Learn the essential skills to compose, create, and deliver music, encompassing areas like recording, mixing, and mastering.
Bachelor of Arts in Music Production
Craft Your Sound, Shape Your Future.
At NC Wesleyan University, our Music Production major is designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic field of music production. Whether you’re passionate about creating your own music, working behind the scenes in a recording studio, or exploring the technical aspects of audio engineering, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of music production.
Why Choose NC Wesleyan University?
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our recording studio is equipped with the latest technology, providing students with hands-on experience in a professional setting.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from industry professionals who bring real-world experience and insights into the classroom.
Diverse Curriculum
Courses include History of Popular Music, Theory of Popular Music, Studio Techniques, and Special Topics in Music Production
Performance Opportunities
Explore your passion for music by joining our popular music ensemble, Spectrum, and showcase your talents in live performances
Join Us at NC Wesleyan University
Embark on a journey to master the art of music production at NC Wesleyan University. Our program is designed to nurture your creativity, enhance your technical skills, and prepare you for a successful career in the music industry. Apply now and start shaping your future!
Discover Our On-Campus Record Label
301 North Records is Wesleyan’s official record label for releasing and promoting music produced by current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and artists connected to the Music Production degree program. Our releases appear on all streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, iTunes, Pandora, Instagram, Tidal, iHeartRadio and many more.
Listen to 301 North Records Artist Playlists
Faculty & Staff
Jason Buel, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications/Assistant Professor of Cinema & Media Arts, Program Coordinator, Communication
Jason Buel, Ph.D.
Tony Sawyer, M.M.
Music Production Major Overview
Gain experience in song-craft and composition, audio engineering, and mixing/mastering techniques.
The Music Production concentration focuses on the techniques and technologies of music audio production, providing students with the necessary skills to perform as an audio engineer or record producer. The Entertainment Arts program was designed to create a foundation in musicianship and technical skills needed in the professional area of audio production. Gain experience in song-craft and composition, audio engineering, and mixing/mastering techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
- Techniques and technologies of music audio production, providing students with the necessary skills to perform as an audio engineer or record producer
- Designed to create a foundation in musicianship and technical skills needed in the professional area of audio production
- Gain experience in song-craft and composition, audio engineering and mixing/mastering techniques
Partnering institution in the Association for Popular Music Education (APME)
Spectrum ensemble performs popular music of multiple styles. Focus is on live performance and recording projects for the NC Wesleyan University community.
For more information, contact:
Tony Sawyer
tsawyer@ncwu.edu
The Music Production students at NC Wesleyan produce original music in our recording studio. Check out examples of our students’ work.
Career Paths for Music Production Majors
Music production majors at the university can pursue various career paths within the music and entertainment industry. Here’s a summary of potential career paths for individuals with a degree in music production:
Music Producer:
Music producers oversee the entire process of creating a song or album, from composing and arranging to recording and mixing. They collaborate with artists to achieve a desired sound.
Audio Engineer:
Audio engineers (studio/live) focus on the technical aspects of recording and mixing music. They operate recording equipment, manage sound levels, and ensure the quality of audio production.
Sound Designer:
Sound designers work in film, television, or video game industries. They create and manipulate audio elements to enhance the overall auditory experience in visual media.
Studio Manager:
Studio managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a recording studio. They handle scheduling, equipment maintenance, and client relations.
Music Director:
Music directors may work in the film or television industry, selecting and coordinating music for various projects. They ensure that the music aligns with the creative vision of the project.
Composer/Arranger:
Composers and arrangers create original music or adapt existing compositions for different purposes, such as film scores, commercials, or live performances.
Post-Production Specialist:
Post-production specialists work on refining and enhancing recorded audio after the initial recording phase. This can include tasks such as editing, mixing, and mastering.
Music Technology Developer:
Individuals with a strong technical background may pursue careers in developing music production software, plugins, or other technology used in the music industry.
Entrepreneur in Music Business:
Some music production majors may choose to start their own music production companies, record labels, or studios, taking on various roles to build their own business within the industry.
Overall, a degree in music production equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to enter diverse and dynamic fields within the music and entertainment industry.
Music Production Career Options:
- Audio Engineer (Studio/Live)
- Mix Engineer
- Mastering Engineer
- Singer/Songwriter
- Composer (Theatre/Film/TV/Video)
- Sound Designer
- Lyricist
- Arranger
- Studio Manager
- Artist and Repertoire (A&R)
Wondering what you can do with a degree from NCWU’s Music Production major? Check out these resources from NCWU Career Development & Leadership and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
Wesleyan is dedicated to assisting students in their professional development offering resources and guidance for hands-on learning experiences through internships, assignments within the courses and job search resources. Let us help you focus on your education and career at the same time!
Don’t take our word for it... Our students speak for themselves!
NC Wesleyan offers other opportunities for students and community partners to get involved in their musical passions. These activities are led by different faculty members and are all part of the Music Production Program at NCWU. Get involved today!
Wesleyan Singers
Wesleyan Singers is one of Wesleyan’s oldest performing ensembles that learn and perform a wide variety of music including classical, spirituals, show tunes and popular selections. Our university chorus seeks more student voices for the Fall 2024 semester!
The chorus is open to any NCWU student who enjoys singing and wants to improve their vocal skills. You will learn a wide variety of classical and contemporary music.
You can join the chorus for fun or general education credit:
3 semesters of Wesleyan Singers (MUS 171) satisfies the Art, Music, Entertainment, and Theater general education requirement. If you take chorus for credit, it counts as one semester hour per semester.
Workshops & Tours
NCWU along with its music production major periodically hosts audio workshops with tours and discussions of our live space and recording studio.
For more information about future workshops or to schedule a tour, contact:
Tony Sawyer
Entertainment Arts Program Coordinator
tsawyer@ncwu.edu
Piano Lessons
Applied instruction in piano and organ are currently offered to Wesleyan students at beginning to advanced levels. Instruction in other instruments may be available in the future.
For more information, contact:
Tom Parker
Piano and Organ Instructor
tparker@ncwu.edu
24/7 Tutoring Services. Free & Easy.
North Carolina Wesleyan University is partnered with Brainfuse, a complimentary online tutoring service, provided to all Wesleyan students. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features live tutoring in the subjects of writing, reading, math, computer and technology, science and business.
Student Organizations
Be engaged at NCWU!
Choose from 30+ student-led clubs and organizations to connect with other students who share your academic interests or… create your own.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, NC Wesleyan University has a number of partnerships with other community colleges, universities and institutions that allow students to enroll at NCWU with simple pathways. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to NCWU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
