MI ONLINE

ONLINE INDEPENDENT ARTIST

Certificate / MI Select

Online Independent Artist Program

i Program Overview

MI Online’s Independent Artist Program provides the technical knowledge and professional skills you need to survive as an independent recording and performing artist in today’s music world. Experienced instructors guide you through the complete creative process from songwriting, arranging, recording and production to marketing and promotion.
Use your personal laptop audio workstation to record and mix live vocals, instruments, samples and loops into finished tracks, then showcase them on your self-designed website. Whether you are a singer, DJ, producer, rapper or instrumentalist, MIO prepares you to take control of your future.
Our program covers everything from songwriting and recording to marketing and promotion, ensuring that you have the skills needed to succeed in today’s music industry. You’ll learn how to release music as an independent artist and how to work on your own terms without being signed to a record label.
Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, DJ, producer, rapper or instrumentalist, MI’s Independent Artist Program is the perfect platform for artists who want to pursue their dreams and thrive in the music industry.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

 

ARTST-101/201 – Recording Project 1-2

ARTST-107/207 – Songwriting for IAP 1&2

ARTST-111/211 – Project Advising 1-2

> VIEW COURSE CATALOG

DEGREE BY THE NUMBERS

 

From 10 weeks to 6 months, there’s an option for you!

CERTIFICATE – 2 Quarters

MI SELECT (Individual Courses) – 10 Weeks

i Program Overview

MI Online’s Independent Artist Program provides the technical knowledge and professional skills you need to survive as an independent recording and performing artist in today’s music world. Experienced instructors guide you through the complete creative process from songwriting, arranging, recording and production to marketing and promotion.

Use your personal laptop audio workstation to record and mix live vocals, instruments, samples and loops into finished tracks, then showcase them on your self-designed website. Whether you are a singer, DJ, producer, rapper or instrumentalist, MIO prepares you to take control of your future.

Our program covers everything from songwriting and recording to marketing and promotion, ensuring that you have the skills needed to succeed in today’s music industry. You’ll learn how to release music as an independent artist and how to work on your own terms without being signed to a record label.

Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, DJ, producer, rapper or instrumentalist, MI’s Independent Artist Program is the perfect platform for artists who want to pursue their dreams and thrive in the music industry.

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

 

ARTST-101/201 – Recording Project 1-2

ARTST-107/207 – Songwriting for IAP 1&2

ARTST-111/211 – Project Advising 1-2

> VIEW COURSE CATALOG

 

 

DEGREE BY THE NUMBERS

 

From 10 weeks to 6 months, there’s an option for you!

CERTIFICATE – 2 Quarters

MI SELECT (Individual Courses) – 10 Weeks

TURN YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC INTO A CAREER

Enter your info below for program options, scholarships, and next steps, or call us at 800-255-7529.

Lead Gen 2019 - Horizontal with Program

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i The MI Difference

i The MI Difference

IAP Production Advising
The MIO IAP program offers unlimited weekly one-on-one sessions with a variety of expert instructors, to help you make each of the elements of your project the best they can be. The IAP Final Project is designed not just to demonstrate your mastery of the courses in the program—but to give you something to take out into the world and begin your career.
FULLY IMMERSIVE CURRICULUM
IAP students will develop their artist identity, online presence and visual brand, and execute a plan for promoting themselves as an artist. They also record and produce their own music in industry-standard DAW software (Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, or Ableton Live) with guidance from experts every step of the way
Learning Community From Anywhere
MI Online students will receive MI’s unique and innovative curriculum taught in an online environment that is designed to be flexible and engaging, and allows students to study, practice, and learn while managing their work and family obligations.
Tuition Savings
MIO tuition is 18% cheaper than our on-campus tuition, as the online students do not have access to our Hollywood facilities. Students also save because they will not incur any relocation costs, which means more flexibility and cost savings to work from and build their own home studio.
Partnerships
As an MIO student, you become part of a global network of arts, entertainment and educational companies. These partnerships and affiliates can offer students direct access to the music industry and help with their careers after graduation, including but not limited to internships, job placements, gear discounts, and more. Check out our ARTIST & CAREER SERVICES page for more.
IAP Production Advising
The MIO IAP program offers unlimited weekly one-on-one sessions with a variety of expert instructors, to help you make each of the elements of your project the best they can be. The IAP Final Project is designed not just to demonstrate your mastery of the courses in the program—but to give you something to take out into the world and begin your career.
Fully Immersive Curriculum
IAP students will be taught by industry experienced instructors in our working studios, where they’ll gain practical experience on professional-level consoles and recording equipment. Some highlights include:

  • Develop your artist identity, online presence and visual brand, and execute a plan for promoting yourself as an artist
  • Record and produce your own music in industry-standard DAW software (Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, or Ableton Live) with guidance from experts every step of the way
  • Develop your musicianship and artistic voice and write high-quality, professional-level music with intensive training in songwriting and music theory tailored for producers & songwriters
Learning Community from Anywhere
MI Online students will receive MI’s unique and innovative curriculum taught in an online environment that is designed to be flexible and engaging, and allows students to study, practice, and learn while managing their work and family obligations.

