Hey, guess what? You totally don’t need to go to university to study music these days! There are tons of other ways to learn – online stuff, teaching yourself, finding mentors, or joining industry programs. Loads of successful musicians never got fancy degrees – they just made their own learning plans and focused on what they actually wanted to know. The cool thing about this approach is you can zero in on what you’re really into while getting hands-on experience that’s often way better than what you’d get in a classroom. The trick is to balance doing your own thing with connecting to other musicians and getting some professional guidance along the way.
Music education has totally changed, friend! There are so many paths you can take now besides dropping a ton of cash on university. Self-taught musicians are getting more and more respect in the industry, and technology has made it super easy to access quality instruction without the hefty price tag.
You’ve got online courses, workshops, private teachers, community music schools, and intense boot camps to choose from. Each one has its perks – flexibility, personalized learning, practical stuff – things that universities sometimes just don’t deliver on.
Here’s the thing about modern music careers: they care way more about what you can actually do than what fancy piece of paper you have. Most people you’ll work with just want to hear what you can create, not where you studied. That’s why self-directed education is becoming such a viable option!
The internet is absolutely loaded with awesome resources for learning music theory on your own. If you want structured courses, check out Coursera, Udemy, and MasterClass – they’ve got programs taught by real industry pros covering everything from basic notes to complex composition techniques.
YouTube is a goldmine too! Channels like Rick Beato, 12tone, and Adam Neely offer free, super in-depth theory lessons that explain things visually. If you’re more into learning by doing, apps like Teoria, Tenuto, and Music Theory Pro let you practice through fun exercises and games.
Don’t forget about online communities! Places like r/musictheory on Reddit and various Discord servers are great for asking questions and getting feedback from fellow music nerds. And if you’re specifically trying to learn music production, platforms like Splice, Ableton Learning Synths, and Production Music Live have specialized resources focused on modern music-making techniques.
Wanna develop practical music skills on your own? It’s all about consistent practice with a plan, plus real-world application. Set aside some time every day to practice with specific goals in mind – don’t just noodle around aimlessly. Record yourself regularly and be your own critic – what sounds good? What needs work?
Get out there and jam with others! Join local jam sessions, hit up open mics, or find community bands to play with. These situations give you immediate feedback and push you out of your comfort zone. For production skills, challenge yourself with regular projects – like finishing a new track every week – to level up your technical game through actual practice.
Look for chances to perform or share your stuff, whether it’s at local venues, online, or collaborating with other artists. There’s nothing like the pressure of a public performance to make you improve fast! Also, try reverse-engineering songs you love by recreating them yourself – it’s like peeking behind the curtain to see how the pros do it.
Getting a mentor is super important for leveling up both your musical chops and industry know-how. Your local music scene probably has experienced folks who are down to guide new talent – just show up to events, workshops, and music conferences to connect with them naturally.
Lots of established musicians and producers offer private lessons or coaching sessions that focus specifically on what you want to achieve. You can find them on platforms like SoundBetter and AirGigs, which connect you directly with pros offering mentorship.
Industry groups and associations often run mentorship programs that pair newbies with veterans. These relationships usually come with structured development plans. And don’t overlook recording studios – they frequently offer internships or assistant positions where you can learn directly from working professionals in real production environments.
Oh, and don’t forget about learning from your peers! Collaborating with musicians who have different skills than you can turn into awesome learning partnerships that last your whole career.
There are some pretty cool certification programs out there that the industry actually respects, no university required! Berklee Online offers certificate programs in areas like music production, songwriting, and music business – and you get that prestigious Berklee name attached.
Into audio engineering? The Audio Engineering Society (AES) has certifications that show you know your technical stuff. Similarly, Avid’s Pro Tools certification is recognized throughout the recording world.
For those interested in music therapy, the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) offers legit credentials. And if you’re into writing music for film or games, the Film Music Institute certificates show you’ve got those specialized scoring skills.
Most of these programs focus on practical skills and current industry practices – they teach you the exact techniques that are being used professionally right now. They’re an investment, for sure, but typically way cheaper than university degrees and laser-focused on the skills that will actually get you work.
Want to create your own learning plan? It takes some planning and self-discipline, but it’s totally doable! Start by figuring out what you actually want to achieve – is it mastering an instrument? Producing pro-quality tracks? Composing in specific styles? Getting clear on this will guide everything else.
Look up curricula from good music schools to see how the pros structure their teaching. Use these as inspiration to create your personal roadmap, breaking your learning into beginner, intermediate, and advanced stuff.
Make sure you’re balancing theory with practice – for every concept you learn, actually use it when making music! Set measurable goals with deadlines to keep yourself on track, and regularly check in with yourself to find any gaps in your knowledge.
Find ways to hold yourself accountable – study groups, mentors, or just telling people about your goals. Keep track of what you’ve accomplished, celebrate the small wins, but keep your eye on the long game. Remember that a good curriculum evolves as you grow, adapting to new interests and opportunities that pop up along the way.
The most successful self-taught musicians are always looking for ways to level up. To really elevate your game, put together a killer portfolio showcasing your best work – this actual evidence of what you can do often matters way more than formal credentials in the real world.
Network like crazy with other musicians and industry folks – these connections often lead to collaborative learning opportunities and actual gigs. Consider becoming really awesome at something specific – finding a niche where you can develop exceptional skills can help you stand out in a crowded market.
At Wisseloord, we totally get the value of alternative learning paths. Our programs are designed to complement self-directed learning with guidance from people who are actually working in the industry right now. We provide hands-on training focused specifically on career-relevant skills like music production and songwriting, helping bridge the gap between learning on your own and working professionally.
Remember, learning music is a lifelong journey that goes way beyond formal education. With some dedication, smart planning, and the right resources, your DIY approach can lead to musical mastery and an awesome career doing what you love.
Ready to take the next step? Drop us a line and let’s chat about your music journey!