Getting a degree in music production will undoubtedly improve your career prospects and equip you with valuable knowledge and skills.

Luckily, you can enroll in a music production study program regardless of where you live.

Many respectable schools offer music production programs that can be completed entirely online.

Keep reading to discover the best online music production degree programs you can apply for.

1. Berklee Online 

When it comes to the best music schools in the world, Berklee College of Music is always somewhere at the top of the list.

That said, Berklee is arguably one of the best places to study music production and audio engineering.

The college is known for yielding great results with their students – their alumni earned 310 Grammy Awards and other prestigious awards in the industry.

And with their online study program, you can earn a degree from Berklee no matter where you live.

Their online learning options include:

• Bachelor’s Degrees 
• Master’s Degrees
• Courses (no application required)
• Certificate (no application required)

Regardless of what you opt for, Berklee Online would give you a chance to learn from industry experts and equip you with valuable knowledge and skills.

2. Full Sail University 

Full Sail University is one of the most reputable music schools in the US.

Full Sail University started out in 1979 as a recording school offering courses in Audio Engineering. 

Over time, the school has evolved into one of the best universities for studying music production and sound engineering. 

Their programs include associate, undergraduate, and master’s degrees, as well as single courses and course stacks.

And they offer a variety of online degree programs, including Music Production Bachelor of Science.

The coursework of the program covers digital audio principles, digital workstation technology, advanced audio production, engineering techniques, and much more. 

3. Indiana University, Bloomington

If you’re looking for a music production university program that can be completed 100% online, you should consider Indiana University.

Their Online MS in Music Technology can prepare you for such careers as producer, audio engineer, studio manager, sound technician, music editor, studio designer, production assistant, and so on.

As a graduate of the program, you’ll be equipped to work in education and in the industry.

4. Los Angeles Film School

Located on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles Film School is a top choice for anyone interested in entering the music industry. 

As a Los Angeles Film School student, you can earn an Associate of Science in Music Production degree online.

The program will help you gain a broader understanding of music production and artist management and develop the technical skills needed to produce top-quality tracks.

Some of their featured classes include:

• Sequencing Technologies
• Music Production for Media
• Genre-Based Production 

5. Indiana University – Purdue University

IUPUI also offers music-related study programs that can be completed online.

They offer:

• Analog Audio Electronics (graduate/undergraduate)
• Music Technology (master’s degree)

Their bachelor’s degree in Analog Audio Electronics will equip you with the technical skills and knowledge needed to approach music production in an effective way. 

Audio engineering is closely related to music production, so if you’re more interested in the technical side of producing music, IUPUI online program might be a good choice for you. 

6. University of Valley Forge

The University of Valley Forge offers affordable online degree programs with flexible schedules.

They also have a Master of Music in Music Technology program that can be completed through distance learning.

This music degree program builds on the foundation of an undergraduate music degree, and it offers three tracks: Education, Composition, and Production. 

Courses are focused on the development of musical and technical skills and the integration of current research and technology. 

Distance learning students are required to be in class virtually during scheduled hours and own the software and hardware used in class. 

7. Point Blank Music School

Point Blank Music School is another great place to get a music production online degree.

Generally, Point Blank Music School offers Music Production & DJ courses, Music Industry courses, and University Degree Music Programs.

Their Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree is created by industry professionals who’ve worked with famous artists such as Pharrell, Bjork, and Lily Allen.

The program contains 18 carefully crafted modules over three academic years, and it covers all the relevant topics and skills needed to enter the field. 

As they claim on the Point Blank website: by the end of this program, you’ll be ready to begin your career with a dynamic and professional production portfolio. 

8. Academy of Art University 

Academy of Art University provides quality professional education and well-rounded courses.

They offer online classes in a variety of fields, such as game design, fashion, architecture, fine art, and more.

Their Online BFA in Music Production is ideal for students who want to get a broader music-related knowledge but also gain specialized production skills.

Courses are taught by professional musicians and sound designers, and they cover a variety of topics.

They also include the latest research in music production software, recording, editing, and mixing.  

