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Asked
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what can I do to help myself ?
I want to learn music production. I cannot afford to go to a music and wasn’t able to get into a music school because I am still a beginner. I have 4 fully produced songs but I still feel like I am lacking the knowledge and skills. I don’t have experience but I am looking for some guidance.
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9 answers
Updated
Dr. Lawana’s Answer
Ava you can learn music production online for free
Here is a list of a few online educational resources
Ways To Learn Music Production For Free
Coursera – Music Production Specialization. ...
Point Blank Music School's Free Courses. ...
Noiselab 's Free Courses. ...
Skillshare. ...
Alison's Music Production Courses. ...
Syntorial (Learn Synthesis In A Video Game Format) ...
Audible: 30-Day Free Trial (Get 2 Free Audiobooks) ...
Education & Bass Online.
Here is a list of a few online educational resources
Ways To Learn Music Production For Free
Coursera – Music Production Specialization. ...
Point Blank Music School's Free Courses. ...
Noiselab 's Free Courses. ...
Skillshare. ...
Alison's Music Production Courses. ...
Syntorial (Learn Synthesis In A Video Game Format) ...
Audible: 30-Day Free Trial (Get 2 Free Audiobooks) ...
Education & Bass Online.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
ava
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Great question! I would take every free online course I could find! I would also see about a possible part time job in the music industry even if it is not doing exactly what I want to do for a career, it would at least help you understand the business and give you a foot in the door. Ask all your friends and family if they know of anyone in the business that you can chat with to help you understand the business. Check out other's social media to see how they are doing it. Good luck!
Take free online courses
Look at your local Community College for afterhours music classes
Ask friends and family for help in getting to your goal
Find work in the music industry...like a music/record store!
Deborah recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for taking the time to help.
ava
Updated
Chelita’s Answer
YouTube especially if you are a beginner but the have master class, udemy, etc. to get you started.
Thank you for giving me advice.
ava
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Hi Ava- all the responses here to your questions are very on point and suggest great advice overall. Music production is not something that can be rushed, but rather requires consistent input and feedback from others. Amazing to hear you have 4 fully produced songs, have you gotten feedback from them or release them on streaming platforms like Spotify or promoted them on social media? If you feel like you're lacking the knowledge in skill, I highly recommend finding and joining communities of fellow music producers where they are consistently producing and sharing their music on a regular basis. At some point having additional support like a coach or a community who specializes in the music you produce is important as well as their experience will give you clarity on your skillset and help you grow/evolve your career faster. To start, there are both great free and paid communities on social platforms like Facebook and Discord. It's important to not be too hard on yourself and know that experience comes with time. Be sure to get clear on your goals, how far you want to go with music production, seek support, and most importantly have fun with producing music as all will work together on your journey. Warm wishes, enjoy the journey, and keep us posted!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
ava
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
119
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Youtube is your best friend. Watch tutorials, professionals working, reviews, breakdowns, "how _______ made _________" videos. Consume music content like it's your favorite Netflix show. You will start to see patterns with what tutorials are telling you compared to what the professionals are doing. I would suggest starting with Andrew Huang, the Genius series where they have a producer break down a beat they did, and basically any other music producer who uploads YouTube videos
Thanks for the help.
ava
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
You got to have a plethora of content before you figure out what it is you really want to do. You have to come home from a late night of work and write a notebook out. There is no space between what you're producing and what you want to accomplish. You should be striving to be the best and take any necessary steps to get there. You must allow yourself to see past the lifestyle and dwell in what all musicians strive to be after a long journey of rehearsing and recording. I would say it would take about 2.5 whole hours out of your day every day and you should be organized with this content. Four songs are a lot my guy! It's enough for a demo for sure, and if you think about the fact that it's fully completed you should be patting yourself on the back. If it's in you, don't ever give it up. Have you heard K Rhino from the South? He has more content than anybody in the game and he's known in only that, the South.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
ava
Updated
Diya’s Answer
Hi Ava,
I’m an engineer recently turned writer who’s self employed. Doing something new when you aren’t trained for it is a challenge. The number one thing to remember is perseverance.
I’m an engineering professional so I know nothing about music. Take this advice at your own risk.
First, I suggest creating an online profile and presence. LinkedIn is good for corporate professionals and many people in entertainment and music are on there. However, you can research the networking platforms used by music producers in the field. If one doesn’t exist, you can make your own website using Wix or SquareSpace to showcase who you are. I would not upload your music to your website until you talk to an expert in your field.
Second, See if there are any professional societies virtually or near you that you can join to get mentorship and advice. Connect with as many people in the field as you can. Attend related music events in your city.
Third, research how copyright works for music. Talk to a lawyer at a legal clinic or get a free consult if one is offered. Because you’re in a creative industry, you must be careful about how you share the work you create in order to retain legal rights to it.
Fourth, I would find people and companies in your region. Do your research. Does your music match what music they create? If so, find a contact person there - call the office. Get someone’s email or phone and find out what the next steps are for the songs you’ve produced.
Good luck!
I’m an engineer recently turned writer who’s self employed. Doing something new when you aren’t trained for it is a challenge. The number one thing to remember is perseverance.
I’m an engineering professional so I know nothing about music. Take this advice at your own risk.
First, I suggest creating an online profile and presence. LinkedIn is good for corporate professionals and many people in entertainment and music are on there. However, you can research the networking platforms used by music producers in the field. If one doesn’t exist, you can make your own website using Wix or SquareSpace to showcase who you are. I would not upload your music to your website until you talk to an expert in your field.
Second, See if there are any professional societies virtually or near you that you can join to get mentorship and advice. Connect with as many people in the field as you can. Attend related music events in your city.
Third, research how copyright works for music. Talk to a lawyer at a legal clinic or get a free consult if one is offered. Because you’re in a creative industry, you must be careful about how you share the work you create in order to retain legal rights to it.
Fourth, I would find people and companies in your region. Do your research. Does your music match what music they create? If so, find a contact person there - call the office. Get someone’s email or phone and find out what the next steps are for the songs you’ve produced.
Good luck!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
ava
Updated
Sergo’s Answer
I've learned music production all by myself. Now I am 14 years in and ready for another 14 years.
The only advice you need to remember is to keep practicing. If you really want to make music, you need to have music in your mind, body, and soul. Learn to create music in your head, hum it, feel it, and try and learn to transfer it into your DAW of choice. Everything will come at its own pace and time.
Practice, practice, and more practice. There will be a lot of anger and frustration because it's a very hard path, to be honest. But if you'll buy your skills and understanding, you'll always feel that your development is dependent on others, mentors, or teachers.
Always remember that music comes from your heart and no one but you knows better how to create it. Learn the philosophy, how to feel and understand, and listen to the music for as many hours as you can daily. Know that when you ask someone to teach you to create music, it's a short story of lost money and time.
The only advice you need to remember is to keep practicing. If you really want to make music, you need to have music in your mind, body, and soul. Learn to create music in your head, hum it, feel it, and try and learn to transfer it into your DAW of choice. Everything will come at its own pace and time.
Practice, practice, and more practice. There will be a lot of anger and frustration because it's a very hard path, to be honest. But if you'll buy your skills and understanding, you'll always feel that your development is dependent on others, mentors, or teachers.
Always remember that music comes from your heart and no one but you knows better how to create it. Learn the philosophy, how to feel and understand, and listen to the music for as many hours as you can daily. Know that when you ask someone to teach you to create music, it's a short story of lost money and time.
Thank you so much, Sergo!
ava
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Take a moment to appreciate that you have put in effort. Most people have a dream that never turns into something! Kudos for giving things a shot.
I am not in the industry, but it feels like people are getting recognition for their music on social media. Have you considered posting on TikTok or Instagram? Maybe asking friends to use it as background sound for reels? If you can build a following, that could help your entry into the industry.
I am not in the industry, but it feels like people are getting recognition for their music on social media. Have you considered posting on TikTok or Instagram? Maybe asking friends to use it as background sound for reels? If you can build a following, that could help your entry into the industry.
Thank you, Jerome for the advice.
ava