Music Industry Arts
Start your music industry career - learn the world of audio production and the business of music.
- Delivered in a condensed format of three consecutive 14-week terms over 12 months
- Study inside a studio environment using industry standard equipment
- Book personal time in the studio spaces to work on your own projects
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The two-year Music Industry Arts Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to start your music industry career. This program is delivered in a condensed format of over three consecutive 14-week terms over 12 months. You learn how to work as an audio professional, performing artist, business professional, or entrepreneur in the music industry.
As a student, you produce multi-track recordings in a real studio environment where you learn the full range of audio engineering and music production skills including:...(read more)
Overview
Start your music industry career - learn the world of audio production and the business of music.
The two-year Music Industry Arts Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to start your music industry career. This program is delivered in a condensed format of over three consecutive 14-week terms over 12 months. You learn how to work as an audio professional, performing artist, business professional, or entrepreneur in the music industry.
As a student, you produce multi-track recordings in a real studio environment where you learn the full range of audio engineering and music production skills including:
- digital audio workstations
- multi-track recording
- signal flow
- music production and mixing
You also build music business and entrepreneurship skills to assist artists and songwriters in preparing for their career in this creative industry including:
- royalties and copyright
- music publishing
- social media marketing
- emerging music technologies
Elective courses provide an opportunity for you to focus your development on the technical side or on the creative side of the music industry.
During the program, you work in small studio lab classes to gain hands-on experience in the recording studio with guidance from faculty. Individual time in the studio lets you experience what it is like to lead your own recording session. Independence in the studio, working on school or personal projects, builds your confidence with the equipment and the techniques introduced in class.
In this program, you will be provided with opportunities to work with industry in settings such as audio production facilities, festivals, special events, and music organizations.
As a non-semester diploma program, this program is equivalent to a 2-year diploma but is condensed to three consecutive semesters, offered over 12 months. As a result, this program is fast-paced, allowing you to develop time management and organizational skills that are of value in the music industry.
There are many different career paths in the industry after graduation. You may find employment in:
- live production facilities
- recording studios
- royalty and/or arts administration
- creative fields
Opportunities exist for graduates wishing to pursue their own production companies, music businesses, or creative ventures.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who have:
- A broad background in music.
- Knowledge and appreciation for all types of music.
- A passion for the arts and entertainment.
- An interest in the recording industry and its role in today`s entertainment field.
- A strong work ethic.
- Experience with computers.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
MSC2001
Course Name:
Music Business I
Course Description:
Crucial concepts such as intellectual property and copyright make up a large portion of the music business. Students explore concepts around... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSC2019
Course Name:
Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry
Course Description:
Many professionals in today's music industry operate as their own business. Whether it's an audio production facility, an artist management ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
MSC2020
Course Name:
Music Theory Fundamentals
Course Description:
The importance of having a finely tuned ear is crucial to producing, mixing and creating a quality recording. Students enhance their music t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC2032
Course Name:
Electronic Music Production 1
Course Description:
The defining sound of electronic music is the synthesizer. From simple sign wave sub-bass, to complex modulating pads, the ability to shape ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC2033
Course Name:
Digital Audio Workshop
Course Description:
The vast majority of audio production work takes place inside of a class of software referred to as Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Over ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC2034
Course Name:
Audio Theory
Course Description:
Audio production is rooted in a firm understanding of how sound transmission occurs. Students are introduced to the foundational and theoret... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC2035
Course Name:
Recording Lab 1
Course Description:
Hands-on learning is critical to the development of audio production skills. Students use the equipment found in recording and audio product... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GED1405
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC0081
Course Name:
Concert Promotion and Logistics
Course Description:
As the live music business continues to grow, promoters and event planners who work behind the scenes to ensure the success of an event are ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
MSC2005
Course Name:
Music Business 2
Course Description:
Students delve deeper into the roles within the music industry and the relationship between artists and consumers. Various artist services a... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSC2036
Course Name:
Audio Production 1
Course Description:
An audio production is the sum of many parts. Students delve deeper into how audio works and what audio processing can be used in modern pro... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSC2037
Course Name:
Recording Lab 2
Course Description:
Hands-on experience in larger recording environments is valuable to prepare to work in the audio industry. Students prepare for the role of ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSC0085
Course Name:
Music Theory and Composition
Course Description:
Composition and arranging is fundamental to producing and creating quality music. Students advance their music theory with the addition of a... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC0086
Course Name:
Social Media Management
Course Description:
The online presence of an artist is crucial for building and engaging an audience in the music space. Students apply the foundations of vari... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC2038
Course Name:
Electronic Music Production 2
Course Description:
Integration of synthesis, sampling, and MIDI provides great potential for sound design within musical compositions. Students examine and com... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC2042
Course Name:
Live Production 1
Course Description:
