How to Become a Music Producer

The music industry is a magical realm full of endless possibilities and opportunities for those ready to seize them.

One of the most lucrative yet cut-throat fields here is that of music production.

These are the guys behind the scenes who make all those best-selling albums and hit singles the fantastic masterpieces they are.

If you want to get in on some of this action; trust me, I understand the appeal. 

Becoming a music producer, however, is not easy.

You will need more than a demo flash drive with your best works or the understanding of how to work a synthesizer.

You need to be prepared to fight for your spot at the very top and to make a name for yourself in the business.

But before I get ahead of myself trying to sell you the Grammy dream, let’s first figure out how to get you started.

Starting off on the right foot is the best way to secure your future in music production.

Below are six qualities you need when you're learning how to create tunes.

Being a producer means that you need to live, eat, breathe and be the music you are creating.

A great musical ear is one of those qualities of a good music producer that you just cannot teach. It is just pure and raw natural talent.

However, if you have been called tone deaf all your life, then you shouldn’t lose hope.

Much as it is a natural gift, it is possible to develop that musical instinct through education and practice.

This skill will allow you to come up with amazing progressions and beats that people will actually want to listen to. 

While formal education in music production is not mandatory, it is always a great weapon to have in your arsenal if you want to make it in this competitive career.

Formal education and training equip you with all the skills that you need to start making music.

It mainly comes in handy when it comes to learning how to develop and use music production software and equipment.

You should at the very least be able to operate a synthesizer and a mixer while starting out. 

If formal education is not an option for you, you could always learn through apprenticeship by shadowing masters in the craft.

However you choose to do it, you need to get as much training as you can before you can get started. 

Music is governed by specific rules and principles. They're also known as music theory.

Understanding these rules is crucial to your success as a music maker. 

This includes understanding things like time signatures, scales, harmonies and so much more.

One of the best ways to do this is by learning how to play an instrument.

As you learn you get not only to understand but to also practice the rules.

That way when you sit down to produce it is a lot easier for you to arrange music that is beautiful and that makes sense. 

Rules are meant to be broken.

So as much as it is essential to understand basic musical principles, it doesn’t hurt to break from the norm every once in a while.

That is how new genres are created and how new sounds are generated.

To be a good music producer, you need to be fearless and ready to experiment with new styles and patterns that have not yet been ventured into.

This comes in particularly handy if you are working with a sound synthesizer to come up with something new.

I know it can be a little daunting at first, but if you got that x-factor, the risk will pay off.

Something else that makes a good producer is: creativity.

I think that we can all agree that music is essentially art.

And if you want to make it as a producer, you need to have be creative.

Think outside the box. Go against the grain.

Come up with something unique. 

This is what will get and keep you on the map as an artist. 

Finally, to be a great music producer you need to be ready to put in the work.

This means constant practice and consistency in your progress.

Practice your instrument. Practice how to use that synthesizer.

Practice whatever it takes to build your wealth of knowledge and experience.

A lot of what makes famous producers amazing is what they have learned through the years from trial and errors.

So do not be afraid to fail or make mistakes.

Instead, learn from your experiences and continue to practice until you are drowning in deals and offers. 

Unlike many other fields in the music industry, you need to buy or at least rent equipment to practice and make demos.

This includes mixers, a sound synthesizer system and a lot more.

So start saving up and even get a second job if you must.

Whatever it takes to give you the exposure and experience you need to be a star, you should at least try to do it.

With all this information, you should be ready to get started on your path to the music producer hall of fame.

Just remember to work hard, think outside the box and be prepared to grab all opportunities that you will be presented with.

So go forth young grasshopper, and fill the world with good music!