Music and audio producers record and manipulate voices and different sound effects in order to create music for movies, video games, television, or albums. They are in charge of setting up and operating a number of different systems. They may also need to possess the skills to troubleshoot and repair equipment. Along with the technical aspects of the job, producers will also need to possess a high level of creativity in order to excel in their career. During post-production for movies, audio and music producers will need to evaluate how certain sound effects will pair with the visual effects of the film to ensure the final version flows with ease and makes sense to the audience. They can also pair musical instruments with computer programs to create one-of-a kind music and sound effects that can later be used in their projects. Communication is also key in this field as professionals work closely with singers and other entertainment personnel to create content. A high school diploma along with relevant work experience is sufficient for the field, however, it is recommended that aspiring audio and music producers who wish to work on high-profile projects such as movie or album production seek additional education.
Associate Degrees in Music & Audio Production
Earning an associate degree in music or audio production can aid participants in learning the techniques in recording, mixing, and mastering that are standard in the industry. Students will complete general education requirements as well as major-specific requirements that will build not only knowledge but also creativity. Course examples include music concepts, digital audio specifications, introduction to audio production, audio recording techniques, music design and synthesis, recording on location, mixing and mastering, and surround sound techniques. Students can complete these courses in addition to their general education courses in two years or less. Graduates have the opportunity to work for a variety of production companies as sound designers, radio broadcast producers, music producers, live sound engineers, and sound editors. In order to qualify for admission fto this level of program applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some schools may also require an entrance exam to be taken prior to enrollment. The total cost for an associate degree in music production may fall somewhere between $25,000 and $33,000.
Bachelor's Degrees in Music & Audio Production
A bachelor's degree can be completed in 32 to 36 months. This level of degree is a great option for individuals who aspire to conduct business as an independent audio creator. Key courses include audio post-production, advanced mixing techniques, history of recorded music, contemporary production techniques, musical structure and analysis, recording principles, and sequencing technology. To gain hands-on experience, students will also create a project portfolio that will be required for turn-in towards the end of their studies. First time freshmen will need to submit their high school transcripts or a GED equivalent. This degree level can be competitive, so high school students who are looking forward to entering a program for music or audio production should try to take as many relevant classes in this subject as they can while focusing on earning a solid grade point average. Applicants who have previously earned a bachelor's degree or over 24-credit hours from another institution will also need to submit their college transcripts in which case they will be reviewed for transfer credit. Annual tuition for a bachelor's degree program in this field will generally average around $20,000.
Master's Degrees in Music & Audio Production
Individuals who are looking to advance their skills and career options will find that earning a graduate degree will aid them in achieving their goals. A master's degree is typically comprised of 30 to 36 credit hours and takes two years to complete. Program coursework includes audio production and post-production, recording systems, acoustics, MIDI techniques