Not All Music Education Is Built the Same: A Conversation with Mark Christensen
If you’re trying to build a career in music, New York City offers no shortage of places to study. From prestigious universities to conservatories, each path promises something different. But what actually prepares you for the real music industry?
We sat down with Mark Christensen — owner of Engine Room Audio and a Grammy-nominated mastering engineer — to talk about the different types of music education in NYC, and where students can get the most practical value.
“Some programs teach you about music. Others teach you how to do it.”
According to Christensen, one of the biggest differences between programs comes down to how hands-on they are.
He points to schools like New York University, where students often pursue a Bachelor of Arts in music.
“Those programs are incredibly valuable academically,” he explains. “You learn the theory, the history, the concepts — but a lot of it happens in the classroom. You can graduate knowing about the industry without necessarily having spent much time actually working in it.”
For students who thrive in structured, academic environments, that approach can be a strong foundation. But for those looking to step directly into studio work, it may leave a gap.
“You can master playing your instrument — but still not know how to really record it.”
On the other end of the spectrum are performance-based conservatories like Manhattan School of Music.
“At a place like MSM, you can become an incredible musician,” Christensen says. “You’re training at a very high level on your instrument. But recording, production, engineering — those aren’t the focus.”
In today’s music landscape, where artists are often expected to self-produce, that distinction matters more than ever.
Where things click: learning inside a real studio
That’s where programs like the New York Audio Institute take a different approach.
Rather than separating education from the industry, NYAI places students directly inside it.
“Our students are learning in an actual working recording studio,” Christensen explains. “They’re not just hearing about microphones — they’re setting them up. They’re not just studying mixing — they’re doing it, in real time, with real artists.”
The structure is intentionally immersive:
Hands-on access to professional equipment
One-on-one instruction with working engineers
See how real sessions operate in a professional studio environment
“That combination is what accelerates growth,” he adds. “You’re building instincts, not just knowledge.”
Choosing the right path
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to music education — and Christensen is quick to emphasize that.
“It really comes down to how you learn and what you want to do,” he says. “If you want theory and a degree, there are great programs for that. If you want to perform at the highest level, there are schools for that too.”
But for students who want to step into the studio — confidently and competently — the environment matters.
“You can’t replace experience,” Christensen says. “And the sooner you get it, the faster you grow.”
If you’re exploring music programs in NYC, it’s worth asking a simple question:
Will you just learn about the industry — or will you actually start working in it?