Want to study in the music production schools in Canada? Let’s get something straight: deciding to become a music producer, or even pursue a career in the music industry is considered a big move in any part of the world, and that includes Canada.
And if you aspire to become a producer, there are tons of music production schools in Canada that will get you started.
In this article, we discuss the music production industry in Canada to get you better acquainted with things you should know before you begin your search.
As a result, if you live in Canada, you will find this blog super helpful to aid your music aspiration.
In addition, we have listed only the top 20 music production schools in Canada that we are convinced will help you begin your career in music.
These music production schools in Canada come highly recommended with great reviews.
Without further ado, let us dive in.
Overview of Music Production in Canada
What is the job outlook for Music Production like in Canada?
Like the United States, music production in Canada is widely regarded as an important aspect of the music industry. The demand for knowledgeable producers is on the rise, and as a result, the competition is expected to be strong. Music producers are widely sought after in Canada, and anyone looking to get into this industry is expected to be employable once they have completed their training. Due to the high competition in the job, aspiring producers are usually encouraged to acquire skills enough to make them highly sought-after in a tough environment.
Music Producers are some of the top earners in the entertainment industry; and if you dream of becoming a producer someday, then any of these music production schools in Canada can get you started.
The List of Top Music Production Schools in Canada
The following schools are billed to be the top music production schools in Canada. We are sure that you will agree with our picks.
Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology
The Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART) offers certified diploma programs in music like Audio Engineering, Music Production, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live program. The school also provides programs in the music business, live sound, tour management, and sound mixing.
Programs at OIART include:
- Audio Engineering Certificate.
- Music Production Diploma.
- Bachelor of Sound Design and Composition, and many more.
Without any doubt, OIART is one of the best music production schools in Canada. Its programs are suitable for both beginners and advanced music producers who want to learn to become more skillful with their craft.
Furthermore, this school boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have broken into the music industry and worked on award-winning albums.
For example, Matty Green is a prominent music producer who has worked with top-tier singers like Ed Sheeran. The beautiful thing about this school is the lifelong job support it offers its students after their graduation.
However, the downside of this brilliant school is the high cost of attendance. It also ranks (rather unsurprisingly) as one of the most expensive music production schools in Canada on our list.
But if money isn’t a problem for you, this is one of the music production schools we recommend. Else, keep scrolling as we shuffle through more of these music production schools in Canada.
Application to this school is done online and you will find more answers on your enrollment here.
Location City: London, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $33,850.
All tuition costs calculated for music production schools in Canada in this article do not include living expenses.
Program Length: 11 months.
Harris Institute
Harris Institute is located in Toronto and is one of the leading music production schools in Canada. It has been training students in the audio recording industry for over 35 years. The program at Harris Institute focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to work within the music industry.
The curriculum includes courses on basic recording techniques, live performance, and band dynamics as well as advanced courses that explore audio editing techniques and sound design principles.
Students who graduate from this program will have gained a solid understanding of how to create professional recordings from start to finish by using a variety of tools such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro X software applications.
Location City: Toronto, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $15,695 (excluding living expenses).
Program Length: 12 months.
SAE Institute
SAE Institute is another top music production school in Canada that you will find worth your time and money. It offers comprehensive training in Audio Engineering and Music Production.
Students who complete their training in this school are certified and shown the ropes in the audio production industry. Like many other music production schools in Canada, SAE Institute also offers its students lifelong job support after their graduation.
Apprenticeship programs are arranged for students to advance their skills and become well-paid. This course is suitable for anyone (at any level) looking to build a career in the music industry.
Location City: Vancouver, British Columbia.
Tuition Cost: $17,268.10 for domestic (Canadian) students, and $20,513 for international students.
Program Length: 9 months.
Recording Arts Canada
Recording Arts Canada is one of the most affordable online music production schools in Canada. It’s also fully accredited by the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.
The school offers programs like Audio Engineering & Production and Music Business to help you get started with your education or further your knowledge in the field.
Location City: Montreal (Quebec) and Toronto (Ontario).
Tuition Cost: $14,575 (+ $2,320 for international students).
Program Length: 12 months.
Metalworks Institute
The Metalworks Institute offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Production. The program is designed to allow students to develop their skills as producers, composers, arrangers, and sound engineers.
