Belmont University (belmont.edu) in Nashville offers a major in audio and visual production through the media studies department. A large media studies center, equipped with a multimedia computer lab and a broadcast studio, provides a setting where students can learn to produce program materials. Some of the courses offered are Mass Media and Society (MDS 150), Broadcast Scriptwriting (MDS 355), Advanced Video Production (MDS 345) and Electronic Media in the Music Industry (MBU 373).
The largest audio production and music business program in the nation is at Middle Tennessee State University (mtsu.edu) in Murfreesboro. The department of recording industry offers concentrations in several areas, such as audio production and technology. Graduates are qualified for careers in fields such as tour production and live sound production. The department also offers a graduate program that confers a master of fine arts degree in recording arts and technologies. The graduate program is highly competitive; only 12 students are accepted.
The International Academy of Design and Technology (iadt.edu) in Nashville offers an associate of applied science degree in digital audio production. This programs helps students develop skills in recording, mixing and mastering as they work with recording studio professionals. Some of the courses offered are Music Concepts, Audio Recording Techniques, Music Design and Synthesis, Recording on Location, Mixing and Mastering and Digital Audio Specifications.
The Art Institute of Tennessee (artinstitutes.edu) in Nashville offers a bachelor of arts degree in audio production. Students learn to record, edit, mix and master audio in a hands-on environment. Upon completion of the program, students should understand the principles of sound physics and be able to use the appropriate equipment. Graduates are qualified for entry-level positions such as audio engineer, boom operator, sound designer and radio production engineer.
SAE Institute of Technology (sae.edu) in Nashville offers an audio technology program diploma. By attending classes full time, students can complete the program in nine months. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for entering the music and broadcast industries and for continuing their studies at the degree level. Graduates are qualified for entry-level positions such as recording engineer, post-production engineer, music business manager or audio film editor.