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How do you get started as a music producer
How do you get started as a music producer? Is there a way to get experience without much on your resume? Who did you reach out to when you started out? Who did you learn from? What is networking like?
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John’s Answer
Hi Grace!
Most music producers today are independents, working from home. According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the national average salary for a music producer is $49,130 per year . Currently, nearly 56,000 music producers are working in the U.S. As far as working for someone else (like a Label) as a producer, there are only an estimated 2,700 job openings projected in the field over the next decade. So there is definitely a focus on being an Indy producer working for yourself.
The job market site Indeed recently published an article about becoming a music producer. You should read through it as it makes some good points - but that's not the whole story. They're mostly just talking about those formal job openings and not so much about being a producer from home. Here's the link: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-become-a-music-producer#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20United%20States,field%20over%20the%20next%20decade.
As far as becoming a home-based music producer with your own studio, there are lots of articles and videos about the topic. Here are a couple from Kris Bradley, a singer/songwriter who became a producer/entrepreneur. I've taken some of her courses and they're pretty good - she talks fast, but as her training is in video form you can always replay them to pick up on what you missed. There are lots of other great music production courses and providers out there on their own websites and on YouTube for you to explore - Kris is just one of them. Some others I like and have taken courses from are Aubrey Whitfield, Bobby Owsinski, Warren Huart, and Sara Carter among others. Some of the courses are expensive, some are more affordable, and some are free (like short Master Classes on specific topics).
Music Production as a Career Choice Kris Bradley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4jTmDQMNVw
Produce Like A Boss Videos
https://www.youtube.com/@ProduceLikeaBoss/videos
I agree with Sowemimo and Isabel's answers also. The best way to get started is to immerse yourself in everything you can find on the topic. Join forums and social media groups about music production and about whichever Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) you decide to use. Listen to lots of different kinds of music and figure out which genres you prefer. If you sing or play an instrument, practice on getting as skilled with those as you can. You could join a band, take Choir or Glee Club at school, or try out for local music competitions. Take some basic courses in music / music theory, songwriting, and arranging. Then start thinking about setting up your home studio and getting your gear together and begin making some music. Try your hand at each of the steps in the production process: Songwriting, Arranging, Recording, Comping & Editing, Mixing, Mastering, and Distribution. Take some courses and/or read some books on music production. Bobby Owsinksi has several useful books on Producing, Recording, Mixing, and Mastering that are available on Amazon physically and on Kindle. Robin Frederick has some great books on Songwriting and also YouTube videos. The more you learn and try for yourself the better.
Also, I don't want to discourage you from trying to get a job with a label or studio - because those jobs do exist, however few they may be. Getting into that business is not as easy and involves (as you've already deduced) meeting and working with people that are already in the business. In order to do that, you kind of have to be in one of the major areas where they are. In Houston, the major ones are probably Soundvibe, Studio 713, and Sugar Hill. While according to their websites, none of them appear to be directly hiring - you could contact them (send a message on their websites), tell them you're a local student interested in Music Production and ask if you could get a tour and find out more about their processes and services. It could be a an interesting experience for you. Here's an article about studios in Houston: https://www.musicgateway.com/blog/recording-studios/best-recording-studios-in-houston . Of course cities like Dallas, Nashville, and LA also have plenty of studios and connections with Labels - Here's an article from last year about that: https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/10-best-recording-studios-in-dallas-fort-worth-8727142
It's wonderful that you're leaning toward a career in Music Production, and that you have your whole life in front of you to do it! Good luck on your journey - you're going to do great!
Most music producers today are independents, working from home. According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the national average salary for a music producer is $49,130 per year . Currently, nearly 56,000 music producers are working in the U.S. As far as working for someone else (like a Label) as a producer, there are only an estimated 2,700 job openings projected in the field over the next decade. So there is definitely a focus on being an Indy producer working for yourself.
The job market site Indeed recently published an article about becoming a music producer. You should read through it as it makes some good points - but that's not the whole story. They're mostly just talking about those formal job openings and not so much about being a producer from home. Here's the link: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-become-a-music-producer#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20United%20States,field%20over%20the%20next%20decade.
