ALL PROGRAMS | College of the Arts Programs
two students working at a soundboard

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Music students must pass a qualifying examination specific to their concentration during their fourth semester of study. The rising junior jury determines whether the student has made adequate progress to qualify for entry to the 3000-level of applied music study. (4 years)

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Spring – November 15 (All concentrations except Conducting)
  • Summer – March 1 (Music Education concentration and non-degree programs only)
  • Fall – June 1 (All concentrations)

Bachelor of Science, Concentration in Music Production & Audio Recording, B.S.

School of Music

Email: [email protected]

Music Production & Audio Recording prepares students for work in artistic, technical or producer/director capacities in music and music-related media industries. Students are aesthetically and practically trained for work as audio engineers and music technologists. An audition or a digital portfolio is required for entrance.

The mission of the School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university. Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Highlights

There are six recording studio labs, designed by Walters-Storyk, fully equipped with state-of-the-art digital audio workstations running Pro Tools, and numerous other software programs.  High-level monitoring by Genelec, SSL consoles, Universal Audio hardware and software, and an extensive microphone collection are complemented by significant analog and digital sound production tools.

Notable alumni:

A J Putman, ’18, has firmly established himself in the rap and hip-hop production community. Working out of Means St. Studios, he is head engineer, often working with Atlantic Records artists. AJ is also a personal engineer for multi-platinum artist ‘A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’. His work has taken him to studios in Hawaii, Toronto, London, Los Angeles and New York, and he has already garnered gold and platinum certifications.

Alisa McCance Bieck, ’16, now lives in Nashville and has established a thriving career as a session musician singing and playing violin for artists such as Keith Urban, in the studio and in live venues. Specializing in bluegrass, folk and country music, Alisa has recently released her first solo recording of originals, Crossing Rivers, produced by country music legend Radney Foster.

Ibilola Fayemi, ’20, has completed her degree in music technology and is now moving on to the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music to pursue graduate work in music industry studies. Lola’s primary interest is in music supervision for motion pictures.

Program Details

To be considered for admission, students applying to the School of Music at Georgia State University are required to complete a separate application through the Acceptd platform.

Prospective students applying for the Bachelor of Science degree in either concentration (Music Management or Music Production & Audio Recording,) must perform a live audition or submit a digital portfolio before beginning first-year coursework in music. Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree and have a background in music making are highly encouraged to audition as their method of entrance. Audition requirements, important deadlines and audition dates can be found on our Application and Admission Information page.

The Music Production & Audio Recording concentration at GSU offers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to prepare students for the dynamic field of music production and audio engineering. Students in this program engage in a range of courses that cover areas such as studio recording techniques, music technology, sound design, mixing, and mastering. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art recording studios and production facilities. Students learn to work with industry-standard software and equipment, honing their technical skills and creative abilities. Through collaborative projects and internships, students develop a strong portfolio and gain practical experience in producing music across various genres and platforms. The program emphasizes critical listening, problem-solving, and artistic vision to empower graduates with the expertise needed for successful careers in music production, audio engineering, and sound design.

For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

At Georgia State, we understand that students come to our institution from a range of financial backgrounds. We value the investment our students make in their education, and we aim to provide access to scholarships and aid opportunities that can support students through their academic journey.

Learn more about tuition rates or use Georgia State’s cost calculator to determine the investment required for your course of study.

Fees

There is an applied music fee of $350 per semester for a one-hour (8000 level) lesson and $200 per semester for a half-hour (6000 level) lesson. Additional lab fees for certain courses may apply.

The School of Music provides unparalleled opportunities to study and work among an inspiring community of musicians in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. Students receive exceptional training, are provided with meaningful opportunities and begin serious careers no matter what type of music drives their passion. The goals and outcomes from an undergraduate degree include the following:

  • Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to music performance, music history, music theory and teaching styles.
  • Honoring the continuing traditions of music-making and pedagogy while exploring new forms and contemporary issues within the various musical fields.
  • Developing pedagogical skills and strategies through teaching assistantships for undergraduate-level courses.
  • Preparing students for a professional career in music through rigorous performance preparation, exposure to important repertoire and attention to practical business aspects of various musical careers.

Description

Careers

With a degree in music production and audio recording from Georgia State, graduates can pursue various rewarding careers in the music industry. Some potential career paths include:

  1. Music Producer and Audio Engineer: Oversee the entire music production process, working closely with artists to shape their sound and create high-quality recordings. Use technical expertise to record, mix and master music, ensuring optimal sound quality and balance.
  2. Audio Professionals: Sound designers create and manipulate sound effects for film, TV, video games, and virtual reality experiences. Post-production engineers focus on audio post-production for film and TV, ensuring clear dialogue, seamless sound effects integration and musical scoring. Live sound engineers handle sound reinforcement for concerts and events, ensuring the audience enjoys the best audio experience.

Contacts

Admissions
[email protected]

Undergraduate Admissions
404-413-2500
[email protected]
Sparks Hall
Suite 200
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

School of Music
75 Poplar St
5th floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

35 Broad St., 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.