Master the Skills You Need to Succeed as an Audio Engineer, Songwriter and Music Business Professional
Get the skills, experience and confidence it takes to pursue or advance a rewarding career in the music industry – without spending years in school.
THE DARK HORSE DIFFERENCE
HANDS-ON – At DHI, the studio is your classroom. From day one you’ll learn in professional-grade studios on industry-standard equipment.
EFFICIENT – Get the practical skills you need to build a profession in the music industry in as little as 15-weeks.
AFFORDABLE – We keep tuition costs to the absolute minimum so you’re not saddled with crushing student loan debt. Plus, as a DHI grad you can get 6-months of FREE studio time after you graduate.
CAREER FOCUSED – You’ll leave your program with a professional portfolio, networking contacts and the support of dedicated Career Services professionals in the music industry.
Next Start Date is JULY 6TH, 2026!
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You Bring the Passion - We’ll Take It From There
AUDIO ENGINEERING
Our Audio Engineering Program is a 20-week, 500-hour program divided into eight courses, including two real-world recording projects where you’ll record, mix and master 2 EPs with professional working bands.
COMMERCIAL & SONGWRITING
The Commercial & Songwriting Program is a 15-week, 375-hour course. In this program, you’ll study with instructors who are veterans in the industry while collaborating with other like-minded, creative students.
MUSIC BUSINESS
The Music Business Program is a 15-week, 375-hour program divided into 12 courses plus practicum. You’ll get real-world experience working as Artist Managers, Booking Agents, Record Label Executives and Music Publishers.
ADVANCED MIXING ONLINE
Our Advanced Mixing Online course is a 20-week certificate program. Using real-world scenarios, it is built with a hands-on, full-immersion approach to learning — blending flexibility with mentorship.
MUSIC BUSINESS ONLINE
The Music Business Online program is a 20-week, 300 hour program which blends flexibility and face-to-face learning. Using a combination of pre-recorded lessons, hands-on projects, and twice a week live Zoom classes, you will get real-world experience in the Music Business without missing any of the mentorship opportunities.
MORE Than a School
The Dark Horse umbrella encompasses our school, Dark Horse Institute, but also our world-renowned professional recording studio. As a student at DHI, you’re surrounded by the exciting creativity and collaboration of a working studio.
Some of the biggest names in music trust Dark Horse to help bring their recording projects to life. Over the past 30 years, we’ve celebrated over 65 gold and platinum albums recorded at Dark Horse and we look forward to many more. This is the environment you’re immersed in and the legacy you’re a part of as a Dark Horse student.
Foster Your Own Music
All Dark Horse students also have the opportunity to record their own music at the school without additional hourly rates, rental fees or long wait lists. Every Dark Horse Institute student gets virtually unlimited access to our labs, classrooms and four state-of-the-art recording studios. Plus, as an Alumni, from the time you graduate you get 6-months of FREE studio time on campus or at Dark Horse Recording.
Music City - The Place to Be
With our location just outside Nashville, TN, at DHI you’re truly in the heart of the action. In this location you have constant access to incredible, world-class music venues not to mention a thriving community of artists. You can dramatically stack the deck in your favor by grounding yourself in the epicentre of the music industry.
SEE WHAT OUR GRADUATES ARE SAYING
“Taking the Audio Engineering course has provided me with real life experience and hands on learning that has made me confident as an engineer. Staff and instructors are extremely well-versed in the music industry and are unbelievably kind and helpful.”
Anthony Maisano
“After taking all three programs I truly appreciate my experience at Dark Horse Institute. The Music Business, Audio Engineering and Songwriting classes gave me the confidence to pursue my artistry. They taught me how music industry really works. My teachers were amazing.”
Emma Greene
“I’ve gone through all three programs at Dark Horse and made some great connections along the way! The atmosphere is inspiring, and they allow you to come in and use their studios at the school for free. It’s incredible!”
Ryan Alexander
You'll find our AUDIO ENGINEERING & MUSIC BUSINESS GRADUATES working with some of the most celebrated artists in the world.
Are You Music Career Training Ready? Find Out!
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Interested in More Than 1 Program? Not Sure Where to Start? No Problem!
If you’re ready to build an exciting career in the music industry but not sure where you want to focus your effort – you’re not alone. Most students who come to Dark Horse Institute are interested in more than one aspect of the industry. In fact, around 80% of DHI students ultimately take all three programs – Audio Engineering, Music Business and Commercial Songwriting.
As a graduate of one of these three programs, you are eligible for significant tuition discounts on subsequent programs.
Learn how to create, record, produce and market your music.
Get Immersed in a Creative, Collaborative Community
Whether you choose to focus on one area of study or pursue multiple programs, at DHI you’ll have the opportunity to create connections with fellow students across music disciplines. This environment allows you to contribute to shared successes and potentially take your own talents farther with the help of others.
Fill out the form on this page and take the next step toward your rewarding future in the music and entertainment industry. To speak with an Admissions Adviser right away, give us a call at 1-615-791-7020.
Classes Begin Soon
Class sizes are limited and fill up in advance. Early application is encouraged to secure the start date you prefer.
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