L.Dre (a producer who’s had viral hits on TikTok and has worked with Honda, Samsung, and Dr. Pepper) said that your success as a producer does not hinge on whether or not you have a degree in music.

It’s all about how good you are.

“Let me tell you this straight up: no one gives a flying f*ck if you have a degree in music production,” he said.

But he goes on to say he made a lot of great connections through school, which is one of the best reasons to enroll.

Yes, you will learn a lot at music school, but earning a degree in music doesn’t automatically make you better at producing music than everyone else.

Producer and engineer Warren Huart (Aerosmith, James Blunt, Ramones) said having a degree is great, but it doesn’t mean you’re more of an expert than someone who learned a different way.

That being said, many Grammy Award-winning producers attended music school and it was beneficial to their career, some of whom we mention in this article. It’s all about doing what makes the most sense for your career goals.

Every music production school is unique in its own way and each program will offer a slightly different education. But there are basic production elements that you’ll learn about regardless of where you go.

Here are some of the main things you’ll learn through a music production program:

• Audio engineering fundamentals: learn about signal flow, recording techniques, microphone placement, mixing, and mastering
• Studio setup and acoustics: learn how sound moves around a room and how to set up your recording space to get the best sound
• Production techniques: learn genre-based methods and tools to produce an emotive track
• Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): learn how to use industry-standard software (like Pro Tools and Logic Pro) and how to use plugins and effects to shape sound
• Music theory and arrangement: learn the basics of music theory, song structure, instrumentation, and how to put it all together into a song
• Live sound engineering: learn techniques for setting up and running live sound for concerts, shows, or performances
• Sound Design: this could include learning about synthesizers, sampling sounds, and Foley recording
• Music business, networking, and portfolio development: learn how to use your music production education to build a career for yourself

If you’re confident you want to become a music producer and you want to go to school for it, the best degree to get would either be music production or audio engineering. Both of those will teach you what you need to know and give you the chance to make connections.

Check out our picks for the best music production schools in the U.S. below.

Each section shares a bit about why the university could be a good option for you as well as a list of musicians and music producers who also attended each school.

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts; New York City; Valencia, Spain
• Annual Costs: Degree: $73,471 / Diploma: $67,331

In Berklee’s renowned Music Production and Engineering program, students earn a Bachelor of Music in MP&E, which requires a solid math and physics background.

The university also owns Power Station Studios in NYC, where students manage the studios, giving them hands-on experience. Berklee also offers online courses, certificates, and degrees in music production and audio engineering.

On top of that, Berklee offers a Master of Music in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation at their New York City and Valencia campuses.

Berklee claims 141 alumni have gone on to win Grammy Awards. Here are a few notable musicians, producers, and composers who attended the university:

• John Mayer
• Maggie Rogers
• Bruce Hornsby
• Quincy Jones
• Aimee Mann
• Gillian Welch
• Esperanza Spalding
• Alan Silvestri

Music was always a passion for Rogers, and music school helped her along her path to success.

• Location: Winter Park, Florida (near Orlando)
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $40,363

Full Sail offers a wide range of programs, like Music Production, Audio Production, and Recording Arts. Some programs are available online, and their certificate in Audio Production can be completed in as little as five months.

Full Sail has an impressive list of musicians and producers who attended the school, including:

• Andrew Coleman (producer/engineer: Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, N*E*R*D, Lenny Kravitz, Christina Aguilera, P!nk)
• Benjamin Rice (producer/songwriter/engineer: Lady Gaga, Elton John, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Julia Michaels, John Legend, James Bay)
• Jordan “DJ Swivel” Young (producer/songwriter/engineer: Beyoncé, The Chainsmokers, Coldplay, Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, BTS, Lil Nas X, Dua Lipa)
• Josh Gudwin (producer/composer/engineer: Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Shakira, Sabrina Carpenter)
• Sebastian Krys (producer/engineer: Elvis Costello, Juanes, Shakira, Luis Fonsi, Nathy Peluso, Alejandro Sanz, Jennifer Lopez)
• Tremaine Williams (producer/composer/engineer: Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, NBC, FOX, AppleTV+)

Rice said his education led him to work on projects that have been truly rewarding for him, the people involved, and the fans of his work.

• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Annual Costs: $74,491

Carnegie Mellon’s Music and Technology program blends audio engineering, computer science, and music, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Plus, the program includes cutting-edge courses in areas like musical robotics.

Many musical forces have attended Carnegie Mellon, mostly singers and orchestra-related talents, including Josh Groban and Leslie Odom Jr.

• Location: Various U.S. and global campuses
• Annual Costs: $47,739

SAE offers a range of audio engineering programs, like a Bachelor of Applied Science or an Audio Diploma. With six U.S. locations and several global campuses, SAE provides both on-campus and online learning options for aspiring music producers and audio engineers.

