Musicians Institute
For over three decades, Musicians Institute has offered focused, intense, hands-on contemporary education designed and taught by working professionals at its location in Hollywood, California, the center of the worldwide music industry. Today, MI provides a wide range of degree and certificate programs in fields including performance, artist development, recording, music business, film, and guitar-building, all housed in one of the world's foremost contemporary music education facilities. Over the years, MI has evolved in size and scope, but our mission remains the same: to provide you with the best possible preparation for a successful career in the field of contemporary music.
Performance Programs (majors in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals)
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles)
MI's Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles) is a unique professional music degree designed for the contemporary performing musician. Combining MI's world-renowned performance-based instrument training with a broad-based college music education, the Bachelor of Music degree prepares graduates for rewarding careers in the contemporary music industry. Bachelor students undertake an intensive program in contemporary performance, theory, ear-training, arranging, composition and related professional studies as well as general education requirements that develop cultural literacy and critical thinking. Challenging juried performances set a professional standard for student preparation and accomplishment.
Bachelor's degree students may also undertake minors in Audio Production or Music Industry Studies for an exceptionally versatile professional education.
Associate of Arts in Performance
If your goal is to be a professional contemporary performer, MI's Associate of Arts program is designed for you. Created by performers for performers, this intensive, accelerated six-quarter program provides advanced technique, musicianship, stylistic development, performing experience and music industry career skills for a versatile professional education.*
Students may also earn an Associate Degree that combines Performance with a concentration in Audio Engineering, Independent Artist Development, Music Business, Film Production, or Guitar-Making. Contact an MI Admissions Representative for details.
*Note: Associate Degrees are terminal-occupational and do not require General Education credits.
Certificate in Performance
The Performance Certificate provides a broad foundation in technique, musicianship and performing experience. The four-quarter program immerses you in MI's unique performance-intensive curriculum including technique and musicianship classes, live performance workshops, private lessons, electives, Open Counseling, and seminars and clinics by some of the world's greatest musicians, taking your music to places you never thought possible.
Music Industry Programs
Independent Artist Development
More than at any time in history, artists have the power to control the creation and distribution of their work. Whatever your style, the six-month (two-quarter) Independent Artist Program (Artist Certificate) provides you with the knowledge and tools to bring your musical vision to life and present it to the world. During the program you will:
- Learn to manage the complete creative recording process from songwriting, arranging, recording and production to promotion and distribution using your state-of-the-art laptop workstation loaded with the latest software tools.
- Produce finished tracks with any combination of live vocals, instruments, samples and loops, then display them on your custom-built website.
- Take a weekly private lesson on the instrument of your choice and enjoy full access to MI's unique Open Counseling sessions and Visiting Artist workshops and seminars.
Audio Engineering Programs
MI's Audio Engineering programs prepares graduates for successful careers in the professional recording industry, combining practical education in essential technical skills with hands-on experience in MI's state-of-the-art studios and experience with real musicians in MI's unique all-music environment. All programs include:
- Hands-on experience on top-of-the-line SSL, Neve, and Digidesign consoles.
- Digidesign-Approved courses preparing for Pro Tools Certification.
- Choose from day and night schedules with quarterly starts.
Certificate in Audio Engineering
- Six months (two quarters/30 credits)
- Training in all aspects of professional audio recording and music production
Certificate in Audio Engineering (Post-Production Audio)
- Nine months (three quarters/45 credit units)
- Combines the complete Certificate in Audio Engineering program with an additional quarter of intensive training in the art of recording, editing and mixing music, dialogue, and sound effects for film and television
Certificate in Audio Engineering (Live Sound Production)
- Nine months (three quarters/45 credit units)
- Combines the complete Certificate in Audio Engineering program with an additional quarter of intensive training in all aspects of mixing and recording audio for live events
Music Business Programs
MI's Music Business programs provide hands-on training for a business careers in the contemporary music industry. Features include:
- Classes taught by successful industry professionals in the music industry capital of the world.
- Hands-on experience in artist promotion and distribution.
- Guaranteed internships providing practical industry experience.
- Evening and part-time options available; programs begin quarterly.
Certificate in Music Business
- Six months (two quarters/30 credits)
- Preparation for entry-level employment in the music industry, including record companies, music publishing, artist management, marketing and promotion, and more
Certificate in Music Business (Music Entrepreneur)
- Nine months (three quarters/45 credit units)
- Includes the complete Certificate in Music Business program plus an addition quarter focused on independent music entrepreneur skills, including starting your own record company, managing your own music-related business, self-management for artists and more
Guitar Craft Programs
MI's Guitar Craft programs offer comprehensive training in guitar and bass design, construction and maintenance. Learn your craft from experienced professional luthiers in a fully-equipped custom shop located in the heart of the music industry. Features include:
- Every student designs and builds their own instrument using the same methods, tools and equipment found in custom guitar shops and factories around the world
- Training in all facets of design and fabrication from woodworking, fretwork, electronics and finishing to final assembly and setup
- Weekly one-hour private lessons on your instrument from an MI instructor
Certificate in Guitar Craft
- Six months (two quarters/30 credits)
- Intensive, hands-on training in all aspects of electric guitar design, fabrication, and maintenance
Certificate in Guitar Craft (Acoustic Guitar Design)
- Nine months (three quarters/45 credit units)
- Includes the complete Certificate in Guitar Craft program plus an addition quarter focused on all aspects of acoustic steel-string guitar design, fabrication, and maintenance
Certificate in Music Video, Film and Television Production
This six-month/two-quarter Certificate in Music Video, Film, and Television Production program trains you in the complete process of directing, producing and editing for film and television. Program features include:
- Small, hands-on classes in directing, producing, cinematography, editing, special effects, career strategies and more taught by Award-winning professionals.
- Every student completes a professional-quality music video or commercial shot on film or HD video and mastered in High Definition.
- Evening classes, easy access to production and editing facilities.