4 answers
Kristian
Student
Carrollton, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What is like working as a music producer
Hallo my name is Kristian and I want to be a music producer #music-production #music-industry #music-education #music
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4 answers
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
76
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Kristian! What's stopping you right now? There's literally no reason (except for money) why you can't start producing music right now. Music production is definitely something where you will learn the most by simply doing It - the sooner the better.
First thing you'll need to decide is, what kind of music do you want to do? Do you want to produce live bands, instrumental piano music, or orchestral scores? Each one of those will have different equipment needs. And don't say, "I want to do everything," because nobody does everything. Everyone has a certain genre or two where they hone their skills, so start with one.
Next, what kind of gear will you need to accomplish it? If you're doing live bands, you're gonna need a lot of mics for drums, vocals and such. That means a lot of mic preamps to power those mics.
Some gear you'll need for any type of music. You'll need a computer with a good processor and good amount of RAM to handle it. You'll need a digital audio workstation (DAW) to record and edit everything. You'll need an interface to get it all into the computer - that can be mic pre's, MIDI devices or software instruments. You'll need a good set of headphones for mixing, and preferably a set of accurate speakers.
All while you're doing that, LEARN ABOUT MUSIC! I can't believe I have to say this, but I've had too many students who go down this road, and they've never heard live instruments before! Or they don't know major and minor chords, scales, progressions, song structure, etc. Just because you're the producer doesn't mean you don't have to know this stuff! In fact, most successful producers are (or were) performers themselves.
And of course, network. The number one rule in all entertainment is, "it's all about who you know." Personal relationships are the NUMBER ONE way people build a career in music, theater, movies, etc. And the main reason it's like that is not just nepotism, but because people want to work with people that a) they know can get the job done, and b) they can stand to be around for hours! Be good at your craft, and be a likable person that people WANT to work with.
Decide what kind of music you most want to produce.
Research the kind of gear you'll need to accomplish it.
Learn music.
Network, network, network.
First thing you'll need to decide is, what kind of music do you want to do? Do you want to produce live bands, instrumental piano music, or orchestral scores? Each one of those will have different equipment needs. And don't say, "I want to do everything," because nobody does everything. Everyone has a certain genre or two where they hone their skills, so start with one.
Next, what kind of gear will you need to accomplish it? If you're doing live bands, you're gonna need a lot of mics for drums, vocals and such. That means a lot of mic preamps to power those mics.
Some gear you'll need for any type of music. You'll need a computer with a good processor and good amount of RAM to handle it. You'll need a digital audio workstation (DAW) to record and edit everything. You'll need an interface to get it all into the computer - that can be mic pre's, MIDI devices or software instruments. You'll need a good set of headphones for mixing, and preferably a set of accurate speakers.
All while you're doing that, LEARN ABOUT MUSIC! I can't believe I have to say this, but I've had too many students who go down this road, and they've never heard live instruments before! Or they don't know major and minor chords, scales, progressions, song structure, etc. Just because you're the producer doesn't mean you don't have to know this stuff! In fact, most successful producers are (or were) performers themselves.
And of course, network. The number one rule in all entertainment is, "it's all about who you know." Personal relationships are the NUMBER ONE way people build a career in music, theater, movies, etc. And the main reason it's like that is not just nepotism, but because people want to work with people that a) they know can get the job done, and b) they can stand to be around for hours! Be good at your craft, and be a likable person that people WANT to work with.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Ayame Stamoulis
Make music
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Ayame’s Answer
Being a music producer takes alot of hard work an dedication must really want it to be it u have to learn an follow instructions to pursue ur dream if u want more info hit my line at [removed by admin] I’m Ayame btw and it was very nice to answer ur question be sure when u hit me up to say ur name..
Micaela Johnson
College Counselor and Educator
6
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Micaela’s Answer
Hi Kristian,
I hope you have a good ear. Music Producers are in charge of sound recording and managing a group's sound. They often will select musicians to join a group if extras are needed. They can coach singers and musicians while in the studio. However, the term has become a broad one, sometimes pushing into the business side of things and more management type roles. My advice would be find a local band, even one in high school and go out and find a gig for them and see what it's like to be a manager first.
I hope you have a good ear. Music Producers are in charge of sound recording and managing a group's sound. They often will select musicians to join a group if extras are needed. They can coach singers and musicians while in the studio. However, the term has become a broad one, sometimes pushing into the business side of things and more management type roles. My advice would be find a local band, even one in high school and go out and find a gig for them and see what it's like to be a manager first.
Brandon Countee
Industrial Engineer
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Hello,
I worked as a music producer on and off the last few years and the best answer: Challenging. As a producer, you have to be able to lead, inspire and navigate the music sessions. Sometimes it will require tough love to bring out the best of the artist, so that you can truly produce great work.
I worked as a music producer on and off the last few years and the best answer: Challenging. As a producer, you have to be able to lead, inspire and navigate the music sessions. Sometimes it will require tough love to bring out the best of the artist, so that you can truly produce great work.