Music production students gain industry experience through MDIA Masterclass Series

For students preparing for careers in the music industry, learning in professional studios alongside world-renowned producers is an incomparable experience. At Ohio University, the MDIA Music Production Masterclass Series offers exactly that.

Each year, small groups of Music Production Recording Industry (MPRI) students travel with School of Media Arts and Studies Director and Associate Professor Josh Antonuccio to studios across the country. There, they step into apprentice-style roles, working side-by-side with producers during recording and mixing sessions. Students apply skills learned in the classroom, collaborate with peers who share their career goals and gain firsthand exposure to industry practices that prepare them for success after graduation.

Antonuccio noted that these masterclasses give students a chance to bridge classroom learning with hands-on practice while building confidence for their future careers.

“The annual music production masterclasses provide an invaluable experiential learning opportunity for OHIO students,” Antonuccio said. “Getting to work alongside Grammy-nominated producers in their studios is an unforgettable experience, one that allows them to engage with artists and further their skillsets in music production and recording."

In the spring, students traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, for a weeklong immersive session at Public Hi-Fi Studios with acclaimed producer and Spoon drummer Jim Eno.

Eno’s studio has welcomed a wide range of major artists, including Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Shawn Mendes, and the Jonas Brothers, and he has partnered with OHIO for a decade to mentor MPRI students through the masterclass. This year, he brought in rising New York City band Starcleaner Reunion to record a brand-new track, with students assisting in every part of the process.

Jacob Moses, a freshman MPRI student, said the Providence experience pushed him to grow quickly as a young producer.

“Looking back on the past five days of working at Hi-Fi Studios in Providence with Jim Eno, I have gained an immense amount of knowledge that I will use for the rest of my career,” Moses said. “Being a freshman, I was kind of thrown in the deep end with this experience, but nothing could have prepared me for how eye-opening and transformative it was.”

From setting up microphones to running the board and observing advanced mixing techniques, students worked closely with Eno in a professional studio environment. They also gained insight into how producers collaborate with artists, manage sessions and bring songs to life.

Eno has been a part of this program for more than 10 years, helping students learn more about the different nuances in the industry.

“Working with them on real-world studio projects reinforces just how bright the future of music production is,” Eno said in 2024.

Grant Kelly, a senior MPRI major, called the trip one of the highlights of his education.

“Going on this masterclass trip has easily been one of the most valuable parts of my college education thus far,” Kelly said. “From meeting the artists to creating the final mix, it was truly special to watch songs come to life and see how passionate the artists were throughout the sessions.”

Another group of students headed to Studio G in Brooklyn, New York, to learn from Grammy- and Latin Grammy-nominated producer, engineer and musician Joel Hamilton. Hamilton has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Paul McCartney, Rick Rubin, Norah Jones and The Black Keys. 

At Studio G, students observed his creative process, participated in detailed discussions on mixing and production, and experienced what it takes to work at the highest levels of the industry. Students wrote and produced their own track, working closely with both Hamilton and studio drummer Zach Jones who was brought in for their session. Zach Jones notably served as touring drummer with Sting.

“The group of students that came to Studio G Brooklyn this year were an inspiring bunch of people, with individual interests being voiced through thoughtful questions and great discussion,” said Hamilton in 2024. “I feel honored to be a small part of their personal trajectories in the music business, and I sincerely hope that the perspective I brought to their learning process will feel valuable throughout their music careers.”

Through the MDIA Masterclass Series, students not only develop technical skills but also gain confidence, mentorship and industry insight that sets them apart in the job market. 

Along with programs like Brick City Records, the Music Industry Summit, Nelsonville Music Festival Production, OHIO-in-LA and South by Southwest, the masterclass provides students with transformative experiences that connect their education to real-world opportunities.

"I have gained an immense amount of knowledge that I will use for the rest of my career," Moses said. "Everyone was so patient and helpful the entire time and made this week unforgettable."