The program also aims to help students gain an understanding of how music can be used as a tool for communication within businesses or organizations.
The curriculum covers areas such as:
- Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
- Songwriting and Composition.
- Recording Techniques & Processes (including vocals).
Location City: Mississauga, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $19,500 per year.
Program Length: 1 – 2 years, depending on your course selection.
Trebas Institute
Trebas Institute is located in Montreal, Ontario. The institute offers a variety of short-term and full-time programs that are designed to provide students with the necessary skills required to be successful in their chosen career paths.
Students can choose from one of four areas: Music Production, DJing & Electronic Music Production, Music Business & Management, or Songwriting & Performance.
As a result, it is equally one of the most versatile music production schools in Canada that allows you to learn as much as you can about music (provided you can afford it, of course).
Location City: Montreal, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $11,000
Program Length: 1 year.
Nimbus School of Recording and Media
Nimbus School of Recording and Media is another top music production school we have on this list. It is located in Vancouver, BC. It’s a private institution that offers a variety of programs including an Audio Engineering and Production Diploma, Music Business Management Diploma, and more.
The school has been around since 2010 and is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training), and HLC (Higher Learning Commission).
However, it is a very expensive music production school in Canada. Adding to the living expenses, we found that the cost of studying at Nimbus is high. Thus, many people may not readily afford this, even with the provision of financial aid.
Location City: Vancouver, British Columbia.
Tuition Cost: $35,750 for domestic students, and $46,750 for international students.
Program Length: 12 months.
The Noize Faktory Canada
The Noize Faktory Canada is one of the best music production schools in Canada. In addition, it is equally one of the affordable music production schools in Canada as we found.
The advantage you have studying here is the hybrid nature of its programs – online and in-person. So, you may not necessarily spend heavily on living expenses when studying here.
The Noize Faktory Canada offers courses that cover all aspects of modern music production including audio engineering, mixing & mastering, songwriting, electronic dance music production (EDM), recording/instrumentation techniques, and digital audio workstation (DAW) software applications such as Ableton Live or Pro Tools. Students learn how to use these programs hands-on during class time.
Location City: Toronto, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $8,800.
Program Length: 100 hours.
Off Centre DJ School
Off Centre DJ School is a music production school in Canada. The school offers professional training in DJing and live performance, as well as courses on music production and sound engineering.
The programs are available to students who have completed high school and are looking to pursue a career in the music industry. Off Centre provides its students with the tools they need to succeed, including a library of equipment at their disposal for use during class time and practice sessions outside of class hours.
The cost for each program varies depending on whether you’re taking it online or at one of their physical locations (either online or in-person).
Location City: Toronto, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: Not specified.
Program Length: 39 hours for the Full Producer program.
Recording Connection Audio Institute
If you have been reading our other articles on music production schools, you’d already be familiar with this school. RCAI (or RCFR) is another top music production school in Canada – if that’s even the full story.
Recording Connection is one of the largest music production schools in Canada, as it has more than 5 campuses in the country alone, and plenty more spread across America. Therefore, it comes highly recommended as one of the top music production schools in Canada.
This school is good for:
- Musicians who want to learn about music production at a school with a good reputation.
- Students who want to attend a school that can accommodate their schedule because of its flexible class times.
- Those looking for a career in audio engineering and looking for an affordable program.
However, it is not so great for:
- Students who don’t live near their campuses, or have transportation challenges getting there on their own (public transit options are limited).
Location City: Multiple locations in Ontario and Alberta.
Tuition Cost: $12,860.
Program Length: 11 months (flexible).
The Audio Recording Academy
The Audio Recording Academy is located in Ottawa and offers classes on audio engineering, music production, and electronic music production. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills in all aspects of sound design, mixing, and mastering.
Students have access to high-end software and hardware to help them develop their skills. If you’re interested in learning more about the industry or even just improving your existing recording skills then this school could be a decent option for choosing a music production school in Canada.
Location City: Ottawa, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $13,850.
Program Length: Flexible.
Canada Music Academy
Ranking at the bottom of our list of the top music production schools in Canada is Canada Music Academy. The reason is that, to a large extent, this school won’t give you what you are looking for if you are opting for a career in Audio Engineering and Production.
