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There are several avenues to finding a job as a music producer. If you’re just starting out, here are some ideas and observations that may help.
Most aspiring music producers aren’t in it for the money. They simply love music and are drawn to the exciting thought of working with great musicians to make great music.
They will find that a producer’s income is dependent upon the level of success he attains. A producer’s annual income can vary from around $20,000 to well over one million dollars, with average income around $45,000.
Producers generally receive a flat fee, and some are rewarded for their work with “points”, a percentage of royalties on an album’s profits. The amount the producer receives is often based upon his reputation and track record.
Music producers’ jobs can fall into two basic categories:
In-house producers
Studios employ in-house producers to handle recording projects within the studio. In-demand producers can draw business to the studio from artists who like their work.
Independent producers
Independent producers are self-employed and sometimes own their own studios. They are hired by bands and artists because of their particular brand of production.
Many independent producers gain a reputation of excellence within a specific genre of music, and are hired accordingly.
Other job opportunities for independent producers
Besides producing records for artists, independent producers often develop other specialties, including:
- Production of song demos for bands and artists to present to labels and publishing companies.
- Production of music for film and video.
- Production of music for web sites and flash animation.
- Production of advertising jingles and TV post-production.
- Production for music libraries from which clients choose tracks for advertising and other purposes.
- Production via the internet. Clients e-mail tracks to the producer for mixing or mastering.
- Production of karaoke tracks.
- Production of music for video games.
- Production of special music projects for various clients: Live shows, beauty pageants, trade shows, in-house presentations, on-hold messages, etc.
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