How2Day: Degrees Needed to Become a Music Producer

Music producers must master their trade's artistic, business and technical sides to work effectively. dj wave 155 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
Formal education had little relevance during rock's 1960s-era creative explosion. Producers learned by starting as engineers or tape operators. This dues-paying route still characterizes today's scene, but educational opportunities present themselves now that scarcely existed 40 years ago. Though no formal training is required, would-be producers can strengthen their skills by seeking a traditional undergraduate degree, or dedicating themselves to specialized niches such as audio engineering, and learning how to deal with the music business.

Completing a traditional undergraduate bachelor degree allows many musicians to make the transition into production. One example is arranger, composer and performer Ryan Cayabyab, who obtained his bachelor of music degree at the University of the Philippines. For about 20 years, Cayabyab taught at the university's Department of Composition and Music Theory, and he also has racked up numerous professional credits -- including 11 film scores.

Piano training, particularly in classical music, has provided a grounding for many producers. music image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
Specializing in a particular instrument can also help would-be producers. One of the best-known examples is the "fifth Beatle," Sir George Martin, who took up the oboe at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he also studied conducting and composition. Originally desiring to become a film score writer, Martin parlayed his instrumental expertise into writing string parts for such famous Beatles songs as "Eleanor Rigby" and "Strawberry Fields Forever."

Not all degrees revolve around musical knowledge. Experience-based education has become more popular, as New York University recognized in November 2010 when the institution appointed hip-hop entrepreneur, producer and performer Swizz Beatz as its first resident artist. Beatz plans to mentor students through techniques such as group lectures and songwriting critiques. In this role, Beatz hopes to show his students how to succeed as creative entrepreneurs in the music industry.

Getting hands-on education in audio engineering is possible at many colleges and universities. audio producer image by Alfonso d'Agostino from Fotolia.com
Record production has become increasingly demystified as more schools offer courses dedicated to the art. Boston's Berklee College of Music houses one of the largest programs. Begun during the early 1980s, Berklee's music production and engineering program offers 13 majors, including film composition, music therapy and music production, "Mix" magazine reported in November 2010. The school also hosts 11 studios and an editing production suite.

Many colleges also offer classes geared to students' vocational priorities, of which sound engineering is one example. This rationale motivated Sir George Martin to raise funds for a multipurpose cultural center on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where he produced numerous post-Beatles records. By offering audio engineering and lighting degrees, Martin expected to provide students with a practical means of making a living as residents struggled to rebuild after a 1995 volcanic eruption.

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