Business Details
49 Years
experience
Contemporary Music Education in Hollywood, CA
Founded in 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) is a College of Contemporary Music built on the idea that musicians should teach and learn from other musicians in a creative, supportive environment. Our mission is to inspire artistic and academic excellence while preparing students for careers in the music and entertainment industry. We offer cutting-edge educational programs that provide the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary for musicians and creative professionals to achieve their goals. With over four decades of experience, MI develops diverse talent through hands-on instruction from working industry professionals. Our Hollywood campus provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including recording studios, performance venues, and production labs.MI Online extends our acclaimed curriculum globally, offering flexible degree options for aspiring musicians. Our graduates benefit from direct industry connections through internships, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. We maintain institutional accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music since 1981. Our faculty includes Grammy-winning artists and industry veterans who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. MI's unique approach combines traditional music education with contemporary industry practices to create career-ready professionals.
Services
Music Performance
Audio Engineering
Music Business
Songwriting
Live Event Production
Online Music Degrees
Guitar Craft
Summer Music Programs
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- Faculty includes Grammy-winning artists and industry veterans
- Hollywood location provides direct access to music industry opportunities
- State-of-the-art recording studios and performance venues
- Flexible learning options with MI Online programs
- 45+ years of specialized music education expertise
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Schools of Music
- Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
What people say
Industry connections
Experienced faculty
Career success
Hands-on training
Networking opportunities
Services
Music Performance
Our Music Performance programs combine contemporary music training with traditional disciplines. Students receive weekly private lessons and participate in live performance workshops. The curriculum covers five major instruments with options for associate, bachelor, and master's degrees. Faculty include working professionals with extensive industry experience.
Audio Engineering
This program prepares students for careers in professional recording studios and production environments. Students train on state-of-the-art equipment including SSL and API consoles. The curriculum covers studio recording, mixing, and mastering techniques for both on-campus and online learners.
Music Business
Designed to develop music business professionals, this program covers marketing, royalties, and industry law. Students learn about artist management and entertainment law through practical case studies. The program includes internship opportunities with music labels and management companies.
Online Music Degrees
MI Online offers flexible degree options with 18% lower tuition than on-campus programs. Students access live and recorded classes through Zoom, with options for associate, bachelor, and certificate programs. The platform includes peer collaboration and industry networking opportunities.
Summer Music Programs
Summer Shot provides immersive music education for ages 12+. Students work with award-winning instructors in performance and production programs. The week-long program offers hands-on experience in recording studios and live performance venues in Hollywood.
People
Howard Roberts
Founder
Renowned jazz guitarist and educator who founded the Guitar Institute of Technology in 1977. His innovative teaching methods revolutionized contemporary music education and established MI's foundational philosophy.
Pat Hicks
Co-Founder
Music industry entrepreneur who transformed Howard Roberts' educational vision into a functioning institution. Expanded MI's programs to include multiple institutes and established the campus in Hollywood.
Questions
What music programs does Musicians Institute offer?
MI offers programs in music performance, audio engineering, music business, songwriting, live event production, and guitar craft. Degree options include certificates, associate, bachelor, and master's degrees.
Are there online music education options available?
Yes, MI Online provides flexible degree programs with 18% lower tuition than on-campus. Options include associate, bachelor, and certificate programs in music performance and production.
How does MI help students find music industry jobs?
Our Artist & Career Services department offers resume building, industry mentorship, internship programs, and networking events with music professionals and companies.
What financial aid options exist for music students?
MI offers scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans. The International Musicians Merit Scholarship and MI Development Scholarship help reduce educational costs for qualified students.
Can I visit the Hollywood campus before applying?
Yes, we offer weekly campus tours, on-campus open houses, and virtual open house events throughout the year for prospective students to experience our facilities.
What makes MI different from other music schools?
MI's unique combination of industry-experienced faculty, Hollywood location, and hands-on training with professional equipment creates unparalleled opportunities for music career development.
Reviews (5)
Mj C.
Jan 21, 2022
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KEEP ALL RECEIPTS AND EMAILS from this school! My son went here two years ago as a teenager for the summer program and another workshop. Almost two years later, he gets an email that he owes them money. I called and they said I never paid even though payment was required before attending anything there. I was told the one workshop cost $997 and I had only paid $299 (a deposit). Good thing I had proof in an email that stated the workshop only cost $299 total. Almost two years later they were trying to collect a total of $997 from my son (not me) for a workshop that only cost $299. The workshops
Stina W.
Jul 09, 2021
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This school is a scam. As mentioned before everyone is accepted. Also, this school is not accredited. If you get any type of degree here, your credits are not transferable to any other school in California. It's literally a waste of time. If you want to continue your education somewhere else, you literally have to start from scratch. Don't waste your time or money going here. This place should be shut down.
Ian J.
Jun 16, 2021
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It's unfortunate the school is pretty horrible. I paid off all of my student loans. And the last six years I've had horrible credit. I always thought it was because I never had a credit card. But it turns out it's because financial aid has claimed that I have not paid. They still won't return my calls after leaving numerous messages and it's impossible to get a hold of them. On top of that I have been called stupid by an instructors/ teachers (Francis Buckley) on Facebook for not believing in there leftist liberal views (very unprofessional). Anyways don't waste
Jackwind D.
Apr 21, 2021
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To everyone thinks that MI will land you a JOB or Career , yes or no.
it all depends on you not school.
i graduated back in 2003 for GIT.
just so you know MI credits most likely would not be honor at any other institutions. your skills are the key for any advance placements at higher education journey.
2 stars is for MI not for Teachers at MI, all teacher and instructor at MI
are TOP NOTCH! Best experienced i had at the times of my music studies
but something you should know.. when i decided to go back for some other degree at Musicians Institute. guess what.. all my years learning and credits
it all depends on you not school.
i graduated back in 2003 for GIT.
just so you know MI credits most likely would not be honor at any other institutions. your skills are the key for any advance placements at higher education journey.
2 stars is for MI not for Teachers at MI, all teacher and instructor at MI
are TOP NOTCH! Best experienced i had at the times of my music studies
but something you should know.. when i decided to go back for some other degree at Musicians Institute. guess what.. all my years learning and credits
Jimbo Jumbo
Mar 27, 2021
Report
I attended GIT from March '88 - March '89, and it was the greatest single year of my life! It was challenging, but very rewarding. I would give anything to go back in time and do it again!