Singer Rich Prince transferred to SAE and said he started learning about music right away.

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Annual Costs: $79,063

USC’s Thornton School offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Production, blending digital music production with disciplines like composition, performance, and live acoustic recording. The program integrates music technology with cross-disciplinary art forms, like film.

Several USC Thornton School of Music alumni have been nominated for Emmy Awards.

In a discussion with the Chair of the USC Thornton School of Music Popular Music program, guitarist Ari O’Neal (Beyoncé, SZA, Lizzo) gives sound advice to some USC Thornton students.

“Just always be open to saying yes,” she said. “Even if you think you can’t do something… And then figure it out later, because you will figure it out.”

• Location: Miami, Florida
• Annual Costs: $73,712

Located at the University of Miami, Frost offers both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Music. The programs blend traditional music studies with recording, mixing, and signal-processing techniques. As an undergraduate, you will gain technical skills in electrical engineering and computer science, while the Master’s program requires a background in computer science or electrical engineering.

Frost School of Music alumni have gone on to win many awards as musicians, composers, and singer-songwriters.

Award-winning composer David Horace Davies said the people are what made Frost a great choice for him.

• Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
• Annual Costs: Out-of-state: $43,936 / In-state: $24,250

Near Nashville’s thriving music scene, MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry is frequently recognized by Billboard Magazine as a top U.S. school for audio engineering. Offering a Bachelor of Science in Audio Production and a Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technology, you can also choose from technical minors like computer science or entrepreneurship.

MTSU alumni have gone on to gain notoriety in music, including Amy Lee (lead singer of Evanescence), Hillary Scott (lead singer of Lady A), Julien Baker (member of boygenius), and Sharon Van Etten.

After starting an audio engineering degree at MTSU, Baker paused school because of her musical success. Then later, she finished with an English degree after her tours were canceled due to the 2020 pandemic.

She said it gave her the structure and skills she felt she needed.

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Annual Costs: $70,457

Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design offers a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies. Within that, you can focus on music technology and production, working at Drexel’s independent label, Mad Dragon Records. Drexel is known for its strong post-graduation job placement help.

The most notable graduate of Drexel is Howard Benson, Grammy Award-winning music producer and engineer (My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects, Hoobastank, Santana, Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson).

• Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
• Annual Costs: Out-of-state: $49,054 / In-state: $31,128 / Regional: $42,668

UMass Lowell offers a highly-rated Sound Recording Technology program where you can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees – the five-year program lets you earn both degrees. They will require you to audition in order to get into any program in the Music Department.

The most notable music producer and audio engineer who graduated from UMass is Bob Weston. Weston hosted a music program on the UMass student radio channel WJUL.

• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• Annual Costs: In-state: $4,000-8,000 / Out-of-state: $8,000-17,000

Tri-C’s Recording Arts and Technology program is housed in the Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts, a facility co-managed with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The school offers a Certificate or an Associate’s Degree in Recording Arts and has a transfer agreement with Berklee College of Music.

• Location: Hollywood, California
• Annual Costs: $47,088

Musicians Institute offers degrees and certificates in audio engineering and music production, with tracks for music business and songwriting as well. They also offer online courses in related areas, like electronic music production.

Many famous musicians and producers have attended the Musicians Institute, including Anderson .Paak, Jeff Buckley, Steve Vai, Chad Smith, and Tanya Chua.

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $70,000

UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television has a stellar music production program that stands out for its integration of advanced technology and artistic creativity.

Students in the program get hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and software, preparing them for any number of roles within the industry.

The curriculum includes courses in music composition, recording techniques, and sound design.

Based in the heart of Los Angeles, UCLA provides students with ample opportunities to network and collaborate with professionals in the music industry.

• Location: Miami, Florida
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $68,600

For a unique experience funded by a Grammy winner, The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music is an excellent place to further your music education.

The Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music program blends traditional and contemporary music production techniques.

Created by Hornsby, who is also an alum of the department, students benefit from a robust curriculum that includes classes in digital audio, sound design, and studio recording.

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $51,000

If you’re looking for a diverse and comprehensive music production program, look into San Francisco State University’s Music Technology, a school that offers theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills.

At the institution, you can learn music composition, audio engineering, and electronic music production.

SFSU has a wide variety of student ensembles, tailored to all kinds of talent and tastes. Diverse student groups play jazz, world, Afro-Cuban, rock, and more, giving you all kinds of inspiration and possible collaborators as you continue your journey to becoming a music producer.

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $63,000

The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles has an excellent music production program.

If it ends up being your choice, you will benefit from hands-on learning and classes on audio engineering, music business best practices, and so much more.

Small class sizes and personalized instruction ensure you will thrive in a supportive learning environment, and in the heart of the Los Angeles music scene, no less.

