Musician’s Institute
Locations: Los Angeles, CA
Degrees: Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificates
Programs: Audio Engineering, Music Business, Film, Performance (Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, et. al), and others
Tuition Range: $14,000 - $90,000 Depending on Program
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Located in Los Angeles, CA, the Musician’s Institute is billed as a ‘college of contemporary music,’ offering a variety of degreed and non-degreed programs in music performance (i.e., Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Drums, Voice) and non-degreed certificate programs of various lengths for industry-related fields (e.g., Audio Engineering, Music Business). A 6-month certificate program is also offered in Filmmaking.
Due to the wide range of education options, tuition and fees vary significantly according to program and length, ranging from around $14,000 for the cheapest certificate program to nearly $90,000 for a bachelor’s degree. For degree programs, expect to invest about a year and a half for an associate’s degree, and about three years for a bachelor’s.
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Student Reviews
Located in Los Angeles, CA, the Musician’s Institute is billed as a ‘college of contemporary music,’ offering a variety of degreed and non-degreed programs in music performance (i.e., Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Drums, Voice) and non-degreed certificate programs of various lengths for industry-related fields (e.g., Audio Engineering, Music Business). A 6-month certificate program is also offered [...]
Review by Joseph H.
August 2, 2012 2.8I attended Musician’s Institute for the Fall/Spring program, majoring in Audio Engineering. The school is located in Hollywood, CA right on the Hollywood Blvd.
I haven’t graduated just yet, but I will be graduating this quarter in March. It was a 2 quarter program lasting about 22 weeks.
I’m almost at the point where I’ll meet my expectations, but I just haven’t finished the program yet.
I’m still attending the school, but already I have been able to find work so far and I see plenty of more doors opening in the future.
Debt Accrued: $5,001 - $10,000
Review by Azuri M.
June 23, 2012 1.8I am a professional guitar player with my degree in guitar performance from Musicians Institute. I graduated in march of 2011 and now owe thousands in school loans. I wouldn’t change my education for anything; however, I am now managing multiple jobs to just to maintain my debt not even pay it off.
Debt Accrued: $5,001 - $10,000
Found work after graduation? Yes
Review by Kevin K.
February 15, 2012 2.5I learned a lot at Musicians Institute, but not for the amount of money I owe, and they raise prices every semester.
I’ve went on to have small success after I graduated, but it wasn’t the school that helped as much as the network of people. I’ve headlined the ROXY Theatre, The Whisky A Go Go, made high budget, high quality music videos, international radio-play from our debut album, but all I’ve done it spend money, not make it.
I don’t recommend Musicians Institute most of the time, but it depends what you want to do. For some things like Engineering, It’s really good, but learning to play an instrument can be an entire waist of money in my opinion. You can take private lessons from someone for a tenth of the price and still get as much out of it.
I’m not sure if I would do it all over again due to how far in debt I am now
Debt Accrued: Greater than $50,000
Found work after graduation? Yes
Review by Jared S.
January 24, 2012 4MI met every bit of my expectations. It gives you basic training. The rest is all up to you. I am now working for Atlantic Records Studios in Hollywood.
As far as the experience that I had there, I would definitely do it all over again. I loved the teachers and the students that influenced me.
Debt Accrued: $5,001 - $10,000
Found work after graduation? Yes
Review by Johnny L.
January 18, 2012 3.8The Musicians Institute met my expectations even though I’ve found very little work since graduation. It’s a great place to start out at.
Debt Accrued: $5,001 - $10,000
Found work after graduation? No
Review by Bobby A.
January 5, 2012 1I barely graduated from the Musicians Institute. Fortunately, my student debt is only about $3,000 but my best friend and current band mate who moved from Sweden to attend the school but didn’t graduate is in debt $60,000 which he doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to pay
that back.
The Musicians Institute did not meet my expectations and there’s a lot of good reasons
why it didn’t. I definitely would not recommend going there.
Debt Accrued: Less than $5,000
Found work after graduation? No
Review by Rose H.
November 20, 2011 2.8The good news is I graduated with certificates of completion from an audio engineering program and a music business program in March 2008. The not so good news is that I have approximately two thousand dollars in personal student loan debt. My mom also took out loans in her name, which she is not currently paying back. Much of my tuition was paid for by Pell Grants and Cal Grants.
I was quite happy to be fully immersed in a creative setting with like-minded classmates. The instructors are industry professionals with real-world insight into their industries of choice. There were some ways in which the school was disappointing. For instance, MI’s job- placement is wholly non-existant. The constant changes in the school imply a focus on sales and marketing rather than enriching the students.Their relationship with the alumni is lacking. Only time will tell if the school was a good decision in the long term.
Review by Nathan K.
November 10, 2011 3.8I am originally from Phoenix, AZ. I moved to LA by myself the day I graduated high school. I attended school at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. I was in there (BIT) bass guitar program in 05′. I come from a music family, I studied music from a young age. So when I got to MI, I was expecting a world class program. Although MI’s curriculum is challenging, it still doesn’t seem to hold up to a university level or standard. On the other hand, the connections I made at the school sling-shotted my career in a direction I never imagined possible.
While attending school, I rarely needed to practice to keep up with the assignments. A majority of the curriculum is learning how to read music. So if you already know how to read, it’s really slow. But the great part is the connections. The teachers are really cool, and if you can play; they treat you like a colleague rather then a student.
I had so many gig opportunities, I couldn’t keep up with my schedule. I attended school from Dec. 05′ to Dec. 06′ and actually dropped out only a quarter away from graduating. I was given an opportunity to go on a 2 month national tour with a band, great paying gig… I asked my teachers what I should do, they all told me to drop out. “Why keep paying for school when you got paying gigs waiting for you in the real world…” was the response I got from just about every teacher when I asked them what to do. So I left…
When I got back from tour, I was asked to perform on this particular bands next record. We went straight into the studio. I became really good friends with the producer/studio owner while working on that record. I eventually asked for an unpaid internship, I just wanted to learn everything there is to know about production from a recognized producer. That internship lasted a year & lead to a better internship at a bigger studio, that internship turned into a job opportunity as an assistant engineer at an even bigger studio. After climbing the ladder for maybe 3 years, I was chief engineer at one of LA’s biggest recording studio’s by the time I was 22.
I was working with Grammy nominated artists, engineers & producers, working under people I had only been reading about in magazines years before hand. I got my hand in on some good credits & made some decent checks. It didn’t take long before the Hollywood recording studio scene burned me out though. I was sick of working on crappy music I wasn’t into, just for the money. It’s never about the money, it’s always about the music.
So, I decided to start my own studio/record label in 08′. I bought a house in Van Nuys & built a 1500 sq. ft. Recording studio in my guest house. It’s got a control room, live room, two isolation rooms & a bathroom. It’s really nice. My older brother was a contractor and framer back in Arizona for 15 years, he came out to help me design & build the studio. My brother is also a drummer, he always wanted to be a drummer.
So when he came out & saw how well of a living I was making off music, he decided to take out a loan to attend MI’s drum program. He attended from 09′ to 11′ and graduated “Most improved student” in the percussion program. He now lives with me, he gigs as a professional drummer & works side jobs to make ends meet. I have been running my studio steadily for the last few years. I’ve put out 8 records. Two have gone #1 in Jamaica & UK on the reggae charts. My label is known for reggae & island music. I’ve produced music for some of reggae’s biggest stars including Sizzla Kalonji, Junior Reid, Don Carlos, Michigan & Smiley, Lutan Fyah, yellowman, & many many more… I learned how to produce reggae from veteran engineer “Scientist” aka Hopeton Brown, one of the most recognized engineers of all time.
Being a bass player my whole life, I naturally loved reggae music because it is so bass driven. I currently tour with my own 8 piece reggae band, run the recording studio, & most recently; I developed & designed an iPhone app specifically to help musicians book gigs. So, I guess my overall outlook on music schools is this… When it comes to music, a piece of paper saying you graduated from some fancy school doesn’t mean anything. It’s about having a great attitude, being creative, innovative, communicating, getting along with people & being good on your instrument. Most importantly, being driven!! It doesn’t matter where you studied.
