Music Production School

Digital recording converts sound into numbers (sampling and bit depth), which gives you a low noise floor, precise editing, consistent recalls, and copies that don’t degrade. You can store, back up, and share files easily, and mixes translate well across systems. The trade‑offs are the need for proper gain staging to avoid hard clipping, and good clocking to avoid jitter/latency. Analog recording is continuous and can add pleasing saturation and compression, but it introduces hiss/wow/flutter, and each copy loses quality. Many engineers blend both: analog color on the way in, digital for editing and delivery.

Analog recording captures a continuous electrical representation of sound to physical media—traditionally magnetic tape or a disc lacquer. Microphones feed preamps and a tape machine; the tape’s magnetic particles store the waveform. Sonically, tape can add gentle compression, harmonic distortion, and “glue,” which many describe as warmth. The trade‑offs include tape hiss, limited headroom, mechanical wear, and generational loss when copying. In modern workflows, engineers often track through analog gear into a DAW to combine character with flexibility.

A music technician sets up, operates, and maintains audio and music‑production equipment so artists and engineers can work smoothly. In a studio, that can mean mic’ing, patching, session prep in a DAW, troubleshooting noise, and maintaining gear. Live, it includes stage patching, backline setup, RF coordination, and quick fixes under pressure. Strong signal‑flow knowledge, DAW literacy, basic electronics/soldering, and people skills are key. Roles with similar titles include studio technician, audio technician, backline tech, and broadcast/AV tech—common entry points for OIART grads.

Analog transmission sends a continuous voltage that mirrors the audio waveform over cables (or wirelessly). It’s simple and low‑latency, but more vulnerable to noise, interference, and high‑frequency loss over long runs. Digital transmission sends discrete data (bits) using formats like AES3, S/PDIF, ADAT, or networked audio like Dante/AVB. It’s far more resistant to noise, supports long distances and routing/metadata, and allows easy distribution, but requires proper clocking and introduces system latency. Endpoints need conversion: A/D at the source, D/A at the destination.

A DAW is software for recording, editing, arranging, mixing, and often mastering audio and MIDI. Core features include multitrack recording, non‑destructive editing, automation, plugin processing (EQ, compression, reverb, etc.), virtual instruments, and session recall. Common DAWs include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Reaper, FL Studio, and Cubase. DAWs integrate with audio interfaces, control surfaces, and sync/video tools, making them the hub for music production, post‑production, podcasting, and game audio. At OIART, you’ll train in industry‑standard DAW workflows used across music, live, and visual media.

Grads work across music, live events, and media. Common paths: recording engineer, producer, mixer, mastering engineer, assistant/Pro Tools editor, programmer, studio tech/manager; FOH/monitor engineer, system tech, RF tech, backline; audio post (dialogue/ADR/Foley editor, sound designer, re-recording mixer), game audio (implementation, middleware), podcast/radio production, broadcast A1/A2, theater audio, corporate AV, content creation, and music business roles (A&R, sync/licensing, publishing, management). Most roles are portfolio-driven, so hands-on projects and credits are key.

Digital audio represents sound as numbers. An analog waveform is sampled (e.g., 44.1/48/96 kHz) and quantized at a bit depth (16/24-bit) to create PCM data. Higher sample rates capture higher frequencies; higher bit depth lowers noise and increases dynamic range. Benefits: low noise, exact copies, fast editing/recall, easy storage/sharing. You’ll monitor through a DAC, and deliver as WAV/AIFF or compressed formats (AAC/MP3).

With a music production degree, you can pursue roles across studio, live, media, creative, and business. Studio paths include producer, recording/mix/mastering engineer, assistant, editor, programmer, and studio tech/manager. Live sound offers FOH, monitor engineer, system/RF tech, backline, and stage/tour management. In media/post, work as a sound designer, dialogue/ADR/Foley editor, re-recording mixer, podcast/radio producer, broadcast A1/A2, or in game audio. Creative avenues include composer, songwriter, arranger, and music editor/supervisor. Business options span A&R, label operations, marketing/PR, sync/licensing, publishing, and artist management. Your portfolio, hands-on hours, and network drive hiring—OIART’s labs, studios, and career support help you build them from day one.

At OIART, you don’t chase a credential—you build the ears, taste, and track record producers get hired for. Our 11‑month, studio‑first program puts you in the rooms from week one: 650+ hands-on hours across eight pro studios, small crews (max four), and mentorship from full‑time instructors plus active guest pros. You’ll train on industry‑representative gear (think SSL dynamics, Neumann mics, Soundtoys/Waves) and leave with a portfolio that proves you can deliver.

Remember these ranges shift with market prices, availability, and whether you buy used or DIY some treatment. Rough guide:

• Starter home setup: $1k–$3k (interface, one good mic, headphones, monitors, basic acoustic panels, DAW).
• Serious home/project: $5k–$20k (better monitors/mics, multi‑channel I/O, selective outboard, upgraded treatment).
• Treated project studio with isolation: $20k–$75k+ (construction: mass/decoupling, doors, HVAC, wiring; plus accurate monitoring).
• Commercial studio: $100k–$500k+ (and easily $1M+) depending on size, isolation, console, and build standards.

Tip: Prioritize room acoustics and monitoring—every other dollar performs better after that.

If you enroll at OIART, you’ll get immediate access to top‑of‑the‑line, industry‑representative studios and gear from week one—650+ hands‑on hours across eight pro rooms (small groups), with tools like SSL dynamics, Neumann mics, and leading plugins in acoustically designed spaces. It lets you work at a high level without that upfront spend and figure out what’s truly worth buying for your own setup later.

Here’s a simple roadmap to launch your freelance audio career—while building a real portfolio at OIART.

• Pick a lane (recording/mixing, live sound, or post) and master core workflows.
• Use a lean, reliable kit—or know the best local rentals/venues.
• Build a tight portfolio: 5–10 best pieces with brief notes and verified credits.
• Set clear rates/terms, deposits, revisions; use a simple contract.
• Make booking easy: one-page site/Linktree, calendar, contact, file delivery.
• Network weekly; assist pros; follow up consistently.
• Deliver like a pro: backups, organized sessions, clean naming, labeled stems.
• Run the business: invoices, taxes, basic insurance, steady upskilling.

At OIART, you’ll build that portfolio while enrolled—real projects and credits across music production, live sound, and audio for visual media—so you graduate with more than just industry knowledge: hands-on experience, professional habits, and career support.

There’s no single “music capital”—the right city depends on your genre, collaborators, and goals (and many careers span multiple hubs or work remotely). It’s genre-dependent:

• Nashville: songwriting, country/Americana, session culture.
• Los Angeles: pop/hip-hop, film/TV scoring, major labels.
• London (UK): pop/rock, iconic studios, global industry hub.
• New York: jazz, hip-hop, Broadway, media.
• Toronto: diverse pop/hip-hop/R&B/indie scene; world-class studios; strong film/TV post and sync; festivals like CMW and NXNE.
• Berlin: electronic/techno; producer/DJ scene.
• Seoul: K-pop; world-class production pipeline.
• Tokyo: J-pop/anime/game audio; tech-forward studios.
• Austin: “Live Music Capital of the World.”
• New Orleans: jazz, brass, roots.
• Vienna: classical; historic institutions.

Many careers cross cities—go where your genre, collaborators, and opportunities are.

Think about tone, workflow, and budget. Analog (tape/outboard) adds warm saturation and gentle compression, but it’s pricier and slower to edit. Digital is clean, recallable, and fast to edit, but clips hard when pushed and can feel “sterile” without a good front‑end. Also consider revisions, delivery format, and your timeline. At OIART, you’ll A/B both paths in small vocal production labs—mic choice (Neumann, etc.), preamp/compressor chains, analog console/tape vs DAW—and learn popular hybrid workflows (analog color into Pro Tools/Ableton) so you can choose confidently for any session.

Advantage: very low noise and exact, lossless copies with fast, non‑destructive editing/recall. Disadvantage: hard clipping if levels aren’t managed, and some miss analog “glue.” At OIART, you’ll master proper gain staging, converters/clocking, and latency management, then learn to add character with analog front‑end (preamps/compressors) and tasteful saturation plugins (Soundtoys, Waves). You’ll practice hybrid sessions so you get digital precision with an analog vibe.

A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Common options include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live. At OIART, you’ll work in Pro Tools and Ableton every week from day one—comping, tuning, timing, mixing, and printing deliverables—plus session organization and backup habits studios expect. You’ll train on identical tools across our eight student‑dedicated studios, so your skills translate cleanly to professional rooms.

Shaping the creative vision; pre‑production (references, arrangement, keys/tempo); budgeting and scheduling; hiring musicians/engineers; running efficient sessions; coaching performances; making calls on editing, mixing, and mastering; and delivering on time. At OIART, you’ll run projects end‑to‑end—pre‑pro through final mix—logging 650+ hands‑on hours in small crews (max four), so you graduate with producer credits, a portfolio, and Career Management support to land that first gig.

“Best” depends on fit, but if you want intensive, hands‑on training, OIART stands out in Canada: an 11‑month program, 650+ studio hours from week one, eight student‑dedicated studios, small groups (max four), industry‑active instructors and guest lecturers, and built‑in Career Management. OIART reports a 90% completion rate and 100% graduate employment, with 40+ years of outcomes and 1,100+ grads. You’ll train across Music Production, Live Sound, and Audio for Visual Media, so your job‑ready and versatile.

Abbey Road (London) is often cited, alongside Capitol Studios (LA), Electric Lady (NYC), Hitsville U.S.A./Motown (Detroit), Sun Studio (Memphis), and Ocean Way/United (LA). While OIART isn’t a commercial studio, our facilities mirror real‑world environments—from analog‑flavored rooms to modern DAW‑centric spaces—so you learn workflows that translate whether you step into a classic large‑format room or an intimate production studio.

Depending on role: musician, artist, producer, composer, songwriter, beatmaker, or arranger. At OIART, you’ll get exposure to all of these hats—writing, producing, engineering, and mixing—so you can specialize or be a versatile creator who can deliver from idea to master.

Digital audio (typically PCM). Sound is sampled (e.g., 48 kHz) and quantized at a bit depth (e.g., 24‑bit), creating numerical data that can be edited and copied precisely. At OIART, you’ll learn sampling theory, bit depth, dither, converters, and practical DAW workflows, so you not only understand the math—you can use it to make better‑sounding records.

Vinyl playback is analog—the stylus traces the groove and produces a continuous signal through a phono preamp to your speakers. Many modern vinyl releases are cut from digital masters, but playback itself remains analog. At OIART, you’ll compare analog and digital chains, understand the mastering/delivery path, and practice hybrid workflows so your mixes translate whether they end up on vinyl, streaming, or both.