How to Become a Music Producer

Quincy Jones, World Class Producer

Music Producers oversee recording projects and help artists create music to their maximum potential. A producer should have a great ear for music and the technical skills to make musical ideas into reality. This page will show you how to become a music producer.

The role of a music producer can vary; some producers are immersed in the technical side of things, working the mixing board and taking a hands-on approach. Others are simply there as a guiding voice to help musicians hone their songwriting and recording process without succumbing to their own musical indulgences. ² But the general role of the producer is always the same: to oversee the recording process and make sure an artist is creating their best work at their maximum potential. Here are a few tips to get you started on the road to being a great music producer.

Step 1: Develop an Ear for Music

• The one true requirement to be a good producer is to have an excellent ear for music.

1. Learn to play instruments. There's no better way to be able to identify with the possibilities and limitations of a musician than knowing their instrument firsthand.
   • Take some lessons. A little formal training can go a long way. Learning to play guitar or piano is a great start, as those instruments are both ubiquitous and versatile.
   • Experiment with whatever you can get your hands on. Bang around on a drum set, fool around with a bass, and pick up a mandolin. You don't have to be an expert at every instrument.
2. Expand your musical knowledge. Musical problem solving becomes much easier if you know the theories behind the sounds.
   • Study music theory and composition. This can help you identify issues when the music just doesn't sound right.
   • Learn about songwriting and lyric writing techniques. Producers often work with artists and songwriters to streamline and improve their songs.
3. Listen to a ton of music. As a producer, you should be listening to music all the time.
   • Pick apart the arrangements and instrumentations of songs. Become familiar with what different instruments do to the sound and feel of the music.
   • Identify common factors in great songs. While no one knows an exact magical formula to write a hit, you may discover several key elements that make songs indelible.
   • Pay attention to mixes and how they help/hurt the song. Producers work closely with engineers to craft the sound quality of music.
4. Read up. Immerse yourself in the world of music and music production.
   • Read books, articles and magazines about recording techniques and the songwriting process. It's easier to know what you're listening for if you know the recording process intimately.

Step 2: Learn About the Music Recording Process

• As a producer, you should learn as much as you can about the actual recording process. This will involve going beyond magazine columns and into hands-on experience.

1. Get familiar with recording software. Most recording is done digitally these days. Experiment with audio recording programs to get some experience with the standard recording tools of today.
   • Some popular recording software titles include Pro Tools, Logic and Digital Performer.
2. Learn audio engineering. Beyond the software, there is a lot of equipment and technical knowhow involved with recording. It is important to learn how it all works, and the best way to do this is by experimenting with the hardware yourself.

• There are a lot of components involved with the audio signal flow when recording. Some of these may include mixing boards, microphones, monitor speakers, and rack equipment such as compressors, preamps, and effects.
• Many hardware components are also available as software units, but controls are basically the same.

Step 3: Get Educated About the Music Business

• If you are very serious about being a producer, you may want some formal training.

1. Take a course in audio engineering. Classes and clinics are often available for aspiring music producers and engineers.
   • Look for courses offered in your area at local recording studios, colleges and music stores.
2. Get a production degree. Many colleges offer majors in music production and audio engineering.
3. Some colleges with related majors include Berklee College of Music, the Musician's Institute, and the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Step 4: Intern and Network in the Music Business

• Once your skill set is there, there's really only one way to break into the industry: it's time to get out into the real world and get your hands dirty! The music business is all about who you know, so networking is very important and a lot of good experience is necessary.

1. Find an internship. Many producers and engineers start out with internships at recording studios or production companies.
   • There are studios all over the country, but there is a much higher concentration in major cities, particularly Los Angeles, New York and Nashville.
   • Internships are usually unpaid (or extremely low-paid).
   • Production interns work very long hours and long weeks. You'll be making little money and getting even less sleep!
   • You will have to start at the bottom of the food chain with potential to slowly move up. You're likely to begin your career as a "runner" of some sort—with your main duty being fetching coffee and donuts for the artists and engineers!
2. Find a band. Another way to break into the business is by working with a band who is looking for a producer.
   • The more bands you produce, the more potential clients will hear your work and want to hire you.
   • If a band you work with becomes popular, it could open many doors for new producing opportunities.
   • Go to local shows until you find a band whose music you enjoy. It's always more fun to produce music you like.
   • Offer to produce an album or demo with the band. If you are new to the industry and don't have a track record, you might offer to do it at a discounted rate.
   • Sometimes, producers earn a cut from bands' CD sales in addition to their regular fee. This usually only happens with more well-known producers, however.
3. Start a studio. These days it is easy to get ahold of the necessary equipment to start your own studio in your home or in a rented space. Build your own recording studio to rent out to artists and musicians who need to record. Beef up your portfolio to help network with potential clients.