I am planning on majoring in Music Production. What can I do in high school to prepare myself for this course of study?
Music Production combines music and technology, so study in these areas is highly recommended. If you are not already a musician, you should take music lessons and study basic music theory. If your high school offers them, you should take any audio, television, and/or radio production courses. You could also participate in your high school’s theater program doing live sound, or any kind of backstage technical work. If your school does not offer these kinds of technical opportunities, then you should look into interning at a local recording studio, television or radio station, or helping the sound engineer at your church or community theater. In addition to technical studies, you should also be very comfortable with computers. Courses in programming, web design, graphics and of course music applications will be very helpful. Intermediate mathematical skills are required for electronics study, so make sure you are comfortable with algebra and pre calculus mathematics. Finally, any experience in communication and people skills will be very helpful. Courses in public speaking and communication, and participation in extracurricular activities such as school government, concert and radio promotion, and community and church groups which allow you to develop your interpersonal and communication skills would be good examples.
What are you looking for in an applicant?
Audio Engineering track: Since we are a music school we have a strong preference for musicians. However that does not necessarily mean only those schooled in classical music, we are looking for students with a wide range of musical backgrounds. About half of our students have studied music in the traditional manner, instrumental study starting in grade or middle school, and participation in musical ensembles in high school. Other students are self taught, or have had a combination of musical lessons and self study. Musical backgrounds range from significant classical music study, to self taught guitarists and singer/songwriters.
Second, we would like to see some kind of technical and computer background. This profession is very exciting because it combines music with cutting edge technology, however it is highly technical, and students who do not have a propensity for technology will struggle. We like to see some demonstration that applicants have experience with technology and are aware of what it involves.
Finally, audio recording and production requires interaction with artists and producers in a creative environment. The ability to communicate effectively is perhaps the most important skill that a recording engineer can possess. Recording sessions often involve tight deadlines and close collaboration with many different and difficult personalities. We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate good communication skills, and are articulate and outgoing.
Creation and Production track: The most important trait we are looking for is a strong desire to create original music. As with the Audio Engineering track, musical backgrounds range from trained to self taught; some musical training is preferred, though sight reading is not necessary. Applicants will already be creating music, but the style of the music and method of creation is open. High performance levels on an instrument is preferred but not required, there will be a interview but no audition.
What are my chances of being admitted into the Music Production program?
Audio Engineering track: We offer admission to about 20 students each year. Admission is very competitive, we generally receive about 120 applications.
Creation and Production track: We will offer admission to 18 students each year. We expect admission to be very competitive.
How much hands-on experience do I get? When will I get into the studio and start recording?
Stuents in the Audio Engineering track start working in our studios from the very first semester. As part of the audio crew, students immediately begin providing audio support for School of Music events. The first year consists mostly of training sessions and second engineering. As students progress through their studies they will gradate to first engineer status, eventually serving as lead engineers on important School of Music productions. All courses include a significant lab component, students must complete weekly production projects. Once students enter their third year, the courses are primarily project based with a significant production requirement. All told, students will have over 1000 hours of practical hands-on production experience upon graduation.
What kind of jobs are available to students when they graduate and what kind of salary can be expected?
Graduates of the Audio Engineering track (and the Audio Enginering and Sound Prpduction degree that it grew from) can be found working in recording studios, movie and television studios, radio stations, live sound reinforcement, touring Broadway productions, theaters, theme and amusement parks, municipalities, CD mastering and DVD authoring, the computer industry, and the armed forces. Additionally, many of our students elect to pursue graduate degrees in areas such as new media, film, acoustics, electrical engineering, law, and music business.
The US Department of Labor lists the average salary of audio technicians at just under $46,000 per year. As would be expected, salaries in the major markets such as Los Angeles and New York tend to be higher. Entry level positions in recording studios tend to be low paying, minimum wage to $12.00 per hour or so, but advancement can be quick for those that are motivated and posses the right skills.