'I am going to use this for the rest of my life': The masterclass in music production
Two music production masterclasses take OHIO students to Providence and Brooklyn, where they network and practice hands-on learning in the recording studios of notable producers.
Sage Spirk, BS '28 | September 8, 2026
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For students looking to break into the music industry, it can often feel like a game of who you know. What connections have you made? How many songs do you have under your belt? The masterclass series from the School of Media Arts and Studies offers students music production experience as they shadow some of the most notable producers in the industry.
Two classes are offered, one with a four-day trip to Brooklyn and one with a six-day trip to Providence, Rhode Island. Participants spend their time in the studio of the featured producer to receive hands-on experience in mixing and sound engineering, as well as a chance to collaborate with musicians.
Josh Antonuccio, director of the School of Media Arts and Studies and creator of the masterclass series, encourages students to take advantage of the opportunity.
“The biggest takeaway is that students gain confidence in their own abilities while engaging directly with Grammy-nominated producers on any question or idea,” he says. “I’ve seen so many students come away from these trips energized to work with peers and clients back on campus. There’s something about being a part of the creative process with someone they admire that is equally educational and motivating for them."
Providence, RI at Public Hi-Fi with Jim Eno
Jim Eno is a Providence-based producer and founding member and drummer of the Grammy-nominated rock band Spoon, with with more than 30 years of experience in the music industry. In December 2025, students spent four days in Eno’s Public Hi-Fi studio, the very same studio that brought the sound of musicians such as The 1975, Phantogram and Haim to fruition for Eno’s 2013 and 2014 Spotify Sessions.
Participants in Eno's masterclass got to record in the same the spot of those acclaimed musicians.
“It’s different being in a classroom and stepping into an actual professional studio with a professional like Jim, and getting to hear artists and what they want in a song, then seeing how Jim goes about that,” says Mikayla Lodwick, a student who attended the December trip. “You take so much from everything he does in the studio world and you [think], ‘I am going to use this for the rest of my life.’”
That wisdom comes from watching Eno in his element, as students diligently analyzed his relationship with various artists and bands he brought into the studio throughout the trip.
Producer Jim Eno providing advice in his studio as students listen and take notes.
“I liked looking at the relationship between the artist and the producer, and how calm, collected and cool they were with each other,” says Morgan Dilbone. “It’s useful to know how to act as a producer – not just how to work, but how to work with your artist. I’m very grateful for time here and have taken a lot of notes that will be useful for my career and when I go back to OU to finish my production track and major.”
In 2024, Eno and students collaborated to produce the track "I Trusted You" by band Gustaf, an accomplishment that later became licensed by Apple to use in commercials for the company's Ceramic Shield campaign. Similarly, Eno brought in an artist for the 2025 trip.
The notable artist Eno welcomed into the studio is electronic artist Isabella Koen. Together, Eno and Koen collaborated with students to create a track from scratch, which builds not only a budding portfolio, but a musical connection.
Studio G in Brooklyn, NY with Joel Hamilton
In January, the masterclass series brought an additional cohort to Brooklyn to work with Joel Hamilton. Hamilton has worked with modern artists like Justin Timberlake and classic musicians like Iggy Pop. Like Eno, Hamilton brought in an artist for students to collaborate with: Zach Jones, who has toured as Sting's drummer. With Hamilton’s guidance, students produced their very own track with Jones.
“Joel is the most humble guy I’ve ever met for being such a legend,” says student Kourtney Gierke. “Singing in front of Joel Hamilton felt so natural. On the very last day, he told me I don’t have to be scared of engineering. It’s possible and I can do it. His belief in young college students is so admirable.”
Students also gained reassurance in their career path.
“I feel like there’s this push when it comes to the music industry, that you’re on your own and it’s you versus the world,” says student Jack Ingram. “When you go into recording sessions, you approach it as if you have something to prove. But really, your skillset speaks for itself. Joel said his favorite producers he’s worked with do not flex their knowledge; they’re being humans, they’re being themselves, and talking about their interests.”
Producer Joel Hamilton and OHIO Music Industry Summit Director Josh Antonuccio smile with students in the studio.
For those who are interested in the masterclass series, an informational session with be held Wednesday, September 9, in Schoonover 145. View this event on OHIO’s calendar to learn more!
Other music industry experiential learning opportunities at OHIO include:
