certificate

Independent Music Production

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

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.

music production

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:

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

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required Courses
MUSC X 441.3
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
MUSC X 448.6
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
MUSC X 440
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
MUSC X 448.80
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
MUSC X 451
Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer
Production Software
Select 1 production software course from the list below.
MUSC X 479.12
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
MUSC X 480
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Songwriting
Select 1 songwriting course from the list below.
Elective Courses
Complete 2 electives (8 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Music. Below is a list of suggested electives. 
Suggested Electives
MUSC X 441.5
Typically Offered: Winter
MUSC X 415.3
Typically Offered: Winter
MUSC X 446.2
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
MUSC X 447.31
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
MUSC X 448.17
Typically Offered: Fall
MUSC X 448.14B
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
MUSC X 448.35
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
MUSC X 448.81
Typically Offered: Winter, Spring
MUSC X 448.86
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
MUSC X 449.2
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
MUSC X 484.31
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
MUSC X 499
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
see all courses

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.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

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 & Candidacy Fee

200.00

Estimated Program Tuition

6705.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

550.00

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

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.

Learn More

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