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Individual artists and musicians can make great music, but it’s the music producer who puts it all together in the recording studio. The producer oversees the recording process from start to finish, and it takes time and experience to be successful.
 | You must have computer skills and be familiar with
current music workstations |
How do music producers get work?
Record labels employ some music producers as in-house producers; independent producers are self-employed and start their own companies or become freelancers.
Most all producers build a reputation within a specialized genre of music: country, rap, rock, etc.
Prerequisites for a career in music production
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in music production, consider the following:
- You must have an ear for music and be able to recognize talent.
- You must have computer skills and be familiar with current music workstations and ever-changing software.
- You must be familiar with how various instruments are played and what to expect from a good musician’s performance.
- You must have some knowledge of studio engineering.
- You must be able to recognize a good song and know how to structure it.
- It’s helpful to play piano and to be acquainted with music theory.
- You should be aware of the legal aspects: copyright laws, contracts, royalty payments, union rules, etc.
- You should feel comfortable working with artists, musicians, studio personnel, clients and potential investors. People skills are important.
- You should have experience working in varied recording studios and have knowledge of studio gear.
- You should know how to market and network yourself.
Ways to gain experience
- Go to school. Universities now offer certificates and degrees in music production. Many successful producers are self-taught, but hands-on training can be very helpful.
- Start off as a musician. You’ll gain experience over time by observation and experimentation, especially if you do studio work.
- Set up a home studio. Learn music software and studio technique and produce some of your own songs or those of a friend.
- Whenever possible, spend time around the pros. Volunteer to intern at a studio in your area. Numerous unexpected and unplanned situations can occur at recording sessions and you’ll learn how the experts deal with them. The more time you spend in a studio, the better.
- Try producing some jingles. It’s great experience and can become a career in itself.
A producer’s tasks
- A producer works with artists to help choose the right songs and makes suggestions regarding arrangement and structure.
- He works with an arranger to prepare sheet music and chord charts for the session or performs those tasks himself.
- He books studio time, musicians and background vocalists.
- He oversees the entire session and decides which “takes” to keep. At a recording session, the producer’s the boss.
- He elicits the best possible performance from the artists and musicians.
- He and the studio engineer mix and master the final track.
- He makes sure everything stays within budget.
- He may be involved in meetings and negotiations with record labels, publishers, backers and potential backers.
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