Where to Attend Music Producing School
If your dream is to be a music producer, choosing to relocate to a few key cities can help you achieve success. If you’re torn between the many college choices available to you, consider choosing a music producing school in one of these cities. Doing so will help you make contacts that could provide entry into this competitive but exciting business.
- New York: Music has always been a huge part of New York’s culture, with the city being considered the birthplace of hip hop, disco, and punk rock. If your goal is to work with hip hop artists or focus on the club scene, New York is the town for your college career. Jazz and the blues are also popular in New York. Three of the four largest record labels are based in New York, with offices in Los Angeles, as well: Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.
- Los Angeles: The land of dreams has always been a central focal point of the pop and rock music recording industry, with many of the major recording studios having headquarters here. For students interested in music producing, however, Los Angeles offers another medium, the film industry. A large number of recording industry-oriented colleges are centered in L.A., and many of these colleges offer opportunities for internships that will allow you to work in real-world situations. No matter what your plans for your future producing career, Los Angeles is an ideal place to attend music producing college.
- Nashville: If country music is your interest, consider attending music producing school in Music City. Home of the Grand Ole Opry, many major record labels have country imprints, headquartered on Music Row in Nashville. Christian music is also centered in Nashville, with EMI Christian Music Group and Word Records both headquartered there. Several recording schools are in Nashville, facilitating internships for interested students. Nashville also has several live music venues that can provide opportunities for hands-on experience.
- Chicago: The third largest city in America, Chicago has a little of something for everyone, including recording studios. Whether you’re interested in working with live performances or in a studio, Chicago has schools that can help you get the experience you’ll need. Chicago’s studios have smaller staffs, as do the record labels, so be prepared to start at the bottom of your field and gradually work your way to the top.
- Detroit: Known for its diversity, some of the most successful gospel singers of all time came out of Detroit, including Aretha Franklin, Della Reese, and BeBe and Cece Wynans. Pop stars Madonna, Aaliyah, and Gladys Knight all came from the city. Aaliyah was a graduate of the Detroit School of Arts, a high school audition-based arts school that is highly respected.
Any major city likely has a music presence, but your choice of college should relate to what you’d like to do after graduation. Planning ahead can help you find the music producing school that will launch you into a long , successful career.