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Next Start Date is August 12th, 2024!
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Master the skills you need to succeed as an AUDIO ENGINEER or MUSIC BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL.
WHAT THE DARK HORSE STUDENTS ARE SAYING
WHAT THE DARK HORSE STUDENTS 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
“I have personally enjoyed the environment! It is both stress relieving and stressful. A lot of what is taught is that there are a lot of different moving parts, to being an audio engineer, that no one will ever know unless they take the time and resources to find out, and Dark Horse has given the opportunity to show what it’s like to be on the inside of the music industry as an audio engineer. I appreciate everyone here and how hard they work to explain many years of experience within a span of 20 weeks!”
Brandon Landrum
“An amazing opportunity to further or begin your music career. 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. They are ALWAYS willing to guide and assist you in furthering your capabilities and skills.”
Anthony Maisano
“Dark Horse helped me in every way I needed to start my career. Music Business helped in the ‘business’ of my artistry. Audio Engineering demonstrated the studio tech, how sessions work and should be run. I am now confident in running my own session as well as sessions for others. Songwriting strengthened my ability in writing for myself and with others. The class material showed what elements and tools can be used to craft great songs. All of my teachers have acted as a mentor to me. I appreciate the experience and opportunities that I have gained throughout my time here.”
Emma Greene
“I’ve gone through all three programs at Dark Horse. Music Business, Composition and Songwriting, and I’m in the last two weeks of the audio program! It’s been a wild and stressful ride, but I’ve learned a lot and made some great connections along the way! They’re always growing and improving their facilities, so it’s great to learn from and be around a group of great like-minded individuals. The atmosphere is incredible and unmatched at DHI. They encourage self-fulfillment and allow you to come in and personally use their facilities and studios at the school for free. It’s incredible!”
Ryan Alexander
“I just finished all 3 programs, and I can say walking into the program a year ago I knew very, very little regarding Audio recording, business & songwriting. After leaving I feel confident to enter the industry with any career pathway I choose. All the professors are highly knowledgeable and are willing to work with you on anything you need. I highly recommend going through this program.”
Chase Fox
“So far, I’ve taken the Music Business Online class, and I have really enjoyed it! Our instructor has been great and has taught me a ton about the industry. I’m going to be moving to take the Audio Engineering and Songwriting classes here in a few weeks, and I am very excited to be able to learn even more!”
Joseph Caudill
“I did the Music Business and Songwriting classes, and both were very informative and entertaining! Both instructors were very hands on and interested in teaching the students everything we needed to know. Was definitely a valued experience and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to pursue a career in music.”
Courtney Reynolds
“This school has been a huge encouragement to me and my music career. I took the audio engineering course, and my production skills skyrocketing. The teachers and staff are respectful and have a strong desire to teach and build their students.”
Lucas Patterson
“This school has a lot to offer if you are interested in learning about audio engineering, music business, or learning how to write songs. Teachers and staff are top notch and are there to help you achieve your goals. Can be stressful at times but when everything comes together in a recording session, it’s great and very rewarding.”
Jaxson Springer
“I have Taken the Audio Engineering class and it has been one of my greatest experiences! Amazing teachers and staff!! I would 100% recommend it for anybody that is wanting to start a career the music industry. They have helped me be more confident in myself to record and call myself an audio engineer!!!”
Samuel Aragon-Cruz
“Dark Horse Institute is a phenomenal place to go if you are itching to learn about anything audio engineering. They have an amazing, well established teaching core and great advisors that’ll help you with anything related to what you’re there for.”
Tristan Parson
“Dark Horse was a welcoming, professional, and awesome school to really dive headfirst into the world of audio engineering. The professors are knowledgeable, and patient and I have had a fantastic time here as a student.”
Silas Terry
“Had an amazing experience learning from the best instructors and audio engineers in the area. I am grateful for the opportunity to have the chance to be a student at Dark Horse. Being in the Studio and actually being hands on and tracking an artist was my favorite. Great people and so many opportunities to connect with other artist.”
Nicholas Johnson
“Dark Horse Institute is a great school! I started the songwriting class and I’ve learned how to write great songs and work with other artists. Lots of opportunities to perform and release music. It has been super fun so far, and I am planning on taking Music Business and Audio Engineering as well!”
Phoenix Herlong
“Dark Horse Institute offers lots of hands-on experience and very in-depth courses. The staff is friendly, and I have enjoyed my time here. I feel prepared for a career in audio engineering.”
Jordan Cornett
“Attending Dark Horse Institute is an amazing opportunity for getting a hands on experience with real world engineering equipment and teachers that care about the program to spread knowledge to the students and guide success for our career in the music industry.”
Jeffrey Jensen
“I had an amazing experience at Dark Horse. I have taken Audio Engineering, and I learned so much valuable material. I feel prepared to enter the music industry. We got so much hands-on experience with professional consoles and had two full weeks of tracking sessions with recording artists.”
Isabelle Smith
“I have enjoyed my time at Dark Horse Institute learning, growing, and experiencing a real studio for Audio Engineering. The teachers are very polite and knowledgeable about Audio Engineering. Dennis Ritchie was a great teacher with many useful tools to help me become an audio engineer. I strongly recommend Dark Horse Institute!”
Jamie Pratt
“Dark Horse is a great place to start in the Music Industry. With the choice of 3 programs, you can tailor your experience to where you see yourself in the music industry or take all of them and get ahead in the industry while making tons of connections with students and teachers, and future colleagues. Highly recommend!”
Emory Morse
“I love the program at Dark Horse. The Instructors are world class and very knowledgeable. Along with the free studio time and constant access to professional studios. Overall, if you’re looking for a career in the industry, the contacts and opportunities offered here are invaluable to your career.”
Jacques Denoux Bass
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.
Providing Hands-on, Real-world Experience in the Music Industry
The mission of Dark Horse Institute is to provide students with an accelerated, affordable and experiential learning environment designed to prepare them for a career in audio engineering, production, and the music business. Our hands-on, mentor-based programs pair students with working industry professionals in real-world scenarios with recording studio resources, gear, and so much more.
Classes Begin Soon
Class sizes are limited and fill up in advance. Early application is encouraged to secure the start date you prefer.
REQUEST INFOOUR PROGRAMS
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 6-song EPs with professional working bands.
Composition & Songwriting
The newest addition to Dark Horse Institute’s educational lineup is the 15-week, 375-hour Composition & Songwriting Program. In this program, you’ll study with instructors who are veterans in the industry while collaborating with other 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.
Online Music Business
The Online Music Business Program gives you real-world experience working as Artist Managers, Booking Agents, Record Label Executives and Music Publishers.
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Dark Horse Institute is authorized for operation as a postsecondary education institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by Dark Horse Institute, please visit http://tn.gov/thec/topic/authorized-institutions-data and click on the Authorized Institutions Data.