FAQs -

FAQs

Program Fit Application Tuition Schedule Locations Mentorship Curriculum Equipment Deferrals Careers Contact

Program Fit and Outcomes

Do I need prior music production experience?

No. You do not need any prior music or music production experience to apply. Absolute beginners are welcome, as long as they are serious about learning and ready to commit the time required. Students are placed into classes based on their current skill level, so beginners start with the right foundations while more experienced students are placed into classes that better match their background and goals.
Who is this program for?

The One-Year Program is for serious artists and producers who want structure, mentorship, feedback, and accountability. It is designed for students who want to finish original music, develop their sound, build their artist identity, and take their music more seriously over the course of one year.
Is the program only for electronic music producers?
What are you looking for in applicants?

We are not expecting a professional portfolio. We are looking for students who show potential, dedication, musical curiosity, and a willingness to work. Beyond that, we look for students who are open to feedback, eager to learn, able to work through challenges, and ready to contribute positively to the 343 Labs community.
What will I have completed by the end of the year?

By the end of the year, the goal is for students to have developed a stronger production workflow, completed a release-ready EP, prepared a live set, built their artist identity, and created an EPK and release plan. Students also receive guidance on label outreach and have opportunities to present their music to industry professionals through industry-focused events. Specific introductions, signings, or placements are not guaranteed.

Application and Admissions

What are the entry requirements to join the program?
What do I need to submit to apply for the program?
What happens after I apply?

After you submit your application, we review your background, goals, and fit for the program. If your application looks like a potential fit, we aim to notify you within 24 hours and invite you to an interview or founder call. After the interview, applicants are usually notified within 7 days whether they have been accepted.
How do I secure my place after being accepted?

If accepted, you will receive an official offer by email, Student Agreement, Payment Agreement, and next steps for enrollment. To secure your place, you must return the signed agreements and pay a $500 Acceptance Fee within one week. The Acceptance Fee is part of your tuition and will be deducted from your remaining tuition balance.
What happens if I am not accepted?

Tuition, Payment Plans, and Scholarships

How much does the program cost?
Are payment plans available?
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?

Yes. We offer limited need-based and merit-based scholarships. Need-based scholarships are for students who do not have the financial resources to pay full tuition, while merit-based scholarships are for students who show exceptional talent and potential. Scholarships are limited and usually modest. 343 Labs is an independent school and does not receive external funding, so all scholarship support comes directly from our own tuition income. For that reason, scholarships are not guaranteed and rarely cover a large portion of tuition.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

To apply for a scholarship, first submit your One-Year Program application and pay the application fee. After that, you can request a scholarship application from us. If awarded, the scholarship will be included in your acceptance offer, with the amount deducted from your total tuition.

Schedule, Workload, and Attendance

How many hours of class will I take each week?
How much time should I commit each week, and can I work alongside the program?

Students should plan for roughly 18 to 25 hours per week, including classes, homework, mentorship, office hours, masterclasses, practice, and independent production work. Many students balance the program with a job or other commitments, but it requires serious time and consistency, so you should make sure you can attend classes, complete assignments, and work on your music outside of class.
What will my schedule be throughout the program?

The One-Year Program runs on a quarterly schedule. Roughly one month before each quarter begins, you will receive your class schedule for that quarter, and once assigned, your schedule will generally stay the same until the next quarter. Students can request evening, weekend, or daytime classes, and we do our best to accommodate scheduling needs.
What if I miss a class, and are classes recorded?

Online classes are recorded and available to all students, including those studying in-person, so if you miss a class you can catch up through the recording. In-person classes are not recorded, since students are expected to attend those live. If you miss an in-person class because of illness or an important commitment, you may be able to catch up through a related online recording, other learning resources, or a private makeup class with an instructor at a discounted rate.

Locations, Online Study, and International Students

Can I study in NYC, Berlin, or online?
Can I complete the full program online?
Do international students qualify for a student visa?