Review by Barbara R.
August 13, 2011 1the school overall is a scam. The placement test and level divisions are devised to place as many students in entry level so that you spend more time at the school therefore spending more money . The level of education compared to Berklee, or USC, is very much a joke. Some of the faculty are to blame for not expecting much from their students, but the source comes from the school’s private owners and program leaders (think about it, if MI had higher standards the school would be empty and the owners wouldn’t be making much profit). There ARE faculty who are passionate about what they teach, but again, they are only a handful. It is absolutely NOT worth the cost they are asking for- do yourself a favor and get a private instructor and force yourself to network around town and you’ll end up with a better education, better skill, and money left in your pocket. I’m stuck regretting spending my college savings on this school. Whatever they’re teaching, you can find on youtube
Review by Sonya G.
June 14, 2011 3Some of the unique things that set musicians institute apart from other schools, are mostly its musical development to a wider extents, and those attribute of educational qualities that it possed. it is a place were lofty dreams can be fulfiled; talking about measures in school activities and programs which can exclusively prepare every serious candidate toward acheiving greatness in the future.
Musician institute as it positioned in a very knowledgeable and civlized envirroment is very much remarkable for its socio cultural awareness such as press release, campus tour, open house, blog, links etc. also, other most important things that stand as attractions to the school are the way its studying facilities are classified and faction with modern musical equipments. they will play a vital role in the life of any student who is a paticipant. as music relates to the way and manner in which we live, our perception, the reason why we are called musicians.
Life in musicians campus is specifically an exhibition of moral values which reveals the evidence of spirituality in the life of every individual. the source of all inspiration, the ability to perform music to a wider extents, the ability to explore imaginations and creativities emanates from moral orentation.
all these are some of the unique things about musician institue which differentiat it from other field of study any were else in the globe. the opportunity of getting scholership or admition into programs in the school is very much realistic.
Review by LB
June 13, 2011 1I’m a current student in the Vocal Program and could not be less challenged. The only thing that barely gets me thinking is the sight singing class and even at level 3 it’s not that demanding. I was challenged more when I took some music classes at the local community college. The Head of Department is so focused on sequencing of classes and allows no flexibility for your work schedule, which is a major conflict considering how expensive the school is.
The few good teachers that remain in the department are being pushed out by being offered fewer hours in hopes that they will quit because the students would be outraged if they were fired. Lots of politics in the Vocal Program and the students have to suffer because of it.
I completed the Independent Artist program initially, however, and found this to be most useful and challenging course. Really teaches you to be your own team until you can afford one. Classes in Recording Technique, Logic Software, Songwriting, Entertainment Business and Entertainment Marketing as well as up to 3 sessions of studio time per week. This is the one stop shop programs.
The Music Business Program is also very popular amongst the students.
I have also heard little to no complaints from the other departments. My friends in the other programs seem to be quite challenged and happy with their curriculum.
After this quarter, I will be transferring into another program at MI or perhaps a different school altogether.
Review by Tish P.
May 10, 2011 5MI is a smorgasbord type of of school. You pick and choose what you want to get from it. No one is going to hold your hand. But if you know what you want, it is an excellent place to get an education. Most of the teacher’s are top LA working musicians and you can learn a lot in their Open Counseling rooms. It’s sort of like a semi-private lesson where you can work one-on-one with them. You can learn harmony & theory at any decent music school, but at MI you really learn how to play your instrument well because you get a lot of hand-on time and personal attention from really good teachers. So, if you are creative and you put in the time and effort you can improve your playin 1000%. I definitely did, and I attribute much of my success as a professional guitarist and singer to the education I got at MI.
Review by Gina M.
