For many looking to up their music production game, it can take time and lots of practice. But with patience and the right mindset, many can accomplish great productions in no time.
So if you’re ready to take your music production skills to the next level, you’ve come to the right place.
As a music producer and home studio owner, I’ve gathered a wealth of experience and insights that I’m excited to share with you.
In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and techniques that will help you get better at music production.
So, grab your headphones, fire up your DAW, and let’s get started!
Learn Your DAW and Tools
Here’s the thing – To become a better music producer, you need to have a solid understanding of your DAW and the tools it offers.
Whether you use Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, or any other DAW, take the time to explore its features and functionalities.
Familiarize yourself with the interface, learn how to navigate through different windows and menus, and understand the purpose of each tool.
You need to cover the basics first. You can start by mastering the fundamental operations, such as creating tracks, recording audio, and programming MIDI.
Learn about the different types of effects and plugins available, and experiment with them to discover their unique characteristics.
With different DAWs, you’ll come across different stock VSTs that come with the software. It’s usually recommended to start with the stock plugins before downloading or purchasing other third-party plugins.
Be bold in exploring the user manual or watching tutorial videos online. This will greatly shorten the learning curve and enable you to experiment quicker.
The more you understand your tools, the more effectively you can use them to bring your musical ideas to life.
Continuous Learning
Although it sounds a bit cliche, continuous practice still makes perfect in the music production sphere. As this is a skill, you need to be on top of your game with a lot of different aspects.
But here’s the twist…
Music production is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn.
Here are a few ways to keep learning:
- Dedicate time each week to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills.
- Stay current with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in the music production industry.
- Join online communities, and participate in forums.
- Engage with fellow producers to exchange ideas and learn from their experiences.
In other words: never stop learning.
Take online courses, attend workshops, or even consider pursuing a formal education in music production if it aligns with your goals.
Keep experimenting with different genres and styles to broaden your musical horizons. The more you expose yourself to diverse influences, the richer your creative palette becomes.
Consistency is Still Key
Here’s why consistency matters: It’s crucial for improving your music production skills.
A good idea would be to set aside dedicated time for music production regularly. It’s better to spend shorter, focused sessions frequently rather than long, sporadic ones.
Even if you can only spare 30 minutes a day, make the most of that time. The key is to establish a routine and stick to it.
The thing is, we don’t all have time for music production if it’s a side hobby due to other obligations.
But: A few hours here and there still solidify your skills and make sure you can improve the next time you get more time.
Consistency not only helps you develop your technical skills but also fosters a deeper connection with your creative process.
It allows you to build momentum and maintain a sense of flow, where ideas and inspiration can freely unfold.
Finish More Tracks
Here’s a little-known secret in the production space – One of the most effective ways to get better at music production is to complete more tracks.
Why is this so important?
It’s easy to get caught in the loop of endlessly tweaking and perfecting a single project, but it’s important to push through and finish what you start.
The more tracks you complete, the more your skills and toolset as a producer improve over time.
Picture yourself completing track after track. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable experience in arranging, mixing, and mastering.
Each finished track is a learning opportunity that allows you to refine your skills and identify areas for improvement.
Plus, finishing tracks will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep pushing your creative boundaries.
Many producers have listened back to their tracks in the beginning days and wondered what in the world they were thinking. A comparison to their latest work is light and day.
Start with a Plan
Now, here’s the kicker… Before diving into a new music production project, take a moment to plan your approach.
Start by defining your goals for the track.
Ask Questions such as:
What mood or emotion do you want to convey?
What genre or style are you aiming for?
Having a clear vision will guide your decision-making process throughout the production.
To walk you through an example… Let’s say you want to create a catchy electronic dance track.
Research and listen to other successful tracks in that genre to analyze their structure, arrangement, and sound design.
Break down the elements that make those tracks stand out and incorporate similar techniques into your own productions.
This strategy is an awesome way to give yourself a roadmap and stay focused during the creative process.
It also prevents you from getting lost or overwhelmed and helps you make intentional choices that align with your vision.
Learn How to Mix Your Music
As you make your way through the stages of music production, you’ll come across a lot of questions. One of those might be why mixing is so important in music production.
Well, this is the stage where you balance and enhance the individual elements of your track, making it sound cohesive and professional.
Learning how to mix your music gives you greater control over the final sound. Experiment with panning, EQ, compression, and other mixing techniques to create a well-balanced mix.
Use reference tracks as a benchmark to compare your mix and adjust accordingly.
