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

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Total tuition for this degree program may vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date.

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.

University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

What is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design degree?

AIU’s BFA degree in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design is designed to provide studio-based, creative and technical knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing a potential career path in audio recording. This degree program emphasizes learning the fundamentals of audio engineering and electronic music creation, general media production, editing, and foley special effects sound production.

How long does it take to earn a BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Production and Sound Design degree?

Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your BFA in Media Production can be influenced by course loads, proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.

What kind of courses will I take to earn a BFA in Media Production degree?

As you work to complete your BFA degree in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design, you will be immersed in courses such as: Music Mixing and Mastering; Critical Listening; Music Production; and Sound Design. After successful completion of the Audio Production II course, you may also choose to pursue a certification in AVID Pro Tools.

When and where can I begin my audio recording and sound design classes?

Courses for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design start approximately every five weeks, exclusively on our Atlanta campus. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation. To schedule a tour of our campus, visit us at https://www.aiuniv.edu/campus-locations/atlanta. For a virtual tour of the Atlanta campus design studios and labs, including our apparel design and merchandizing facilities, click here: https://youtu.be/B76TcRrt89M.

How many credits will I need to graduate with a BFA in Media Production degree?

The BFA in Media Production degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What will I study in the BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design degree program?

By studying key topics in audio recording and sound design you will learn how to:

• Perform all three phases of audio production, from pre- to postproduction.
• Record and edit music and audio using software and recording technologies common in the industry.
• Develop audio projects from concept to finished product, on-time and on-budget, to a client’s specifications.
• Collaborate with other students and industry professionals.

What creative and technical abilities will I be able to work to develop in the BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design degree program?

You will have the 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. You may also choose to pursue a certification in AVID Pro Tools.

Who I will be learning from?

In addition to a quality curriculum based on industry-relevant standards, AIU’s BFA in Media Production with a specialized focus in Audio Recording and Sound Design is taught by instructors with current experience in the recording industry, and a range of knowledge and perspectives. You will have the opportunity to learn from individuals who can share their understanding of the qualities and skills sought in today’s competitive marketplace for creative professionals in a variety of film, video and audio fields.