Music Production Certificate Program

interlochen online music production certificate

Next session begins Jan. 12

Tuition Rate: $799

Rates increase Jan. 1

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FAQs

Gain a comprehensive skillset in the fundamentals of recording, editing, mixing, and vocal production. From recording high-quality audio tracks and capturing great vocal performances to applying essential mixing techniques like EQ and compression, this program will give you the confidence to create and produce professional-sounding music.

Taught by a world-class faculty of engineers and producers, the Music Production certificate program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive credit from Interlochen. This program is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that can be taken in any order.

Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

✔Use the basic features of a DAW, such as inputs/outputs, inspector, edit window, zones, mixer, region, toolbar, tempo, and ruler bar
✔Set up to record with a microphone with proper mic levels
✔Demonstrate signal flow and the proper connections
✔Record tracks using functions such as solo, mute, record enable, monitor, and fader
✔Quantize and perform other editing on tracks
✔Use audio and MIDI loops
✔Mix tracks using panning, EQ, and reverb
✔Create a multi-track recording and mix

Mixing 101

✔Gain proficiency in session organization and basic mixing techniques in Pro Tools
✔Apply EQ and compression to enhance the clarity, punch, and dynamics of your mixes, tailored to different musical genres and contexts
✔Implement time-based effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation, adding depth, space, and texture to your mix
✔Apply automation, group bussing, and final rendering, enabling you to produce a high-quality mix

Vocal Production

✔Set up and configure the appropriate hardware and software for vocal recording, including microphones, pop filters, audio interfaces, and headphone mixes
✔Edit and tune vocals using industry-standard software
✔Record, comp, and mix background vocals, including harmonies, vocal doubles, and ad-libs
✔Apply basic vocal mixing techniques, including EQ, compression, delay, and reverb
Courses

Tuition

$ 897   $799

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

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Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week per course.
Real growth
Develop skills and projects that are important to your artistic and professional growth.
For all students:

✔ A respected credential from Interlochen Online
✔ Physical and shareable digital certificate upon completion
✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects
✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official transcript awarding high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty of seasoned engineers and producers bring a wealth of expertise and passion to guide aspiring artists on the journey of creativity and self-discovery. With our faculty’s mentorship, students unlock their potential and refine their craft in a dynamic environment, resulting in polished productions.

Shane Adams

Shane Adams

Instructor of Singer-Songwriter

Chris Wainwright headshot 400x600

Chris Wainwright

Instructor of Music Production & Engineering

What are students saying?

Students who enrolled in music production courses rated their experience 4.7 out of 5.

“I have LOVED this course so much. I will definitely enroll myself again. I have learnt so much and my teacher was incredible. I also got a chance to hear other musicians' life stories which was my favorite part.”

— High school student, 
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

“Shane was very generous with his time and went above and beyond when teaching. I feel like I learned a lot from him.”

— High school student,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

“I really enjoyed the light and fun learning environment that was provided, and the skills I learned really gave me a boost in being able to produce my own music."

— High school student,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

“Something I loved about Interlochen is the fact that the class is easy to follow and gives you good information.”

— Middle school student,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

“I loved learning everything I learned, the teacher, and the interviews with real professional musicians that were included in the course.”

— High school student,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

“I loved that we watched interviews and studio tours, which was interesting to study.”

— High school student,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

“I found this course to be very helpful and the teacher explained literally everything in his posts. The teacher was very nice too. This course was good for getting to know more about what professional producers do and how DAW's work.”

— Middle school student,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

“This was absolutely amazing! I learned so much and exactly what I expected.”

— Adult learner,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

"This has been a very fulfilling four weeks!”

— Adult learner,
    Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Mix Your Next Track with Confidence

Get access to Beyond Levels: Four Steps to a Great Mix, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

2022-23 Music Production