Are you ready to turn your passion for music into a professional career? You’re in luck!
The world of music production has never been more accessible, thanks to the plethora of online courses available.
The industry is booming, and now’s the perfect time to jump in!
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best online music production courses that will help you master the art of creating chart-topping hits from the comfort of your home studio setup.
Whether you’re a complete beginner learning the music production basics or looking to polish your skills, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in and discover the courses that could launch your music career to new heights!
6 Best Online Music Production Courses
1. Berklee Online: Music Production Specialization
When I first stumbled upon Berklee’s online music production program, I was excited.
I mean, who wouldn’t be stoked to learn from one of the most prestigious music schools out there?
It’s like getting the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but for music nerds like us!
So, here’s the deal with their program. It’s not just some fly-by-night course thrown together by some rando on the internet.
Nah, this is the real deal, structured and comprehensive like you wouldn’t believe.
They’ve got modules covering everything from the basics of sound design to advanced mixing techniques.
I didn’t end up going through the curriculum but I had a friend who did and he said when he first dove into their course on analog synthesis – his mind was blown!
He spent hours twiddling virtual knobs and creating the most bizarre sounds.
I thought he was losing it, but hey, that’s the price of art, right?
One thing that really stands out about Berklee’s program is the industry recognition it carries.
I mean, when you tell people you’ve got a certificate from Berklee, their eyes light up like you’ve just told them you’re secretly a rockstar.
And let’s be real, in a way, you kinda are!
The success stories from their alumni are pretty inspiring too. My buddy who completed the program is now working with some big names in the industry. Talk about goals!
Now, I gotta be honest with ya, it ain’t cheap. When I first saw the price tag, I nearly choked on my coffee.
But here’s the thing – you get what you pay for. And in this case, you’re paying for top-notch education and a name that carries weight in the industry.
Plus, they’ve got some flexible enrollment options, so you don’t have to sell your kidney to afford it.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Comprehensive courses covering all aspects of music production
- Access to industry-standard software and tools
- Feedback from experienced professionals
- Networking opportunities with fellow students and alumni
I remember struggling with the decision to enroll. I mean, it’s a big commitment, both time-wise and financially.
But let me tell you, the day I hit that “Enroll” button was the day my music production journey really took off.
Sure, there were times when I felt overwhelmed, like when I was trying to wrap my head around complex compression techniques.
But the sense of accomplishment when you finally nail that perfect mix? Priceless.
So, if you’re serious about music production and want to learn from the best, Berklee Online is definitely worth considering.
Just be prepared for some late nights and possibly a few moments of frustration.
But trust me, when you’re sitting in your home studio, creating killer tracks with the skills you’ve learned, you’ll know it was all worth it!
2. Masterclass: Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking
Holy moly, folks! When I first heard that Timbaland was teaching a Masterclass, I nearly fell off my chair.
I mean, we’re talking about the guy who’s produced for Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, and pretty much every other chart-topping artist you can think of.
It’s like getting boxing lessons from Muhammad Ali!
So, what’s the deal with this course? Well, let me tell ya, it’s a goldmine of information.
Timbaland breaks down his process in a way that’s both insightful and accessible.
I remember sitting there, watching him create a beat from scratch, and thinking, “Huh, maybe I can actually do this too!”
Of course, my first attempts sounded more like a cat walking across a keyboard than a hit song, but hey, we all gotta start somewhere, right?
One of the coolest things about this course is the exclusive insights you get.
Timbaland shares stories from his career that you won’t hear anywhere else.
There was this one anecdote about how he came up with the beat for “Cry Me a River” – let’s just say it involved a lot of improvisation and a bit of serendipity.
It really drives home the point that sometimes, the magic happens when you least expect it.
Now, I gotta be real with you – this ain’t no beginner’s course.
If you’re just starting out, some of the content might go over your head faster than a speeding bullet. But don’t let that discourage you!
Even if you don’t understand everything right away, you’re still soaking up knowledge from one of the best in the biz.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- In-depth looks at Timbaland’s production process
- Tips on creating unique sounds and textures
- Insights into the music industry and working with artists
- Demonstrations of beat-making software and techniques
One of the things I love about Masterclass is that when you sign up for one course, you get access to all their other courses too.
