2 answers
Sariah
Student
Ocala, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What classes would you have to take in order to have a degree in music production (beats) or at least to know about it??
Thanks to anyone who answers my question!
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2 answers
Shahneela Vengus
HR Manager
30
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Shahneela’s Answer
If you're keen on earning a degree in music production or just want to become well-versed in this field, you'll typically need to dive into a variety of classes and study areas. These will help you grasp both the technical and imaginative sides of music production. Here's a friendly rundown of some key classes and study areas you might come across:
Music Theory: This is all about getting to grips with the basics of music theory. You'll learn about scales, chords, and harmony, which are all vital for any music producer.
Audio Engineering: This class is your ticket to understanding recording techniques, sound processing, and mixing. It's all about the technical side of working with audio gear and software.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Get to know the DAW software that the pros use, like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or FL Studio. You might even get some training specific to these softwares.
Music Production Techniques: Here's where you get to unleash your creativity. You'll learn about beat-making, arranging, and composition, and you might even get to arrange music for different genres and styles.
Sound Design: This is your chance to experiment with sound manipulation and synthesis. You'll learn how to create unique sounds and textures for your beats and music.
MIDI and Virtual Instruments: This class will teach you how to use MIDI controllers and virtual instruments to make digital music.
Recording and Studio Techniques: Get some real-world experience in recording studios. You'll learn about mic placement, tracking, and how to operate studio equipment.
Music Business: Get the lowdown on the business side of the music industry. This includes copyright, licensing, royalties, and marketing.
Music History and Analysis: Take a journey through the history and evolution of music styles and genres. This will give you a deeper understanding of the context of music.
Music Theory: This is all about getting to grips with the basics of music theory. You'll learn about scales, chords, and harmony, which are all vital for any music producer.
Audio Engineering: This class is your ticket to understanding recording techniques, sound processing, and mixing. It's all about the technical side of working with audio gear and software.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Get to know the DAW software that the pros use, like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or FL Studio. You might even get some training specific to these softwares.
Music Production Techniques: Here's where you get to unleash your creativity. You'll learn about beat-making, arranging, and composition, and you might even get to arrange music for different genres and styles.
Sound Design: This is your chance to experiment with sound manipulation and synthesis. You'll learn how to create unique sounds and textures for your beats and music.
MIDI and Virtual Instruments: This class will teach you how to use MIDI controllers and virtual instruments to make digital music.
Recording and Studio Techniques: Get some real-world experience in recording studios. You'll learn about mic placement, tracking, and how to operate studio equipment.
Music Business: Get the lowdown on the business side of the music industry. This includes copyright, licensing, royalties, and marketing.
Music History and Analysis: Take a journey through the history and evolution of music styles and genres. This will give you a deeper understanding of the context of music.
Ricardo Mercado
1
Answer
Deltona, Florida
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Shahneela's insights are spot-on and align with the experiences of many in the music industry. As a music production graduate, I can attest that the courses she mentioned, and more, are fundamental to grasping the how, why, and in what manner music is crafted.
Take music theory, for instance. It guides you in understanding the principles that usually make music appealing and melodious. It enlightens you about how certain notes, though discordant when played independently, can create a captivating tension when correctly sequenced. This is akin to a chef who meticulously blends various ingredients to create a delightful meal. Some ingredients may not be palatable on their own, but when mixed with others, they add depth and flavor. Similarly, music theory enables you to identify when something doesn't sound quite right and adjust it to suit the needs of the artists you're working with, such as altering the key of a song to match the singer's range.
As Shahneela pointed out, there's more to it, and the elements she mentioned are the essential "ingredients" to kickstart your journey. She nailed it perfectly.
The most crucial aspect, however, is to discover your unique sound and not be afraid to experiment. Remember, not every piece you create will be an instant hit, and that's perfectly fine. Even after mastering all these elements, it's vital to venture beyond what you've learned, create a sound you love, and be open to exploring areas that may not initially appeal to you. You might be surprised at what you discover.
This is a lesson I learned firsthand. I entered the industry intending to produce dance music, but I wasn't satisfied with the music I was creating. I couldn't pinpoint why until I started exploring genres like hip hop and orchestral music, which I hadn't been particularly interested in. To my surprise, I discovered a natural affinity for orchestral music. Now, I find immense joy in creating it, and I feel it represents me better as a creator. Interestingly, I still incorporate elements of electronic music!
Returning to the chef analogy, a chef with a broad palate and experience in diverse cuisines often creates dishes that people love. This usually involves experimenting with ingredients they wouldn't typically use.
So, don't shy away from challenging yourself, and remember that it's okay if your first few "meals" aren't the tastiest. Combine this mindset with Shahneela's advice, and you'll lay a solid foundation for your music career.
Take music theory, for instance. It guides you in understanding the principles that usually make music appealing and melodious. It enlightens you about how certain notes, though discordant when played independently, can create a captivating tension when correctly sequenced. This is akin to a chef who meticulously blends various ingredients to create a delightful meal. Some ingredients may not be palatable on their own, but when mixed with others, they add depth and flavor. Similarly, music theory enables you to identify when something doesn't sound quite right and adjust it to suit the needs of the artists you're working with, such as altering the key of a song to match the singer's range.
As Shahneela pointed out, there's more to it, and the elements she mentioned are the essential "ingredients" to kickstart your journey. She nailed it perfectly.
The most crucial aspect, however, is to discover your unique sound and not be afraid to experiment. Remember, not every piece you create will be an instant hit, and that's perfectly fine. Even after mastering all these elements, it's vital to venture beyond what you've learned, create a sound you love, and be open to exploring areas that may not initially appeal to you. You might be surprised at what you discover.
This is a lesson I learned firsthand. I entered the industry intending to produce dance music, but I wasn't satisfied with the music I was creating. I couldn't pinpoint why until I started exploring genres like hip hop and orchestral music, which I hadn't been particularly interested in. To my surprise, I discovered a natural affinity for orchestral music. Now, I find immense joy in creating it, and I feel it represents me better as a creator. Interestingly, I still incorporate elements of electronic music!
Returning to the chef analogy, a chef with a broad palate and experience in diverse cuisines often creates dishes that people love. This usually involves experimenting with ingredients they wouldn't typically use.
So, don't shy away from challenging yourself, and remember that it's okay if your first few "meals" aren't the tastiest. Combine this mindset with Shahneela's advice, and you'll lay a solid foundation for your music career.