10 Best Music Production Schools in the U.S. (2025)

Music production is the process of creating a piece of music from start to finish, including writing, recording, and editing music.

Most music producers go to school for music production so they can become experts in these skills.

Keep reading to discover the ten best music production schools in the United States.

Top Music Production Schools in the United States

A handful of schools in the United States offer programs for music production, while others offer programs in music engineering or music technology that offer concentrations or courses in music production.

We've listed our top schools for music production below in alphabetical order.

1. Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts, and the largest independent music college in the world. It offers several programs for music production.

A Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in music production are available online. These programs train students to multitrack record, overdub, edit, and mix music in a variety of styles using complex digital audio systems.

Other music production programs at Berklee include:

• Bachelor of Music in contemporary writing and production
• Bachelor of Music in electronic production and design
• Bachelor of Music in independent recording and production
• Bachelor of Music in music production and engineering
• Master of Music in music production, technology, and innovation
• Master of Music in contemporary music with a production concentration

The college also offers online certificates in music production as well as an on-site summer music production workshop.

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its School of Music offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in music and technology.

These are interdisciplinary programs that give students everything they need to become the future of the music industry. Students focus on a chosen field of study, such as:

• audio engineering
• computer music
• music composition
• recording technology

Both programs require students to develop a comprehensive capstone project, either a composition, design, or performance, that showcases their work in their chosen area of study.

3. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, PA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in music industry with a concentration in recording arts and media production.

This concentration allows students to study digital audio workstations, music recording and production, arranging and composition, audio post-production, mixing, and mastering.

Students earn this degree through the university's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, which offers co-op programs in the music industry.

4. Full Sail University

Full Sail University is a private for-profit university in Winter Park, Florida that offers degrees in business, music, and technology. This includes bachelor's degrees in music and recording.

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in music production, which covers contemporary music hardware, software technology, and music theory. This program is available on campus and online.

Other related degrees from Full Sail University include:

• Bachelor of Science in audio production
• Bachelor of Science in recording arts
• Bachelor of Science in show production

5. Indiana University Southeast

Indiana University Southeast is the Albany, Indiana campus of Indiana University. It offers a Bachelor of Science in music with a concentration in audio production.

This program prepares students for work in the sound recording and production industry with courses in audio technology and studio techniques.

Additionally, all music students take a broad range of music courses that include performance, music theory, music history, and music technology.

6. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is a public research university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It houses the Department of Recording Industry within its College of Media and Entertainment.

Undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Science in audio production. This program teaches a mix of theory and hands-on application through world-class facilities.

The department also offers a Master of Fine Arts in recording arts and technologies, which prepares students for advanced work in audio production, recording, and integrated electronic media.

7. New York University

New York University is a private research university in New York City. It offers a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in music technology through its Steinhardt School of Culture,

Education, and Human Development.

These programs provide a solid foundation and advanced study in music, electronics, sound engineering, music production, electronic music, and the liberal arts.

Interested students can pursue the dual degree program, which allows them to earn both degrees in just five years total.

8. SAE Institute

SAE Institute is a creative media college with campuses throughout the United States and around the world. It offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in audio.

This program is available through the Nashville, Tennessee campus and provides an intensive, hands-on experience that covers complex aspects of the studio.

The institute also offers associate degrees and diplomas in audio. All graduates have access to lifetime career services support.

9. University of Miami

The University of Miami is a private research university in Coral Gables, Florida. It offers music production programs through its Frost School of Music.

A Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music are available in media scoring and production. These programs help students develop technical and practical skills in the recording studio.

Additionally, the university offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in music engineering technology.

Students in these programs will learn signal processing, music production, audio electronics, and sound recording and mixing.

10. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. It offers a Bachelor of Music in music technology through its Thornton School of Music.

Students in this program learn to master computer programs, music production, and the fundamentals of audio engineering.

The program also allows students to develop skills using technology in live performance and multimedia and collaborate with other creators at the university.

FAQs About Music Production Schools in the United States

Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about music production schools in the United States.

How Long Are Music Production Programs?

Typically, bachelor's degrees for music production take four years, while master's degrees average two but can range from one to three years. Certificate programs can vary.

Can I Go to Music Production School Online?

While online programs aren't particularly common, some schools, like the Berklee College of Music, offer music production programs online.

Do I Need to Audition to Go to Music Production School?

Many music schools require you to audition, however, not all music schools require an audition for music production students.

Find the Best Music Production Schools in the United States

Several colleges and universities throughout the United States offer programs in music production. Check out our top picks above to find the right fit for you today.