Music Production Degree

AIU offers a professionally-focused Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music Production with a specialization in Audio Engineering and Sound Engineering that can provide students with an opportunity to develop specific skills needed to produce audio tracks for productions, such as motion pictures, television, music videos and recording.

In AIU's Music Production Degree Program You Can Learn How To:

• Demonstrate a thorough technical understanding of the three phases of the motion picture production process (preproduction, production and postproduction) and the contributions of audio specialists at each.
• Generate and properly utilize industry-standard paperwork to track and control all three phases of motion picture production
• Demonstrate technical competency with various industry-standard software, camera, grip and lighting and recording technologies
• Demonstrate an understanding of on-set protocol/behavior and professionalism appropriate to field, studio and postproduction applications.
• Contribute appropriately in a variety of positions to the production of motion picture projects
• Develop audio projects from concept to finished product, on time and on budget, to a client’s specifications.
• Organize and manage self-directed audio production projects

Download program detail PDF

This program is designed to provide you with an opportunity to advance your creative and technical abilities in areas such as building professional soundtracks, including effects editing, automatic dialog replacement (ADR), dialog editing, audio sweetening and foleying, composing and mixing music for films and videos, and enhancing moving images with innovative sound design. For a Music Production Degree, your classes may include:

Music Production I

Students will study multi-track recording, advanced MIDI applications, pre-production and various techniques and strategies for recording live drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Students are also introduced to key concepts in mixing music within a stereo environment.

Music Production II

Students will study advanced production techniques including how to work with talent, multiple microphone instrument recording, advanced engineering techniques and studio signal flow.

Critical Listening

Students will explore a series of listening exercises designed to teach them to listen critically to frequency, loudness (expressed in decibels), distortion and time based effects. Focus will be placed upon developing basic listening skills that lead to accurate analysis of recorded sound.

Music Mixing and Mastering

Working with a series of pre-recorded music sessions students will focus on mixing techniques and be able to creatively utilize effects, processors and automation.

MIDI and Electronic Music

This introductory course focuses on the creation of music via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students will study how to record, sequence and edit their own music using a computer with appropriate software and MIDI keyboard.

Musicianship for Engineers

Students will explore a variety of music subjects within the context of audio recording and production. Specific topics include music fundamentals, music theory, form and styles, and basic aural and keyboarding skills.

Sound Design I

Students focus on the creative role of the sound designer, learning to create and mix sonic landscapes that enhance the moving image. Students in this course will have the opportunity to collaborate with those enrolled in DFAP 401 Senior Project I to develop a complete movie soundtrack.

History of Recorded Music

A survey of recorded music, this course is designed to provide a broad overview of the major developments in music since the advent of recording, and places those developments in a social context.

Producing and Engineering

In this class students will have the opportunity to work to develop and apply advanced multitrack recording techniques, advanced song production, talent direction, and studio communication skills in several music projects.

Advanced Producing and Engineering

Students will have the opportunity to work to develop skills in microphone selection and placement technique, advanced studio signal flow (including console), artist interaction and extensive recording engineering pre-production.

Postproduction and Recording

Students will have the opportunity to work to develop skills needed to create a professional film soundtrack, including: effects editing, automatic dialog replacement (ADR), dialog editing and Foley recording.

Music for Picture

Students will study how to compose music for a variety of film and video-based projects. Each assignment is mixed to stereo and subsequently laid back to picture.

From grants to military service to transfer credits, see the variety of ways you can save time and money on your Music Production Degree at AIU:

• Scholarships & Grants - AIU offers a number of institutional scholarships and grants that can help eligible students offset the program cost and help reduce out of pocket costs
• Reduced Military Tuition Rate – AIU Online offers a 45% tuition reduction to active military undergraduate students and a 20% tuition reduction to active military graduate students, including members of the Reserves and National Guard
• Transfer Credit – AIU’s transfer-friendly credit policy lets you transfer in up to 75% of the qualifying credits needed toward your degree
• Prior Learning Credit – You can receive credits for past college courses, qualifying military service, or eligible work experience

For more information, review the AIU guides below:

• Financial Aid Guide: Our guide to financial aid can answer your initial questions and help you prepare to apply for financial aid
• Scholarships and Grants Guide: Learn about the scholarships and grants offered by AIU along with details about eligibility
• Transfer Credit Guide: This guide explores how to transfer your credits from other schools—and earn college credit for your eligible past work and qualifying military experience