Determine your budget and timeline. The most reputable programs can cost anywhere from $500 to $91,000 as of 2011 but vary widely in quality, duration and content. If you need financial aid, a few programs such as Berklee Online, Full Sail, and the Art Institute of California offer assistance or payment plans.
Set your professional goals by writing them down. Review a short list of schools and compare the topics covered by each program to determine if they will meet your needs. To earn a true living in music production or recording, you will need to learn more than just software programs. Look for topics in fundamentals such as music theory, critical listening and sound design.
Determine the requirements for the courses you are evaluating and if you will need to rent or purchase special software or hardware that is not provided by the school. Locate local shops or dealers in advance that carry or rent out musical equipment and work the associated costs into your budget.
Choose a school and apply. If you are only looking to learn Pro Tools or other production software for personal or amateur use, a non-certified and low-cost program such as the ones offered by Berklee Online, Recording Connection or Recording Workshop may be all you need. For serious pursuit of a professional career as a recording engineer, producer or score composer, online certified courses at most colleges are the best choice. Accredited schools focused on music production that also offer certification and industry-experienced instructors include Full Sail, the Arts Institute, Audio Institute of America and IPR.
Make time to attend all live sessions and complete your coursework. Use any tools the school makes available to you that will help keep you on track. There is rarely real-time interaction with your instructor with an online school, so take advantage of forums or chat rooms geared toward your course or other music students for input and support.