3 answers
Alexis
Student
Gardena, California
1
Question
Asked
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What are the steps to become a successful music producer?
Thank you for the advice! I am in highschool
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3 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
There are many many many ways to be a successful music producer- you just have to know where to look. As an audio engineer, music producer, and music/ audio student I would say to do these things.
BELIEVE in yourself- no one wants to work with people who don't know what they're doing- if you know what you're doing then own it! If you don't then keep learning- there's nothing wrong with where you are. Hell- I'm still learning every day.
Take every opportunity even if it doesn't fit with what you want to do exactly.
Build your network- go to local events, talk to artists at open mics, and if you really think it will help- go to audio and/ or music school
Work work work work and release release release release. Nothing will happen if you spend your nights playing GTA. Make music and release it to the world.
Don't take any hate- if you don't like how you sound at first then re-make something. There's no rulebook so you should do what comes naturally.
Thomas recommends the following next steps:
Mayur Miskin
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mayur’s Answer
You can be a great producer if you first will to and believe in yourself. Artists always are killed with self-doubt. You are constantly under the pressure to succeed. But you will have to believe, feel and create. Be creative, do not limit yourself to what others say or do.. break the barriers.
Improve creativity
Get a music production degree from a prominent music schools
specialize in a specific tool
Get a certification on a production tool
Build Contacts and network
Mayur recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Mayur
Alexis
Bethany Kaufman
Technology Implementation Consultant
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Bethany’s Answer
Hi Alexis! I was interested in music production when I was in high school, and here's what I would suggest. I'm not sure if you're only interested in producing (which is more like a project manager or creative "boss") or if you are also interested in recording, but either way these ideas will get you exposure and help you make connections who can give you more advice:
1. Job shadow at a local recording studio. This will allow you to talk to recording engineers/producers about their career path and make some connections in the industry. You might even ask them if you could intern for them while you're still in high school (paid or unpaid depending on your situation).
2. Check out recording arts/music production programs at local colleges. Many colleges will let you visit for a day so you can talk to students and maybe even sit in on a class. It doesn't have to be a school you're interested in attending...any school will work to get you started. While you're there, see if they have a college radio station...some college radio stations record and broadcast live events, and maybe they would let you shadow or help out in some way to get experience. If you can't find a college radio station, a community radio station, NPR station, or even a commercial station might let you get involved.
3. Do some recording/audio production at home to get a feel for it. You don't even have to spend any money to get started...there are free audio clips on the internet as well as free software such as Audacity that you can use. You could see if your local library or college offers rentals of basic recording equipment like microphones. Maybe you have a musician friend you could record?
Best wishes to you!
Job shadow at a local recording studio
Visit a local college recording arts/music production program
Visit a local college/community radio station and ask about volunteering, particularly with recording/broadcasting live events
Experiment with free recording software such as Audacity at home
1. Job shadow at a local recording studio. This will allow you to talk to recording engineers/producers about their career path and make some connections in the industry. You might even ask them if you could intern for them while you're still in high school (paid or unpaid depending on your situation).
2. Check out recording arts/music production programs at local colleges. Many colleges will let you visit for a day so you can talk to students and maybe even sit in on a class. It doesn't have to be a school you're interested in attending...any school will work to get you started. While you're there, see if they have a college radio station...some college radio stations record and broadcast live events, and maybe they would let you shadow or help out in some way to get experience. If you can't find a college radio station, a community radio station, NPR station, or even a commercial station might let you get involved.
3. Do some recording/audio production at home to get a feel for it. You don't even have to spend any money to get started...there are free audio clips on the internet as well as free software such as Audacity that you can use. You could see if your local library or college offers rentals of basic recording equipment like microphones. Maybe you have a musician friend you could record?
Best wishes to you!
Bethany recommends the following next steps: