McNeese Offers New Music Production Concentration 

Future producers, video game and movie audio engineers and sound designers are getting their start with the new music production concentration at McNeese State University.  

The music production concentration is one of three concentrations in the Bachelor of Music degree program. The music production curriculum equips students with the skills needed for careers as music producers and audio engineers. 

From pop and rock to jazz and classical, students gain hands-on experience writing, recording and producing their own records with access to industry-standard equipment.  

Students Dustin Boulet, Peyton Redmond, Ezekiel Berkey and Kyler Keys are all getting as much as they can out of their concentration. 

“I chose to study at McNeese because of the connections I made with music professors I met during my visit to campus during high school,” Redmond, a junior from Lake Charles, said.  

Most of these students knew that they wanted music to be part of their professional careers.  

Berkey, a freshman from LeBleu Settlement, said, “I didn’t want to live the rest of my life without music being the centerpiece. So I decided that I would go to college for music and become a professional in the field.”  

Boulet, a senior from Eunice, knew very little about what careers in music looked like before attending McNeese. Now, he has a grasp on the music space and what experience is needed to have a sustainable career.  

“It’s a great feeling that you’re constantly growing and getting better over time,” Boulet said. “So far, I have written music and handled audio equipment for a theatre production here at McNeese.” 

Berkey explained, “Our big class project this semester has been assisting theatre with its  production, Polaroid Stories. All of us in the class have had a chance to create songs and background sound effects that actually get used during the show. 

“I’ve learned so much in my first two semesters. I can only imagine what I’ll be able to do by the time I graduate.” 

A typical day for these students can include working on sound design for a theatre production, writing original music or producing different genres of music.  

“I’ve been exposed to new art and music. I’m a saxophone player, so I’ve only ever been around concert bands, jazz bands and marching bands,” Berkey said. “Thanks to my concentration, I’ve worked with choirs and the theatre and developed a much deeper appreciation for what they do.” 

Redmond added, “The best part of music production is watching so many small details come together to create this amazing final product, whether it be a song or contribution to a theatre production.” 

Keys, a music production major from Sulphur, explained what makes this concentration at McNeese unique. 

“I think the hands-on experience and the small classes make a really welcoming environment, even for students who aren’t as experienced in music. There are so many resources on campus like free tutoring, open practice rooms, advisers and caring educators,” Keys said. 

Boulet said, “The professors make the music department shine. There are so many experienced professionals in this field, all from a variety of backgrounds to learn from.”  

Redmond said that the learning experience at McNeese is personal and that students never feel like just a number.  

These students have an idea of where they’d like to end up in the professional music world.  

“My plan is to write music for big video game projects professionally,” Boulet said.  

Redmond wants to work in the production field as a sound designer, music producer or audio engineer. Berkey plans to work as an audio engineer and Keys hopes to be making good music after graduating.  

“The journey to get here has been a long and arduous one, but I know in the end my efforts will pay off. I’m thankful and proud of what I’ve accomplished and I hope to continue taking my knowledge to the next level at McNeese,” Boulet said.  

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