Discover Your Unique Sound
Explore the art and craft of music production in MacPhail’s professional studios. Our Music Production & Technology (EMRA) offerings focus on developing the technical, creative, and critical skills needed to produce original music in today’s digital landscape.
Students learn hands-on in our production studios, working with industry-standard tools and workflows used by today’s producers, engineers, and composers. Guided by experienced teaching artists with deep professional backgrounds, instruction includes recording, beat-making, sound design, arranging, mixing, and creative use of technology in music-making.
We offer in-person and online one-to-one instruction and design a customized curriculum based on your unique aspirations. Whether you are new to music production or refining advanced skills, we work across platforms and technologies, meeting students where they are and equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resources to create, produce, and realize their own music.
Music Production & Technology (EMRA) Class Offerings
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Electronic Music Recording Arts Camp: July 20-24
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – MPLS
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – ONLINE
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – Apple Valley
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – Chanhassen
Skills and techniques we teach:
Instruments & Songwriting:
- Jazz and Pop Piano
- Guitar
- Bass
- Voice
- Songwriting
Electronic Music Production:
- Digital Music Production
- Beat Making
- DJing
- Remixing
- Sound Design
- Hip Hop Production
- Mobile Music Making
- Mixing
- Mastering
- Electroacoustic Composition
Creative Applications:
- Film Scoring
- Custom Sound Design
Follow EMRA on Social Media!
Studio 208
Creative musicians need inspiring spaces. EMRA’s Studio 208 is a state-of-the-art facility designed to help students—from beginners to seasoned professionals—develop and expand their music technology skills and unleash their creativity.
Guided by world-class instructors, students learn to master industry-standard software alongside a variety of tools and technologies, gaining the expertise to create their own music while exploring the foundational practices of electronic music production.
Top-Tier Equipment:
- Steinway L Grand Piano
- Yamaha SY90 Keyboard
- Allen & Heath Digital Mixer
- Sequential Prophet Rev 2 Synthesizer
Comprehensive Software Instruction:
- ProTools
- Ableton Live
- Logic Pro
- FL Studio
- Traktor Pro
- And more
How To Get Started
Contact Barbara Cohen, Director of Contemporary Music, for more information.
EMRA Read. Watch. Listen.
Bridging the Gap Between Classical and Electronic
The EKWE app enables students to explore global musical traditions, develop composition skills, and collaborate on projects. MacPhail students receive one free year.
Samarth Nagarkar and Michael Cain in Conversation
Internationally Acclaimed Vocalist Samarth Nagarkar and World-Renowned Pianist Michael Cain joined MacPhail Social Media and Design Specialist Syne Barr over zoom for a Q&A Preceding their Upcoming Concert – Ragas of India.
Teaching Music Creation: the Studio & Equipment
This is a guide for music educators. It offers lots of tools and advice for setting up your studio and/or classroom. Created by MacPhail’s EMRA
EMRA Faculty
Tommy Boynton
Michael Cain
Barbara Cohen
Isaac Rohr
Kenichi Thomas
Joe Strachan
Terrell X’avion
Paul Kinkade
Eric Radloff
