A career in music production is extremely desirable and it’s easy to see why. Music is loved globally and music producers are responsible for overseeing the production of an artist’s single or album. Driven by music management, audio technology, and worldwide recognition, music producers have varied and exciting careers. So, let’s look at what it takes to launch your career in music production.
Consider higher education
Completing a degree in the music subject area isn’t essential to becoming a music producer. But, it’s certainly something to consider. A degree can lay the foundations of your career and provide you with knowledge of music theory and practical experience with tech equipment. From music composition to mixing and editing, a degree offers aspiring music producers the chance to learn from experts in preparation for their very own careers.
An alternative to a college degree is an online course. Offering access to similar educational knowledge, it’s a more cost-effective option and can either be free or a lot cheaper than attending college. Both options are a great way to meet people in the industry too and can offer connections for when you graduate.
Explore work experience
Like most industries, experience is required to kick-start your career as a music producer. Internships are a good place to start and can include working at a record label, providing you with variable experience working with different artists.
Internships are also a great way to figure out what kind of music production you’d like to specialize in. After all, there are so many avenues to explore and production ranges from top pop hits to tracks for films.
Become accustomed to music technology
Source: Unsplash
While a passion for music is essential, so is knowledge of music equipment. As a producer, you’ll likely be working in a studio and using professional studio equipment for making music. First things first, you’ll need a laptop or computer that is capable of storing music. A low-storage laptop that is used for browsing the web and streaming films may not be capable of storing large audio files.
Whether you’re producing music at home or taking advantage of professional studio equipment, there are certain tools that every budding music producer needs. For beginners, having a reliable computer or laptop that can run the best software is a good place to start but beyond that, you’ll need a digital audio workstation (DAW), a microphone, a mic stand, an XLR mic cable, an audio interface, and a pop filter. Practice makes perfect, but having the right toolkit and studio space can set you on the path to success early on.
Build a portfolio
It’s not just about what you know, it’s who you know too. As a beginner, you’re not just going to start producing music for the likes of The Killers or Taylor Swift. It takes time and with that, comes an impressive portfolio. A good way to start is by networking. This can be done in person at concerts and events or online via social media. Finding new artists to work with is encouraged and can often lead to some bigger clients. This way, you’ll be able to develop your portfolio and showcase your successes to potential clients.
Starting a career in music production is challenging. But, it’s exciting too. With the right knowledge, a passion for music, and dedication to the job, you can be on the path to success.
