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.

See Courses

Have questions? Talk to an Academic Advisor

Step 2: Become a Candidate

Establish candidacy in the certificate program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and gain access to exclusive student benefits. Registration Fee: $200

Apply Now

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

Production Software

Select 1 production software course from the list below.

Songwriting

Select 1 songwriting course from the list below.

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

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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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.

View Course

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.

View Course

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.

View Course

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.

View Course

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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