As far as becoming a home-based music producer with your own studio, there are lots of articles and videos about the topic. Here are a couple from Kris Bradley, a singer/songwriter who became a producer/entrepreneur. I've taken some of her courses and they're pretty good - she talks fast, but as her training is in video form you can always replay them to pick up on what you missed. There are lots of other great music production courses and providers out there on their own websites and on YouTube for you to explore - Kris is just one of them. Some others I like and have taken courses from are Aubrey Whitfield, Bobby Owsinski, Warren Huart, and Sara Carter among others. Some of the courses are expensive, some are more affordable, and some are free (like short Master Classes on specific topics).
Music Production as a Career Choice Kris Bradley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4jTmDQMNVw
Produce Like A Boss Videos
https://www.youtube.com/@ProduceLikeaBoss/videos
I agree with Sowemimo and Isabel's answers also. The best way to get started is to immerse yourself in everything you can find on the topic. Join forums and social media groups about music production and about whichever Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) you decide to use. Listen to lots of different kinds of music and figure out which genres you prefer. If you sing or play an instrument, practice on getting as skilled with those as you can. You could join a band, take Choir or Glee Club at school, or try out for local music competitions. Take some basic courses in music / music theory, songwriting, and arranging. Then start thinking about setting up your home studio and getting your gear together and begin making some music. Try your hand at each of the steps in the production process: Songwriting, Arranging, Recording, Comping & Editing, Mixing, Mastering, and Distribution. Take some courses and/or read some books on music production. Bobby Owsinksi has several useful books on Producing, Recording, Mixing, and Mastering that are available on Amazon physically and on Kindle. Robin Frederick has some great books on Songwriting and also YouTube videos. The more you learn and try for yourself the better.
Also, I don't want to discourage you from trying to get a job with a label or studio - because those jobs do exist, however few they may be. Getting into that business is not as easy and involves (as you've already deduced) meeting and working with people that are already in the business. In order to do that, you kind of have to be in one of the major areas where they are. In Houston, the major ones are probably Soundvibe, Studio 713, and Sugar Hill. While according to their websites, none of them appear to be directly hiring - you could contact them (send a message on their websites), tell them you're a local student interested in Music Production and ask if you could get a tour and find out more about their processes and services. It could be a an interesting experience for you. Here's an article about studios in Houston: https://www.musicgateway.com/blog/recording-studios/best-recording-studios-in-houston . Of course cities like Dallas, Nashville, and LA also have plenty of studios and connections with Labels - Here's an article from last year about that: https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/10-best-recording-studios-in-dallas-fort-worth-8727142
It's wonderful that you're leaning toward a career in Music Production, and that you have your whole life in front of you to do it! Good luck on your journey - you're going to do great!
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
111
Answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hey!
Very excited to hear that you want to be a music producer! The others who answered your question got pretty close but I want to emphasis a few things. First- it's going to take a while. I've been in the industry for years at this point trying different things and experimenting. I wouldn't say I was actually good at this until maybe a year and a half or maybe two years ago. You need that time to practice and learn how to produce. While you're practicing, you will be finding your sound and learning what works for you. A lot of that production and learning will be free work- there's really no way around that because not many artists will ask an unknown producer to do something- they will be looking for cheap work or the credits to back up expensive work. PLEASE DO NOT take this as discouraging- this is what every producer has to go through because being a producer today is just like being a singer or rapper- you need a brand, you need to be recognizable, and you need to be making content. That's also a good Segway.
Secondly, making it in music is HARD. There's no way around that. If you truly want to work in the music industry as a producer, you will most likely be a freelancer going from project to project. Sometimes business will be great with a lot of work, cool things to do, and a lot of fun music making. Other times will be slow and not much money will be coming in. You need to be ready for that. Everyone else was focused on a music career itself and while that is important, there's something else that's even more important: saving and making your money work for you. Invest, save as much as you can, and attack from all different angles- not just production. Mix for people, master music for people, offer to record or help with the recording process. Do everything you can in the industry to get people's attention.
To answer your other questions I'll copy and paste your question and put my answer. Keep in mind, everyone's journey in music is different. If you want a similar experience as me, do something similar but by no means am I saying that the way I did this is the only way.
Who did you reach out to when you started out?
No one. I was too scared to ask anyone for help or for feedback. I treated every single comment trying to help me as hate and didn't accept anything people said unless it was nice. That was single handedly the worst mistake I made since I started building a career in music. However now, I reach out to everyone I can. I've DMed, emailed, commented, mentioned, requested, and basically every other social media or contacting kind of thing to so many people and companies that I've lost count. Rejection is something I just had to get used to. Now, if I find someone I want to work with or see a potential opportunity- I JUMP on it to try to get a gig or make a connection.
Who did you learn from?
The shorter answer would be to the question who DIDN'T I learn from? Here's the thing- the way I developed my techniques and learned how to produce quality tracks was from many many many different people. I watched Andrew Huang and other music YouTube channels and watched what they did and tried what they did in my own music. I listened to popular songs (even if I hated the artist or the song) and tried to figure out how to make something similar. I even watched every single one of those Genius interviews with producers breaking down their work so much that I have many of them memorized. I watched interviews, read articles, and talked to people once I came out of my skin. While doing all of this, I also was an Audio Production and Music Business student and had two mentors showing me techniques for mixing, mastering, recording, producing, and even live sound. Like I said, my experience is different from others but every single one of those things I did contributed to how I learned. While school was how I got access to equipment to try out what I saw or read about, everything I actually know came from hours of study, trial and error, and a lot of work. I like to say that I have a degree in Audio and Business but I'm a self taught music producer because school did not teach me my process. School didn't even teach me networking. School gave me the confidence that I could do what I wanted to do because of the support around me and the encouragement from my mentors.
What is Networking like?
Embarrassing somethings. Rewarding sometimes. Scary sometimes. It all depends. I've networked with a lot of people online- that's how I've gotten a lot of collaborators and how I work with most of them. That came from research, talking, and finally- getting the email and social media. This is how I started networking and is the main way I continue. Because of networking, even though it was scary, I have been able to work with gold and platinum producers, have well known producers following me on Instagram, and have sent beats to some of the top artists. While nothing of mine has placed with big artists yet, I can accurately say that when it happens, it happened because of networking.
Here's the thing about networking- it can happen anywhere and be anything. Part of the reason why I made the investment to go to school for music is because I wanted to network. Networking is just talking. Showing people you are good at what you do and that you can add value to a project or idea. Even my non-production or mixing jobs came from networking (besides 1 of them).
Hope this helps!
Very excited to hear that you want to be a music producer! The others who answered your question got pretty close but I want to emphasis a few things. First- it's going to take a while. I've been in the industry for years at this point trying different things and experimenting. I wouldn't say I was actually good at this until maybe a year and a half or maybe two years ago. You need that time to practice and learn how to produce. While you're practicing, you will be finding your sound and learning what works for you. A lot of that production and learning will be free work- there's really no way around that because not many artists will ask an unknown producer to do something- they will be looking for cheap work or the credits to back up expensive work. PLEASE DO NOT take this as discouraging- this is what every producer has to go through because being a producer today is just like being a singer or rapper- you need a brand, you need to be recognizable, and you need to be making content. That's also a good Segway.
Secondly, making it in music is HARD. There's no way around that. If you truly want to work in the music industry as a producer, you will most likely be a freelancer going from project to project. Sometimes business will be great with a lot of work, cool things to do, and a lot of fun music making. Other times will be slow and not much money will be coming in. You need to be ready for that. Everyone else was focused on a music career itself and while that is important, there's something else that's even more important: saving and making your money work for you. Invest, save as much as you can, and attack from all different angles- not just production. Mix for people, master music for people, offer to record or help with the recording process. Do everything you can in the industry to get people's attention.
To answer your other questions I'll copy and paste your question and put my answer. Keep in mind, everyone's journey in music is different. If you want a similar experience as me, do something similar but by no means am I saying that the way I did this is the only way.
Who did you reach out to when you started out?
No one. I was too scared to ask anyone for help or for feedback. I treated every single comment trying to help me as hate and didn't accept anything people said unless it was nice. That was single handedly the worst mistake I made since I started building a career in music. However now, I reach out to everyone I can. I've DMed, emailed, commented, mentioned, requested, and basically every other social media or contacting kind of thing to so many people and companies that I've lost count. Rejection is something I just had to get used to. Now, if I find someone I want to work with or see a potential opportunity- I JUMP on it to try to get a gig or make a connection.
Who did you learn from?
The shorter answer would be to the question who DIDN'T I learn from? Here's the thing- the way I developed my techniques and learned how to produce quality tracks was from many many many different people. I watched Andrew Huang and other music YouTube channels and watched what they did and tried what they did in my own music. I listened to popular songs (even if I hated the artist or the song) and tried to figure out how to make something similar. I even watched every single one of those Genius interviews with producers breaking down their work so much that I have many of them memorized. I watched interviews, read articles, and talked to people once I came out of my skin. While doing all of this, I also was an Audio Production and Music Business student and had two mentors showing me techniques for mixing, mastering, recording, producing, and even live sound. Like I said, my experience is different from others but every single one of those things I did contributed to how I learned. While school was how I got access to equipment to try out what I saw or read about, everything I actually know came from hours of study, trial and error, and a lot of work. I like to say that I have a degree in Audio and Business but I'm a self taught music producer because school did not teach me my process. School didn't even teach me networking. School gave me the confidence that I could do what I wanted to do because of the support around me and the encouragement from my mentors.
What is Networking like?
Embarrassing somethings. Rewarding sometimes. Scary sometimes. It all depends. I've networked with a lot of people online- that's how I've gotten a lot of collaborators and how I work with most of them. That came from research, talking, and finally- getting the email and social media. This is how I started networking and is the main way I continue. Because of networking, even though it was scary, I have been able to work with gold and platinum producers, have well known producers following me on Instagram, and have sent beats to some of the top artists. While nothing of mine has placed with big artists yet, I can accurately say that when it happens, it happened because of networking.
Here's the thing about networking- it can happen anywhere and be anything. Part of the reason why I made the investment to go to school for music is because I wanted to network. Networking is just talking. Showing people you are good at what you do and that you can add value to a project or idea. Even my non-production or mixing jobs came from networking (besides 1 of them).
Hope this helps!
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hello Grace!
Embarking on your journey as a music producer is an exciting adventure! Begin by mastering fundamental music software such as FL Studio or Ableton Live. This will be your canvas to create your unique sound. Once you've crafted your music, share it online. This will not only showcase your talent but also help in building a strong portfolio.
Don't hesitate to connect with local artists. Offer to produce tracks for them. This will give you real-world experience and help you understand different music styles. To enhance your skills further, tap into the wealth of knowledge available online. YouTube and Coursera are excellent platforms that offer tutorials and courses designed to refine your producing abilities.
Remember, networking is key in the music industry. Attend music events, become an active member of online producer communities, and engage with other musicians on social media. This will open up opportunities and inspire you to create music that resonates with people. Keep learning, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying your musical journey!
Embarking on your journey as a music producer is an exciting adventure! Begin by mastering fundamental music software such as FL Studio or Ableton Live. This will be your canvas to create your unique sound. Once you've crafted your music, share it online. This will not only showcase your talent but also help in building a strong portfolio.
Don't hesitate to connect with local artists. Offer to produce tracks for them. This will give you real-world experience and help you understand different music styles. To enhance your skills further, tap into the wealth of knowledge available online. YouTube and Coursera are excellent platforms that offer tutorials and courses designed to refine your producing abilities.
Remember, networking is key in the music industry. Attend music events, become an active member of online producer communities, and engage with other musicians on social media. This will open up opportunities and inspire you to create music that resonates with people. Keep learning, keep creating, and most importantly, keep enjoying your musical journey!
Updated
Sowemimo’s Answer
As a music producer myself what I can say is that you should know the basics of a DAW,( e.g Fl studio, logic) and I would advise you to go on YouTube to watch tutorials. You should check out Chukii beats, Sikky beats they make lots of tutorials and share latest ideas. I wish good luck on your journey into music production
Updated
Jonathon’s Answer
Starting out as a music producer you'll need to learn a couple of things. First would be a digital audio work station such as Pro Tools, Logic, FL Studio or Pro Tools. Protools is the industry standard in most professional studios and you will come across it especially when working with recording engineers. A lot of professional beat maker these days especially in hiphop work out of FL Studio. Many self producing artist a lot of times work out of Logic and much of the electronic music industry often will work in Ableton Live. The best way to get started is to learn one of these DAWs. Also it is a great investment if play some sort of instrument such as piano because most of the DAWs (Digital Audio Work Stations) Utilize what's called a piano roll but there's plenty of industry producers who don't even play instruments so don't worry about this as much. As long as you are creative and hear the music in your head you can do it.
