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What does it take to become a music producer?
I love music and am interested in working in the music industry. How can I start making music and build up the skill to become a producer?
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4 answers
Kevin Taylor Jr.
Co-founder and VP of Product at a Music Technology Startup, Music Producer, Publisher
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Kevin’s Answer
First of all, if this is the question you're asking yourself, you are definitely not alone! In my experience, this is one of the most common questions asked by aspiring music producers. There is no perfect way to get started, but since I've spent years thinking through this question and answering it for so many people, I'll give you my blueprint on what I believe are some of the things I wish I knew to make sure that you don't just start, but sustain a career.
1. Know why you're starting - this will give you a purpose when you start to hit those frustrating points of learning the process
2. Master a small set of tools - the simplest way to get started is - start with what you have! Many people overthink this. I actually don't recommend that people try to buy a lot of gear, fancy software, or expensive accessories to get started. You'll find you're most creative with less. Buy the tools you can afford (laptop, DAW, headphones, etc) but work with that until you find yourself in absolute NEED of more.
3. Make music on a schedule - carve out set times where you'll dedicate your effort to learning, creating, growing. Be ruthless about keeping these times to yourself!
4. Set short term goals, then make them habits - start with small goals, such as finishing 2 beats per week. Tell your friends and let them hold you accountable. Then make it a lifestyle as you grow.
5. Don't forget to have fun - making music is a BLAST. Don't lose sight of how much fun you have. Be wary. This is easier said than done sometimes.
6. Avoid tutorial rabbit holes - go online for what you need and then apply IMMEDIATELY. Don't watch hours and hours of videos because you'll forget most of it by the time you get back to the music anyway.
7. Don't make music to impress other producers - it's great to get feedback. But ultimately, we want the every day person to listen to our music. Don't just do fancy things for the sake of doing fancy things, unless that's your goal.
8. Don't wait for inspiration - going back to #3, if you want to be a professional, you have to show up even when you don't feel like it sometimes. The inspiration will come with action.
9. Don't let money/fame be your only motivation - this goes back to #1. When the times get tough, you'll quit if you're only in it for the money and fame. Nothing wrong with wanting those, but be sure to go deeper.
10. Forget about the comparison trap - there will always be those further along than you! Use them as inspiration, not competition, especially just getting started.
11. Collaboration takes you further than ego - you'll learn so much by working with others. Don't isolate yourself out of fear.
12. Consistency is more important than quality, for now - don't get bogged down trying to make every sound perfect when just getting started. You'll be much more motivated by finishing imperfect music than never finishing a masterpiece.
13. Less is more - let the music breathe. Leave space. Especially if you're creating for songwriters/artists. Make sure there's room for the listener to enjoy and let the imagination run wild.
14. Rhythm is essential - if you're making any music besides meditation or droning sounds, make sure there's a good rhythm. Even without drums, a bass line can carry a rhythm alone. People will forgive a lot of things, but a weak rhythm is always a disappointment.
15. Think like a business, hustle like a freelancer - lastly, once you get going, continue to work hard. However, always think about how you can start working smarter. Whether that's delegating tasks like mixing/mastering or just making your music more available, make sure you set yourself up to be able to do this for the long run. It can be easy to burn out otherwise.
Hope this helps. Peace
Kevin
1. Know why you're starting - this will give you a purpose when you start to hit those frustrating points of learning the process
2. Master a small set of tools - the simplest way to get started is - start with what you have! Many people overthink this. I actually don't recommend that people try to buy a lot of gear, fancy software, or expensive accessories to get started. You'll find you're most creative with less. Buy the tools you can afford (laptop, DAW, headphones, etc) but work with that until you find yourself in absolute NEED of more.
3. Make music on a schedule - carve out set times where you'll dedicate your effort to learning, creating, growing. Be ruthless about keeping these times to yourself!
4. Set short term goals, then make them habits - start with small goals, such as finishing 2 beats per week. Tell your friends and let them hold you accountable. Then make it a lifestyle as you grow.
5. Don't forget to have fun - making music is a BLAST. Don't lose sight of how much fun you have. Be wary. This is easier said than done sometimes.
6. Avoid tutorial rabbit holes - go online for what you need and then apply IMMEDIATELY. Don't watch hours and hours of videos because you'll forget most of it by the time you get back to the music anyway.
7. Don't make music to impress other producers - it's great to get feedback. But ultimately, we want the every day person to listen to our music. Don't just do fancy things for the sake of doing fancy things, unless that's your goal.
8. Don't wait for inspiration - going back to #3, if you want to be a professional, you have to show up even when you don't feel like it sometimes. The inspiration will come with action.
9. Don't let money/fame be your only motivation - this goes back to #1. When the times get tough, you'll quit if you're only in it for the money and fame. Nothing wrong with wanting those, but be sure to go deeper.
10. Forget about the comparison trap - there will always be those further along than you! Use them as inspiration, not competition, especially just getting started.
11. Collaboration takes you further than ego - you'll learn so much by working with others. Don't isolate yourself out of fear.