9. University of Maine – Augusta 

The University of Maine at Augusta also offers study programs that can be completed online.

Students who enroll in the Contemporary & Popular Music program at UMA can study music technology, music history, aural skills, and the business of music. 

Aspiring music producers benefit a lot from their courses because they provide a working knowledge of audio recording software, recording studios, and audio electronics.

And they get music theory and ear training skills needed in the field of music technology.

All in all, UMA online programs are a great choice for anyone interested in getting a broader knowledge and musical education. 

To apply for the program, all applicants must complete an audition.

10. MasterClass

If you’re still not sure if enrolling in an online music production course is the right thing for you, why not test the waters first?

With MasterClass online courses, you can learn the basics of making music and find out if music production is a field in which you see yourself.

But regardless of what your goals are, MasterClass is a great way to expand your knowledge and gain new skills.

Plus, the MasterClass platform will give you a chance to learn how to produce music from some of the best in the industry, such as Timbaland, deadmau5, and Hans Zimmer.

Their pre-recorded online video lessons are well-structured, effective, and ideal for anyone interested in music production and sound engineering.

What Do Music Producers Do?

Obviously, there are many great options for music production distance learning out there.

Most of the programs we mentioned today offer well-rounded curriculums and courses that will prepare you for a variety of professional environments. 

The thing is, music production is a versatile field, and that’s why it requires specific skills and qualifications. 

Generally, music production can be defined as a multi-stage process of creating, recording, and fixing music before it can be distributed. 

This process usually includes: 

• Songwriting
• Arranging 
• Recording
• Mixing
• Mastering

Music producers need to learn how to work with DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and learn everything about the necessary production equipment such as audio interface, microphone, plugins, and so on.

Producers are also managers and supervisors of the whole music production process.

And that’s the main difference between music producers and audio engineers who are focused solely on the technical needs of the record. 

Being a music producer requires a lot of technical and musical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and an eye for detail.

However, as a music producer, you can specialize in one or more areas, and you can get a job in different positions.

For instance, some producers work in A&R (Artist and Repertoire) at a record label and others work as music executives.

You can also become a freelance music producer and help singers, songwriters, and composers turn their ideas into music.

Some freelance music producers make money from streaming royalties or by selling their beats and samples, and others offer to mix and mastering services.

What type of music production career you’re going to opt for depends on your specific goals and abilities.

See also: How to Make Money as a Music Producer

Should You Get an Online Music Production Degree? 

As you can see, there are many types of jobs available to music producers.

But all of them require a similar set of skills: an in-depth knowledge of DAW, the ability to handle studio equipment, musical knowledge, and networking and interpersonal skills.

And although there are many ways you can acquire these skills, there’s no learning source that is as comprehensive and specialized as university study programs. 

Music production degree programs are designed to prepare students to enter the field.

They are well-structured and taught by experienced professors and industry professionals.

Moreover, getting a music production degree from a reputable university would undoubtedly improve your career prospects and give you an edge over competitors. 

But what about online programs?

Is getting an online music production really worth it?

Well, there are many benefits of online music production programs.

For starters, you can enroll in a program offered by a respected university regardless of where you live.

Also, many people simply prefer taking online lessons for various reasons.

Online learning allows you to take lessons from the comfort of your home which can ultimately save you a lot of time and money.

By the way, tuition and fees for online studies can be significantly lower than on-campus alternatives.

And the learning format is usually more flexible too. 

Moreover, some online study programs are easier to apply for than standard campus programs.

For instance, the Berklee online certificate program doesn’t acquire applications.

Of course, to get the most out of your studies, you need to choose a program that fits your goals, interests, and learning habits.

But all things considered, if you want to build a career as a music producer, enrolling in an online music production program would be a great place to start. 

Best Online Music Production Degrees – Final Thoughts 

Regardless of what your professional goals are, completing an online music production degree program would undoubtedly bring you many benefits.

Many respected universities offer online programs and well-structured courses taught by expert teachers.

You just need to find a program that meets your needs, check their application dates, and get ready for your first lesson.

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