A work resume is not really required or even often useful when you're a music producer. I've never once been asked for a work resume ever in my professional work. Often I am asked for a link to my works and projects I have worked on.
I would suggest reaching out to smaller artist and songwriters to get started. You may have to do some work for free until you build a professional resume. The best place to find smaller artist these days is TikTok or Instagram. If they have a work email available a cold email can work and also a follow up direct message to them on either of the platforms will also work. People may or may not respond but don't less this discourage you. In the music industry you will hear a lot of no's before you hear a yes from artist. companies and labels. It's just part of the process but I would reach out to as many small artist as I could send them either a playlist of productions you've done yourself. They don't necessarily have to be released songs but creating a google drive with view only turned on that they can access or a Soundcloud playlist of your own works is a great thing to have on hand so you can send them examples of your work.
Initially I learned from YouTube then I did an audio engineer program at a professional studio in Charlotte, NC. Later I did a similar program at Central Piedmont Community College for a year. After doing these programs I attended and graduated Berklee College Of Music with a specialization in Electronic Production & Design and then I went for my Masters which was a specialization in songwriting and music production at Berklee NYC. College isn't required to do music and often you will see many of top professionals don't even have degrees and sometimes not even a high school diploma. Education is a great investment if you are looking to learn though but I would only recommend these things if you can afford to invest into them or acquire scholarships.
Networking is pretty straightforward the best place to meet people in a similar field is the AES (Audio Engineering Society) is a great start as they have a multitude of professional engineers from hobbyist to grammy award winning music producers on their roster. If you can attend one of their conventions or conferences I would definitely start doing that. Often they best means is to pitch yourself to them. Present who you are and what you do. I would ask if they have a professional email you can contact them by and go from there. Most often they will give it out generally people apart of this group are pretty friendly. Berklee College Of Music also host a career jam every year. If you can make it out to Boston this is a great event to attend as there are many professional industry experts there asking questions from A&Rs to Music Producers to Sync Agency's and many more. Always make sure your portfolio is handy on a device or your laptop if you have it because you never really know if someones gonna ask to see your work in person and in my experience its good to have on you at all times when attending these events. The most important thing is to be friendly. I know plenty of people who are talented but do not come off the friendliest and have trouble finding work and I know even more who are very likable as people who get often way more opportunities. If people like you in the industry they will help you often.
I leave links below where you can find more information about AES and Berklee.
AES: https://aes2.org/event/
Career Jam at Berklee: https://www.berklee.edu/career-jam
A work resume is not really required or even often useful when you're a music producer. I've never once been asked for a work resume ever in my professional work. Often I am asked for a link to my works and projects I have worked on.
I would suggest reaching out to smaller artist and songwriters to get started. You may have to do some work for free until you build a professional resume. The best place to find smaller artist these days is TikTok or Instagram. If they have a work email available a cold email can work and also a follow up direct message to them on either of the platforms will also work. People may or may not respond but don't less this discourage you. In the music industry you will hear a lot of no's before you hear a yes from artist. companies and labels. It's just part of the process but I would reach out to as many small artist as I could send them either a playlist of productions you've done yourself. They don't necessarily have to be released songs but creating a google drive with view only turned on that they can access or a Soundcloud playlist of your own works is a great thing to have on hand so you can send them examples of your work.
Initially I learned from YouTube then I did an audio engineer program at a professional studio in Charlotte, NC. Later I did a similar program at Central Piedmont Community College for a year. After doing these programs I attended and graduated Berklee College Of Music with a specialization in Electronic Production & Design and then I went for my Masters which was a specialization in songwriting and music production at Berklee NYC. College isn't required to do music and often you will see many of top professionals don't even have degrees and sometimes not even a high school diploma. Education is a great investment if you are looking to learn though but I would only recommend these things if you can afford to invest into them or acquire scholarships.
