i Program Overview
MI’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, MI 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, how to book shows as an independent artist, how to make it as an independent artist, how to work on your own terms without being signed to a record label, and much more.
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. Apply today to get your music career started.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
ARTST-101/201 – Recording Project 1-2
ARTST-107/207 – Songwriting IAP 1-2
ARTST-111/211 – Project Advising 1-2
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’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, MI 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 IAP 1-2
ARTST-111/211 – Project Advising 1-2
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.
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i The MI Difference
i The MI Difference
i Facilities
i Facilities
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 Records
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 Records
Jessica Louise
Singer/Songwriter
i Alumni Success Stories
i Alumni Success Stories
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.
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 ENGINEERING
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.
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.
Ready to Start Your Journey as an Indie Artist?
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!
Can’t make it to Hollywood? You can enroll in our Independent Artist program from anywhere in the world through MI Online!
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.
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.
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.
