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Online Music Production Certificate Program

Graphic of Music Production Certificate Program from Interlochen

Next session begins October 26th

Tuition: $999

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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 online music production certificate program will give you the confidence to create and produce professional-sounding music.

Taught by a world-class faculty of engineers and producers, our online certificate program for music production offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive college credit, high school credit, or both. Each music production course is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that can be taken in any order.

Why Earn a Music Production Certificate Online?

Develop the creative and technical expertise to produce professional-quality music from anywhere. Interlochen’s Music Production Certificate Program combines expert instruction with industry-standard tools to help you grow as a music producer. You will learn the fundamentals of recording, editing, mixing, and vocal production while earning a credential that strengthens your résumé, college application, creative portfolio, and overall musical skill set.

Recording and Producing Music for Beginners

In this music production course, you will learn:

✔Use the basic features of a DAW, such as inputs and 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

In this music production course, you will learn:

✔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

In this music production course, you will learn:

✔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

Music Production Certificate Program Overview

Courses

Tuition

$ 1197   $999

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Music Production Certificate Program

This music production certificate program is designed for emerging producers, musicians, and songwriters looking to gain practical, hands-on skills. It’s ideal for students preparing for college-level study or adults aiming to release professional tracks. Upon completion, you will develop a toolkit that translates directly to real-world music production.

Expert guidance
Get personalized feedback from industry professionals who guide you through each stage of your production process.
Collaborate
Work with instructors and peers in weekly live sessions or through one-on-one online discussions.
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
✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects
✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official Interlochen transcript awarding 0.5 high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
✔ Credit that may transfer to hundreds of high schools nationwide

For adults and high school students:

✔ An official college transcript awarding 3 college credits
✔ Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
✔ Credit that may transfer to hundreds of college and universities nationwide

Eligible high school students may earn both high school and college credit through the same certificate program.

Yes, Interlochen Online certificate programs are accredited for both high school and college credit.

High school credit is available to teens and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

College credit is available to adults and current high school students and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Accreditation from Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) are widely recognized and accepted by thousands of institutions across the country. However, we encourage students and families to consult with their school counselor or registrar in advance to determine how the credit may be applied toward graduation requirements.

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 Music Production Program 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 Students Are 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