Hey guys, I'm REALLY interested in music production, but it's so daunting that I really have no idea where to begin. I'm a moderately good guitarist (who isn't these days?) and have a good grasp at the basic core concepts of alot home studio programs. This mainly comes from messing around with FL studio and guitar rig (so take that for what it is ). I just have no idea on what's the best way to get into music production seriously. What would be best to invest money in? Is getting a loan out and going to school for it worth it? Is there any possibilities at making it a career? It would be a dream to make a career out of it in some way. (doesn't have to be from a band standpoint) Any advice from recording veterans would be much appreciated.

Hey guys, I'm REALLY interested in music production, but it's so daunting that I really have no idea where to begin. I'm a moderately good guitarist (who isn't these days?) and have a good grasp at the basic core concepts of alot home studio programs. This mainly comes from messing around with FL studio and guitar rig (so take that for what it is ). I just have no idea on what's the best way to get into music production seriously. What would be best to invest money in? Is getting a loan out and going to school for it worth it? Is there any possibilities at making it a career? It would be a dream to make a career out of it in some way. (doesn't have to be from a band standpoint) Any advice from recording veterans would be much appreciated.

Getting some education in it is hugely useful, but also has its downsides. And I don't just mean from schools, either.

If someone teaches you some stuff, such as automation use, clever ways to use compressors, whatever and so on, then you can get to grips with it much faster than trying on your own. Hooowever, it does run the risk of learning to do it only like they would, rather than making your own producing style. Same risk as learning an instrument, really.

Schoolin' is expensive, but you will really learn some important shit. However, if you only learn to do it on one or two programs, it can be a bit of a hinderance. I learnt everything on Logic, and then I moved on to Ableton (Just because that's what I had available) And I was really flying blind trying to figure out how it works for a while. SOme basic concepts, but different steps to get there.


I don't know if this is any help. Just stuff to think on.

The only thing spending money on school will hopefully get you is a job...Hopefully. And, even that isn't a guarantee. I don't think there is much demand for audio engineer's/producers, etc. these days because everyone and their brother can and does have a home studio now. All you need is a damn laptop and a microphone and you're in.

If you get into production, it should be for the love of it. And you just have to DO IT. Rome wasn't built in a day...it takes small steps. It is insanely frustrating learning new tricks. You have to make a bajillion mistakes.

Ask questions on forums. Hell, throw Dev some questions and see if they stick. I do all the time, and what he has given me so far is priceless. Also, take a band like Frost*. Their youtube page is FULL of studio wankery and secret sharing.

Make sure you have a reliable computer, and if you can afford a mac, GET IT. Lots of ram, and more HD space than you will ever use. It's always better to have more. Your DAW is very important too. Not everyone can afford protools, so programs like Cubase and Cakewalk come in handy there. I use Cakewalk Sonar 8 producer, and have loved that brand since Sonar 1. VERY user friendly, and Roland just bought it...so their mixing/mastering options are endless. A good soundcard/interface is key. M-audio, Lexicon, TC electronics all make them pretty affordable. And, if you don't have the cash for a good mic-pre, a decent outboard mixer will do...but having both will ultimately give you a better quality recording. Wish I could afford a pre.

Don't let anyone tell you you can't. Do whatever feels right in your heart. Be original. Experiment. Take advantage of all the crazy technology, and manipulate sounds. Do it for YOU.

Don't know if any of that is what you were getting at, but good luck anyway!!

Dan

I agree with Dan, and have to say that the more you do it for yourself recording covers songs, originals, just jamming riffs, and trying to make them sound good to you will definitely get you better at what you do. It took me about 3+ years of just messing around with recording programs to start making decent sounding productions(to me). It's all a time thing, trial and error, question and answer.

Yeah, that's kind of what I've been doing for the most part, just in FL studio. I was actually looking in to Sonar for my next experimentation's. A mac you say? Got a particular recommendation? I know my current PC isn't build for music production, so I would definitely have to look into a new one. So getting a loan out and going to say, Musicians Institute in LA really isn't worth it (for a career)? I know my guitar skills could use some work as well and they help further that too.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll keep checking back in here.

I'm not too familiar with macs, so i can't recommend one. But, I do know they are pretty much built for shit like this. Easier the better. If you get a PC, have it built. Don't get some crap Best Buy thing that is over-saturated with all that shit you don't need. Bare bones operating system....start from scratch. And make sure you use internet on a separate computer. Also...make back-ups of your stuff...more than one if possible.

The school thing...that's if you really think you need it, and if you plan on having a job in the field. What are your goals?

Yeah basically, I've always wanted to be involved in the music industry. I'm at the point after High School where I did some college and just couldn't stomach it without a solid goal. Learning bullshit I didn't care about just seemed like a waste of time. Music seems like a farfetched goal, so I don't know if it's something I can seriously pursue as a career.

It's funny you mention the Best Buy PC's, cause I was stupid and fell for a dell inspiron deal a few months back and it's really gave me nothing but issues. I blame most of that on Vista though.

Also, Frost* is awesome. I've been a big fan of them since I saw them on a related album of Dev on Itunes. Jem's videos kick ass.