When the Guitar Institute of Technology opened its doors in
Hollywood in 1977, it was the right place and time for a great
new idea in music education: a focused, intense, hands-on
contemporary program designed and taught by working professional
musicians and located in the center of the music industry.
What began as a guitar school has since expanded to become
Musicians Institute, a complete array of instrument, vocal,
recording, music business and guitar-building programs in one of
the world's foremost teaching, performing and recording
facilities. MI has evolved tremendously over the years, but our
mission remains the same.
If your goal is to be a professional working guitar, bass,
keyboard, percussion player or singer, the MI's Associate of
Arts-Occupational Degree program is designed for you. This
eighteen-month (six-quarter) program is designed for musicians
who want to give their playing/singing professional polish and
versatility. The associate program emphasizes the upper-level
techniques, musicianship, performing experience and music
industry career skills that musicians need in order to compete as
working players. At the same time, the associate program provides
the ideal opportunity to spread your wings creatively, both
expanding your musical range and going deeper into the heart of
the playing that inspires you.
Students may also earn an associate's degree that combines
instrument or vocal performance with other areas of concentration
including audio engineering, original music production, music
business, music video/film production, and guitar design,
construction and maintenance. Speak with an MI admissions
representative for details (Note: MI's AA degrees are
terminal-vocational; speak to an admissions representative for
details on how to transfer from an AA to MI's Bachelor of Music
degree).
Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles)
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MI's Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles) is a
unique professional music degree designed for the contemporary
performing musician. Combining MI's world-renowned
performance-based instrument training with a broad-based college
music education, the Bachelor of Music degree prepares
guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists and vocalists for
rewarding careers in the contemporary music industry. Bachelor
students combine an intensive program in contemporary
performance, musicianship and other professional studies with
general education courses that develop cultural literacy and
critical thinking. Challenging juried performance requirements
set a high standard for student dedication and accomplishment.
Bachelor's degree students may also combine their performance
major with intensive additional concentrations in audio
production and music industry studies for an exceptionally broad
professional music education.
Certificate in Performance (Bass, Guitar, Keyboard Technology,
Percussion, Voice)
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The performance certificate program provides a broad foundation
in technical skills, musicianship and performing experience
designed to help you reach your highest potential. This one-year
(four quarter) program, created by musicians for musicians,
immerses you in MI's unique, hands-on, performance-intensive
contemporary music environment. The combination of classes in
technique and musicianship, live playing workshops, private
lessons, electives, and open counseling conducted by expert
instructor/performers along with regular seminars and clinics by
some of the world's greatest musicians combine to take your music
to places you never thought possible.
Certificate in Recording Artist
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The traditional rules of the music business have been turned
upside down, and now more than at any time in history artists
have the power to control the creation and distribution of their
work. Whether you play an instrument, sing, or are a DJ, producer
or rapper, the 6-month (two quarter) recording artist program
trains you to bring your musical vision to life and present it to
the world. During the program you will:
- Working on your personal laptop studio loaded with the latest
digital audio recording and processing software, learn to manage
the complete creative recording process from songwriting,
arranging, recording and production to promotion and distribution
- Produce finished tracks combining live vocals and instruments
with samples and loops, then display them on your custom-built
website
- Take a weekly private lesson on the instrument of your choice
as well as access to MI's wide range of elective classes,
workshops and seminars
Certificate in Audio Engineering
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The Recording Institute of Technology prepares graduates for
successful careers in the professional recording industry by
combining practical education in all of the essential technical
aspects of recording with hands-on experience in MI's
state-of-the-art studios. MI's unique all-music environment means
you learn to record and produce music while working with live
musicians, not just pre-recorded tracks. During the 6-month (two
quarter) Certificate in Audio Engineering program, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience on top-of-the-line SSL, Neve, and
Digidesign consoles
- Learn to record, edit, produce and mix using
industry-standard Pro Tools
- Learn to manage every aspect of the engineering process from
studio to live to post
- Choose from day and night schedules with quarterly starts
Certificate in Music Business
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MI's 6-month (two quarter) Music Business Certificate program
provides hands-on training for a business career in the
contemporary music industry. As an MBP student, you will:
- Learn from successful industry professionals in the music
industry capital of the world
- Form a virtual record company where you choose, promote and
distribute CDs by actual independent artists
- Gain direct experience in the inner workings of the industry
through a guaranteed internship
- Learn both traditional and independent record company
business tactics that prepare you for the constantly changing
music industry
Certificate in Guitar Craft
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The Guitar Craft Academy offers comprehensive training in
electric guitar and bass design, construction and maintenance.
During the 6-month (two quarter) certificate program, you learn
your craft from experienced professionals under real-world
conditions.
- Design and build your personal instrument using the same
methods, tools and equipment found in custom guitar shops and
factories around the world
- Experience all facets of design and fabrication from
woodworking, fretwork, electronics and finishing to final
assembly and setup
- Work under experienced luthiers who provide you with
first-hand advice on the professional demands of instrument
manufacturing and repair
- Take a weekly one-hour private lesson on your instrument from
an MI instructor
Certificate in Music Video, Film and Television Production
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The 6-month/two-quarter Film Institute of Technology program
trains you in the complete process of music video directing,
producing and editing. Program features include:
- Lectures and hands-on workshops in directing, producing,
cinematography, editing, career strategies and more
- Every student completes a broadcast-quality music video or
commercial shot on film or HD and mastered in high definition
- Small classes and labs designed and taught by Award-winning
professionals
- Evening classes, flexible production and editing schedules