12. Consistency is more important than quality, for now - don't get bogged down trying to make every sound perfect when just getting started. You'll be much more motivated by finishing imperfect music than never finishing a masterpiece.
13. Less is more - let the music breathe. Leave space. Especially if you're creating for songwriters/artists. Make sure there's room for the listener to enjoy and let the imagination run wild.
14. Rhythm is essential - if you're making any music besides meditation or droning sounds, make sure there's a good rhythm. Even without drums, a bass line can carry a rhythm alone. People will forgive a lot of things, but a weak rhythm is always a disappointment.
15. Think like a business, hustle like a freelancer - lastly, once you get going, continue to work hard. However, always think about how you can start working smarter. Whether that's delegating tasks like mixing/mastering or just making your music more available, make sure you set yourself up to be able to do this for the long run. It can be easy to burn out otherwise.
Hope this helps. Peace
Kevin
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Shana
Updated
Luke’s Answer
There are many things you can do to start making music and build up the skills you need to become a music producer. Here are a few tips:
Learn the basics of music theory. This will give you a foundation in understanding how music works and how to create it. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you learn music theory.
Learn how to use a digital audio workstation (DAW). A DAW is a software program that allows you to record, edit, and mix music. There are many different DAWs available, so choose one that is right for you and your budget.
Start making music! The best way to learn how to produce music is to simply start doing it. Experiment with different sounds and techniques, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The more you create, the better you will become at it.
Get feedback from others. Once you have created some music, share it with friends, family, and other musicians. Get their feedback and use it to improve your skills.
Network with other musicians and producers. Attend music events, join online forums, and connect with people who are also interested in music production. This will help you learn from others and build relationships that could lead to future opportunities.
Don't give up! Producing music can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. If you are passionate about music, don't give up on your dream of becoming a producer. Keep learning, keep creating, and eventually you will achieve your goals.
Learn the basics of music theory. This will give you a foundation in understanding how music works and how to create it. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you learn music theory.
Learn how to use a digital audio workstation (DAW). A DAW is a software program that allows you to record, edit, and mix music. There are many different DAWs available, so choose one that is right for you and your budget.
Start making music! The best way to learn how to produce music is to simply start doing it. Experiment with different sounds and techniques, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The more you create, the better you will become at it.
Get feedback from others. Once you have created some music, share it with friends, family, and other musicians. Get their feedback and use it to improve your skills.
Network with other musicians and producers. Attend music events, join online forums, and connect with people who are also interested in music production. This will help you learn from others and build relationships that could lead to future opportunities.
Don't give up! Producing music can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. If you are passionate about music, don't give up on your dream of becoming a producer. Keep learning, keep creating, and eventually you will achieve your goals.
Updated
Tomas’s Answer
Since 2019, when I was just 10 years old, I've been creating music and DJing. I began by taking a few lessons, watching YouTube tutorials, and experimenting with FL Studio. I suggest starting out with music as a hobby, so you can discover if it's something you genuinely enjoy. Check out some tutorials and play around with your DAW until you achieve a result that makes you happy. Then, you can seek feedback on platforms like Discord, Soundcloud, YouTube, and other social media sites to continually improve your music.
That's how I learned to create music, and if you need more assistance, don't hesitate to hit me up!
Good Luck!
- Tommy
That's how I learned to create music, and if you need more assistance, don't hesitate to hit me up!
Good Luck!
- Tommy
Thank you so much for the advice!
Shana
Updated
Muligirwa’s Answer
I am going to use the simplest English and speech possible for you not to get confused. And I am going to try as hard as I can to speak to u as a beginner so that you do not get confused.
First this is that in everything u do, you have to look for the love for what u are planning or wanting to become. For if u have love for it, the learning period shortens because you will learn Faster.
Learn the basics first when it comes to how to use the software,and the most important things required because when you have basics,you tend to learn more with time and experience.
Learn how to play an instrument.knowing how to play a musical instrument helps you a lot when producing music,writing and mixing .
Also understand that music is a language of its own and we were all given different music abilities.do not plan on copying but instead be inspired and learn from other different producers.
Work on your social character for it helps you work with different artist. Be a listener and accept other artists creativities and ideas.your most important role is to bring out there vision so that you project it.it makes them happy when you bring there ideas to life
First this is that in everything u do, you have to look for the love for what u are planning or wanting to become. For if u have love for it, the learning period shortens because you will learn Faster.
Learn the basics first when it comes to how to use the software,and the most important things required because when you have basics,you tend to learn more with time and experience.
Learn how to play an instrument.knowing how to play a musical instrument helps you a lot when producing music,writing and mixing .
Also understand that music is a language of its own and we were all given different music abilities.do not plan on copying but instead be inspired and learn from other different producers.
Work on your social character for it helps you work with different artist. Be a listener and accept other artists creativities and ideas.your most important role is to bring out there vision so that you project it.it makes them happy when you bring there ideas to life
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question! I appreciate your advice!
Shana