We understand that it is important and beneficial for MIO students to feel like they are part of a learning community. The MIO learning methodology includes students taking part in discussions with their peers each week and critiquing the classmate’s performance. Additionally, students may be placed in groups to collaborate on group projects.

Tuition Savings
MIO tuition is 18% cheaper than our on-campus tuition, as the online students do not have access to our Hollywood facilities. Students also save because they will not incur any relocation costs, which means more flexibility and cost savings to work from and build their own home studio.
Partnerships
As an MIO student, you become part of a global network of arts, entertainment and educational companies. These partnerships and affiliates can offer students direct access to the music industry and help with their careers after graduation, including but not limited to internships, job placements, gear discounts, and more.

For a full list of our industry partnerships, please visit our ARTIST & CAREER SERVICES page.

i Faculty

Musicians Institute hosts a highly skilled faculty with extensive experience in the world of contemporary music.

i Faculty

Musicians Institute hosts a highly skilled faculty with extensive experience in the world of contemporary music.

Mark "Blakkat" Bell
Chaka Khan / New Order / Jamiroquai / A Tribe Called Quest / Paul Oakenfold
Eric Corne
John Mayall / Glen Campbell / Kim Deal (The Pixies) / Lucinda Williams / Walter Trout / Joe Bonamassa
Lauren Pardini
Vocal coach & songwriter on Columbia / Island/Def Jam / Aftermath / Sony/Epic / Atlantic and Universal Records & Jimmy Kimmel Show
Jessica Louise
Singer/Songwriter

Mark "Blakkat" Bell

Chaka Khan / New Order / Jamiroquai / A Tribe Called Quest / Paul Oakenfold

Eric Corne

John Mayall / Glen Campbell / Kim Deal (The Pixies) / Lucinda Williams / Walter Trout / Joe Bonamassa

Lauren Pardini

Vocal coach & songwriter on Columbia / Island/Def Jam / Aftermath / Sony/Epic / Atlantic and Universal Records & Jimmy Kimmel Show

Jessica Louise

Singer/Songwriter

i Alumni Success Stories

i Alumni Success Stories

Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco

BASS PROGRAM

“The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered.”

READ BRUNO'S STORY

Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco

BASS PROGRAM

“The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered.”

READ KING MALA'S STORY

Derek Keota / Best Engineered Album Grammy Nomination

AUDIO ENGINEERIG PROGRAM

“To say MI has been a life-changing experience would be an understatement.”

READ DEVIN'S STORY

BRUNO PARNELL /

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, MTV’s Are You The One?

INDEPENDENT ARTIST PROGRAM

“Truly taking advantage of the facilities at MI that are available 24/7 and the amazing instructors is up to the individual student…You get what you put into your time there.”

READ BRUNO'S STORY

KING MALA /

Singer/Songwriter

INDEPENDENT ARTIST PROGRAM

“My greatest piece of advice for students starting out would be to say ‘Yes!’ Say yes to every opportunity, every inspiration.”

READ KING MALA'S STORY

DEVIN MOSES / 

Rapper/Songwriter

INDEPENDENT ARTIST PROGRAM

“MI was the first place I ever truly fit in, where I felt inspired by the instructors and fellow students”

READ DEVIN'S STORY

International Students

International students make up nearly one-fourth of MI’s total student population, representing more than 50 countries throughout the world. The International Student Office is dedicated to making the transition from each student’s home country to MI’s Hollywood campus as smooth and easy as possible.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES

i CAREER OPTIONS

i CAREER OPTIONS

“What can I do with a degree in Independent Artist Program?”

