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There are many ways to break into the music industry and production, but anything deemed “conventional” probably isn’t the magic bullet it claims to be. There’s nothing conventional about what we do in this field. This raises important questions: Can I Become A Music Producer Without A Degree? Do I need to go to college to learn the skills required to enter the music industry? Where is the best place to learn music production and start my career as a professional music producer?
This article aims to explore these questions and provide clear advice for anyone looking to pursue a career as a producer in 2024 and beyond.
Traditional universities offer valuable degrees, but are they the right choice for you? Is it worth the significant debt you might incur? Or are there more modern options that can arm you with the knowledge you need without the complications of the traditional university system?
Let’s dive in.
Do We Need More Music Producers?
I want to clarify something early in this article because you’re likely at the beginning of your journey as a producer or contemplating starting. It’s important to set the record straight before we go any further.
We need to define the stakes clearly. It’s easy to look at the lifestyles of successful producers with fancy cars and private planes and assume that’s what the lifestyle is all about. However, being a music producer is a customer service-oriented field. You will be making beats for other artists; you will be mixing music for other people, and anyone who thinks that the two are not mutually exclusive in this day and age probably got their music degree at a brick-and-mortar university (that joke will make sense later on in this article, I promise). But at the end of the day, there is no shortage of music producers in this world.
Being a music producer is also highly entrepreneurial. There is no defined career path, only the next level to strive for. Entry-level producers aim to work on bigger projects, and established producers seek to collaborate with higher-profile artists. I’m sure even the Weeknd and his team consult daily on how to make him even bigger. This constant pursuit requires an entrepreneurial mindset.
Because there is no guaranteed step-by-step path to success like there is for hedge fund associates or school teachers.
In a customer service-oriented and entrepreneurial field, the market does not need more music producers per se. Instead, you need to identify an underserved niche or offer something unique, whether it’s a specific skill set or a unique style/sound.
The world will never explicitly state that it needs more music producers. It’s up to you to carve out your niche and provide something clients, fans, or collaborators are missing, often before they even realize it. This is the foundation for a successful career as a music producer and is more predicated on what you can do IRL and in the studio than on accolades and on-paper accomplishments.
Can I Become A Music Producer Without A Degree?
I want to be as upfront as possible before we dive into the main content of this article. I did not earn a degree in music production, though I encountered many students pursuing degrees in music production, music composition, and more at the University of Oregon. Instead, I pursued a degree in writing and English at the University of Oregon, which led to various internships and writing opportunities within the world of electronic music and music production, opening several doors for me.
While I chose a different career path, which I will outline and suggest later in this article, I interacted with many students who pursued traditional university degrees in music production and understood their value. So, let’s discuss the pros and cons of a traditional music production degree.
The Pros
Deadlines And Structure
One of the primary benefits of obtaining a music production degree from a brick-and-mortar university is the structured learning environment it provides. While this may sound cliché, I believe this structure is a valuable analogy for real-life scenarios. I do not mean to imply that you show up to work in the studio at 9 AM and leave at 5 PM; the music industry operates differently than that.
Unlike completing a math homework assignment or writing a term paper, music production projects often involve various elements that are not always linear. Unforeseen challenges, such as technical issues or scheduling conflicts, can impact your ability to meet deadlines.
However, the client, in this instance, your teacher, still requires the work to be completed, and the producer, that’s you, still needs the song finished. Therefore, having these defined deadlines provides a structure that can be easily translated into the professional world, with the fundamental principle being that there is a deadline, and it is your responsibility to meet it by hook or by crookand regardless if you’re “feeling it” that day in the studio.
Awesome Equipment
The next aspect to consider is access to professional equipment, which can be a game changer when you’re new. While there are ways to secure internships and enter studios without a university affiliation, many universities provide dedicated recording studios decked out in $100k+ of analog gear. These facilities allow you to engage hands-on with high-end, expensive equipment, such as SSL decks, mixing consoles, and various microphones.
The professional equipment available at brick-and-mortar schools can be invaluable, significantly if you fully leverage these resources. Often, these studios are accessible during “office hours,” allowing you near free access to them as long as they are not in use by other students.
Networking
While it is certainly possible to network with other music producers without attending school—thanks to the accessibility of social media and various online platforms—building relationships IRL remains essential. Traditional universities offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with professional music producers and collaborate with fellow artists who share your level of commitment. $60+ of tuition is more than enough skin in the game for any sane student to take it seriously…right?
While you may encounter individuals in nightclubs or online spaces like Reddit who claim to be music producers, their level of dedication may not match that of someone investing in a brick-and-mortar education. Attending a university indicates a stronger commitment to realizing one’s dreams than an anonymous online user.
Additionally, the faculty at these institutions are often highly skilled and experienced, with years of experience in the music industry before moving over to teaching. Some may still actively work in the industry and just teach to supplement their income. They can serve as invaluable resources for knowledge and insights, and they may also facilitate introductions to their professional network if they believe in your skills, passion and work after you graduate.
