Music Production – Where do I begin?

Normally, people do not suddenly decide they want to spend their lives producing music.  Most times this is an outgrowth of being a musician or singer/songwriter who loves music so much that they decide to expand their understanding and knowledge and venture into music production.   This profession is not only rewarding but if you’re excellent at what you do, it can be very lucrative as well.

Obviously, as with any other career choice, there is a learning curve.  And with music software changing almost daily, it’s important that you are aware of the best products available and with a working knowledge of them.  Whether you decide on Pro Tools, Acid, Fruity Loops, Logic, Reason or others, you must have a clear understanding of how to not only work the program but be able to play instruments or create them on a midi setup in order to produce a song. 

Next, you have to buy hardware to work on which is just as important as the software.  Most musicians believe that a Mac is best for music production but others disagree and work on their PC.  In addition to a good, fast computer, you will also need MPC’s, mixers, amps, microphones, audio interfaces and other pieces of equipment to actually produce something worthwhile.  Before you decide what to buy, go to a music specialty store such as Guitar Center and investigate what they suggest to get you started.  As time passes and you’re actually producing music, you will soon learn what else is needed to create what you envision.

Of course, once you own all the equipment and have a working knowledge of the software, it’s important that you learn production basics.  There are schools that specialize in music production and recording music.  It’s important, especially if you do not have a mentor helping you, that you take courses.  Obviously, you can learn on your own but the learning curve gets shortened with formal training.  You will need to understand the basic tools of music production: recording, mixing, compressing, mastering and more.  Most times, it’s far easier to just learn from someone else than to try to comprehend all there is to know, by yourself.

Finally, it is far easier to understand music production if you can play multiple instruments, can read sheet music and have perhaps even written your own music.  Being a musician in your own right will allow you to create beats and use a soundboard with much greater ease. 

Remember, great music producers did not become who they are overnight.  Most of them did an internship at a production company or record label before they even attempted to produce their own music.  There are many advantages to becoming a music producer and again, it can be very lucrative, but it is hard work.  The best case scenario is to either find a mentor through networking with other music professionals, or attend a school that will completely train you.  Either way, this is an exciting field and is also very rewarding.

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