Abbey Road Institute Opens Los Angeles Campus at Sunset Gower Studios

On October 26, 2026, Abbey Road Institute will open its second U.S. campus inside the storied Sunset Gower Studios on Sunset Boulevard. The move places the school at the heart of Hollywood’s oldest sound‑stage complex, a 14‑acre lot that has been a production hub since 1912.

The new campus will be led by Rafa Sardina, a 19‑time Grammy and Latin Grammy winner whose résumé includes work with Stevie Wonder, Rosalía, Dr. Dre and Lady Gaga. Sardina, who also serves as governor of the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles chapter, will oversee the program’s curriculum and faculty.

Sunset Gower Studios began as an independent studio before becoming the home of Columbia Pictures during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Today it hosts United Recording—formerly Ocean Way—which has recorded for Frank Sinatra, Green Day and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Each of United’s four studios contains consoles that have captured recordings sold worldwide.

The Institute’s Diploma in Music Production and Sound Recording will immerse students in a real‑world studio environment. Hands‑on work will mirror industry workflows, and select classes and projects will provide access to United Recording’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Faculty will include Los Angeles‑based producers, engineers and musicians such as Alan Meyerson, Barry Rudolph, John Boylan and Vanessa Garde. The apprenticeship‑style teaching model emphasizes practical skills and industry standards.

Graduates will receive a Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering. Abbey Road Institute plans to launch additional diplomas in Audio Post Production for Film and TV and in Music Business in the coming years.

Sardina said the campus is the culmination of a long‑held dream. “I want to share the invaluable professional experiences of my closest musical colleagues and myself with outstanding new generations of mixers, producers, and other music and music business professionals,” he said.

Luca Barassi, CEO of Abbey Road Institute in London, echoed the enthusiasm. “We are thrilled to be working with Rafa and his team as we continue expanding our educational footprint in the U.S. Establishing our second U.S. campus in Los Angeles will provide students with an immersive experience at the heart of a thriving international music scene,” he said.

The opening aligns with the Institute’s broader expansion strategy, which includes a campus in Mumbai that opened in 2025. The Los Angeles location will be the first U.S. campus to combine the Institute’s curriculum with a historic Hollywood studio setting.

Students can enroll in the fall semester, with the program opening to new applicants on October 26, 2026. The Institute’s structured curriculum and seasoned faculty aim to prepare students for careers in music production, engineering and related fields.

In summary, Abbey Road Institute’s Los Angeles campus will provide a professional, hands‑on education in a historic studio environment, led by Grammy‑winning producer Rafa Sardina and supported by a roster of experienced Los Angeles faculty. The opening on October 26, 2026, marks a significant expansion of the Institute’s global footprint and offers new opportunities for aspiring music‑industry professionals.