The Cons
It Can Be Expensive
The most obvious challenge, which is likely on the minds of many—both aspiring music producers and the general public—is the increasing cost of tuition fees. Nowadays, attending brick-and-mortar universities and state schools can often exceed $60,000 to obtain any degree. In an industry where job security is uncertain and well-paying opportunities are not guaranteed, it can be difficult to justify the initial investment in tuition at a state school or university.
It Can Be Antiquated
Another important point to consider is that brick-and-mortar schools often do not adapt as quickly as the modern producer culture does today. As genres evolve and technology introduces new creative avenues for music production, these institutions may not be incentivized to keep pace. This is partly due to their significant investments—often hundreds of thousands of dollars—into studios for student use, which certainly has its advantages, as previously mentioned in this article, but this investment can lead to a focus on whatever infractrucutre they have rather than staying current with the latest trends in the music industry.
Additionally, many professors in these programs are veteran* (cough, boomers, cough) professionals who have built their careers in a different era of music production. While their experience is valuable, it can sometimes result in the teaching of older, potentially outdated, or less relevant information, which can emphasize theoretical aspects of music production rather than the practical, hands-on skills that are essential in today’s industry.
For example, I took one course in music production while at the University of Oregon, and the first synth I started talking about was Reaktor. This was ten years ago, when everyone knew Massive was the hot synth on the block, and Reaktor was niche, convoluted, and old-school even by that day’s standards.
Nobody Cares
Another important consideration is that a degree in music production, audio engineering, or any related field does not hold significant weight in the music industry. It is pretty rare to find a job listing for a music producer on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed that requires a music production degree if such jobs have ever been posted at all (I’ve never seen one).
Therefore, a degree will not guarantee a place at the table or serve as a prerequisite for the jobs you apply for or land. What truly matters are your skills in the studio and your ability to show up on time and be easy to work with. If you got those things down, you’re likely ahead of 80% of the other people who want to be a professional producer, and yes, that includes those who graduate from a prestigious institution with a degree in music production.
Effective Alternatives To Degrees
Anyone who is already heart set on attending college for music production likely has already made up their mind about its value, and that’s okay! But what about those who are dissuaded? How can you navigate the self-realization that college is not the best move for you to obtain this specific goal? Breaking into the music industry, particularly as a new music producer, can seem daunting when striving to reach the level of talent required to become a professional. It can feel like a near-impossible hill to climb, and in many aspects, it is.
So, let us explore some of the best alternative pathways to establishing a professional music career outside of traditional brick-and-mortar universities that offer conventional degrees.
Focused Courses And Programs Like Point Blank Online
Many platforms offer comprehensive courses and programs, blending the best of both worlds. Pointblank Online is a prime example. They provide a variety of intensive courses on niche music production topics, available both online and in-person at their campuses. These courses do not require a full-time commitment, allowing you to take short, condensed classes over a few months.
You can complete these courses on your own schedule while enjoying the many benefits of a traditional school. Their campuses are equipped with professional DJ and music production gear, and you can interact with their faculty much like at a brick-and-mortar university. Additionally, these courses are often taught by working producers actively engaged in the industry, providing a modern approach that fits the lifestyle of today’s producers who may not have the time for full-time study.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=ISaSytLFmuI&si=tGvk_0TPgOnFclrz[/embed]These options allow individuals to explore specific topics of interest without the commitment of four years and substantial tuition costs. Students can enroll in a single class to supplement their learning or take multiple classes in succession to deepen their knowledge, all while avoiding the financial burdens associated with full-time study.
To be fair, many universities allow you to enroll in one-off classes that can also fill this role. So check your local community colleges and other collegiate listings for classes you can enroll in that don’t require you to be a full-time student.
Condensed Masterclasses Like Hyperbits’
There’s a popular saying that the people who get richest during a gold rush are the ones selling shovels. This directly relates to online music production education. Many so-called masterclasses promise to elevate your production skills overnight without a guaranteed path to success, reflecting the uncertain nature of the music industry. Therefore, it’s crucial to be skeptical and thoroughly research which courses are worth your time and money. Sites like Reddit and ours can help you identify reputable options.
One masterclass I trust and personally benefited from is the Hyperbits Masterclass. I took it early in my music production journey, right after college, and it significantly fast-tracked my progress by providing a solid foundation of production knowledge. Hyperbits sets a high standard with ongoing education, accountability, and community engagement, which is not typical for most online masterclasses. Many courses are merely bundles of pre-recorded content similar to what you can find on YouTube.
However, finding quality courses, like the Hyperbits Masterclass, allows you to learn at your own pace while accessing knowledgeable communities of producers. This can greatly enhance your production skills and accelerate your career path.
