Bachelor of Science in Music Production Technology
The Bachelor Of Science In Music Production Technology is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in music production technology. The programme falls under the Arts & Design category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 204,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 816,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 188,700 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Ceramics Designer, at 18 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Music Production Technology, Recording Engineering, Music Production, Sound Design, Audio Technology, Studio Management. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Structures, Cloud Computing, Crop Management. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Recording Engineering, Music Production, Music Production Technology Project, Music Business, Mixing and Mastering. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.
The programme offers specialisations in General Practice, Sound Design, Music Production. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.
Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Music Production Technology pursue careers as Studio Manager, Sound Designer, Recording Engineer, Audio Specialist. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.
What you study
6 subjects- Music Production Technology
- Recording Engineering
- Music Production
- Sound Design
- Audio Technology
- Studio Management
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Music Production Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive overview of music production technology, covering recording industry, studio operations, and career pathways in music production.
Recording Engineering
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of recording techniques including microphone placement, signal flow, recording equipment, and studio recording processes.
Music Production
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of music production skills including arrangement, production techniques, creative direction, and project management in music production.
Sound Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examination of sound design principles including sound synthesis, sampling, sound effects creation, and audio for visual media.
Audio Technology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of audio technology including digital audio workstations, audio software, MIDI, and electronic music production tools.
Mixing and Mastering
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of mixing and mastering skills including balance, EQ, compression, effects processing, and final audio mastering.
Studio Acoustics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of acoustic principles, room acoustics, sound treatment, and acoustic design for recording studios and control rooms.
Live Sound
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Exploration of live sound reinforcement including PA systems, live mixing, front of house engineering, and monitor engineering.
Studio Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of studio business management including client relations, scheduling, equipment maintenance, and studio operations.
Music Business
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Examination of the music industry including copyright, publishing, distribution, and music business fundamentals for producers.
Music Production Technology Laboratory
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical laboratory work where students apply learned skills in recording, mixing, and production through hands-on studio projects.
Music Production Technology Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Capstone project where students conceive, develop, and produce a major music production project demonstrating mastery of production and technical skills.
Specialisations
Music Production
Specialization in music production, arrangement, creative direction, and project management in music production.
Recording Engineering
Focus on recording techniques, microphone placement, signal flow, and studio recording processes for recording engineering careers.
Sound Design
Focus on sound design, sound synthesis, sampling, and audio creation for media and entertainment industries.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct studio work, participate in recording sessions, and engage in production projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Technical focus on music production and recording engineering for careers in the music industry. | Music production can be demanding with long hours in studios and pressure for high-quality output. |
| Growing music industry in Kenya with increasing demand for skilled recording engineers and producers. | Audio technology requires continuous learning of new software, equipment, and production techniques. |
| Studio and laboratory work provide hands-on experience with professional recording equipment and technology. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU B.Music(Technology) 204K/yr (joweri). Kabarak BSc Music Production ~189K/yr (kabarak.ac.ke).
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on musical talent and academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Goethe-Institut Scholarship Programmes
Scholarship
Students and artists in cultural and performing arts
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Music, Music Production, Performing Arts, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply. ABRSM Grade 5 Theory and/or Practical may be accepted. Audition may be required.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Kabarak University.
Including Kabarak University.
Including Kabarak University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsEnd of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written and practical examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of audio theory, technology, and production techniques.
Studio Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of studio skills, recording proficiency, and practical applications through recording projects and production work.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on music production technology topic, demonstrating mastery of technical and production knowledge.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and laboratory exercises throughout the semester evaluating theoretical knowledge and technical skills.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesStudio Manager
Low demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage recording studios, coordinate studio operations, maintain equipment, and oversee studio business and technical management.
Sound Designer
Medium demandKsh 46,000 to Ksh 100,000
Create sound design for media, design audio effects, work with sound synthesis, and support film, television, and game audio production.
Recording Engineer
Medium demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 105,000
Record music in studios, operate recording equipment, manage recording sessions, and ensure high-quality audio capture.
Audio Specialist
Medium demandKsh 44,000 to Ksh 95,000
Work in audio post-production, broadcast audio, live sound, and various audio technology applications across industries.
Music Producer
Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Produce music, guide artistic direction, manage production projects, and oversee the creative and technical aspects of music production.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in music production, sound engineering, and audio technology across Kenya's music industry.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Ceramics DesignerArt and Design18Low exposure
- Theatrical ScenographerArt and Design18Low exposure
- Ceramic Product DesignerArt and Design19Low exposure
- Circular Fashion DesignerArt and Design19Low exposure
- Architectural Model MakerArt and Design20Low exposure
- Exhibition Experience DesignerArt and Design20Low exposure
- Wardrobe Design SpecialistArt and Design20Low exposure
- Furniture Product DesignerArt and Design21Low exposure
Tools you will learn
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
MATLAB
CodePrimary
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
Python
Code
SolidWorks
Design
Microsoft Project
Project management
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Music production is just about pressing buttons
Music production requires deep knowledge of acoustics, signal flow, musical theory, arrangement, and creative decision-making.
Expensive equipment guarantees good recordings
Good recordings depend more on skill, technique, and acoustic treatment than expensive equipment. Knowledge matters more than gear.
Music producers are just technicians
Music producers are creative professionals who guide artistic direction, shape sound, and manage the creative and technical aspects of production.
Digital audio has made everything easy
Digital tools are powerful but require expertise. Music production still demands technical skill, musical knowledge, and experience.
You need to be a musician to be a producer
While musical knowledge helps, successful producers combine technical expertise with understanding of music. Many are not performers.
Music production is only for recording studios
Music production skills apply to live sound, broadcast, film, television, games, and many industries beyond recording studios.