In today’s digital age, music production has become more accessible than ever. Whether you are a budding artist, a seasoned musician, or someone simply interested in creating high-quality music, online courses offer a perfect way to hone your skills. With a vast array of music production tools, software, and platforms available, it’s essential to have structured learning that covers the fundamentals while allowing creative exploration. Online courses cater to all skill levels and provide flexibility to learn at your own pace.
This article explores some of the best online music production courses to help you get started, improve your craft, or take your music production skills to a professional level.
Why Take an Online Music Production Course?
Online music production courses provide learners with:
Access to Professional Knowledge: Learn from industry experts with years of experience in music production.
Hands-on Learning: Practical assignments help you create real music while mastering essential production tools and techniques.
Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, making it possible to balance the course with other commitments.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Most courses cover a wide range of topics such as sound design, mixing, mastering, and using digital audio workstations (DAWs).
Whether you’re looking to learn the basics of production or enhance your current skills, there’s an online course for every music enthusiast.
1. Berklee Online – “Music Production” Specialization
Course Overview: Berklee College of Music is a world-renowned institution, and its online platform offers a variety of music production courses. The “Music Production” specialization covers everything from recording and mixing to mastering. It includes hands-on projects, ensuring that learners practice every aspect of the production process.
Why Choose This Course:
- Industry Credibility: Learn from one of the top music schools in the world.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential aspects such as recording techniques, sound design, and mixing.
- Interactive Learning: Offers the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students and receive feedback from instructors.
Duration: 12 weeks per course (6-course specialization)
Cost: Around $1,250 per course or $9,000 for the full specialization.
2. Point Blank Music School – “Complete Music Production Master Diploma”
Course Overview: Point Blank Music School is known for its practical, hands-on approach to music production. Their “Complete Music Production Master Diploma” is one of the most comprehensive courses available online, offering in-depth knowledge of production, sound design, and mixing across multiple genres.
Why Choose This Course:
- Practical Experience: The course includes a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Specialization Options: Offers genre-specific courses like electronic music or hip-hop production.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Students have access to personalized feedback from professional mentors.
Duration: 1 year (can be taken full-time or part-time)
Cost: Around $16,500 for the full diploma.
3. Coursera – “Music Production” by Berklee
Course Overview: This course on Coursera, offered by Berklee College of Music, covers essential music production concepts. It’s suitable for both beginners and intermediate-level producers who want to understand the basics of sound recording, mixing, and mastering. The course includes practical projects where learners can apply their skills using any DAW they prefer.
Why Choose This Course:
- Flexible Learning: Learners can access the course material at any time, and work at their own pace.
- Foundational Knowledge: Great for beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals of music production.
- Cost-Effective: The course is free to audit, with paid options for certification.
Duration: 4 months (at 4 hours per week)
Cost: Free to audit; certification fee is $49 per month.
4. MasterClass – “Deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production”
Course Overview: For fans of electronic music, MasterClass offers a unique opportunity to learn from Deadmau5, one of the biggest names in the industry. This course focuses on electronic music production, providing insights into Deadmau5’s creative process, sound design, and workflow.
Why Choose This Course:
- Learn from a Pro: Gain firsthand insights into the music production process from a globally recognized electronic artist.
- Creative Focus: Offers valuable lessons on developing your sound, which is crucial for standing out in the electronic music scene.
- Behind-the-Scenes Look: Learn about Deadmau5’s personal workflow and the techniques he uses in his productions.
Duration: 23 video lessons, approximately 6 hours in total.
Cost: $120 for an annual MasterClass subscription, which gives access to all courses on the platform.
5. Udemy – “Music + Audio Production in Logic Pro X – The Complete Guide”
Course Overview: Logic Pro X is one of the most popular DAWs, and this Udemy course covers everything from the basics of using the software to advanced production techniques. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate users who want to get the most out of Logic Pro X.
Why Choose This Course:
- Software-Specific Training: Focuses on Logic Pro X, providing deep insights into its features and capabilities.
- Hands-On Learning: The course includes step-by-step tutorials, assignments, and projects to help learners practice their skills.
- Affordable: Udemy frequently offers discounts, making it one of the most affordable options for learning music production.
Duration: 40 hours of video content.
Cost: $99.99 (often discounted to $20 or less during sales).
6. Noiselab – “Ableton Live Courses”
Course Overview: Ableton Live is a favorite DAW among electronic music producers, and Noiselab offers a range of courses specifically for mastering this software. These courses cover everything from the basics to advanced production techniques, including sound design, arranging, and mixing.
Why Choose This Course:
- DAW-Specific Training: Ideal for producers looking to become experts in Ableton Live.
- Modular Learning: Offers individual courses focused on specific skills, allowing learners to pick and choose based on their needs.
- Community Support: Noiselab has a vibrant community of Ableton users, offering forums and support for learners.
Duration: Varies based on the course.
Cost: Free trial available; subscription is $16 per month.
7. LinkedIn Learning – “Audio Mixing Master Class”
Course Overview: If you’re specifically interested in mastering the art of mixing, LinkedIn Learning’s “Audio Mixing Master Class” is a great option. It covers everything from basic mixing techniques to advanced skills in EQ, compression, reverb, and more. The course is suitable for musicians, engineers, and producers looking to polish their mixes.
Why Choose This Course:
- Targeted Learning: Focuses on mixing, one of the most critical aspects of music production.
- Industry Insights: Taught by Bobby Owsinski, a seasoned music producer and mixing engineer.
- Short and Sweet: The course offers focused, digestible lessons that you can easily integrate into your workflow.
Duration: 3 hours of video content.
Cost: $29.99 per month or free with a LinkedIn Learning subscription.
8. Skillshare – “Fundamentals of Music Production”
Course Overview: Skillshare offers several music production courses, but “Fundamentals of Music Production” is a great starting point for beginners. It covers essential topics like creating beats, recording vocals, and working with MIDI instruments. The course is designed for aspiring producers who want to learn the basic building blocks of modern music production.
Why Choose This Course:
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those just starting out in music production.
- Engaging Format: The course features short, digestible lessons that are easy to follow.
- Community-Based Learning: Skillshare provides a platform for students to share their work and get feedback from peers.
Duration: 1.5 hours of video content.
Cost: Free trial available; subscription is $15 per month.
Conclusion
Music production is an ever-evolving field, and online courses offer an invaluable opportunity to learn and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re looking to master a specific DAW like Ableton Live or Logic Pro X, learn the fundamentals of sound design, or perfect your mixing skills, there’s an online course tailored to your needs. From renowned institutions like Berklee to practical, hands-on platforms like Udemy and Noiselab, the best online music production courses provide flexible, affordable ways to improve your craft and take your music to the next level.
By investing in the right course, you can gain the knowledge and skills to create high-quality music, whether for personal passion or professional success.