While colleges and trade schools don't offer programs specifically for the production of rap music, a solid education in music theory, when combined with the technical skills necessary to operate a recording studio, will provide the necessary knowledge to begin a career in rap music production.
Colleges and universities with music production degrees tend to be located near major recording studios. As of October 2010, no colleges or universities in Arkansas offer a degree specifically for music production. However, several offer courses in music technology, theory and composition. The universities listed offer the best range of music technology classes of those colleges in Arkansas with a music program.
University of Arkansas
Learning how to operate the equipment and software used in recording studios are essential for a career as a music producer.
The University of Arkansas doesn't offer a degree specifically in music production, but it does offer a B.A. in music with a concentration in business, in addition to a variety of more traditional music degrees. The school offers two courses in music technology.
University of Central Arkansas
Understanding the business of music production is important for budding music producers.
The University of Central Arkansas offers a B.A. in music that allows students to attain a liberal arts education, while also receiving a solid musical education. With the right course choices, a student could design a degree program that will give him the right skills to become a music producer.
Other Options
Sometimes creating your own path is the best way to prepare yourself for your chosen career.
Many colleges are located in Arkansas. Although they may not offer a major in music production, many music college programs offer the flexibility to tailor coursework to prepare you for a chosen field. Contact colleges with music programs and speak with faculty advisers within the department. They may be able to help design a degree program that will provide all of the necessary business, music and technological skills to become a rap music producer.