Master’s Degree Programs in Music Production Overview
Majors Overview July 3, 2015Students in master’s degree programs in music production will gain an advanced understanding of the different technologies that go into sound recording, mixing, production, music, and engineering. The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Music Technology is the most common degree program.
Master’s Programs in Music Production
Students armed with a background in audio recording, musical theory, audio engineering or computing could benefit from enrolling in master’s degree programs in music technology. Students enrolled in this master’s degree program engage in exploring new digital technologies in the recording and music production fields.
Students take two years to complete most graduate programs in music technology; coursework typically includes individual research projects, classroom lectures, a thesis project or paper and hands-on studio time. Technological developments in various areas of music production are learned by students, including music compression, audio software, music playback and distribution methods. Students can also expect to become an expert in designing and developing new technologies in music production, multimedia creation, and recording.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a baccalaureate degree. Common majors include music computing, audio engineering, and sound recording and production. In many schools, applicants for admission are also required to submit grade transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and portfolios of past work and letters of recommendation.
Coursework
Core coursework covers new and emerging technologies in the field and may include topic areas such as:
•Audio production
•Multimedia design applications
•Music technology
•Principles of music production
•Music production thesis project
•Foundations of multimedia technology
•Sound engineering
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek various career opportunities including available job positions such as:
•Audio Technician
•Music and sound recorder
•Audio engineer
•Music producer
•Studio engineer
•Sound mixer
•Re-recording mixer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, composers and music directors, including producers, are expected to see a five percent job growth (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2014, music producers brought in an average annual wage of $48,904; wages for these professionals ranged between $19,783 and $141,405.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek continued education by pursuing Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in Music Technology that could lead to a career in academia or research. Students typically take five to seven years to complete such programs wherein they are required to complete a publishable dissertation devised for advanced study in the field.
