6 answers
Sophia
Student
Mount Pleasant, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How may I get better at music ?
How can I make it as a music producer?
What do I have to do to get better at marching in high school band and play my instrument better?
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6 answers
Andy O'Reilly
Audio Engineer/Sound Designer/Mixer
2
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Hi Sophia-
Really good questions! Overall, a simple answer to each of your questions is "practice, practice, practice", but let's take a look at what that means for each:
Getting better at music/your instrument: Not sure what instrument you play, but one of the best things you can do is to actively dedicate time to practice when you can; whether that's everyday (ideally) or whatever your schedule allows for. It's also a really good idea to practice with a metronome, either a physical unit, an app on your phone, some websites have them, etc. Practicing to a click helps lock in your timing and helps develop your steady internal tempo. Start off slower than called for (especially if you're learning a new piece or practicing one you know), make sure you're playing correctly (and cleanly!) at that tempo, then gradually increase the tempo little by little as you keep practicing, again making sure you're playing in time and correctly, and eventually you'll get to full speed. It's going to take time to get there. It also helps to learn different styles.
Making it as a music producer: I'm not exactly a music producer but I've been a recording engineer and audio pro for 15+ years, and a musician for a lot longer than that, and have produced my own stuff. There are a number of books and websites that describe the ins and outs of the job of being a producer, just one example is this site here: https://www.careersinmusic.com/music-producer/
In addition to reading about the position, learn about who produced some of your favorite music. What kind of music do you listen to/ who are artists that you like? The Producer's name is almost always easily findable (and is required information so that they get royalties, etc.). If they're a big name, they might have written books that talk about their experiences (or at least appear in articles). There have been a lot of Producers throughout music history, but to just list a couple of major names: Quincy Jones, Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, Rick Rubin, Bob Rock, Dr. Dre, Arif Mardin, George Martin, Phil Spector, Max Martin, Linda Perry, Brian Eno, Berry Gordy, Sylvia Massey, Steve Albini, Mutt Lange, Daniel Lanois. If you let us know some artists/styles you're into we can provide more genre-specific recommendations.
Another thing you want to practice what people like to call "active listening". This can be done with or without music [but we'll get to the music part in a second]. It can be as simple as, for example, sitting in a room, focusing (maybe with your eyes closed), and asking yourself what are all the individual sounds you hear: the air conditioning? cars outside? a clock ticking? people talking somewhere else? Whatever the location (inside, outside, anywhere), see how many different sounds you can identify, and where they're coming from.
This same idea of active listening can also be done with music: when you're listening to music, go through and focus on each individual part and see how many instruments and/or voices you can identify. See how specific you can get; is it "drums", or can you ID the individual elements (for example kick, snare, hi-hat, tamborine, etc.)? Is it "guitar", or is it acoustic guitar? Is there "singing" or is there a lead and three harmonies? Etc. Etc. The answers will depend on what music you're listening to, but see how much information you can gather from what you hear. You can also expand this exercise and listen for where each instrument sits in space, or what effects if any are on a part (like reverb), or individual rhythmic patterns, etc. The more you actively listen to music (and the world around you), the more you will pick up on small details and when it comes time for you making your own music you'll have a better idea of how to explain what sounds you're going for.
Hope this all helps, and please feel free to ask more!
Really good questions! Overall, a simple answer to each of your questions is "practice, practice, practice", but let's take a look at what that means for each:
Getting better at music/your instrument: Not sure what instrument you play, but one of the best things you can do is to actively dedicate time to practice when you can; whether that's everyday (ideally) or whatever your schedule allows for. It's also a really good idea to practice with a metronome, either a physical unit, an app on your phone, some websites have them, etc. Practicing to a click helps lock in your timing and helps develop your steady internal tempo. Start off slower than called for (especially if you're learning a new piece or practicing one you know), make sure you're playing correctly (and cleanly!) at that tempo, then gradually increase the tempo little by little as you keep practicing, again making sure you're playing in time and correctly, and eventually you'll get to full speed. It's going to take time to get there. It also helps to learn different styles.
Making it as a music producer: I'm not exactly a music producer but I've been a recording engineer and audio pro for 15+ years, and a musician for a lot longer than that, and have produced my own stuff. There are a number of books and websites that describe the ins and outs of the job of being a producer, just one example is this site here: https://www.careersinmusic.com/music-producer/
In addition to reading about the position, learn about who produced some of your favorite music. What kind of music do you listen to/ who are artists that you like? The Producer's name is almost always easily findable (and is required information so that they get royalties, etc.). If they're a big name, they might have written books that talk about their experiences (or at least appear in articles). There have been a lot of Producers throughout music history, but to just list a couple of major names: Quincy Jones, Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, Rick Rubin, Bob Rock, Dr. Dre, Arif Mardin, George Martin, Phil Spector, Max Martin, Linda Perry, Brian Eno, Berry Gordy, Sylvia Massey, Steve Albini, Mutt Lange, Daniel Lanois. If you let us know some artists/styles you're into we can provide more genre-specific recommendations.
Another thing you want to practice what people like to call "active listening". This can be done with or without music [but we'll get to the music part in a second]. It can be as simple as, for example, sitting in a room, focusing (maybe with your eyes closed), and asking yourself what are all the individual sounds you hear: the air conditioning? cars outside? a clock ticking? people talking somewhere else? Whatever the location (inside, outside, anywhere), see how many different sounds you can identify, and where they're coming from.
This same idea of active listening can also be done with music: when you're listening to music, go through and focus on each individual part and see how many instruments and/or voices you can identify. See how specific you can get; is it "drums", or can you ID the individual elements (for example kick, snare, hi-hat, tamborine, etc.)? Is it "guitar", or is it acoustic guitar? Is there "singing" or is there a lead and three harmonies? Etc. Etc. The answers will depend on what music you're listening to, but see how much information you can gather from what you hear. You can also expand this exercise and listen for where each instrument sits in space, or what effects if any are on a part (like reverb), or individual rhythmic patterns, etc. The more you actively listen to music (and the world around you), the more you will pick up on small details and when it comes time for you making your own music you'll have a better idea of how to explain what sounds you're going for.
Hope this all helps, and please feel free to ask more!
David Brooks
Prof. Musician and band management
2
Answers
Evergreen, Colorado
Updated
David’s Answer
Sophia: Sounds like you are quite young. This is a great advantage in any endeavor. So don't waste time. paly, sing, dance, whatever you do, make a decision to do it of a certain period of time every day if possible. This commitment alone will literally craft your performance destiny.
How may I get better at music ? You need to think about why you are involved in music. I started playing piano at age 11 and guitar at age 13, both for all the wrong reasons. Regardless of the initial motivation, my devotion to the instrument paid off in some good money, great relationships and experiences I would never have had if I had not chosen that path.
You may not be so obsessed with music. You need to think about your goals over the years: hobby, career, half-and-half. Then gauge your investment of time accordingly.
How can I make it as a music producer? Everyone has a different definition of 'producer'. Taylor Swift produces songs she writes in a multi-million dollar environment to create the final product she wants. I record a song I wrote on my phone and, technically, I am the music producer also. Therefore, you invest your time and other resources in accordance with the level of product you want,
What do I have to do to get better at marching in high school band and play my instrument better? Wasn't in marching band, but, how do you get to Carnegie hall? Practice, practice, practice!
Hope this helps.
Best,
David
How may I get better at music ? You need to think about why you are involved in music. I started playing piano at age 11 and guitar at age 13, both for all the wrong reasons. Regardless of the initial motivation, my devotion to the instrument paid off in some good money, great relationships and experiences I would never have had if I had not chosen that path.
You may not be so obsessed with music. You need to think about your goals over the years: hobby, career, half-and-half. Then gauge your investment of time accordingly.
How can I make it as a music producer? Everyone has a different definition of 'producer'. Taylor Swift produces songs she writes in a multi-million dollar environment to create the final product she wants. I record a song I wrote on my phone and, technically, I am the music producer also. Therefore, you invest your time and other resources in accordance with the level of product you want,
What do I have to do to get better at marching in high school band and play my instrument better? Wasn't in marching band, but, how do you get to Carnegie hall? Practice, practice, practice!
Hope this helps.
Best,
David
Nicolas McKissack
Independent artist
72
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
It's Ok if you feel challenged about getting better at music. The best thing we can do here is attempt to be the best you can be at it! I would suggest a few things to get started. One, you want to make sure you have the appropriate amount of determination to do this. I would be well informed about my favorite artists and their work and make an attempt to mimic or cover some of their songs while you're playing your instrument. If you at any point, feel like giving up remember that it is just a period of time in your learning that you are shifting from one level of skill to another. Don't be discouraged if you find yourself stuck on mastering picking sixteenth and eight notes. Believe that with diligence you can overcome and don't forget to step away from your instrument for processing. Two, if you believe you have some sort of talent for this start now and make sure you make it a lifestyle and lifelong experience. When you first chose your instrument, what was appealing about it? Record your thoughts and share with family so they are able to support you when you feel like giving up. Three, always remember to take care of your instrument. Routine cleaning and maintenance make the experience more enjoyable, and you are more likely to stay with that instrument. If you are talking performing, or recording, then keep in mind that you have all of your twenties to memorize songs, but don't procrastinate. Make sure you are keeping up with the level of skill your competition has acquired by studying what they are doing. Attend concerts and venues when you feel like it's needed, most likely at the end of a mastered period of time.
Choose your instrument
Take care of your instrument
Work
Break
Attend
Nicolas recommends the following next steps:
Bogdan-Adrian Ion
Sound designer
1
Answer
Piatra Neamț, Neamț County, Romania
Updated
Bogdan-Adrian’s Answer
Practice makes perfect!
Jared Oluwa
Music Producer For Sync Licensing
10
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jared’s Answer
Consistent practice! But if you truly desire to be better, you have to sacrifice a few things.
So for example, when your friends are going out, you might have to stay home and practice your instrument and research the greats that you look up to.
Each week, each month and each year you’ll see the growth so make the initiative and enjoy the journey.
So for example, when your friends are going out, you might have to stay home and practice your instrument and research the greats that you look up to.
Each week, each month and each year you’ll see the growth so make the initiative and enjoy the journey.
Amanda Iannuzzi
10
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Practice is important but where and how you practice makes a big difference, too. Seek out different teachers, learn to play music in different groups large and small, listen to other musicians and work on different aspects of the music, like blending with other players.