Networking is pretty straightforward the best place to meet people in a similar field is the AES (Audio Engineering Society) is a great start as they have a multitude of professional engineers from hobbyist to grammy award winning music producers on their roster. If you can attend one of their conventions or conferences I would definitely start doing that. Often they best means is to pitch yourself to them. Present who you are and what you do. I would ask if they have a professional email you can contact them by and go from there. Most often they will give it out generally people apart of this group are pretty friendly. Berklee College Of Music also host a career jam every year. If you can make it out to Boston this is a great event to attend as there are many professional industry experts there asking questions from A&Rs to Music Producers to Sync Agency's and many more. Always make sure your portfolio is handy on a device or your laptop if you have it because you never really know if someones gonna ask to see your work in person and in my experience its good to have on you at all times when attending these events. The most important thing is to be friendly. I know plenty of people who are talented but do not come off the friendliest and have trouble finding work and I know even more who are very likable as people who get often way more opportunities. If people like you in the industry they will help you often.
I leave links below where you can find more information about AES and Berklee.
AES: https://aes2.org/event/
Career Jam at Berklee: https://www.berklee.edu/career-jam
Updated
Ariel Andino’s Answer
Hello!!! First of all is academic training, studying in prestigious places. Start with small projects, be responsible with delivery times. Well-done work is always recommended, but never stop training and continuing to train more in this field. There are many certifications that are free to start, for example Shure Institute, Waves Audio.... So that you can add to your resume. Regards
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Do you already have any platforms, so you are able to showcase your music? If not then I recommend sites such as reverb nation, SoundCloud, Spotify, and many others. You would need to know how to use a digital audio workstation(daw). Keep practicing and you'll get better !! Have a good day !!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5667
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Grace!
How to Get Started as a Music Producer
Getting started as a music producer can be an exciting yet daunting journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the initial steps, gain experience, and build a network in the music industry.
1. Understand the Basics of Music Production
Before diving into production, familiarize yourself with fundamental concepts:
Music Theory: Understanding scales, chords, and song structure will enhance your ability to create compelling music.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Learn how to use popular DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, or Pro Tools. Each has its strengths and weaknesses; choose one that fits your style.
Audio Engineering: Basic knowledge of recording techniques, mixing, and mastering is crucial. Online courses or tutorials can provide foundational skills.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Experience is key in music production:
Start Producing Your Own Music: Create original tracks or remixes. This practice helps you develop your sound and hone your technical skills.
Collaborate with Other Musicians: Reach out to local artists or friends who play instruments or sing. Collaborating allows you to learn from others while building your portfolio.
Volunteer for Projects: Offer your production services for free or at a reduced rate to gain experience. This could include working on demos for local bands or helping friends with their recordings.
3. Build Your Portfolio
As you create music:
Document Your Work: Keep track of all projects you work on, even if they are unpaid. A diverse portfolio showcasing different genres and styles will attract potential clients.
Share Your Music Online: Use platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or YouTube to share your tracks. Social media can also be a powerful tool for gaining visibility.
4. Networking in the Music Industry
Networking is essential for growth:
Attend Local Shows and Events: Meet musicians and other producers at concerts, open mics, or industry events. Engaging in conversations can lead to collaboration opportunities.
Join Online Communities: Participate in forums such as Reddit’s r/WeAreTheMusicMakers or Facebook groups dedicated to music production where you can ask questions and share experiences.
Connect with Local Studios: Reach out to recording studios in your area; many are open to interns or assistants looking to learn.
5. Learning from Others
Finding mentors can accelerate your learning:
Seek Out Experienced Producers: Look for producers whose work you admire and reach out via social media or email. Many are willing to offer advice if approached respectfully.
Take Courses or Workshops: Enroll in online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or MasterClass that focus on music production techniques taught by industry professionals.
6. Stay Updated with Industry Trends
The music industry is constantly evolving:
Follow Industry News: Subscribe to blogs like Pitchfork or Billboard that cover trends in music production and artist development.
Experiment with New Technologies: Stay informed about new software updates and hardware innovations that can enhance your production capabilities.
7. Be Persistent and Patient
Success in music production often takes time:
Keep Creating: Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; continue producing music regularly.
Accept Feedback Gracefully: Use constructive criticism from peers as an opportunity for growth rather than taking it personally.
By following these steps diligently and maintaining a passion for creating music, you’ll gradually build the experience needed to establish yourself as a successful music producer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Berklee College of Music
Offers extensive resources on music theory, audio engineering principles, and various aspects of the music industry.