Another quick tip is to familiarize yourself with different mixing plugins and tools available in your DAW. Understand the purpose and characteristics of each plugin and how they can shape the sound of your tracks.
With that said,
Don’t be afraid to try out new techniques and experiment with different settings.
Remember that mixing is both an art and a science, so trust your ears and follow your instincts. If you listen to a lot of music in your genre, you’ll often be able to tell when you’re improving.
Collaborate With Other Music Producers
Music production doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Collaborating with other musicians, producers, or vocalists can greatly enhance your skills and creative output.
Picture this scenario… You team up with a talented vocalist who brings a whole new dimension to your track.
Their unique style and interpretation can spark fresh ideas and inspire you to explore different musical territories.
Collaborating also exposes you to different workflows and production techniques. Over time, this is bound to expand your knowledge and skill set.
Here’s the great news – Collaborations can take various forms, from in-person sessions to remote collaborations facilitated by technology.
In the case of the vocalist, you don’t even need to meet in person. You send each other your material, process it and then release the music.
Explore different ways to connect with like-minded artists through social media platforms, online forums, or local music communities.
Collaborative projects offer a rich learning experience and the opportunity to create something truly remarkable together.
Take Regular Breaks
Now, let me share with you one of the most underrated pieces of advice out there – The importance of taking regular breaks during your music production sessions.
It’s easy to get lost in the creative process and spend hours glued to your screen. But breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
There’s no way around it…
Our brains need rest to recharge and process information effectively.
Schedule short breaks every hour or so, where you step away from your studio and engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you.
Take a walk, meditate, or simply listen to music from different genres. These breaks will not only improve your overall well-being but also provide fresh perspectives when you return to your project.
Receive Feedback Get Better at Music Production
Here’s the best part… Seeking feedback from others is an invaluable tool for growth and improvement.
Sharing your work with trusted friends, fellow producers, or mentors can provide you with valuable insights and constructive criticism.
Let’s go through a quick example… Imagine sharing a draft of your track with a fellow producer who has more experience in the genre you’re working on.
They might suggest adjustments to the arrangement, offer mixing tips, or identify areas where your track could be further developed.
Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than as a judgment of your abilities. Incorporating different perspectives can elevate your music production skills to new heights.
We’ve also noticed that watching music production tutorials has almost the same effect. You can pretend that the tutorials are aimed at you.
This will help you think from a music producer’s point of view and incorporate the changes mentioned in the video.
Remake Your Favorite Songs
Remaking your favorite songs is an excellent exercise to sharpen your music production skills. It allows you to analyze the arrangement, production techniques, and sound design used by professional artists.
Let’s say you’re a fan of a particular song. Why not try to recreate it from scratch?
Heaven forbid you should use it for commercial purposes, but by remaking the song, you’ll gain invaluable insights into how the elements come together.
Imagine this… dissecting the song, separating each instrument, and examining its role within the mix. It’s like reverse-engineering the creative process.
This strategy is an awesome way to understand the nuances and intricacies of music production.
Here’s some good news… In today’s digital era, you have a plethora of resources at your disposal.
You can find tutorials, deconstructed tracks, and even isolated stems online. Utilize these resources to help guide you through the process.
Remaking songs challenges you to think critically and pay attention to the finer details. It’s a fantastic learning experience that can elevate your music production skills to new heights.
In other words… by analyzing and recreating your favorite songs, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the techniques used by successful artists.
This knowledge will eventually help you to create your unique sound and style.
Another great advantage of remaking your favorite songs is that it forces you to do your best. This is because you’re remaking one of your favorite songs, so you want the final product to sound great.
In Summary
Simply relying on talent alone, and investing time and effort into improving your skills will ultimately pay off. It’s not just about the result—it’s about the journey and the satisfaction of seeing your growth as a music producer.
In the end, remember that music production is an art form that requires both technical expertise and creativity. Embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the process of creating music that resonates with others.
So, go ahead and take these tips to heart. Start seeking feedback, remaking your favorite songs, and dedicating time to practice.
It’s time to level up your music production skills and make your mark in the industry.
One final piece of advice: believe in yourself and your abilities. With passion, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you have the power to make great-sounding productions.
Mike is a skilled musician, guitar technician, and music producer with a passion for audio and gear. He excels in teaching guitar, editing podcasts/videos, and creating captivating soundscapes using cutting-edge hardware, software, and plugins. Mike’s talent and commitment make him highly sought-after in the industry, inspiring fellow musicians worldwide.