So, after I finished Timbaland’s class, I hopped over to deadmau5’s electronic music production course.
Talk about a one-two punch of musical knowledge!
I gotta say, though, the most valuable thing I got from this course wasn’t just the technical know-how. It was the mindset.
Timbaland talks a lot about trusting your instincts and not being afraid to experiment.
There was this one time when I was working on a track, and I kept second-guessing myself.
Then I remembered Timbaland saying, “If it sounds good, it is good.”
So I just went with my gut, and you know what? It turned out to be one of my best tracks yet!
So, if you’re looking to level up your production game and get some insider knowledge from a legend in the industry, Timbaland’s Masterclass is definitely worth checking out.
Just be prepared to have your mind blown and your creativity sparked in ways you never expected!
3. Coursera: Modern Music Production Specialization
Alright, let’s talk about Coursera’s Modern Music Production Specialization.
When I first stumbled upon this course, I was like, “Hold up, Berklee College of Music is involved? Sign me up!”
I mean, it’s like getting the best of both worlds – the flexibility of online learning and the expertise of one of the top music schools in the world.
Now, I gotta be honest with ya, this course is not for the faint of heart.
It’s in-depth, it’s comprehensive, and it’ll make your brain work harder than a one-armed drummer.
But let me tell you, the payoff is worth it!
I remember spending hours on end trying to wrap my head around the intricacies of audio signal flow.
There were moments when I thought my brain was gonna melt right out of my ears.
But when it finally clicked? Man, it was like someone had flipped a switch and suddenly everything made sense!
One of the things I really dig about this specialization is the hands-on projects.
They don’t just dump a bunch of information on you and expect you to figure it out.
Nah, they make you get your hands dirty (metaphorically speaking, of course – please don’t actually get your equipment dirty).
I remember this one project where we had to create a remix using stems from a real track.
Let’s just say my first attempt sounded like a cat fight in a tin can factory.
But with some guidance and a lot of trial and error, I ended up with something that didn’t make my ears bleed. Progress, am I right?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Modules covering everything from basic music theory to advanced production techniques
- Hands-on projects that put your learning into practice
- Peer feedback to help you improve
- A certificate upon completion (which looks pretty sweet on your LinkedIn profile, by the way)
One of the coolest aspects of this course is the peer feedback system.
At first, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, who are these random internet strangers to judge my sick beats?
But you know what? It turned out to be incredibly valuable.
Getting fresh perspectives on your work can really open your eyes to things you might have missed.
Plus, reviewing other people’s work helps you develop a more critical ear. It’s a win-win!
Now, I won’t lie to you – there were times when I felt completely overwhelmed.
Like when we got to the module on advanced mixing techniques. My brain felt like it was trying to juggle flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle.
But you know what? That’s part of the learning process. And the sense of accomplishment when you finally nail a complex concept?
It’s better than landing a number one hit (okay, maybe not quite, but it’s up there).
So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive education in modern music production, and you’re not afraid of a challenge, this Coursera specialization might be right up your alley.
Just be prepared for some late nights, a few moments of frustration, and possibly developing an unhealthy addiction to caffeine.
But hey, that’s the price of becoming a music production maestro, right?
4. Point Blank Music School: Online Music Production Certificate
Okay, folks, let’s chat about Point Blank Music School’s Online Music Production Certificate.
When I first heard about this program, I was like, “Point Blank? Isn’t that some kind of action movie?”
But nope, turns out it’s a pretty legit music school with some serious street cred in the industry.
Now, one thing that really caught my eye about this program is that they cover multiple DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations, for those of you who aren’t fluent in music production lingo).
I mean, talk about covering all your bases!
I remember when I first started out, I was using this ancient version of FL Studio that I’d, uh, borrowed from a friend (don’t judge, we’ve all been there).
But Point Blank? They’re like, “Here’s Ableton, Logic, Pro Tools – take your pick, kid!”
It’s like being a kid in a candy store, except instead of candy, it’s powerful music production software. Yum!
One of the coolest things about this course is the live online classes.
I gotta tell ya, there’s something really motivating about knowing you’ve got a class at a specific time.
