Online Recording Arts Degree Programs and Schools
Learn about schools that offer online degree programs in recording arts, such as programs in music business or music technology. Find tips for choosing a school. Schools offering Music Production degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

What You Need to Know
A music business degree, available as a bachelor's program, can prepare you for a number of careers, including music publisher, publicist, talent scout, song plugger, artist manager or record label executive. Through the music business program, you learn how to assemble press kits, write press releases, launch major tours, promote albums, write entertainment news and more.
Degrees | Associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees |
Online Options | Compatible resources, networking opportunities with industry professionals; the proper program varies with your personal goals and needs |
Courses | Artist development, major tours, A&R, record labels, publishing, artist management, press releases, album promotion |
How Do I Choose a Degree Program?
You can start by figuring out what type of career you want and choosing the program most suited to your goals. A program that offers lots of hands-on experience, networking opportunities with top industry professionals and internships with key companies might prove helpful in getting a foot in the door or a leg up on the job competition. A program that incorporates hands-on experience also enables you to build a catalog of your own work to demonstrate to would-be employers. There are numerous recording arts degrees available, including an Associate of Arts in Music Technology, a Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts and Sciences, a Bachelor of Music Business, and a Master of Business Administration in Music.
Many music degree programs require on-campus interaction and study, for music production and practice. Their online counterparts put technology to work by providing online mentoring communities, video chatting and robust social media messages and blogs to give online students a comparative program experience, including for student work submissions.
Some programs may not offer every class online; for these classes, you'll probably need to venture to campus. You may want to avoid these types of programs if your schedule doesn't allow for on-campus classes.
What are Some Online School Options?
Some schools that offer online music study include:
- Berklee College of Music
- Arizona State University
- Southern New Hampshire University (MBA in Music)
- Valley City State University
- Academy of Art University
What Technical Requirements Will I Need to Meet?
The first thing you'll need is a computer with Internet access. Be sure that you have the right type of Internet connection. Some online recording arts programs may not work properly with satellite Internet service. Next, you'll need to make sure your Web browser is compatible. Some online recording arts programs may only support specific browsers, such as Firefox or Internet Explorer. You may need to configure your browser's settings as well. This may include adjusting the cache, enabling cookies and JavaScript, disabling pop-up blockers and accepting SSL certificate alerts.
What Kind of Courses Will I Take?
As a music business professional, you might also be responsible for artist development and making label deals, so you can expect the courses to cover these topics as well. You might also get the chance to work on real-world A&R projects and intern at publishing companies, record labels and booking agencies.
Courses you'll study include:
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Mixing and Mastering
- Business of Music
- Music Theory
- Fundamentals of Music Notation
What Will These Courses Prepare Me For?
This course of study can prepare you for a career in recording arts, concert promotion, merchandising or music production. You learn how to produce music in a home studio, write songs, mix music and work with audio production software. You'll also study various music genres and artists, in addition to taking courses in film studies, digital photography, pop culture and website design.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: