How to become a music producer

Music producers are the unsung heroes of the modern music scene, the ones who hold the power to turn a song into a masterpiece through their unique perspectives and knowledge. Many people don’t know what exactly a music producer does or what the difference is between a good and a great one.

The music producer’s career is unique, and if this is your calling, then know that you’re up for an exciting journey. To get from your music studio to the world stage, you’ll need to educate yourself, learn how to multitask constantly, and, most of all, cultivate your deep understanding of music. Let’s take a look at the skills you’ll need to develop and all the other tips you should keep in mind as you learn how to become a music producer.

Contents:

1. What does a music producer do?
2. What skills should a music producer have?
   • Foundations in education
   • Technical skills are a must
3. Build your reputation
4. FAQs on how to become a music producer

What does a music producer do?

If you want to become a music producer, the first thing you should know is that you’ll need to wear many different hats. Your primary goal is to help an artist turn their “raw” song into a work of art, something that millions of people will love and sing for decades to come. It’s your job to have a good grasp of the artist’s vision and bring it to reality in a way that sounds good and makes the artist happy. But that’s only a part of the job.

You will also need to have an excellent understanding of the technical aspects of recording a song – everything from how to build a DAW (a digital audio workstation) to working on every piece of studio equipment you lay your hands on. Operating within tight deadlines and even tighter budgets is another must, along with knowing how to manage people within those frames.

Music producers are to modern artists what conductors are to orchestras. They have the big picture in mind at all times and try to manage the expectations of both record labels and artists while being intrinsically involved in every part of the creative process, from ideation to mastering.

What skills should a music producer have?

As you can see, a music producer is a jack of all trades – someone who’s deeply connected to their creative side while keeping a finger on the pulse of everything else that’s happening in the studio. Sometimes, their work isn’t easily visible or quantifiable, but it is what could make or break a song. As a music producer, you could be in charge of:

• Every step of the creative process, from music arrangement to sound engineering
• Creating direction for the project in sync with the artist’s affinities and desires
• Running recording sessions and helping the artist make the most of them
• Keeping the project on time and within the given budget
• Mixing, mastering, and taking care of post-production.

For this, you need a particular skill set, which you should constantly hone and improve.

Foundations in education

One of the biggest assets of a music producer is a great ear, feeling, and understanding of the music, its layering, and its impact. While a lot of it is talent, quality education is absolutely indispensable to taking that talent to the next level.

Learning about music theory and composition is a great start, as is attending sound engineering courses and music business programs. You can choose to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music production and technology, which is a good jumping board to get into the industry and eventually become a music producer.

Another option is to be self-taught – hand-pick the courses and classes you’d like to attend and get certifications after completing them. Getting an internship with a well-established producer willing to impart their wisdom could also make all the difference. Not only will this provide you with invaluable hands-on experience, but it will also open the door to the music industry for you to step in and make it on your own.

Technical skills are a must

We already mentioned that knowing your way around DAW is a must because everything you learn will be put into practice there. Software like Logic Pro, Cubase, and Logic Pro should be your second home, and the better you know how to work your DAW, the more your skills will improve.

Sound engineering is a big part of the producer’s job because, in order to mould the sound to your will, you need to understand how it works.

Sound design, arrangement, editing, mixing, and mastering all fall under your scope, and each has a specific role in the production process to make the track sound incredible.

Another important piece of the puzzle is knowing exactly how to handle different music production equipment. The most common pieces of equipment you’ll use are:

• A computer to support your production software
• An audio interface and a DAW of your choice
• Microphones and headphones
• Studio monitors
• MIDI controllers (or pads)
• Audio software plugins
• Instruments, amplifiers, stands, and necessary cables

If you’re just starting to navigate what it means to be a music producer, accept that you don’t have to know everything about every point on this list because that will get overwhelming fast. Focus on building and figuring out your DAW, as well as using all your music knowledge to make something you’ll be proud of.

Build your reputation

The calling of a music producer is multifaceted, but at its very foundation, you’re an artist who helps other artists bring their music to the next level. In order to have clients, you’re going to need to make a name for yourself, and this will take time and effort. The results will be worth it, though!

Once you've started to get yourself out there, you can create a professional portfolio showcasing your best work. This could include a website, SoundCloud page, or a portfolio on music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to connect with musicians, producers, and industry influencers. Then, try to build some connections within the industry and seek out opportunities to collaborate. , such as producing music that vloggers use or collaborating with independent artists directly.

It takes time to build a reputation through music marketing strategies. Be patient, stay persistent, and keep honing your craft as you embark on your journey to becoming a music producer.

FAQs on how to become a music producer

What does a music producer do?
A music producer oversees the entire process of creating a song or album. They work with artists to shape the sound, manage the technical aspects of recording, and ensure the final product is polished and cohesive. A producer's responsibilities can include generating ideas, composing music, proposing revisions to song arrangements, selecting session musicians, coaching performers, supervising audio mixing and directing the audio mastering process.

Which software should I learn for music production?
Popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Pro Tools, and Cubase. The choice of software depends on your workflow and personal preference, but mastering one DAW is essential for creating professional-quality music.

What equipment do I need to set up a home studio for music production?
Essential equipment includes a computer with a DAW, an audio interface, studio monitors or headphones, a MIDI controller, and a microphone. As you advance, you can add items like studio monitors, soundproofing materials, and additional software/plugins for better quality. For more info, check out how to setup a home recording studio.

How do I get experience as a music producer?
Start by creating your own music and working with local artists, friends, or on online collaborations, then promote your music online. Offer your production services for free or at a reduced rate to build a portfolio. Joining communities, participating in remix contests, and interning at studios can also provide hands-on experience.

What is the difference between a music producer and a sound engineer?
A music producer is responsible for the creative direction and overall sound of a project, working closely with the artist to shape the music. A sound engineer focuses on the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering, ensuring the audio quality is high and consistent.

What are music production royalties, and how do they work?
Music producers can earn royalties from songs they’ve produced, typically in the form of points (a percentage of the revenue) or mechanical royalties from streams, sales, and other uses of the track. Royalties can be negotiated in contracts and are often collected through organisations like PRS. Find out how music royalties work in the UK.

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