This specific masterclass isn’t cheap, around $2k when writing this article, but it’s pennies compared to a university. The fact that you get lifetime access to the content is a game changer in its own right, considering universities spit you out after four years and say, “See you later.”
Private Lessons
Suppose your primary goal is to improve your music production skills. In that case, you may be surprised that many of your favorite music producers are just one direct message away from offering their services as instructors. While many of these artists may not actively advertise their lessons, a respectful email or a polite DM expressing your admiration for their work can open doors. For example, you might say, “Hello, [Producer’s Name], I love your music and would love to follow in your footsteps. Do you offer one-on-one lessons?”
This approach provides personalized advice tailored to your specific needs as a music producer, helping you identify areas for improvement. It also creates opportunities for direct networking with artists you admire. The pricing for these lessons can vary significantly, ranging from $50 per hour to $200 or even $300 for more established producers. However, this investment is minimal compared to the $60,000 tuition some brick-and-mortar universities may charge.
Ultimately, remember that your skills is the most crucial factor in your career as a music producer. Nobody cares where you’ve been or gone; they just care what you do. Therefore, the right move will always be to find ways to become a killer in your digital audio workstation (DAW) as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Engaging in one-on-one sessions with artists can be an excellent way to enhance your skills while expanding your community network.
YouTube University
The final option is what I like to call “YouTube University,” a catch-all phrase for doing your extensive online research. High-quality information is abundant on producing music, with new content creators constantly uploading tips, tricks, plugin breakdowns, interviews with artists, and more. We live in a world overflowing with content, and while it requires sifting through a lot of material, valuable insights can be found.
The downside of relying solely on YouTube is the risk of picking up bad habits or false information you may need to unlearn later. However, consistently engaging with this content can, over time, provide you with a well-rounded and unique approach to music production. As you absorb thousands of different articles and videos, you’ll figure out what works best for your workflow and distill that information into a unique method.
While self-teaching via YouTube can be lengthy, it offers unique benefits. It is most effective when supplementing more structured education options, like the ones mentioned earlier.
How Can You Be A Successful Music Producer?
The entrepreneurial nature of being a music producer means you won’t wake up one day and suddenly be a music producer with a job and clients. Instead, successful careers are built gradually over time as your network grows, your skills improve, and your rates rise to match the value you offer.
The hardest part comes when you decide to go pro. Whether you’ve spent years learning in the studio, absorbing knowledge online, or graduated from a traditional university, the first year or two of figuring out your revenue streams is the toughest. Fortunately, I dedicated much time to writing a high-quality book on this topic.
In this book, I outline everything from recognizing when you are ready to go pro to leveraging the resources available, including your network, skills, and time. I cover how to earn your initial income and share the strategies I used in my career to move beyond the starving artist phase into becoming an entry-level professional producer.
Where We Go From Here
To wrap things up, there are certainly many benefits to attaining a music production degree from a brick-and-mortar university, but you need to weigh the pros and cons based on your financial situation, network, life stage, and other factors. After a decade in this industry, I’ve learned that traditional universities often move too slowly to keep up with the fast-changing tech and tastes in today’s music scene. That’s why platforms like Pointblank Online and the Hyperbits Masterclass are so effective—they are agile, adapt quickly, and align well with the needs and lifestyles of modern music producers. These courses are often taught by active producers in the industry, which is a significant advantage.
The Value of University Experiences and Networking
However, there’s an important aspect of traditional university education that can’t be overlooked: the invaluable life experiences and connections you make. The music industry is people-driven, and your experiences heavily influence your work. Forgoing the chance to build interpersonal skills and network at a university to learn online can be a disservice to your overall development. College offers a unique opportunity to develop these skills by interacting with a diverse range of people, including professors and peers from various backgrounds. These social skills are crucial not only in the studio but also in the business side of the music industry.
Even if you choose a different academic path, as I did, and pursue a degree in writing, accounting, or another field while committing to music production, the social experiences you gain in college can define your career.
Is a Music Production Degree Necessary?
Ultimately, the main point I wish to convey in this article is a modern perspective on whether a music production degree is necessary to succeed as a music producer. The straightforward answer is no, it is not. While there are pros and cons, a degree is not a prerequisite for success. It can enhance your journey, but it is not essential. I graduated with a four-year degree from the University of Oregon. While it was not specifically in English and creative writing, I leveraged those skills to advance in the industry. That is my story, and through sharing the lessons I have learned along the way, I hope you find as much value in this perspective as I have.
Ultimately, the main point of this article is to provide a modern perspective on whether a music production degree is necessary for success. The straightforward answer is no, it is not. While a degree has pros and cons, it is not a prerequisite for success. It can enhance your journey, but it is not essential.
I graduated from the University of Oregon with an English and creative writing degree. I leveraged those skills to advance in the industry. That is my story, and by sharing the lessons I have learned, I hope you find value in this perspective.
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