kent from Skunk Anansie their ‘Industry Link’ program runs regular networking events, showcases, and performance opportunities to allow music producers to get a foot in the door whilst studying with industry professionals.

Some of the courses available are:

• Music Production Diploma
• Game Development: Audio
• Producer Route
• Music Performance and Production

…and more

Best For

Networking events and creating industry links whilst studying.

Head to ACM for more details on courses and pricing.

SAE Insitute

SAE is one of the worlds leading creative media institutions and boasts a huge 54 campuses in 28 countries including Miami, New York, and Nashville in the United States.

There are also other options Spain, Switzerland Mexico, and more (too many to even list) making it one of the best music production schools for those wanting options to study abroad from their home country.

With several courses available, their production schools include short courses and diplomas all the way to full degrees. You’ll have access to top audio facilities including acoustically treated studios fitted with industry-standard equipment to get to grips with.

Alumni have included students who have gone on to work with some of the world’s best music artists such as Beyonce and have won BAFTAs and Grammys, so you know you’re going to be getting the best training during your time there.

Some of the courses available include:

• BA/BSc Hons Audio Production
• Diploma in Sound Engineering
• Electronic Music Production
• Foundations in Foley

…and more

Best For

Support after finishing your course. The SAE Global Alumni program includes 15,000 SAE graduates and professionals to help you network and find employment.

For more information on courses, acceptance rate, and locations, head to SAE.

JMC Academy

JMC is one of Australia’s leading music production schools with over 35 years of offering degrees, diplomas, and foundation certificates.

Boasting world-class recording studios, post-production facilities, sound, and TV studios, you’ll not only be immersed in your course but with locations in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, you’ll also be at the heart of some of Australia’s most exciting inner-city locations as this school.

JMC also has some of the most accomplished teachers in the industry who promote cross-collaboration and encourage students to work with other peers across JMC’s courses.

Some of the courses available include:

• Audio Engineering & Sound Production
• Contemporary Music Performance
• Songwriting

…and more

Best For

Internship programs – JMC gives students the chance to get hands-on experience and gain contacts through their internship opportunities which include working with MTV, Ministry Of Sound, Ditto Music, Kiss FM, and more.

For further information on JMC’s locations, facilities and courses head to their website.

Full Sail University

Full Sail University is based at Winter Park, Florida, and boasts 210 acres of campus space, over 110 studios and labs, 102 programs, 54 bachelor’s degrees and 16 master’s degrees.

Not only that but Full Sail was named one of the top 25 music schools by the Hollywood Reporter and also School/College of the year by the FAPSC in ’08, ’11, ’14, ’16 and ’19.

Their degree programs cover a wide range of subjects but their music courses are designed to not only gain you experience in software, hardware, and recording techniques but also encourage entrepreneurial thinking to get you ready for work in the music industry.

Some of the courses available are:

• Audio Production
• Music Business
• Show Production
• Recording Arts

…and more

Best For

Course length – Full Sail offers ‘accelerated courses’ meaning you’ll graduate faster than other music schools (without compromising on course content). This can not only be advantageous for those wanting to graduate quicker but it can also be a cheaper option as you won’t need to factor in accommodation/living expenses for as long while you study.

More information on Full Sail can be found on their website.

Berklee College Of Music

The last on our list is one of the most famous music institutions in the world and has campuses in Boston, New York, and Valencia (and also offers online tuition).

Offering the opportunity to work in some of the best music production studio settings (such as Power Station studios which have seen the likes of Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and Madonna), Berklee also provides tuition in some of the more unique music subjects such as music therapy.

Minors are also available covering subjects such as instrument repair, microtonal music, and American roots music, so there are plenty of options regardless of your desired music career.

It is well known that the cost of attending Berklee is much higher than many other colleges that are available, however, enrolling means you’ll be studying with world-class tutors in an institution that boasts 123 Grammy Award-winning alumni (totaling 306 awards).

Some of the courses available are:

• Electronic Production and Design
• Music Production & Engineering
• Film Scoring
• Songwriting

…and more

Best For

Everything! Ok, there are probably some aspects of Berklee (such as the cost) that won’t appeal to everyone, Berklee boasts some of the best music facilities and training in the world and you can see the results just by looking at the staggering list of award-winning alumni who have passed through their doors (even Eric Andre!).

Further information on courses, locations, and costs can be found on the Berklee College of Music website.

Wrapping Up

So there we have it – our list of best music production schools. Hopefully, these give you a good starting point on your next steps to becoming a music producer, regardless of whether you want to study in New York, find the best industry professionals to network with or just want to get to grips with music technology.

Of course, when it comes to audio engineering, music production schools, or getting a Bachelor’s degree it really is worth doing your research before committing.

Some music production schools offer beginner classes to give you a taster of whether a career in music is what you want and these may help you decide on your next steps.

So if it’s pro audio equipment you want to work with or improve your electronic music skills, we’re sure one or more colleges on our list will suit the needs of any music producer.

(For the best in online courses, check out our roundup of the 10 best online music production courses.)