Some international students may choose to use their acceptance into the One-Year Program as part of a visa application. However, 343 Labs is not an accredited university or degree granting institution, and visa requirements vary by country and embassy. We cannot provide visas, guarantee visa approval, or give immigration advice. If requested, we can provide supporting documents such as an acceptance letter or enrollment confirmation, but students are responsible for checking visa requirements and securing the correct visa for their situation.
Do you offer housing or accommodation?
What time zone are online classes in?

Online classes are often scheduled to work for students in both US and European time zones. However, class times vary by cohort, course, and instructor availability, so we cannot guarantee that every class will work for every time zone. Students should confirm the expected schedule before enrolling, especially if they are joining from outside the US or Europe.

Mentorship, Feedback, and Community

How does mentorship work?

The One-Year Program includes 24 hours of private mentorship sessions throughout the year. These sessions help you set goals, develop your creative direction, get feedback on your music, stay accountable, and connect what you are learning in class to your own artist project. Mentorship is designed to support your progress from ideas and sketches to finished music, release planning, and live performance.
Can I choose my mentor?
Who else will give me feedback besides my mentor?
What is the community and alumni network like?

The 343 Labs community includes students, alumni, instructors, mentors, guest artists, and industry professionals. Students are expected to contribute positively, support each other, and participate actively in the program. When you graduate, you become part of the 343 Labs alumni community, which can provide long term connections, collaboration opportunities, and ongoing support.

Curriculum, Assessment, and Certificate

What classes are included in the program?

Over the year, every student takes the same ten core classes plus two electives. The core classes cover music production, music theory, composition, arrangement, sound design, mixing, live performance, artist development, and music business. Your two electives let you go deeper in the areas that match your goals.
What if I have already taken a class at 343 Labs?

If you have already taken classes at 343 Labs, we will discuss your background and place you in the classes that best support your development. In some cases, retaking a class can help solidify knowledge. In other cases, more advanced options may be more appropriate.
How are students assessed?
Do I receive a certificate?
Is 343 Labs accredited?

343 Labs is not a traditional accredited college or university. It is, however, an Ableton Certified Training Center, one of only 119 worldwide. The One-Year Program is a practical artist development and music production program focused on real training, mentorship, finishing music, and real world creative output.
What happens if I do not pass?

Equipment, Software, and Studio Access

What equipment do I need to bring?
Do I need Ableton Live before the program starts?
Do I need to buy plugins?
What gear is available on campus?
What kind of studio access is included?

In-person students in NYC and Berlin can expect weekly access to 343 Labs studios to work on music, practice skills, prepare sets, and get hands on experience with professional studio and DJ equipment. Exact access may vary by location, schedule, and availability.
Do online students get studio access?

Deferrals, Leave of Absence, Refunds, and Policies

What happens if I need to defer my enrollment?

In extenuating circumstances, students may be able to defer enrollment for up to one year. Examples may include severe illness or similar serious circumstances. Deferral requests must be submitted by email before the start of the program, and a Deferral Fee may apply.
Can I take a leave of absence and rejoin later?
What is your refund or withdrawal policy?
What happens if my visa situation changes?
Can I transfer my place to another student?
What happens if the program schedule changes?

Careers, Releases, and After Graduation

Will I get help with labels and releasing my music?

Yes. The program includes guidance on release strategy, demo preparation, label outreach, and independent release planning. You also have opportunities to connect with industry professionals through events such as our Industry Summit, where selected labels, artists, managers, and other music industry experts are invited to hear student music and projects. We help you present your music professionally and make meaningful connections. We do not guarantee jobs, gigs, releases, label signings, or specific introductions, but we do create real opportunities to get your work in front of the right people.
What type of work can I pursue after I graduate?

Graduates may pursue different paths depending on their goals and experience. These can include music production, recording and releasing music, live performance, songwriting, sound design, audio engineering, composition for film, TV, games, commercials, music technology, interdisciplinary arts, installations, or music business.
Will I leave with a professional network?

Contact

My question was not answered. Who can I contact? Please email [email protected] and we will answer any questions you still have. You can also call us or schedule a free Zoom with the 343 Labs team.