Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Learning to Produce
• Part 2 of 2: The Production Business
• Tips
• Warnings

Do you have any idea how the songs on the radio might sound differently? Do you dream that your composition will conquer the top of the charts? Do you want recognition? Learn how to become a music producer in this article.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Learning to Produce

1. 1 Learn to play some kind of musical instrument. You don't have to be a virtuoso to become a producer, but a trained ear and knowledge of music theory will be very, very useful for your career. You should also try to compose your own compositions, master the musical tempos, or even learn how to play by sheet music. By being on the other side of the resonant deck, you will be able to appreciate a particular composition much better. Consider one of the following basic tools:
   • Piano / synthesizer. Perhaps, for a producer these are the most necessary and widespread instruments, the ability to play something on the piano is incredibly useful. It doesn't matter if you are trying to formulate an idea or want to record a musical phrase, it is almost impossible to do without a piano.
   • Guitar.Once you have mastered the guitar, you can play the strings with ease and immediately take a big step towards pop and rock music.
   • Bas-guitar. An underrated but absolutely essential bass guitar will help guide the rhythm section and provide a foundation for producing.
2. 2 Master technology. To learn how to create and control music, you will need to learn how to use a resonant deck and as many music processing programs as possible. If you're new to producing, you can start with FL Studio or Ableton Live, these digital sound workstations (DAWs) are great for beginners.
   • Digital sound workstations like Cakewalk Sonar, Reason and Pro Tools are used by producers to fix and modify the music they record. Hip-hop and dance producers can use FL Studio, which works for pop too.
   • If you would like to produce hip hop music, consider investing in a sampler. Golden Age producers like Pete Rock and DJ Premier enjoy the MPC60, SP1200 and S950.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Timothy Linetsky

   
   
   Music producer and teacher Timothy Linetski is a DJ, producer and teacher who has been composing music for over 15 years. Makes educational videos for YouTube on electronic music creation and has over 90,000 subscribers.

   Timothy Linetsky
   Music producer and teacher

   Our expert's story: “I started collecting vinyl records when I was 14 or 15 years old. That's when I started making bits out of them. Then, by watching YouTube tutorials, I learned to use professional software. Mostly I was just messing around. It takes time, effort and practice to master technology and learn how to make music. But if you are really interested in this and you are ready to learn, you can do it! "

3. 3 Basics of mixing. Understand what it means to mix a track: how to merge all incompatible sounds into one mellifluous mix.
   • Understand the difference between "in the box" and "out of the box". In the box means that you mix only with a computer program; out - using a resonance deck and other non-computer equipment.
   • Understand the difference between stereo and mono mixing. A stereo mix consists of two tracks in one song, one for the left ear and one for the right; mono - one sound for a track.
   • You need to know what to place in the center of the mix. Usually bass and vocals are in the center of the mix, not to the side. Other production tools and elements can be moved slightly left or right to create a fuller sound.
4. 4 Start learning music. Take your studies seriously. Music producers exist in the business of making music, often with other songs. Hip-hop producers should be especially diligent in their study of music, because their job is to take samples of other songs and rework them into a different beat. Learn the art of music in order to make the most of your own abilities.
5. 5 Think about which sounds will work well. The job of a music producer is to create exciting, chilling music. This often involves exploring the different sounds and interactions of different musical genres.
   • George Martin, the colorful Beatles producer, introduced what we call "ethnic" music into pop music. He helped introduce elements of Indian music into popular songs, this is a real meeting of East and West.
6. 6 Make music. Do what you like best: punk, ska, rap, R&B, country, funk, jazz and so on. In the beginning, it is better to concentrate efforts on mastering one style. This will allow you to make yourself a name in one genre, and only then move on to something else. Hip-hop, R&B and pop are easier for beginners because they use fewer instruments.
   • Gradually start experimenting with different genres.The more genres you master, the more opportunities you will have (and more clients). Try not to spray at first, however. Master one genre well and only then move on to the next.
7. 7 Recycle some old hit. Take a famous song - preferably a simple one - and give it your own sound. What is its potential? Can you make it better? What is your vision of how this song could be transformed into something completely new?
   • Create multiple versions to assess the possibilities. Do a reggae version of "The Wall" or rework a little-known jazz song into hip-hop. Don't limit yourself to boundaries.
8. 8 Collaborate with other producers. Some of the most famous compositions have been created as a result of collaboration. Don't be afraid to reach out to a producer you admire and ask if they'd like to work together. Collaboration is successful because it allows you to use the strengths of another producer to hide your weaknesses and, possibly, vice versa.

Part 2 of 2: The Production Business

1. 1 Start dating. Tell family and friends that you are producing music. Order business cards. Post ads. If you offer reasonable prices, customers will not be long in coming. Take a little for an hour or a song.
   • It would be nice to take the first steps together with a friend or family member. Do any of your friends sing great? Is your uncle a great tuba player? Produce them and show them samples to potential clients. (Remember, family is separate, business is separate).
   • If nothing comes up, offer to volunteer to help build your reputation. There is nothing wrong with working for free, unless you are being exploited. Leaving a very good first impression on volunteer work can even earn you a salary, if the work is worth it.
2. 2 Find an opportunity to practice with a production company. Of course, the work is hard, but you may be able to get some free time in a real recording studio. In the meantime, you can make useful contacts in the industry (well, and earn something).
   • If necessary, start climbing the career ladder from the very bottom; the main thing is to start. The better you work (and the more enthusiasm); the more likely you are to be noticed.
3. 3 Get an education. Consider getting a music education. Usually, they first receive general music education (music school), then secondary specialized music education (music school, college), and then higher music education (conservatory, academy). If the production doesn't work out, you will have escape routes.
   • If necessary, enroll in a music school that has classes in the evenings.
4. 4 Take advantage of the endless possibilities of the Internet. Previously, in order to listen to your music, you had to make acquaintances. Now, skillfully using the Internet, you can quickly declare yourself, of course, if you want it.
   • Upload your music to a site like Bandcamp, Soundcloud, or YouTube. Be careful with the content: post only the best works, update the content and make sure that fans are interested in visiting your page.
   • Use social media to help advertise your music. Hundreds of performers gain instant fame through social media, even if the success is short-lived. Use social media to distribute news, promotions, but don't overuse. Explore information about search engine optimization. On YouTube, find out about tags, descriptions, and titles to get your videos more views.
5. 5 Make savings. Now that you know how the business works, you have a stable source of income and a significant customer base, you can set up your studio.If you strive for more, you can even move to another city and try your hand at a larger field.

Tips

• Never think that you are too good for the client or not good enough. Treat everyone who contacts you with respect.

Warnings

• You won't be able to make a living doing it at first, so find a job that allows you to make ends meet and produce in your spare time.
• Producers do two things: make music and make sacrifices.