Want to learn how to produce music in 2024, but have no idea where to start? Here's a roadmap I put together for anyone starting music production. In my opinion, this is how I would approach learning and improving your music - hopefully it is useful to some of you. If you have any questions, comment below or send me a DM.
Step 1: Choose a DAW:
Logic and Ableton are my favourite but they all mostly do the same thing, just in different ways. Each with strengths and weaknesses. Most DAWs will offer a free trial so try a couple out and see what clicks.
Step 2: Buy a basic set up:
Assuming you have a laptop / desktop that has decent CPU, RAM (16GB recommended) and Storage (500GB recommended) then a good pair of headphones is probably the first place to start. Audio Technica M50s or Beyerdynamic 770s are my favourite pairs on a budget. I’d also look to get an audio interface if you want to record external audio like guitars or vocals. I’d suggest getting at least 2 inputs. SSL and MOTU make extremely good quality interfaces at a low price. Even if you don’t record an instrument or vocals, it will also be better for listening than the built-in soundcard of a laptop or desktop. I suggest good headphones over speakers because the acoustics of your room could skew your monitoring decisions.
Step 3: Learn Your DAW: The basics can be picked up from youtube videos, forums or from tuition and courses (I teach production and have a Logic Course.) This is the order of things I would learn things in. Obviously, an EDM artist will want to learn slightly different concepts to a singer-songwriter and the process will be slightly different, however this is the way I would approach it generally:
How to record midi.
How to record audio.
How to edit midi.
How to edit audio.
How to use samples and loops.
How to use synthesizers and software instruments.
How to use effects to improve the sound. (EQ, Reverb, Compression, etc.)
How to arrange a track.
How to mix a track.
How to master a track
There is quite a bit to learn within each of these steps, but that is the order I would go in and structure my learning.
Step 4: Get feedback: In order to improve, it is important to get feedback on your completed music from friends, family, forums and ideally professionals where possible. Anyone’s advice can be helpful though, particularly in the beginning. Obviously, stay true to yourself, but listen to what others have to say and try applying their advice.
Step 5: Improving your weaker areas: Common problems I help my intermediate students with are:
Not being able to finish tracks - therefore I would look into a better understanding of arrangement.
Not being able to get a professional sound - this mainly comes down to sound selection, mixing and arrangement. Mixing is a huge topic in of itself and can be extremely frustrating to learn, but with time it gets easier.
Running out of ideas - learning some music theory can help with this, taking a break, and listening to some different music can all help here.
Step 6: Seek more feedback:
Repeat Step 4 basically until you achieve your musical goals. You can’t get better without constructive criticism so you do need to put yourself out there. It can be scary at times but it will make you a better producer.
Hope this helps some of you! Feel free to message me if you want help or would be interested in a free feedback session where I offer you guidance for some of your sticking points. Cheers, Adam.
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