Recording Arts / Music Industry School in San Francisco CA

College of Extended Learning at San Francisco State University:
Conveniently located at the corner of Market and Powell in downtown San Francisco, The College of Extended Learning at San Francisco State University provides a variety of music business and recording industry classes which are open to everyone. You can select any class that interests you, or follow our Music/Recording Industry (MRI) academic certificate program. Our downtown campus is directly on the Powell Street BART and Muni lines, and close to affordable parking.

"I have learned so much from the MRI program. It has been worth the time and money. I have especially loved the independent label class. It has given me real-world experience that I can take with me when looking for work in the music industry. I mean, my name was mentioned in Billboard Magazine because of this class and the MRI program."
- Eugene Smith, MRI student

"I really got a lot out of this course - especially what a 'sellable' song is versus a song written for myself, my friends, or a smaller audience. I learned a lot about improving my songwriting."
- Student, MRI 336, Art & Business of Songwriting

Career Opportunities:
MRI faculty are bay area professionals with expertise in the music and recording industry, and up-to-the-minute information on what you need to get a job. Typical career paths of our students include: musician, engineer, producer, manager or agent, songwriter, and publisher.

Designed for students who want to gain a solid foundation in the music business and/or recording industry, this program offers a comprehensive education in all aspects of the music business. Students choose an emphasis on either the recording arts/technology or the music business, which enables them to acquire real marketable skills to compete successfully in a fiercely intense environment.

All certificate students are required to complete a professional internship as well as a portfolio of projects such as audio engineering demos or music business and marketing plans. In addition, students can select from a number of electives and seminars for the most comprehensive music industry education in the San Francisco Bay Area. Coursework in the program may be applied toward the certificate, or individual classes may be taken to learn or update skills.

Course Duration:
The program can be completed in as few as two semesters; however, most students take four semesters, or two years. Evening classes are also available.