Following in the non-traditional spirit of MI, graduates with a certificate in the independent artist program have found careers in diverse settings across the music industry. We strive to prepare graduates for mastery in any opportunities that arise in electronic music, like:

> MUSIC PRODUCER

A music producer writes, arranges and produces music for other musicians (including vocalists, bands, etc)

> SOUND DESIGNER

A sound designer is a technical/creative artist who composes, edits, and controls audio in various interactive media. Some examples of sound design work include designing synth patches, sample packs, ambiance and foley sounds.

> RECORDING ARTIST & PERFORMER

As a recording artist and performer, you produce and release music you composed.

> REMIX ARTIST

Remix artists find their expertise in altering and remixing pre-existing audio into a new original piece of music. Remixes can be created of original songs to better fit different formats (radio, club, genre).

> AUDIO ENGINEER

An audio engineer (also known as a sound engineer or recording engineer) produces a recording or a live performance. They specialize in the technical aspects of recording live audio, such as mixing, post-production and mastering.

“What can I do with a degree in Independent Artist Program?”

Following in the non-traditional spirit of MI, graduates with a certificate in the independent artist program have found careers in diverse settings across the music industry. We strive to prepare graduates for mastery in any opportunities that arise in electronic music, like:

> MUSIC PRODUCER

A music producer writes, arranges and produces music for other musicians (including vocalists, bands, etc)

> SOUND DESIGNER

A sound designer is a technical/creative artist who composes, edits, and controls audio in various interactive media. Some examples of sound design work include designing synth patches, sample packs, ambiance and foley sounds.

> RECORDING ARTIST & PERFORMER

As a recording artist and performer, you produce and release music you composed.

> REMIX ARTIST

Remix artists find their expertise in altering and remixing pre-existing audio into a new original piece of music. Remixes can be created of original songs to better fit different formats (radio, club, genre).

> AUDIO ENGINEER

An audio engineer (also known as a sound engineer or recording engineer) produces a recording or a live performance. They specialize in the technical aspects of recording live audio, such as mixing, post-production and mastering.

i CAREER development

i CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Artist & Career Services

Artist & Career Services (ACS) is an extensive resource center designed to offer students and alumni active professional & personal development to succeed in today’s competitive entertainment industry.

ACS provides help in career development like resume building, workshops, industry mentors, discounted gear, internships and more.

INTERNSHIPS

The ACS Internship Program provides MI students with real-world experience in the music industry through internships in music-related companies. Students in the Music Business Program are required to complete an internship, while Common Course and Audio Engineering majors are able to sign up to be interviewed and considered for the elective program.

ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER

INTERNSHIPS

The ACS Internship Program provides MI students with real-world experience in the music industry through internships in music-related companies. Students in the Music Business Program are required to complete an internship, while Common Course and Audio Engineering majors are able to sign up to be interviewed and considered for the elective program.

i SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID

i FINANCIAL AID

Don’t let finances get in the way of your dreams! MI has a range of scholarships and financial aid options available for incoming students of all kinds. Scholarships available to IAP students include:
>

MI DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Musicians Institute offers the MI Development Scholarship to newly enrolling students in order to encourage the educational development of musicians and music industry professionals.

>

INTERNATIONAL MUSICIANS MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

Musicians Institute has created the International Musicians Merit Scholarship specifically to assist advanced musicians from outside the United States with their educational development.

EXPLORE TUITION ASSISTANCE

Ready to start your Independent Artist journey?

Ready to start your Independent Artist journey?

The first step in applying to our on-ground or online program is to complete an Application for Admission, and get started with the best music college!

The first step in applying to our on-ground or online program is to complete an Application for Admission, and get started with the best music college!

APPLY NOW
MI Online logo
Want to study in Hollywood? You can enroll in our on-campus Independent Artist program in the heart of the music industry!
STUDY IN HOLLYWOOD

i UPCOMING EVENTS

i upcoming events

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)

 

Find out for yourself why thousands of musicians from all over the world have made MI the launching pad for their careers.

LEARN MORE

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION

Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)

 

You’ll learn about everything from an overview of the financial aid process, to key documents you’ll encounter, and different funding sources that can help you manage costs.

LEARN MORE

ON CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)

 

Find out for yourself why thousands of musicians from all over the world have made MI the launching pad for their careers.

LEARN MORE

Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco

BASS PROGRAM

"The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered."

LEARN MORE

Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco

BASS PROGRAM

"The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered."

LEARN MORE

Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco

BASS PROGRAM

"The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered."

LEARN MORE

Nicole Row / Panic! At the Disco

BASS PROGRAM

"The most important thing I took from MI was what you do with what you’re given. I tried my best to absorb everything I heard, and took every gig I was offered."

LEARN MORE

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