April 18, 2011 3I completed the 6 month Music Business program back in 2006. I was fascinated with music business and heard there were schools where you could learn more. The program was ok, some of the classes were helpful. Especially the one about contracts and operating your own business. However, the program is geared towards musicians and ways for them to not get screwed. They assumed everyone in the class was a musician. It would have been better if they would have taken on the viewpoint of a non performer. I had to take out a student loan and I’m still trying to pay it off (3.5 years later). The first job I got out of the school was as a ticketing agent in vegas making $12.00 a hour. I could have gotten that job straight out of high school and moved my way up. Nobody has given a shit about my $15,000 certificate. Potential employers have been more impressed by the fact I interned at The Wiltern than the certificate I earned from Musician’s Institute. And I was an usher at The Wiltern, I could have gotten the job on my own. They did let me train as a front office assistant, but that place was all about politics and who you were related to. I would not have ended up at The Wiltern if it wasn’t for Musician’s Institute. And my experience at The Wiltern helped me build a backbone for the live entertainment business.
I am currently working for a company that produces live theatrical shows. Not my career goal, but its giving me experience. I’m still hoping to one day get out of the debt I got into by attending Musician’s Institute. The instructors were nice enough, but some of them just went on and on about how the “good ole days” use to be. The music business has changed drastically and is continuing to change. In today’s world you are lucky to have a job and can’t expect record labels to send you on 1st class trips around the world and shower you with expensive gifts. The instructors spent a lot of time building up their own egos. Most of them weren’t even in the business. Overall was it worth going to musician’s institute? Yes, and I only say that because of the overall good experience I had living in LA. Had I not met cool people, it could have been a disaster.
Review by Penelope C.
April 5, 2011 4.8I am CURRENTLY (as of March 2011) enrolled in the guitar program at MI. I am 26 years old and have been playing the guitar for about 12 years. I moved 3000 miles to attend this school. My opinions are based only on my experience(s)in the Guitar program.
Most of the reviews for this school are polar opposites of each other. Let me start by saying that, YES, it is very easy to get into this school…but you get tested into the program to determine what level you start at. If you are in high school or just beginning to play your instrument, study music theory, know all of your major and minor scales (at least) using the CAGED system, and take private lessons! I had wanted to attend MI for years, but I am actually glad I waited.
Not everyone is going to be a ‘rock star’. However, the things you learn at MI enable you to get to know the guitar MUCH better and provide you with the tools to express yourself and push yourself to become a better musician. If you don’t intend to practice EVERY day, then you aren’t going to get any better. It takes countless hours of repetition to actually begin to USE the materials provided. I have foregone the Hollywood social scene and spend about 5 hours every single night practicing and learning to use what we are studying.
There are a lot of ‘kids’ fresh out of high school in the guitar program. I really had a hard time adjusting to this because I have already gone through college and am over the immaturity that comes along with it. But with focus and dedication and an idea of what kind of musician I want to become, I am getting A LOT out of MI. The program is very fast-paced and I won’t be able to really say I grip everything for a few years, but I now know what it is that I want to focus on and work on for those next few years. I came into MI with little REAL knowledge of scales, arpeggios, or music theory and used to just play my pentatonics and whatever sounded good to me. A lot of people thought I was a solid guitar player. I believe this experience has Already taken my playing to another level. If you are willing to put in the time it takes to get ‘good’ (and believe me, sometimes it’s really discouraging to hear other guitarists who seem way ‘better’ than you practicing in the next room), then I definitely recommend coming to MI. This is the most I have EVER practiced guitar PRODUCTIVELY…
Review by David H.
April 5, 2011 1I wouldn’t recommend this school. It costs too much, and everything you’ll get going for you (if anything) will be from people not connected to the school. Hollywood is a great place to meet good people in the music industry, but there are some f’d up things at this school. I was told that I could continue onto their bachelor program from the associates (I transferred from a school where I was earning a bachelors in music) and at the end, I found that the credits didn’t transfer over except for literally one credit (in the most worthless class no less…). I felt very cheated, and feel that my degree is worthless, and no credits transfer over even to the csu system. I can’t get a minimum wager with this degree,nor can I get a job at guitar center or anywhere else (I think it hurts you when you have to mention this school on a job application). I was advised by this school’s staff against pursuing the genre in which I was offered a deal (didn’t work out, but it’s more than most people get…)… Maybe if I’d kissed butt I could have landed a job at the school like a lot of them did.