But if you are looking to learn how to play various musical instruments and mix them properly for superb effects in song beats, soundtracks, and movie scores, then this is a decent option for you.
Location City: Toronto, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: Not specified.
Program Length: Not specified.
15 Best Public Universities to Study Music Production in Canada:
So, what if you don’t like vocational music production schools in Canada, and you’d rather study music at a public university?
That’s great! We have also got some good options for you, too. Here are the best universities in Canada to study music in:
Schulich School of Music, McGill University
McGill University’s Schulich School of Music is located in Montreal, Quebec. The program’s location offers students the unique opportunity to study with internationally acclaimed musicians and collaborate with visiting artists from around the world.
The school offers two-year Bachelor of Music programs in performance, composition, and music education, as well as four-year Master of Music programs in performance, composition, or music education (with an emphasis on jazz). All degree programs include instrumental or vocal lessons, chamber music coaching, and private coaching by faculty members.
Location City: Montreal, Quebec.
Tuition Cost: $17,982 annually.
Program Length: 2 years.
Quebec Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Art
One of the most prestigious music production schools in Canada, the Quebec Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Art (QCMDA) offers a wide range of programs in music, theatre, dance, and more. It is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River just east of Montreal in Quebec City.
The college offers undergraduate degrees as well as graduate certificates and diplomas in various fields within its arts faculties including music performance, music education, dance performance, and theatre production. You can also study jazz or opera at QCMDA if you want to widen your horizons beyond classical music genres.
Location City: Chicoutimi, and other cities in Quebec.
Tuition Cost: $10,500 annually.
Program Length: Not specified.
Glenn Gould School, Royal Conservatory of Music
Located in Toronto, Glenn Gould School is one of the largest music production schools in Canada with more than 800 students. It was founded by the Royal Conservatory of Music. The program consists of two main options: a four-year conservatory program and an 18-month adult diploma program.
The conservatory program is available to all ages, while the adult diploma focuses on adults who wish to pursue their passion for music after completing high school or university studies.
Location City: $31,825.
Tuition Cost: Toronto, Ontario.
Program Length: 4 years.
Faculty of Music, University of Toronto
The Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto has a very good reputation, especially for its music composition program. It is one of the best music production schools in Canada, and perhaps even North America.
The faculty consists of world-class musicians who perform regularly on stage and as teachers. Their knowledge will help you become a better musician if you work hard enough to understand what they teach you.
Toronto has many great facilities for learning such as theaters where students can perform their masterpieces solo or with large ensembles. There are also smaller venues available where small groups can practice together before performing them publicly later on down the line.
Location City: Toronto, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: Depends on your program of study. The median cost is $35,000.
Program Length: Usually 4 years.
School of Music, University of British Columbia
The School of Music at the University of British Columbia is the first music department in a Canadian university. Thus, this makes it one of the oldest music production schools in Canada.
It offers undergraduate programs in composition, conducting, jazz, music education, and performance; graduate programs in composition and conducting; master’s degrees in music history and theory; a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree; research opportunities for doctoral students; as well as a wide range of student performance groups.
Students can expect to be surrounded by talented peers, and benefit from top-notch facilities such as state-of-the-art recording studios available for student use 24 hours a day.
Location City: Vancouver, British Columbia.
Tuition Cost: $6,493 per semester.
Program Length: 4 years.
Don Wright Faculty of Music, University of Western Ontario
The Don Wright Faculty of Music is another brilliant music production school in Canada. This faculty belongs to the University of Western Ontario and has since been lauded as one of the music production schools in Canada with the best curriculum updated to help students thrive in the music industry.
Location City: London, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $7,855 per term (excluding a bunch of other fees like ancillary fees, health fees, etc.)
Program Length: Varies.
Queen’s School of Music
The Queen’s School of Music is one of the most prestigious schools in Canada, and it has a great reputation for producing some of the best artists in the country.
Queen’s is a very prestigious school with a great location. The faculty at Queen’s is also incredible—many of them have had experience working with big-name artists like Drake, who graduated from this school himself.
Location City: Kingston, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $1,744 – $2,909 per credit hours.
Program Length: Not specified.
Victoria Conservatory of Music
While this school is located in Victoria, BC, it has an international presence with a student body of over 1,000 that hails from 40 countries.
