Independent Music Production Certificate Program

Learn the ins and outs of independent music production, covering the creative and marketing aspects of the business.

PLAN YOUR STUDIES

Courses

7 Required

2 Elective

F-1 Visa Eligible

Yes

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This program is perfect for...

Artists

Songwriters

Composers

Music producers

What you can learn.

Practice writing, producing and recording in a home studio

Develop marketing strategies and skills to promote and sell work independently

Learn independent songwriting and producing processes

Study music business principles

Create and market your own music.

Designed for independent artists, lyric writers, composers, and music producers, the UCLA Extension Independent Music Production Certificate program prepares students to work on the creative side of the music industry – writing, producing, and recording music in their home studio and doing their own marketing.

The program covers the music business, songwriting and producing – encompassing not only the creative skills needed for projects from inception to finish, but also the marketing skills necessary for promoting and selling independent work.

Duration: 9 months (full-time pace) to 3 years
Unit Requirement: 36
GPA Requirement: minimum 3.0 for certificate completion

This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.

Learn more:

BMI proudly supports UCLA Extension's Independent Music Production Certificate program.

Get Started

Step 1: Enroll in a Course

Courses in this program are open enrollment and paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program.

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Step 2: Become a Candidate

Establish candidacy in the program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and access exclusive student benefits. Registration fees vary by program and are listed under Cost and Fees.

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Important Note for International Students: Candidacy fees are included in your program fees and do not need to be paid separately.

View Dates & Program Fees for International Students

Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application and Candidacy Fee

$200

Estimated Textbooks and Materials

$550

Estimated Program Tuition

$7515

International Student Fees

Payment Options

Eligible for VA Benefit
Federal Financial Aid is not available

Entry Quarter: The program is open for enrollment in any quarter for both domestic and international students (F-1 student visa).

Additional Required Materials: Music Production students must have access to a project studio where they can create and record their demos. Computer hardware and software is available at a discount for UCLA Extension certificate students at the UCLA Store.

Required Courses

Customize your experience

Audio Recording Theory

Specifically tailored to independent artists, this course presents a practical and effective introduction to the theory, art, and craft of sound recording.

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The Record Production Process: Professional Practices

An overview of the role of the record producer and their responsibility through all the stages of making a record: pre-production, recording, overdubs, editing, mixing, and mastering.

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Create and Produce Your Own Music Project

Through intensive, hands-on, real-world classes, learn the ins-and-outs of the creative side of music production from performing to producing.

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Do-It-Yourself Music Marketing

Learn the exhaustive process of DIY music sales and promotion from developing your brand and identifying your vision all the way to promotions and publicity while creating your own customized, low-budget marketing plan.

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Entrepreneurship for the Indie Artist

Learn exciting, new strategies to successfully launch your independent music career through establishing your brand, monetizing your efforts, harnessing the power of the internet, and building your fan base.

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Production Software

Select 1 production software course from the list below.

Introduction to Pro Tools

Build the skills and confidence to create professional audio with Pro Tools, the industry-standard digital audio workstation used in top studios, production houses, and post facilities worldwide. Whether you're starting your first project or looking to collaborate in a professional environment, this course equips you with the foundational knowledge you need to record, edit, and mix like a pro. Perfect for beginners or anyone new to the Pro Tools ecosystem, this is your gateway into the world of modern audio production

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Introduction to Logic Pro

Unlock your creative potential with Logic Pro, Apple’s industry-standard music production software used by top artists, composers, and producers worldwide. This course introduces you to the essential tools and workflows needed to take a song from idea to finished mix. Learn how to record, program, arrange, and produce using Logic’s powerful features—including the latest additions like Session Players, AI-assisted mastering, and Stem Splitter.

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Songwriting

Select 1 songwriting course from the list below.

Elements of Hit Songwriting

Designed for both musicians and lyricists, this hands-on introduction to the craft of songwriting focuses on collaboration and teaches a step-by-step method for writing a professional-quality song.

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Crafting Great Lyrics: A Songwriting Workshop

Of interest to beginners as well as more experienced songwriters, this course offers a supportive and inspirational writing workshop environment focusing on three interrelated aspects of songwriting: form, theme, and content.

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Professional Songwriting for the Commercial Market: A Weekly Workout

In this workshop, songwriters seek to hone their craft through support and critique as each class is divided in two parts: the first section devoted to critiquing student compositions and the second to lectures and discourse.

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Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Complete 2 electives (8 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Music. Below is a list of suggested electives.

Suggested Electives

Creating Commercial Sounding Masters

Explore the full potential of creating music using professional sound equipment to obtain industry standard clarity, as well as learning how to craft compelling artist performances and recording using software.

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Making Your Mark in Music: Stage Performance Secrets

Develop your artistic identity, stage presence, and signature sound. Single yourself out as a performer, artist, and songwriter by developing a unique presence in today's entertainment industry.

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A&R: Making Music from Acquisition to Release

Learn the functions of the A&R professional, including the collective effort needed from all departments—artist and label—in the creation of recorded music in all formats, from inception to acquisition and release.

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The Insider's Guide to Music Management

Discover all that it takes to be a successful music manager from finding out what exactly they do, to avoiding management pitfalls, and understanding how managers work in the independent and digital space.

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Music Publishing: Law and Business

Understand the world of music publishing for businesses and personal managers. This course gives you a basic understanding of copyright law, songwriting agreements, and more through lectures, discussions, and guest speakers.

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The Art and Craft of Music Mixing

Learn the art and craft of mixing music as it applies to the many creative and technical considerations involved in "mixing" by exploring a new genre of music each week that is mixed from start to finish.

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Legal and Practical Aspects of the Music Business

Discover how to monetize and maintain revenue in the music industry, no matter what your role may be, by exploring copyrights, streaming services, social networks, the nature of talent/business agreements, and much more.

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Music Publishing: A Creative and Business Perspective

Learn the basics of music publishing through a multi-platform course that covers everything from effective songs, marketing, copyright and protecting your money, and pitching your music to the entertainment industry at large.

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Touring, Tour Budgeting and Merchandising

Understand the business and mechanics of the concert touring industry with insights into planning shows, acquiring revenue through ticket sales and merchandising, and maximizing profits through marketing and promotion.

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Music Licensing: Turning Talent into Dollars

Learn how to turn talent and popularity into revenue through different kinds of licensing rights, how licensing applies to the music industry, negotiating strategies, and more.

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Music Supervision for Film and Television

Interested in the business and art of film and television music? Learn exactly what a music supervisor does by drawing on the combined resources of the film and television communities to marry music and moving images.

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Music Industry Internship

Gain firsthand experience in the music industry through an internship in your chosen field. Only candidates in certificate programs are eligible for internship credit.

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An internship in the music industry can provide you with practical experience in a variety of job functions. Certificate students must complete a minimum of 12 units of program curriculum (3 courses) before completing the application for approval to enroll in an internship.

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