Review by Harut Y.
March 16, 2011 1This school is the biggest waste of money I have ever spent. The vocal program is a joke. The IAP program is a joke. The keyboard program is OK if you can actually get motivated to work around other students that can’t even find middle C on the keyboard. The only reason I have any success in the industry is because of the connections I made while prowling Hollywood. If you really want to be a musician, save your money and move to LA and take private lessons. My private class was the only class I got anything out of. I could have spent roughly $40 a week on a private lesson and gotten more out of it. I am about $80k in debt because of this school and it was literally the biggest mistake of my life. I am a smart person and make good decisions, this was one time I made a bad one. The school is filled with people that think they are going to be rockstars, half of them are not even from the country and won’t be able to get a visa to even stay in the country after they graduate… that’s really useful. The equipment this school has is terrible, half of the rooms don’t have working amps and decent PA systems. Don’t be fooled by the glammer of this school. If you have your parents money to waste, by all means go for it. If your paying yourself and REALLY want to study music, invest in a real university and get a REAL education. Go to a school that will teach you at a speed that actually makes you work and not at a rate you get bored and have no motivation to even continue working because your surrounded by people that THINK they can sing or play an instrument when they can’t even play a simple triad on the piano. Imagine American Idol auditions, just imagine them as classmates. Auditions? BS… There are no auditions, that’s why you are surrounded by talentless people. If your self taught and don’t know much about theory, you will be in classes with people that have never played before. This school is a waste of money and a complete JOKE. Been there done that. I’m now signed to a major production deal and have been in a major label band only because of my talent level I came into the school with and because of my networking. Read a book on networking, get private lessons and be confident. Don’t waste your money on MI.
Review by Reese N.
April 15, 2010 5Awesome school. Lots of Auditions. Great People. Nothing but possitive things to say about this school. From what i’ve seen, people who drop out is because they couldn’t handle it. Its Very fast paste, and the ones who do make it through for some reason always have great things to say. The thing is that you can get into the school fairly easy. But its not for the average joe. Its tough.
Review by Clancy F. (source)
November 26, 2009 3I was fortunate enough to attend G.I.T. back in 1985-86. I had already taken two years of college music classes and decided that I was not getting the level of instruction that I required. I was able to take private lessons with a top notch instructor in my area wich helped tremendously, but I wanted to immerse myself in the experience. when I was accepted was one of the proudest days of my life. Being from northern california it was relatively easy for me to relocate to hollywood and begin my schooling in the spring of 85. at first the whole relocation-first time from home thing was hard to get used to but the fact that there was many other students from all over the world made it much easier for all of us. from the very start we were greeted by a staff of impeccable talent that soon had us working hard to achieve our goals. many of us had stars in our eyes and dreams of being big rockstars or being discovered in hollywood wich in retrospect was a bit naive but the magic of hollywood did add to the experience in many ways. since I had taken care of all of my basic musicianship studies in community college I was able to hang out with many of the instructors in their private classes and utilize the live performance workshops to help me hone my onstage abilities. and with the help of many guest artists such as Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Al Dimeola .just to name a few. I was able to take the vast amount of knowledge that I had been given and effectively translate it into my own repertoire. although I did not become a huge star in hollywood I was able to go back home and be an active performer and educator wich I am proud to still be to this day. I definately recomend this experience to all who wish to pursue the guitar as a way of life!
Review by Gavin A.
July 1, 2007 5The best school of the world for MUSICIANS If you really have decided that you are a MUSICIAN, and you need to learn how to make the energy within going out to express yourself, this is the place. If you feel that you are an artist and you need to be coached, come here, this is the Musicians Institute, your institute.
Review by Chris R.
May 6, 2007 2Almost all the successful musicians I know working in L.A. and going on tours are Berklee grads. In “the real world”, MI is not taken too seriously. There seems too be some stereotypes (I don’t necessarily agree with the stereotypes) about what kind of players come out of MI, so in mentioning you went there it can actually work against you.