ICON Collective closed its doors last May after declaring bankruptcy. Here are eight other in-person, hybrid, and online programs that can help you level up.
ICON Collective‘s sudden closure two months ago was a shock throughout the Los Angeles scene and the broader dance music community in the US and beyond. This school was a cornerstone in launching the careers of influential artists such as Jauz, i_o, SLANDER, NGHTMRE, and numerous others who have carved out significant space for themselves in recent years.
With its closure, many aspiring producers and DJs are seeking alternatives to continue their education, and there are quite a few music production schools to choose from. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of eight unique and standout programs to explore if you’re looking to get into the world of making music.
Each program listed provides robust, practical tools and resources designed to support the various stages of the artist’s journey. Pricing and specific course structures vary for each school, so thoroughly explore each program to identify which best aligns with your personal goals and needs. Attend a webinar, open house, or look online for additional information to determine which option is right for you. Best of luck on your production journey!
Eight Music Production Schools to Attend in a Post-ICON Collective World
The Billboard 500 Club
The Billboard 500 Club Break Thru Program is a year-long online music accelerator designed to help artists, producers, and songwriters take their craft and careers to the next level. Break Thru is open to artists in all genres, including dance, hip hop, pop, rock, R&B, and country. The program, which is delivered entirely online, brings participants into a close-knit cohort and matches them with mentorship from Grammy-winning producers, hit songwriters, and music executives. Throughout the year, students get live coaching sessions, songwriting and production feedback, marketing strategy workshops, and industry networking opportunities.
Break Thru stands out for its focus on turning aspiring artists into real results, like building a catalog, launching releases, and pitching them live directly to top A&Rs, music supervisors, publishers, radio stations, and industry leaders for label deals and sync representation. Whether you’re producing dance music, writing for pop artists, or looking to get your music into sync placements, Break Thru connects you with the tools, resources, training, and industry access you need to move your music career forward.
This program is also customized to each person’s goals and milestones they are seeking to achieve within a year. If you’re a DJ/producer looking to learn how to sharpen your production skills, build a raving fanbase, tour the world, and make a full-time living in music, The Billboard 500 Club Break Thru Program is geared for you.
Break Thru’s next cohort is enrolling right now, but hurry quick because they have open enrollment twice a year. Head to their website for more information on coaches, testimonials from current artists and alumni, and more. Use code “EDMIDENTITY” for 10% off your first purchase.
Immersed Music Production Programs
Founded by Grammy-nominated producer Geett Barua and former Atlantic Records engineer Ari Mo, Immersed Music Production Programs is a next-generation music production school offering elite, results-driven training both online and in-person in cities like Los Angeles and New York City.
Its core program is a four-week intensive online coaching designed for beginner and intermediate music producers in EDM, hip-hop, and pop who want to quickly start and finish professional-sounding Spotify-ready tracks. The program combines weekly live Zoom sessions with the mentors for hands-on guidance alongside pre-recorded video tutorials, project templates, and a supportive online community. For those in LA/NYC, there are opportunities for small-group in-person sessions, but most students complete the program online.
From sound design and arrangement to mixing, mastering, and marketing, you’ll leave the program with completed tracks and the confidence to keep growing as a music producer and audio engineer. They’re also very competitively priced, making it perfect for those looking to make their break in the industry.
You can find more information via their website, with offerings, pricing, bios on the mentors, student tracks, and testimonials. Be sure to use code “EDMIDENTITY” for 10% off your first purchase.
California College Of Music
Located in Los Angeles, California College of Music provides an experience closely matching ICON’s practical and hands-on education style. The in-person 18-month Electronic Music Production Diploma includes extensive training in software like Ableton, Logic, and FL Studio. Students explore sound design, arrangement techniques, mixing, and mastering. Students also participate in mentorship sessions, songwriting workshops, and guest lectures.
Graduates leave equipped with original tracks and remixes to do with whichever they choose, as well as plenty of knowledge to carry with them as they continue their journey. Options also include hybrid and fully online courses. More information with additional course options online and in-person on their website.
Cosmic Academy
Cosmic Academy offers a unique program compared to many of these others. Their program offers a five-week intensive bootcamp, all online, and then a lifetime subscription to their online community. Past alumni include Nostalgix and Sober Rob. The bootcamp, an intensive group mentorship and coaching program, focuses on artist development, advanced production, branding, and the business side of music.
The Bootcamp runs online in small, hand-selected cohorts, ensuring close feedback. Students work on everything from writing and finishing tracks to pitching, networking, and preparing for professional releases. For producers seeking a program that’s current, career-focused, and directly tied to the dance music industry, Cosmic Academy stands out as a top contender in the post-ICON era. With bootcamps roughly every quarter, check out their website for more information and pricing.
LAAMP (Los Angeles Academy of Music and Production)
Located in Santa Monica, LAAMP offers a unique nine-month program built around daily collaborative sessions. Known for attracting big name mentors like Diplo and Benny Blanco, LAAMP is designed primarily for intermediate and advanced students aiming to deepen industry connections and refine their skills. Small class sizes facilitate personalized attention, building a highly creative and collaborative environment that emphasizes real-world music production. They also offer scholarships via We Are Moving The Needle, a local organization supporting minorities in the music industry. More information about dates, pricing and other offerings available on LAAMP’s website.
Point Blank Music School
Possibly the most well-known production school globally, with campuses located in cities like Los Angeles and London, alongside many online course offerings, Point Blank’s Electronic Music Production Diploma provides in-depth training across multiple DAWs, including Ableton and Logic. The curriculum covers critical areas such as sound design, arrangement, mixing, mastering, DJ performance, and industry insights.
Point Blank’s major strength lies in its global community, active industry engagement, and regular guest lectures from successful artists and producers. Students benefit from networking opportunities, international exposure, and practical experiences that translate directly into industry readiness. Past Alumni include artists like Patrick Topping. You can find more information about all their offers on their website.
Los Angeles College of Music
Los Angeles College of Music offers a hands-on, comprehensive electronic music production education through its year-long Professional Producer Program. Students master workflows in Ableton, Logic, and FL Studio while creating original music under the guidance of experienced LA-based instructors. Regular feedback and mentorship sessions help give continuous improvement, and offering strong local industry connections provides students with meaningful networking opportunities.
LA College of Music is particularly suited for aspiring artists looking to gain tangible skills and leave with a professional sound. With a wide range of classes and programs, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees, check out their website for more information.
Musicians Institute
Musicians Institute was one of the officially endorsed options ICON gave as a trusted alternative following its closure. Offering a more traditional music education, MI provides options like a six-month electronic music producer course or an extended 18-month associate’s degree program.
With an impressive alumni network that includes artists like Anderson .Paak, Musicians Institute is ideal for those seeking structured academic pathways, official certification and comprehensive music training across many disciplines. You can find more information about their programs and pricing on their website.