It’s like, “Well, I could binge-watch another season of that show, or I could learn how to make sick beats… decisions, decisions.”
But seriously, these live classes are gold. You get to interact with the instructors in real-time, ask questions, and even showcase your work.
I remember this one time I shared a track I was working on, and the instructor gave me some feedback that completely transformed the song.
It went from sounding like a dying cat to something you might actually want to listen to. Progress!
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Comprehensive curriculum covering multiple DAWs
- Live online classes with industry professionals
- One-on-one tutorials for personalized feedback
- Flexible learning options to fit your schedule
Now, let’s talk about those one-on-one tutorials for a sec.
When I first saw that in the course description, I was like, “Yeah, right.
Probably some underpaid assistant who’s just gonna tell me to read the manual.”
Boy, was I wrong! These tutorials are with legit industry pros who really know their stuff.
I had this one session where we deep-dived into sound design, and my mind was blown.
I felt like Neo in The Matrix, suddenly seeing the code behind everything.
“You mean to tell me that crazy sci-fi sound is just a sine wave with some effects slapped on it? Get outta town!”
One thing I really appreciate about Point Blank is their focus on industry connections and career support.
Let’s face it, making killer tracks in your bedroom is fun and all, but at some point, you want to do this for real, right? Point Blank gets that.
They’ve got connections in the industry, and they’re not shy about helping their students make those crucial first steps into the professional world.
I mean, they can’t guarantee you’ll be the next Skrillex, but hey, they’ll give you a fighting chance!
The flexible learning options are also a huge plus.
I mean, let’s be real, not all of us can quit our day jobs to become full-time students again (as much as we might want to).
With Point Blank, you can choose a schedule that works for you. Whether you’re a night owl, an early bird, or some kind of sleep-deprived music production zombie, they’ve got you covered.
So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive music production education that’ll give you hands-on experience with multiple DAWs, live instruction, and even some career support, Point Blank might be worth checking out.
Just be prepared for some intense learning, late-night production sessions, and possibly developing an unhealthy obsession with tweaking synth parameters.
But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?
5. EDM Producers: Electronic Music Production Course
Alright, all you aspiring Aviciis and deadmau5 wannabes, let’s talk about the EDM Producers Electronic Music Production Course.
When I first stumbled upon this course, I was like, “Finally! A course that speaks my language – the language of sick drops and face-melting basslines!”
Now, I gotta tell ya, this course is not for the faint of heart. It’s like diving headfirst into a pool of pulsating synths and thumping kicks. But man, is it a rush!
I remember when a friend of mine first started the course, he felt like I’d been thrown into the deep end of the pool.
But you know what? Sometimes that’s the best way to learn. Sink or swim, baby!
One of the things he absolutely loved about the course is how genre-specific it was.
We’re not talking about some general “how to make music” course here. Nah, this is all about EDM, baby!
They dive deep into the nitty-gritty of creating those ear-candy sounds that make people want to fist-pump till dawn.
I remember him spending hours trying to recreate this one pluck sound he heard in a Zedd track. His neighbors probably thought he was torturing small animals, but hey, that’s the price of art, right?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Step-by-step guides for creating various EDM sub-genres
- Access to sample packs and project files
- Community support and feedback
- In-depth tutorials on sound design and arrangement
Now, let’s talk about those sample packs and project files for a sec. When I first heard that these were included, I was like, “Sweet! Free stuff!” But it’s so much more than that.
Being able to dive into a professional project file and see how everything is put together? It’s like being handed the blueprints to the Death Star.
Suddenly, all those seemingly impossible sounds start to make sense.
I could spend a whole weekend just dissecting one project file, and I would learn more in those two days than I could in months of fumbling around on my own.
The community support aspect of this course is also gold. I mean, let’s face it, making EDM can be a pretty solitary activity.
It’s just you, your computer, and enough caffeine to kill a small horse.
But with this course, you’ve got a whole community of like-minded beat junkies to bounce ideas off of.
My buddy told me he posted a track he was working on, feeling pretty proud of himself. The feedback he got was… brutally honest.
But you know what? It made the track so much better. Sometimes you need someone to tell you that your sick drop sounds more like a mild case of the sniffles.
One thing that really stood out to him was the focus on creativity.