The live sound environment is fast-paced without room for error. Students apply audio theory to basic live production scenarios while effect... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1405
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2010
Course Name:
Personal Presentation Skills
Course Description:
From a producer working in a studio to an artist on stage, the music industry is based around many different types of presentations. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MSC2008
Course Name:
Entertainment Contracts
Course Description:
Basic understanding of contracts and negotiation supports music industry professionals in assessing opportunities. Students examine contract... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSC2013
Course Name:
Video Production and Sound Design
Course Description:
Working in today's media environment demands interdisciplinary skills. Whether one is creating a demo reel to promote their audio production... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSC2021
Course Name:
Industry Preparation
Course Description:
Career goal setting and networking are essential tools for career development in the music industry. Students are prepared to work in a prof... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
MSC2039
Course Name:
Audio Production 2
Course Description:
Advanced production skills prepare audio professionals to work in more complex environments. Students build on their understanding of audio ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MSC2040
Course Name:
Recording Lab 3
Course Description:
In today's media landscape, audio professionals are expected to deliver productions and content in many different formats and mediums. Stude... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MSC0087
Course Name:
Release Strategies
Course Description:
Promoting an upcoming event successfully requires a well-thought-out plan. Students discover various ways to promote their music or events u... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
MSC2041
Course Name:
Live Production 2
Course Description:
Large scale productions marry the benefits of leading-edge technology with performance to bring an audience to exhilaration. Learners move i... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
GED1405
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as recording engineers, live sound engineers, producers, performing artists, songwriters, DJ, personal managers, music publishers, arts administrators and concert promoters. Opportunities may also exist for graduates wishing to start their own production companies or music businesses.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Produce recordings using multi-track recording systems with effective signal flow using audio engineering and music production skills in a professional audio environment.
- Prepare marketing, recording, production, career, and budgeting plans that support artist development.
- Perform work related to music business contracts and music publishing in compliance with copyright, legal guidelines and industry standards.
- Record audio using appropriate microphone types and techniques to achieve optimal sound quality for a desired outcome.
- Produce professional music and post-production sound for various creative media industries with appropriate recording interface.
- Apply music theory concepts in order to read, compose and analyse contemporary music.
- Assess the acoustical characteristics of an environment to make informed decisions for audio techniques required to support a desired outcome.
- Develop strategies to maintain currency within evolving music industry trends, technologies and practices to support professional development and career planning.
- Apply industry level skills in the operation and safe execution of live sound production.
- Analyse the historical and current state of the music industry in order to respond to inclusion gaps and address systemic barriers and challenges to success.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Equipment and supplies cost approximately $3,000.
- Students must purchase their own Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer, which is included in the equipment cost estimate.
- Some equipment and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin`s Connections Store at educational discounted rates.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MCT4C) is recommended.
- Completion of a Supplemental Form and MP3 Recording. Submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages. Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
- Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
MUSIC INDUSTRY ARTS
Program Code 1405X04FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Instructions and further detail on the completion of a Supplemental Form and MP3 Recording will be sent to applicants after their ontariocolleges.ca application has been processed.
Contact
Colin Mills
Program Coordinator
Colin Mills is currently Program Coordinator & Professor of Music Business in Algonquin College’s Music Industry Arts Diploma Program. Prior to joining Algonquin, Colin worked as Director of Operations for Hummingbird Music, overseeing the activities of its private music school, which served close to 800 students and managing Pebble Studios a full service recording studio under the Hummingbird umbrella. During his early career in the music industry, he was Vice President of Healey Music, Manager of Distortion Studios and also assisted with promotion and management for various artists. As a lifelong musician himself, Colin has also plied his guitar talents on stage and in the studio with a range of performers from the Ottawa area and beyond.
Brian Asselin
Program Coordinator - Spring Intake
Over the past 15 years Brian has performed both locally and internationally with various groups such as Holly Laroque, The Jivewires, and The JW Jones Blues Band. Along with those established acts, he has performed with The Legendary Funk Brothers, Mary Wilson, The Temptations, as well as The Four Tops. Brian received his bachelors in music performance from Carleton University in 2004 under the direction of Mike Tremblay, Rob Frayne, and Juno award winner Kirk Macdonald.
Being an educator has always been in the forefront of his career. Brian started teaching private students while attending University which eventually led him back to school to obtain his education degree. Over the course of the last 10 years he has taught students topics ranging from saxophone, jazz improvisation, music theory, and song writing. Currently Brian is on staff as a professor at Algonquin College in the Industry Arts program as well as conducting several bands under a program called New Horizons which help adults learn a musical instrument in a band setting.
Apart from being an Eastman endorsed saxophonist, Brian is also a songwriter. After attending teachers college he wrote a song dedicated to teachers around the world who inspire their students on a daily basis. The song has since gone viral (over 2 million views) on youtube and can be heard by choirs all around the world. The song has also been played on NBC’s Late Night News with Diane Sawyer. Since writing that song, Brian has created a YouTube channel, and released albums both under his own name as well as his new Soul project entitled The Commotions.