What to expect from a career Producing Music
The music industry is full of talented people, but a career in producing music is about more than just talent and dedication - you need strong business and technical skills, as well as a thorough understanding of all aspects of the music business. Music production programs at Ontario colleges help students gain these valuable skills, preparing them for a career in this exciting industry.
Whether you’re a musician or you simply have a passion for music and want to learn how to produce, here’s what you need to know.
Music Production Courses
Music production programs provide students with in-depth knowledge of music engineering, mixing and production techniques. To help prepare for the technical, hands-on studio components of the programs, some courses will focus on ear training and music theory.
Other subjects may include (but aren’t limited to):
- Industry trends and culture
- Production theory
- Analog and digital recording
- Copyright laws and legal contracts
- Studio setup
Programs also emphasize marketing and promotions and small business and entrepreneurship to prepare students for the business side of the music industry.
Musicians who want a career in both producing and performing music may want to take a program that focuses on writing and composing, as well as performing.
Music Production Program Requirements
Ontario college music production programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a grade 12 English credit. Some programs also require applicants to submit a music recording of something they’ve created or produced, as well as an account of their music background and experience.
Music Production Jobs and Salaries
Graduates of music production programs will find a variety of opportunities in the music industry, including creating music, performing, teaching, composing and more. Jobs are available with record labels, marketing companies, independent production houses and other industry-related organizations. Roles and job responsibilities may include (but aren’t limited to):
- Producing and recording
- Engineering
- Merchandising
- Publishing
- Promoting
The average starting salary for graduates of music production programs is around $25,000 per year. It can take a while to make a higher salary in this industry because you need to build a client base and a strong reputation; however, once you establish yourself, earnings will likely be much higher.
Ontario Colleges Offering Music Production Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of music production programs at Ontario colleges.
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