What are the top colleges for music production and audio engineering?

I'm super interested in music production and audio engineering and curious about what colleges have the best programs for these fields. I'm mainly looking at programs in the U.S. Suggestions for where I should apply?

Sure, I can definitely provide some suggestions! It's great to see such a specific interest, and that's going to really help you narrow down your choices. Here are a few colleges known for their solid programs in music production and audio engineering:

1. Berklee College of Music: Located in Boston, this school has a contemporary, intensive approach to music, and offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Production and Engineering. They also offer several online programs related to music production and technology.

2. University of Southern California (USC): Their Thornton School of Music provides a Music Technology program which combines technical know-how, musical creativity and entrepreneurship.

3. New York University (NYU): The Steinhardt School within NYU offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Technology. The program focuses on both the creation and the science of sound.

4. University of Miami: The Frost School of Music provides a range of music production and audio engineering programs, complete with state-of-the-art recording facilities.

5. Belmont University: This Nashville school is well-respected in the music industry, and their Audio Engineering Technology (AET) program is no exception.

Remember, while these are some top-tier programs, what's most beneficial varies from student to student. It will depend on the specific focus of the program, the types of extracurricular resources available, the faculty, and so on. Make sure to check out each program's curriculum and perhaps reach out to current students or faculty if you have specific questions. Good luck!