Music connects us all and Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is here to turn your passion for music into an inspiring and sustainable career. Students learn techniques to create music along with why that music matters and becomes meaningful to listeners. If you are looking for a comprehensive audio engineering degree program with the flexibility of distance learning, our music production bachelor’s degree online could be the perfect fit for you.
This multifaceted degree experience propels your creative and technical mastery of music production through:
Online students residing close to campus also have access to a state-of-the-art sound production lab facility and equipment through the Rocky Mountain Sound Lab (RMSL)
Complete your artist meeting with an admissions counselor.
Submit an admissions application.
Create and submit your portfolio to be considered for a scholarship.
Submit official high school and college transcripts (for transfer students).
Submit the current year’s FAFSA and other financial aid documentation.
At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.
RMCAD’s Online Music Production BFA Program incorporates the diverse technical, cultural and creative elements of today’s music industry, and weaves them together to provide students with the skill set they need to reshape tomorrow’s music and multimedia production industries. The accredited music production degree online curriculum teaches them about music theory, composition, audio engineering, aural humanities, and music business, as well as offering virtual opportunities to:
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
CCS 2200
Sound Studies
(3 Credits)
EN 1110
Composition I
(3 Credits)
HU 1110
Humanities I: World Thought I
(3 Credits)
NS 3100
Acoustics of Music
(3 Credits)
The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.
MP 1000
Music Production Styles + Analysis
(3 Credits)
MP 1100
How Music Works
(3 Credits)
MP 1110
Theories of Musical Practice I
(3 Credits)
MP 2140
Critical Listening
(3 Credits)
Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
MP 2110
Theories of Musical Practice II
(3 Credits)
MP 2430
Recording + Production I
(3 Credits)
MP 3510
Music Business Administration
(3 Credits)
MP 4570
Music Branding + Marketing
(3 Credits)
MP 3150
Reharmonization Techniques
(3 Credits)
MP 3220
World Music Composition Resources
(3 Credits)
MP 3750
Computer Music Systems
(3 Credits)
MP 4900
Special Topics in Music Production
(3 Credits)
RMCAD’s Music Production BFA Program features a STEAM-oriented (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) approach that is future-focused and empowers distance learning students with the knowledge, technical skills and cultural perspectives necessary to pursue long-lasting careers across the spectrum of the music and multimedia industries. The e-learning curriculum also prioritizes the study and development of musical creativity, while simultaneously focusing on teaching the practical business skills, ethics and emerging technologies required to navigate a constantly evolving industry. To help students grow even further, RMCAD’s Rocky Mountain Sound Lab is available and serves as a studio for students to get hands-on experiences with today’s music production technology and equipment on campus.
Students in RMCAD’s accredited Online Music Production BFA Program will be charged a one-time mandatory equipment fee of $2,400.00 in their first academic year. Below is the provided equipment that is yours to keep after graduation:
All music production students also receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
Listen carefully to your favorite songs, and you will notice not only impressive vocals or instrumentals, but also, the balance between these sounds. This would not be possible without strategic mixing and mastering. By fully
Music theory offers a set of conventions and concepts that help describe how we hear and make sense of music, particularly within the Euro-Classical (Western) tradition. Rather than serving as the foundation of every musical
As an aspiring music producer, you love making unique rhythms and melodies — and now, you’re ready to take this musical experimentation to the next level. If you’re serious about creating compelling and high-quality music,
Graduates of RMCAD’s Online Music Production Program have the opportunity to pursue some of the following exciting careers.
Recording artists are musicians or performers who record and produce music for distribution, typically through record labels or independent channels, and can include performers, including solo artists, bands, vocalists, instrumentalists, and producers who create recorded music across various genres.
Audio recording engineers capture, manipulate, and produce sound recordings in various settings, such as recording studios, live sound environments, radio stations, and film production.
A music director oversees and coordinates the musical aspects of a performance, production, or organization, which can vary widely depending on the context, such as in a theater, orchestra, choir, band, film, or other musical setting.
Music producers oversee and manage the production of a musical recording and play a vital role in shaping the sound and artistic direction of a project, working closely with artists, songwriters, and engineers throughout the recording process.
A studio manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a recording studio or creative space, and plays a critical role in ensuring that the studio runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably, while providing a conducive environment for artists, producers, and engineers to create music or other audio projects.
Sound designers create, manipulate, and enhance audio elements in various media, including film, television, theater, video games, and music production.
Artist managers guide and promote the careers of artists, particularly in the music industry, but also in other creative fields such as visual arts, theater, and entertainment.
A foley artist creates and records everyday sound effects that are added to films, television shows, video games, and other media during post-production.
Sound recordists in visual media capture high-quality audio during the production of films, television shows, documentaries, and other audiovisual projects, and help ensure that dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sounds are recorded clearly and effectively to enhance the overall auditory experience of the final product.
A sound installation artist uses sound to create immersive and interactive experiences in various environments, such as galleries, museums, public spaces, and performance venues, often blending sound design, visual art, and technology, and engaging audiences through auditory experiences that can evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, or encourage interaction.
Mixing engineers combine and balance multiple audio tracks in music production, film, television, and other media, and enhance the overall sound of a project by adjusting levels, panning, equalization, compression, effects, and other audio processing techniques.
Mastering engineers are specialized audio professionals responsible for the final step in the music production process known as mastering, which involves preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source to a data storage device, ensuring that it sounds polished, cohesive, and ready for distribution across various formats, such as digital platforms, CDs, and vinyl.
A screen composer creates the musical score and soundtracks that accompany visual media, and centers on enhancing the emotional and narrative impact of the story through music.
The program focuses on developing skills in music theory, digital production, sound cultures, music history, and music business, providing a comprehensive understanding of music production.
Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to start careers as music producers, audio engineers, sound designers, music directors, and digital media specialists.
Courses are delivered through an interactive online platform, featuring video lectures, assignments, discussion boards, peer reviews, and opportunities to communicate and collaborate with peers and instructors.
Students will learn music composition, digital audio production, sound editing, music business strategies, and critical evaluation of sound cultures.
Students need a computer that meets RMCAD’s specifications, reliable internet access, and relevant software for music production and editing. For more information on program materials, visit here.
All students receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
Students will learn music composition, digital audio production, sound editing, music business strategies, and critical evaluation of sound cultures.
While a portfolio is not mandatory, any previous music production work can strengthen your application.
RMCAD ensures quality through experienced faculty, regularly updated curriculum, and interactive, hands-on coursework designed for online delivery.
Yes, online students can collaborate on projects through virtual classrooms, group assignments, and online forums.
Advantages include flexible scheduling, access to industry-standard tools, feedback from instructors, and the ability to study from anywhere.
Students use professional audio software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live. For more information on program materials, visit here
The curriculum includes courses that develop critical thinking, global consciousness, and information literacy.
Foundation courses enable students to refine essential skills, get comfortable with the tools they’ll use throughout their program, and study relevant basics— including composition and color theory. These courses facilitate ideation and collaboration.
Yes, online students are welcome to participate in campus events, exhibitions, and graduation ceremonies. Virtual events are also available to those who do not live locally. For more information on events, please visit RMCAD’s events calendar.
Online students can showcase their work through virtual galleries, online exhibitions, and by creating professional portfolios.
The program’s combination of technical and creative coursework, focus on cultural awareness and critical thinking, and comprehensive online support sets it apart.
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