Producers and Engineers often work closely with one another to ensure the final product is excellent, though they have different jobs. Producers are tasked with creating beats or figuring out the perfect chords, instruments, and effects to use in any song. They are also often Songwriters for the bands and artists they produce for. It’s a highly creative role, which is why some of the top players in the industry can earn tens of thousands of dollars per song.

Music Engineers don’t have nearly as much leeway to be creative, but they are still vital to the music-making process. Engineers need to work with the instruments, microphones, and various other equipment and programs to make sure they’re all working perfectly. They are tasked with ensuring the recording process goes smoothly and that when the music has been played and the Singer is done, what’s been taped isn’t just usable, but the best quality possible.

A Producer is sort of like a Director on a film, in that they are not just creative, they’re also managing others and in charge of the entire project. In addition to creating music and writing melodies, a Producer has to share their vision with the artist and the Engineer.

That way, the Singer and/or musicians can convey the tone, mood, and sound the Producer is hoping for, while the Engineer can ensure that the equipment is ready and that the eventual recording sounds top-tier. Essentially, they take orders from the Producer, though it’s often more of a partnership.

In today’s modern music industry, sometimes the Producer and the Engineer are the same person. In some instances, a Producer only wants to focus on being creative, while in other cases, that person (or group of people) wants to have control over every aspect of the work.

How much can a music engineer make?

Engineers in the music industry can make a solid living, but it will take hustle. The average salary for Recording Engineers is upwards of $75,000. Audio Engineers, a similar role, start off at around $40,000, and there are some audio engineering professionals who have been doing the work for years who make six figures.

First and foremost, Music Engineers need to understand how many different kinds of music-related equipment and software options work. From microphones to speakers to a number of important and commonly-used computer programs, an Engineer must know them all and be able to adjust or swap things out quickly and without issue. It’s a very technical role, so it’s a job best suited for those who are often described as tech-savvy.

In addition to the more technical side of things, Music Engineers should have all of the following qualities if they want to be really successful:

To explain why things aren’t possible, or to recontextualize what the artist and Producers are saying.

One of the biggest parts of the job! When something goes wrong, or when a first or second option isn’t providing what Producers and artists want, Music Engineers need to figure something else out.

Just going through the motions and getting the job done would be fine in some instances, but if you want to be the best, you must have an internal drive to be great and to create fantastic work.

Knowing the computer programs and equipment that’s currently used in the industry is a good start, but the best Music Engineers go above and beyond. They keep up with new advancements and product launches, and they also dig into the past to better understand what used to be commonplace and why things changed.

Whenever anyone’s working with creative types, flexibility is needed. This is especially true when it comes to musicians and their teams, who are notorious for being late and changing plans.

Music Engineers may want to get in, do what they must, and get out, but patience is still key. Give musicians and Producers time to do what they do and do it well, and be prepared to spend many hours on each song and album.

As the Music Engineer, you need to be assertive, but also realize that there are many creative opinions and strong voices taking part in every job. You must be able to do what you have to and be an authority on that subject in every scene, but also work well with others.

For those who want to get into the exciting and rewarding field of Music Engineering, there are more schools and individual courses of study than ever before, and each option offers both benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the top Music Engineering college programs:

Whatever job you want to eventually land in the music industry, Berklee College of Music has something for you. The Boston, MA standard is perhaps the most prestigious name in musical education, and those who come out of the institution have done everything from playing in symphonies to managing Pop Stars and so much more. Like many other options, Berklee offers a bachelor’s degree that’s a mix of production and engineering, as it’s good to understand both. For those who want to continue to learn, they may opt to earn a Master of Music in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation.

Berklee College of Music

Full Sail University is also known the world over as a respected institution that churns out many professionals in the music industry. The Winter Park, Florida-based school offers bachelor’s degrees in fields of study that may interest prospective Engineers such as Audio Production, Show Production, and Music Production. For those not sure they want to commit right away, a certificate in Audio Arts might be a good start.

Full Sail University

The Los Angeles Recording School has a lot going for it, including the ability for students to either learn online or in-person. While there may be a temptation to only stick to internet-based degrees, as they’re easier for many, being in L.A. is a great opportunity for those who want to engineer not just recording sessions in studios, but also other kinds of content. Music Engineers are often needed on film and TV sets, and being located in the heart of Hollywood is fantastic for those who want to work in that part of the industry.

Los Angeles Recording School

Yes, Murfreesboro, TN has a school you should pay attention to if you’re thinking of one day becoming an Audio Engineer. Middle Tennessee State University offers a fantastic Audio Production bachelor’s, and with its proximity to Nashville, the heart of country, it’s a great place to begin a career in the music industry.

Middle Tennessee State University

No matter the creative field someone might want to get into–music, film, TV, theater, art, or even fashion–New York City is the best place to be. The schools are great, but beyond that, the metropolis offers more opportunities in the way of jobs, networking, experiences, and internships than almost any other place in the world. The world-renowned Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music has several must-attend engineering-only courses, while NYU Steinhardt has a bachelor’s degree in Music Technology as well as a master’s (also available as a dual bachelor’s and master’s) and a doctorate in the same field.

New York University