Sound on Sound Magazine
Provides articles on recording techniques, gear reviews, interviews with producers which are invaluable for understanding current trends in audio production.
MasterClass
Features courses taught by renowned producers covering both technical skills and creative insights into the art of music production.
God Bless You!
JC.
How to Get Started as a Music Producer
Getting started as a music producer can be an exciting yet daunting journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the initial steps, gain experience, and build a network in the music industry.
1. Understand the Basics of Music Production
Before diving into production, familiarize yourself with fundamental concepts:
Music Theory: Understanding scales, chords, and song structure will enhance your ability to create compelling music.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Learn how to use popular DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, or Pro Tools. Each has its strengths and weaknesses; choose one that fits your style.
Audio Engineering: Basic knowledge of recording techniques, mixing, and mastering is crucial. Online courses or tutorials can provide foundational skills.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Experience is key in music production:
Start Producing Your Own Music: Create original tracks or remixes. This practice helps you develop your sound and hone your technical skills.
Collaborate with Other Musicians: Reach out to local artists or friends who play instruments or sing. Collaborating allows you to learn from others while building your portfolio.
Volunteer for Projects: Offer your production services for free or at a reduced rate to gain experience. This could include working on demos for local bands or helping friends with their recordings.
3. Build Your Portfolio
As you create music:
Document Your Work: Keep track of all projects you work on, even if they are unpaid. A diverse portfolio showcasing different genres and styles will attract potential clients.
Share Your Music Online: Use platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or YouTube to share your tracks. Social media can also be a powerful tool for gaining visibility.
4. Networking in the Music Industry
Networking is essential for growth:
Attend Local Shows and Events: Meet musicians and other producers at concerts, open mics, or industry events. Engaging in conversations can lead to collaboration opportunities.
Join Online Communities: Participate in forums such as Reddit’s r/WeAreTheMusicMakers or Facebook groups dedicated to music production where you can ask questions and share experiences.
Connect with Local Studios: Reach out to recording studios in your area; many are open to interns or assistants looking to learn.
5. Learning from Others
Finding mentors can accelerate your learning:
Seek Out Experienced Producers: Look for producers whose work you admire and reach out via social media or email. Many are willing to offer advice if approached respectfully.
Take Courses or Workshops: Enroll in online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or MasterClass that focus on music production techniques taught by industry professionals.
6. Stay Updated with Industry Trends
The music industry is constantly evolving:
Follow Industry News: Subscribe to blogs like Pitchfork or Billboard that cover trends in music production and artist development.
Experiment with New Technologies: Stay informed about new software updates and hardware innovations that can enhance your production capabilities.
7. Be Persistent and Patient
Success in music production often takes time:
Keep Creating: Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; continue producing music regularly.
Accept Feedback Gracefully: Use constructive criticism from peers as an opportunity for growth rather than taking it personally.
By following these steps diligently and maintaining a passion for creating music, you’ll gradually build the experience needed to establish yourself as a successful music producer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Berklee College of Music
Offers extensive resources on music theory, audio engineering principles, and various aspects of the music industry.
Sound on Sound Magazine
Provides articles on recording techniques, gear reviews, interviews with producers which are invaluable for understanding current trends in audio production.
MasterClass
Features courses taught by renowned producers covering both technical skills and creative insights into the art of music production.
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Cristian’s Answer
Starting in music production at first can seem overwhelming. Especially the graphical interfaces of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation), which are the programs in which we music producers move, can seem like a challenge to understand. But really it is much easier than it seems. It's all about getting a good source of guidance, of which fortunately there are now many on the internet, even if you can't afford them. Proof of this are the thousands (and perhaps millions) of tutorials that abound on YouTube.
Indeed, the most important thing is mainly to create a good knowledge base, and the rest will practically happen on its own after that, as long as you put in the effort.
So don't be afraid to review all the information available, even the contradictory, because as long as you have the basics you will be able to discern what is right from all the information, and so you can start your journey without much complication, and who knows, maybe you will become a great music producer in the future.
Indeed, the most important thing is mainly to create a good knowledge base, and the rest will practically happen on its own after that, as long as you put in the effort.
So don't be afraid to review all the information available, even the contradictory, because as long as you have the basics you will be able to discern what is right from all the information, and so you can start your journey without much complication, and who knows, maybe you will become a great music producer in the future.