Best Online Music Production Courses for Beginners and Pros

What are the best online music production courses?

Introduction

The world of music production has evolved dramatically with the rise of digital technology. What once required expensive studio sessions and in-person mentorship is now accessible to anyone with a laptop and an internet connection. Thanks to the explosion of online music production courses, aspiring producers can now learn professional techniques, develop their unique sound, and collaborate with artists worldwide — all from home.

Whether you’re an aspiring beatmaker experimenting with loops or an experienced producer aiming to polish your mixes, online platforms offer flexible, affordable ways to learn from industry experts. These courses teach everything from the fundamentals of audio engineering to advanced mixing, mastering, and composition techniques.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best online music production courses, the top learning platforms, the skills you’ll gain, how to start your journey, and the essential tools and software every modern producer needs.

What Are the Top Online Music Production Courses?

Here are some of the best online programs for every skill level — from absolute beginners to professional producers:

🎧 Beginner-Friendly Courses

• Berklee Online – “Music Production”

  • Platform: Berklee Online

  • Duration: 12 weeks

  • Cost: Around $1,500

  • Software: Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, or Pro Tools

  • Highlights: University-level instruction, real assignments, and expert feedback.

• Coursera – “Music Production Specialization” (Berklee College of Music)

  • Duration: 4–6 months (self-paced)

  • Cost: Free to audit, $49/month for certification

  • Software: Any DAW (flexible approach)

  • Highlights: Taught by Berklee professors, includes projects and peer review.

• Skillshare – “Intro to Music Production” by Young Guru

  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

  • Cost: Subscription-based (free trial available)

  • Software: Covers Logic, Ableton, and FL Studio basics

  • Highlights: Practical and beginner-friendly with real producer tips.

🎚️ Intermediate to Pro-Level Courses

• Point Blank Music School – Online Diploma in Music Production & Sound Engineering

  • Duration: 9–12 months

  • Cost: From $4,500

  • Software: Ableton Live, Logic Pro X

  • Highlights: Mentorship, live feedback sessions, and professional portfolio building.

• MasterClass – Deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production / Timbaland Teaches Producing & Beatmaking

  • Platform: MasterClass

  • Duration: 3–5 hours per class

  • Cost: $120/year (all-access)

  • Highlights: Learn creative workflows and insider techniques from industry icons.

• ICON Collective – Online Music Production Program

  • Duration: 12 months

  • Cost: Around $15,000

  • Software: Ableton Live

  • Highlights: Deep mentorship, feedback on original tracks, and career support.

💡 Tip: Choose your course based on learning style — academic structure (Berklee), creative inspiration (MasterClass), or hands-on mentorship (Point Blank / ICON Collective).

Which Platforms Offer the Best Music Production Training?

Each e-learning platform offers a different experience — here’s how they compare:

Platform Features to Consider:

• Downloadable Projects – Practice while learning offline.

• Community Support – Join student groups for feedback.

• Instructor Q&A – Get guidance directly from professionals.

What Skills Do You Learn in Music Production Courses?

A great course covers both the technical and creative aspects of production.

🎛️ Technical Skills

• Recording and editing audio

• Mixing and mastering

• Sound design and synthesis

• MIDI sequencing and sampling

🎵 Creative Skills

• Composition and arrangement

• Building beats and melodies

• Layering instruments and vocals

• Workflow optimization

💼 Professional Skills

• Collaboration and file management

• Publishing and copyright basics

• Delivering music for streaming platforms

By the end of a course, you’ll be ready to produce original tracks, remix songs, or even create soundtracks for games and films.

How Can Beginners Start Learning Music Production Online?

If you’re just starting, follow this simple roadmap:

1. Pick a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation):

   • Beginner-friendly choices include FL Studio, Ableton Live Intro, or GarageBand (Mac users).

2. Take a Foundational Course:

   • Try Coursera’s Berklee Specialization or Skillshare’s Intro to Music Production.

3. Practice Daily:

   • Recreate beats from your favorite songs.

   • Experiment with sound layers and effects.

4. Join Online Communities:

   • Share your work on Reddit’s r/WeAreTheMusicMakers, Discord producer servers, or SoundCloud groups for feedback.

5. Stay Consistent:

   • Don’t aim for perfection — focus on steady progress and creativity.

🎯 Pro Tip: Set small weekly goals — one loop, one mix, or one short beat per week.

What Tools and Software Are Essential for Music Producers?

Your setup doesn’t have to be expensive — start simple and upgrade as you grow.

🖥️ DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)

• Ableton Live – Great for electronic and live performance.

• FL Studio – Ideal for beatmakers and hip-hop producers.

• Logic Pro X – Popular among Mac users.

• Reaper – Affordable and highly customizable.

🎚️ Plugins / VSTs

• Serum (synth design)

• Omnisphere (sound library)

• Kontakt (sample instruments)

• FabFilter / Waves (mixing and mastering tools)

🎧 Hardware Essentials

• MIDI Controller – For playing and programming instruments.

• Audio Interface – Connects your mic/instruments to your computer.

• Studio Monitors or Headphones – For accurate mixing.

Beginner Setup: Laptop + free DAW trial + MIDI keyboard (e.g., Akai MPK Mini).
Pro Setup: Add studio monitors, premium VSTs, and soundproofing.

⚡ Tip: Master your DAW’s built-in plugins before investing in third-party tools.

Optional: Top 5 Online Music Production Courses (Quick Comparison)

FAQ

Q: What’s the best DAW for beginners?
A: FL Studio and GarageBand are the most beginner-friendly. Ableton Live is perfect if you plan to perform live.

Q: How long does it take to learn music production?
A: You can make simple beats in weeks, but mastering mixing and sound design usually takes 6–12 months of consistent practice.

Q: Are online music production courses worth it?
A: Absolutely — they provide structured learning, professional feedback, and networking opportunities that speed up your progress.

Q: Do I need expensive gear to start?
A: No. A laptop, free DAW, and good headphones are enough to begin producing quality tracks.

Conclusion

Online learning has democratized music production education, making it possible for anyone with creativity and curiosity to become a producer. Whether you choose Berklee’s academic depth or MasterClass’s celebrity guidance, the key is to practice, experiment, and stay inspired.

Remember — every great producer started with a single beat.
Your journey can begin today.