• Location: Northridge, California
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $53,000

Study the music industry and production via California State University, Northridge’s comprehensive Music Industry Studies program, where you can zero in on production.

The course will teach you about the technical and business aspects of production in equal measure.

Students gain practical experience through internships and projects, often working with industry professionals.

Become inspired by especially robust choral ensembles, concert bands, opera performances, and many other special things that only CSUN has to offer.

• Location: New York City, New York
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $77,000

Get up close and personal with music at Pace University. There, students explore various aspects of music production, including recording techniques, sound design, and all things related to digital audio.

The program is designed to provide both knowledge and useful, practical experience, preparing students for careers in an ever-evolving field.

Pace’s New York location puts you directly in the heart of the entertainment industry; work with classmates who will go on to perform on Broadway and other enormous stages across the country.

• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $48,000

The University of Colorado Denver offers a Bachelor of Music in Recording Arts, providing students with a thorough education in music production.

The program combines technical training with artistic development, covering areas such as studio recording, sound design, and audio mixing.

You can also work towards a degree in Music & Entertainment Industry Studies, offering you the opportunity to match your practical knowledge with your less nuts-and-bolts information.

• Location: Nashville, Tennessee
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: $60,000

If you plan to work specifically in the country music scene, look no further than Belmont University’s Music Business and Production, which is conveniently located in Nashville.

The program provides students with invaluable industry connections and internship opportunities in one of America’s great music cities.

• Location: Toronto, Ontario
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: CAD $50,000

For a curriculum that blends technology with creativity, you’ll want to check out Toronto Metropolitan University’s Music Production program.

Learning recording, mixing, and music technology in a hands-on setting is what’s in store for those who want to head north.

Toronto’s diverse music scene creates an excellent backdrop for inspiration and new ideas for your own music production.

You’ll find programs like The Music Den, the school’s incubator for music innovation that “brings together entrepreneurs, students and industry veterans in an effort to build Canada’s next great music companies.”

• Location: Toronto, Ontario
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: CAD $45,000

Humber College’s Music Production program teaches you real-world skills that will be useful for your entire music career.

Learn audio engineering, sound design, and, of course, music production techniques using industry-standard equipment and software.

All Humber students create a major recording project in their fourth year of school, giving everyone a competitive edge over folks who enter the industry without a professional portfolio.

• Location: Glasgow, Scotland
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: £35,000

If you are on the hunt for an especially creative and esteemed music production program, you definitely want to look into The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The conservatoire’s location in Glasgow, known for its rich musical heritage, adds to the program’s appeal.

The curriculum includes advanced courses in everything from recording to mixing to sound design, as well as opportunities to work on actual professional projects.

If you are younger than college age but still want to enhance your skills, the Royal Conservatoire also has a junior program for young musicians.

• Location: London, England
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: £33,000

BIMM London equips students with many industry-relevant skills, with a focus on today’s production software and practices.

Students have access to top-notch facilities and are encouraged to engage in creative projects and internships within the music business.

You’ll join an impressive list of alumni, including Marina Diamandis, The Kooks, and ADONXS if you apply.

• Location: Paris, France
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: €30,000

Experience rich cultural history and artistic heritage at The Conservatoire de Paris, which blends the traditional and the contemporary to offer a comprehensive program in music production.

Located in Paris, the Conservatoire is a uniquely stimulating environment for students to develop their skills. The conservatoire’s prestigious reputation and location make it a top choice for aspiring music producers, especially for international students who are already, or who may want to become bilingual in French.

• Location: London, England
• Estimated annual tuition, fees, & living costs: £31,000

Find an excellent program in music production and sound engineering at Middlesex University, which can be found smack dab in the heart of London.

The school offers practical training in studio techniques, audio production, and so much more.

You will learn from a staff of people who are active in the music industry, from the art to the business, including The Firebird Orchestra, Allegri String Quartet, Daniel Miller (Founder of Mute Records) and Grammy award-winning producer Alan Branch.

Artificial intelligence is starting to play a big role in how music production schools operate and what they offer to students.

Right now, AI is making waves by helping schools design more personalized learning experiences.

For instance, the burgeoning technology can analyze a student’s progress and suggest customized lessons or projects that target specific skills. This means that those learning can get a more tailored education that suits their unique needs and learning pace.

In the not-too-distant future, AI might even transform how students interact with their coursework.

It’s not hard to imagine AI-driven programs that can offer instant feedback on music projects, or virtual mentors that provide real-time advice and support. These might make learning more dynamic and interactive, helping students develop their skills faster and more effectively.

It also opens up possibilities for remote learning and collaboration, allowing students from all over the world to connect and create together.

For prospective students, AI could change how they apply to and choose schools. Universities and colleges might use AI to offer more detailed insights into their programs and how they match up with each student’s goals and interests. This could help applicants find the perfect fit and make more informed decisions about where to study.