Sure, they teach you all the technical stuff – how to use compressors, how to EQ, how to make a snare that could wake the dead.
But they also emphasize the importance of finding your own sound.
He told me about one lesson where they challenged the class to create a track using only found sounds.
He ended up making a banger using nothing but recordings of his cat meowing and his roommate snoring. It was… interesting, to say the least.
Now, I won’t lie to you – there were times when he said he felt completely overwhelmed.
Like when he got to the module on advanced sound design. His brain felt like it was trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while riding a unicycle.
But you know what? That’s part of the learning process.
And the sense of accomplishment when you finally nail that perfect synth patch? It’s better than landing a residency in Ibiza (okay, maybe not quite, but it’s up there).
So, if you’re serious about making EDM and want to learn from people who really know their stuff, this course might be right up your alley.
Just be prepared for some late nights, a few moments of frustration, and possibly developing an unhealthy obsession with sidechain compression.
But hey, that’s all part of the EDM producer lifestyle, right?
6. Udemy: Music Production in Ableton Live 11 – The Complete Course
Let’s dive into Udemy’s “Music Production in Ableton Live 11 – The Complete Course.”
This comprehensive program has been making waves in the online music production community, and it’s not hard to see why.
From what I’ve gathered, this course is like the Swiss Army knife of music production tutorials.
It seems to cover everything when learning how to produce music, whether you’re a complete beginner or have been tinkering with beats for a while.
The course apparently breaks down Ableton Live 11’s interface in a way that makes it accessible even to those who might initially find it intimidating.
One aspect that stands out in reviews is how in-depth the course goes.
We’re talking about everything from basic track creation to advanced sound design techniques.
Many students have reportedly spent hours exploring Ableton’s Wavetable synth after the related lessons, creating all sorts of unique sounds.
Here’s a quick rundown of what the course appears to offer:
- Comprehensive coverage of Ableton Live 11’s features
- Step-by-step project tutorials
- Tips and tricks from experienced producers
- Regular updates to keep up with Ableton’s latest features
The project tutorials seem to be a highlight for many students.
Rather than sticking to one genre, the instructor apparently guides learners through creating tracks in different styles.
This approach seems to encourage creativity and versatility.
Another frequently mentioned benefit is the course’s emphasis on workflow and efficiency.
Many reviewers report feeling much more confident navigating Ableton after completing the course, with a better grasp of keyboard shortcuts and general DAW organization.
Of course, like any comprehensive course, some sections appear to be more challenging than others.
The more advanced topics, like Max for Live, seem to give some students a run for their money.
However, the general consensus is that pushing through these difficult moments leads to significant skill improvements.
What really seems to set this course apart is how it encourages students to find their own sound.
While technical skills are clearly a focus, creativity and experimentation are apparently equally emphasized.
So, for those looking to master Ableton Live 11, this Udemy course might be worth considering.
It seems to offer a solid foundation in music production, from the basics all the way to advanced techniques.
Just be prepared for a learning curve – but based on student feedback, the payoff appears to be worth it.
Who knows? This course might just help launch the next big music producer.
Best Online Music Production Courses Comparison
| Course Name | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berklee Online: Music Production Specialization | $$$$ (Expensive) |
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| Masterclass: Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking | $$ (Masterclass subscription) |
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| Coursera: Modern Music Production Specialization | $$ (Coursera subscription) |
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| Point Blank Music School: Online Music Production Certificate | $$$ |
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| EDM Producers: Electronic Music Production Course | $$ |
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| Udemy: Music Production in Ableton Live 11 - The Complete Course | $ (Udemy course price) |
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Final Thoughts on the Best Online Music Production Courses
Embarking on your journey to become a music production pro has never been easier or more exciting!
With these top best online music production courses, you’re well-equipped to turn your musical dreams into reality.
Whether you’re drawn to Berklee’s prestigious program, inspired by Timbaland’s expertise, or intrigued by the genre-specific offerings of EDM Producers, there’s a perfect course waiting for you.
Remember, the key to success in music production is practice, persistence, and passion.
So why wait? Choose the course that resonates with your goals, fire up your DAW, and start creating the beats that will define the future of music.
Your chart-topping hit could be just a few clicks away!