And if you have been reading through this list intently, you may have been worried sick about why we didn’t include VCM yet. Yes, the Victoria Conservatory of Music indeed is one of the oldest, and possibly one of the top music production schools in Canada.
The school offers a variety of courses including music performance and theory as well as music production and audio engineering. Facilities available to students include state-of-the-art recording studios equipped with industry-standard equipment, practice rooms equipped with pianos or electronic keyboards, several lecture theatres that can accommodate large classes, and an ensemble room where students can rehearse ensembles such as orchestras or bands.
Location City: Victoria, British Columbia.
Tuition Cost: $27.50 – $85 based on Fee Groups. Learn more here.
Program Length: Flexible.
School of Music, Acadia University
If you’re interested in pursuing music as a career, Acadia University may also stand a decent chance of being the right school for you.
Located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, this school is home to faculty members who are also active performers. The School of Music offers three programs: Bachelor of Music (BMus), Master of Music (MM), and Artist Diploma (AD). Each one takes four years to complete on a full-time basis.
Location City: Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Tuition Cost: $8,194.
Program Length: 4 years.
Faculty of Media and Creative Arts, Humber College
Humber College is a public college that offers a wide range of programs, including Media and Creative Arts, Music, Fashion, and Design. Faculty members are well-versed in the field of study they teach because they have experience in their careers as well as many years of teaching experience under their belts.
The faculty provides an environment that fosters creative thinking through stimulating discussions with faculty members who are experts in their fields and passionate about what they do. In addition to this, many opportunities for leadership help students realize their potential while working alongside industry professionals on real-world projects.
With its small class sizes, Humber provides personal attention from professors who are committed to facilitating learning experiences for every student who joins them here at Humber College’s Faculty of Media & Creative Arts.
Location City: Etobicoke, Ontario.
Tuition Cost: $11,280.
Program Length: 3 semesters.
Conservatory of Performing Arts, Grant MacEwan University
The Conservatory of Performing Arts at Grant MacEwan University is a world-class facility designed to give you the best possible education in the arts. The university’s programs include a Bachelor of Music, Music Diploma, Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music Diploma, and more. As a student here, you’ll have access to many performance spaces that are equipped with state-of-the-art technology so you can hone your skills while performing on industry-standard equipment.
Location City: Edmonton, Alberta.
Tuition Cost: Around $6,000+ for domestic students (per semester), but significantly higher for international students.
Program Length: 2 years.
Music Department, Brandon University
Choosing the right music production school is very important in determining your future career. The Music Department at Brandon University offers a Bachelor of Music degree with both major and minor programs, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis on musical theatre.
Students will receive hands-on training from faculty members who are experts in their field.
They have performed internationally at various venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and many others.
The program aims to prepare students for a variety of careers in teaching or performance as professional musicians or composers. Additionally, Brandon University is one of the most affordable music production schools in Canada for domestic students. Sadly, the same cannot be said for international students, however. But students will enjoy the low cost of living in the city of Brandon.
Location City: Brandon, Manitoba.
Tuition Cost: $27,244 for international students.
Program Length: 4 years.
Music Department, University of Manitoba
Located in Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba’s music department is one of the largest programs in Canada. The school offers a wide range of degrees and majors, including piano performance and several types of composition (including electroacoustic).
The cost ranges from $6,600 to $18,300 per year depending on whether you live in residence or commute. The facilities include a large concert hall with excellent acoustics that hosts frequent recitals by both students and professional artists. The faculty consists entirely of accredited musicians who teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Location City: Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Tuition Cost: $0.45 per credit hour.
Program Length: 4 years.
Dalhousie University’s Fountain School of Performing Arts
Dalhousie University’s Fountain School of Performing Arts is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s one of the oldest conservatories in Canada and has been around since 1868. The school’s focus is on music composition, but it also offers degrees in performance (instrumental and vocal).
The faculty is made up of classically trained musicians who teach courses on a variety of topics including music theory and history. Students at the school learn about these subjects through lectures as well as hands-on experience through rehearsal sessions with professional performers from across Canada.
Location City: Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Tuition Cost: $7,000 per semester for domestic students, and $14,150 for international students.
Program Length: 4 years.
Faculty of Music, Mount Allison University
The music curriculum at Mount Allison University is designed to create musicians who are equally skilled at performing music and understanding its theoretical underpinnings. Additionally, there is a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies with other disciplines.
