<p>Hello, first time posting here, but I've gotten a lot of great information from this site before. After looking at several threads about music production programs, though, I was still stumped -- most programs required an audition in a classical instrument and/or participation in a university orchestra/band/choir (I do have some violin skill but it's not something I'd want to pursue in college). The schools I looked at included University of Michigan, Indiana University and Oberlin. Every program seemed to look at the phrase "music production" differently as well; to some it was an engineering specialization, and taught students how to actually build audio equipment, while others focused on multimedia/visual arts aspects of production. Finally I looked at USC, which would allow me to major in biological sciences and whose Thornton School of Music offers a minor in Music Production whose courses actually matched up with my interests (ex. Record Production Management, Computer Assisted Recording and Editing, Acoustics, Audio Mastering, etc.). The faculty also includes Lamont Dozier (which is, like, oh[/url</a>] [url=<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Four_Tops%5Dmy%5B/url">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Four_Tops]my[/url</a>] [url=<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Gaye%5DGod%5B/url%5D">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Gaye]God</a>), so it's basically perfect. <em>However</em>, because I can't put all my eggs in one basket, I'm hoping someone knows of similar opportunities at other colleges in case USC rejects me (another option I'm looking at is possibly going to UC Berkeley and then transferring to UCSD, which has a media arts program, but I don't think that allows me to minor).</p>
<p>The issue is often in the terminology, as these programs are defined differently at different institutions. You will sometimes find two, three and more specialized degree tracks within one school.</p>
<p>A good jumping off point:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/957443-music-business-industry-management-technology-production.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/957443-music-business-industry-management-technology-production.html</a></p>
<p>More detail in the two links here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1064321262-post543.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1064321262-post543.html</a>. This one <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/787110-music-industry-program-major-minor-help.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/787110-music-industry-program-major-minor-help.html</a> coupled with the info on the MEIEA website will yield the most comprehensive list of available schools that I’ve encountered.
You should pick your school based on your major, and I’m no help on biology or the sciences, but you can use the sources to then cross reference if there are music tech, music productions options available and open as a minor.</p>
<p>As a point of reference, many of the audition based programs are small, focused programs, and minor options may or may not be available. Some coursework will be closed to non-majors. You’ll have to dig deeply within the institutions webpages to find the info, or call/email the departments directly as to course accessibility for a non-major.</p>
<p>Be sure to check how much flexibility there is for USC students to be able to access Thorton’s courses. Much there is audition-based, BM options.</p>
<p>Why would you plan to go to UC Berkeley and then transfer to UCSD? Berkeley is much more selective than UCSD so you’re better off applying to SD as a freshman applicant.</p>
<p>Because it’s not difficult to transfer between UC schools and I’d like to go to both – I prefer Berkeley’s location and campus to UCSD’s. But I see what you’re saying that it is really more practical to just apply to UCSD, but I suppose I could apply to both as I wouldn’t mind either and I have a couple of spots free in my potential school list.</p>
<p>And thanks violadad for the information, I’ll comb through those links for some more information (although one of those I’d actually seen before and remember seeing your name in it). Like you said, the phrasing and terminology different schools use has become a big roadblock in searching (in fact, USC’s site is the only one that seems to use the exact phrase “minor in music production”).</p>
<p>On a side note, can anyone tell me what kind of chances I might have at getting into USC? I’m an IB Diploma student, taking HL courses in Biology, Spanish, English and History; I’m going for a gold-level Presidential Service Award for volunteering (requires completion of 250 hours); 2300 on SAT as well. I have 5’s on the two AP tests I’ve taken and I plan to take Bio and Music Theory AP tests this year, as well as the Biology and Math SAT II tests. Also, hispanic, but I doubt they’re in need of those in SoCal.</p>
<p>^First off, it IS hard to transfer between UCs. Secondly, I’m a biology major and music minor at UCSD. When I read the title I was like “Hey, just like me” and then I read you were considering UCSD. Crazy! :)</p>
<p>With a 2300 and Hispanic, you have a fantastic shot at getting into USC. Apply early (by their December 1st priority deadline) and you should be in pretty good shape.</p>
<p>University of Miami</p>