Recording and Production

Learn more about the Lamont School of Music

The bachelor of music in recording and production trains students as engineers and producers in the musical genres of jazz, classical, popular, rock and many others. This selective program provides a conservatory-level education within a vibrant liberal arts university. Students take applied music lessons (classical or jazz), study music history and learn music theory while also practicing the art of engineering and producing fantastic music recordings.

Skills and abilities learned in the program can prepare students for successful careers not only in music recording and production, but also in a variety of other fields. Pursuing a music education while taking advantage of the academic resources of the broader university allows you to sharpen your skills, develop emotional intelligence and pursue your passions.

Application Requirements

A complete application to the Recording and Production program consists of two parts:

Part One: Portfolio

All applicants must complete and submit a recording and production portfolio that includes the following required materials:

Submit at least one audition recording that you have engineered by yourself. The most successful applicants submit stereo mixes of multi-track/multi-microphone recordings involving real musical instruments, instead of completely digitally-generated music.*
Submit a 1—2 page technical explanation of how and why you recorded, mixed, and mastered the recording(s). Include a list of microphones and other input devices used, as well as the type of signal processing such as equalization and compression.
Submit a statement outlining your future plans and reasons for seeking admission to this program. This statement is separate from the essay required by the Common Application.

*Additional information regarding audio recording requirement

*For example, this might be a recording of a popular song involving drum set, electric bass, electric guitar, synthesizer, and voice, or a jazz tune involving piano, bass, drums, and saxophone. Recordings of classical ensembles using basic stereo microphone pairs are also acceptable but should be supplemented with something more complex like the first two examples. Recordings done in commercial recording studios are discouraged unless there is substantial proof that you are employed as an engineer or currently serve as an intern at that studio and that you were not assisted in production of your submitted recordings.

Part Two: Audition

In addition to submitting a recording and production portfolio, all applicants must also perform a successful audition in a performance area OR submit a composition portfolio. See requirements listed below by area.

Degree Requirements

Specializations are available on a wide range of instruments, including jazz or classical woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion and voice, as well as composition. The recording and production degree is a 194-credit program, of which 128 credits are earned through music courses.

In addition to regular coursework, students are required to demonstrate piano proficiency, which should be completed by the conclusion of the sophomore year. Internships and elective courses supplement classroom study with hands-on experience and cross-disciplinary education, and the degree is capped with a senior production project.

For more information see the Undergraduate Bulletin.