Notable alumni of MTA include pianist Andrew Burashko, opera singer Heidi Grant Murphy, baroque violinist Viviane Hagner, Canadian Opera Company solo artists Jessica Rose Paton-Mellor (mezzo), and Matthew Glaetzer (baritone), among many others. Finally, while MTA may not be widely recognized as a top music production school in Canada, it remains a decent option for anyone who wants to learn all about Music Composition.
However, with this school, you have limited study options compared to other music production schools in Canada that we mentioned.
Location City: Sackville, New Brunswick.
Tuition Cost: $19,688 for Canadian students. $27,750 for international students.
Program Length: 4 years.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Music Production in Canada?
The total cost of studying music production in Canada varies depending on the institution, program, and living situation you choose. Costs may include tuition fees, books and supplies, housing, transportation, and other expenses.
You should factor these costs into your budget before deciding on a school or program:
- Tuition fees: If a school has low tuition fees but high room rates, it might not be worth it to stay in residence—especially if you’re working part-time during your studies. You can also consider taking advantage of scholarships offered by some institutions to reduce the price tag of your degree.
Lucky for you, these music production schools in Canada that we have mentioned in our article bear the tuition information of these schools; which will enable you to make decisions faster.
Requirements for Becoming a Music Producer in Canada
Aspiring music producers must have:
- a bachelor’s degree or diploma in music or a related field, such as audio engineering.
- completed a music production program.
- built a portfolio of work.
- considered getting professional certification. This is not always required by employers, but it can be useful if you want to work at the highest levels of the industry (for example, if you’re aiming for a job as an audio engineer at one of Canada’s largest recording studios).
It is also important to build experience in various genres and styles of music; many aspiring producers begin by getting involved with local bands or artists who are interested in creating original material on their terms.
What Skills Do I Need as a Music Producer?
As a music producer, you need to have a fairly broad range of skills. In terms of technical knowledge and expertise, you need to be able to understand how all the pieces fit together and know how everything works: this includes software such as Ableton Live or FL Studio; instruments like synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers, recording equipment like microphones, preamps and compressors, live performance equipment such as mixers, mastering techniques, etc. You also need an understanding of things like copyright laws so that you can avoid legal trouble. This basic knowledge is often taught at university programs in audio engineering but there are also many resources online for learning about these topics independently.
Creative skills are also important for music producers because they’re responsible for coming up with ideas that will make their tracks stand out from other people’s work. This includes brainstorming melodies on piano/keyboard which can then be programmed into the software using MIDI controllers or sampled from other records using samplers. Creative production involves creating virtual instrument patches using synthesis tools such as Sylenth1 or Massive while mixing down tracks according to genre conventions set out by record labels looking for new material.
How Much Do Music Producers Earn in Canada?
The median salary for music producers in Canada is $62,010 per year. However, several factors can impact how much you make as a producer. These include your location, experience, and the type of music you produce. If you want to make a lot more than the average producer salary, it’s important to know which roles will bring in higher paychecks and how much money they typically earn.
Some producers earn over $100k per year by producing top-level platinum albums for major artists like The Weeknd or Drake; while others make below the median wage. The truth is, enough practice, skills, connection, and the right music production schools in Canada are all factors that can give your music career the liftoff it deserves.
What to Consider When Choosing a Music Production School in Canada?
Choosing the right music production school in Canada can be a daunting task. The good news is that no matter which school you choose, your time invested will be well spent. As long as you have the necessary funds and are willing to do what’s required of you, attending any one of these music production schools will dramatically improve your chances of becoming a successful producer.
The biggest difference between music production programs is their focus on either performance or recording. Some schools focus on both aspects equally while others emphasize one over the other.
Wrapping It Up
The best music production schools in Canada should provide students with the guidance they need to build a promising future in the Canadian music industry.
Programs should allow students to create a solid portfolio of work that showcases their abilities, while also providing professional connections and networking opportunities (whether via guest lecturers or a supportive alumni base).
The best school in Canada, overall, will offer students innovative courses, solid training in all areas of music production, and be recognized for producing high-quality graduates. Now that you have shuffled past 30 top music production schools in Canada, the ball is in your court.