Master of Music Music Producing and Recording

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Master of Music in

Music Producing & Recording

The Master of Music degree in Music Producing and Recording is a practice-oriented degree designed to focus on the development of professional competence for students who intend to pursue a career in music as artists and educators.

The degree, including its curricular structure, requirements for admission, continuation and graduation, are guided by the mission statement and purposes objectives of the Los Angeles of Music graduate degree program.

Mission Statement
The Los Angeles College of Music master’s program provides a rich environment where students develop a competitive career path through artistic endeavor, rigorous training, scholarship and unparalleled exposure to the music industry to become influential creative artists, educators, and entrepreneurs.

Purposes/Objectives
Directed by the guiding principle to develop students as successful artistic entrepreneurs, the purposes and objectives, structure and content of the Master of Music and Master of Arts programs focus on in-depth knowledge and competence in a major field of specialization and a breadth of competence through practice and scholarship.

Entrance Requirements

The institution maintains a rigorous admissions policy that aligns with the objectives and goals of the Master of Music programs. The Graduate Studies Committee evaluates applicants for academic accomplishment, musicianship, talent, artistry, and level of commitment.

All Master of Music and Master of Arts applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from an accredited institution. Bachelor’s degrees in other fields of study are accepted if applicants have the musical training and musicianship necessary to pursue a graduate-level education. Degrees from international institutions are considered with a US equivalency evaluation report from a certified credential evaluator.
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from the applicant’s baccalaureate degree is recommended for admission.
Applicants must submit an essay on their goals in pursuing a career in music and what they expect to gain and contribute to the master’s program.
Applicants must pass an entrance audition and demonstrate advanced proficiency in their major field of specialization.
Applicants may be asked to take placement exams that demonstrate competency at the baccalaureate level in Musicianship, Music History, Music Technology and Music Business.

Audition Portfolio

Audio Tracks
Submit 3 to 5 MP3 audio tracks that you have recorded as a producer and/or engineer. You may also be the performing artist. Track/style/genre diversity is encouraged.
- Each track must be between 2:00 and 5:00 minutes in length.
- Files must be submitted in MP3 format.
Track Documentation
For each track, provide a detailed explanation of your involvement, including:
- Your specific role(s) in the production process
- Tools and software used
- Challenges encountered and how they were addressed
- Full list of musician and production credits
Resume
Include a current resume highlighting your:
- Relevant experience and project credits
- Technical and computer skills

*All tracks must be submitted as MP3 files.
*All written documents must be submitted as PDFs.

Technical Proficiency Requirements

Proficiency in Pro Tools is strongly encouraged, as success in this program depends on your ability to use the software effectively. You are responsible for acquiring this knowledge independently; we recommend online courses offered by Avid or ProMedia Training.

Additionally, students may be required to take placement exams to demonstrate proficiency in key areas, including:

Microphone technology
Signal processing
MIDI control
Mixing and mastering

Course Highlights

Classic Synthesizers 1 (2 credits)

Focus on classic synthesis techniques through virtual instrument synthesizers (i.e Serum, Synthmaster, Omnisphere, etc). This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

Contemporary Ensemble Recording (2 credits)

Production students are assigned to specific Performance programs classes/events – acoustic and electric instrumentation. This class aligns with Performance Ensemble in the Performance program. This class consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

Branding, Partnerships and Promotion Concepts (1.5 credits)

This course will dive deeper into the varied industry partnership opportunities, methods of branding, marketing and promotion. Students will implement into their marketing strategy. This class consists of a weekly 90-minute lecture.

Entrepreneurship and Marketing for the Professional Musician (1.5 credits)

Entrepreneurial and business strategies will be presented, along with advanced marketing and promotion strategies. Culminates in initial individualized business plan with marketing assets developed. This class consists of a weekly 90-minute lecture.

Surround Sound (2 credit)

This course introduces the concepts and technologies at the core of modern surround sound, all the way to Dolby Atmos. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture, and one two-hour lab.

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