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Independent Music Production

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

Courses
7 Required
2 Elective
F-1 Visa Eligible

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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

music production

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.

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

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

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Payment Options

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

MUSC X 484.31

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.
MUSC X 499

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.

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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