6 answers
Kael
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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How do I get started with music production?
I have been wanting to get into music production but I am not sure how to navigate software such as FL Studio. I am wondering how other people got started.
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6 answers
Kyle Mattingly
Pianist, Music Director
21
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
There's lots of online help and tutorials that will help get you started.
FL Studio has their own tutorials: https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning
And youtube has a bunch of other tips and tutorials.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL759fRH8ABP7khdqLF0hXgT2hCOHNAs6W
https://www.edmprod.com/fl-studio-for-beginners/
Reddit and normal google searches also will get you started.
The best thing to do is to just start somewhere. There is no "best" way to learn and no matter what you do, you're going to experience some frustration and slowness during the learning curve for software like that. That's normal. If it was easy, everyone would do it. But the good news is that it's not too hard and you can get started very quickly.
Pick a simple project to start with - a short song or simple beat or basic vocal recording. Don't try to make your masterpiece the first thing you work on. Finneas said that he worked for years before he felt like he had something really good. Just keep going and enjoy the journey!
FL Studio has their own tutorials: https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning
And youtube has a bunch of other tips and tutorials.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL759fRH8ABP7khdqLF0hXgT2hCOHNAs6W
https://www.edmprod.com/fl-studio-for-beginners/
Reddit and normal google searches also will get you started.
The best thing to do is to just start somewhere. There is no "best" way to learn and no matter what you do, you're going to experience some frustration and slowness during the learning curve for software like that. That's normal. If it was easy, everyone would do it. But the good news is that it's not too hard and you can get started very quickly.
Pick a simple project to start with - a short song or simple beat or basic vocal recording. Don't try to make your masterpiece the first thing you work on. Finneas said that he worked for years before he felt like he had something really good. Just keep going and enjoy the journey!
Doran Heck
Music Production
11
Answers
Asheville, North Carolina
Updated
Doran’s Answer
Hi Kael,
Music production for my was a process that I got better and better with over time. I started out on a Tascam eight channel mixer with my tenor saxophone and keyboard. I was able to construct a melody with the saxophone and/or keyboard and chords with the keyboard as well as a bass line with the keyboard. Later I added small percussion instruments to fill out the sound. From there I graduated to Ableton Live 11 DAW. I was able to have unlimited tracks to fill out the sound of each song instead of being limited to eight tracks. So, it's a process.
Some people start with a melody when writing a song and go from there. I tend to gravitate towards starting with the drums/percussion. There are many plugins out there that you can use as well, but I caution you not to use too many of them. Learn you DAW and explore what it has to offer before going into plugin world.
Work flow is kind of an individual thing. I tend to like to work at music writing/production a little each day. That includes writing the music, coming up with what kind of music I want to write, then mixing and mastering at the end of each song/project. Over the years I have invested in new gear such as microphones and monitor speakers. As a side note, you can produce music with headphones but make sure they are good quality ones without extra bass added to the sound. I like to write music out on staff paper. This makes my ideas more concrete and helps me develop them as the song/project develops. Make sure your song/project has a full sound spectrum. From bass to mids like voice and instruments to highs like hihats and cymbals. That way when you are done with your song/project you have some thing to mix and master that has substance. Mixing and mastering can be done by second parties, but for me I enjoy doing the whole song writing process.
God speed with you musical endeavors. Remember to be patient with yourself and listen to music that you both enjoy and don't enjoy. Listen and think what makes this song sound good and or bad. A song may have a great melody but the band doesn't seem to support it or that song has a great bass line but the technique of the horn player isn't that good. Over time you ears will improve and you musical goals will become clearer.
Sincerely,
Doran
Music production for my was a process that I got better and better with over time. I started out on a Tascam eight channel mixer with my tenor saxophone and keyboard. I was able to construct a melody with the saxophone and/or keyboard and chords with the keyboard as well as a bass line with the keyboard. Later I added small percussion instruments to fill out the sound. From there I graduated to Ableton Live 11 DAW. I was able to have unlimited tracks to fill out the sound of each song instead of being limited to eight tracks. So, it's a process.
Some people start with a melody when writing a song and go from there. I tend to gravitate towards starting with the drums/percussion. There are many plugins out there that you can use as well, but I caution you not to use too many of them. Learn you DAW and explore what it has to offer before going into plugin world.
Work flow is kind of an individual thing. I tend to like to work at music writing/production a little each day. That includes writing the music, coming up with what kind of music I want to write, then mixing and mastering at the end of each song/project. Over the years I have invested in new gear such as microphones and monitor speakers. As a side note, you can produce music with headphones but make sure they are good quality ones without extra bass added to the sound. I like to write music out on staff paper. This makes my ideas more concrete and helps me develop them as the song/project develops. Make sure your song/project has a full sound spectrum. From bass to mids like voice and instruments to highs like hihats and cymbals. That way when you are done with your song/project you have some thing to mix and master that has substance. Mixing and mastering can be done by second parties, but for me I enjoy doing the whole song writing process.
God speed with you musical endeavors. Remember to be patient with yourself and listen to music that you both enjoy and don't enjoy. Listen and think what makes this song sound good and or bad. A song may have a great melody but the band doesn't seem to support it or that song has a great bass line but the technique of the horn player isn't that good. Over time you ears will improve and you musical goals will become clearer.
Sincerely,
Doran
John Graham
Music Producer
80
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Kael!
Congratulations on wanting to get into music production! For those of us who have been doing it for a long time, it’s always a pleasure to assist new people coming along.
Some things I think you might want to consider are:
Basic tools of the trade.
You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. But you need these:
Computer: Laptop or desktop, with Windows or Apple Mac OS. Use the one you have.
Headphones: You should invest in a good pair – costing around $100.
Digital Audio Workstation software: Choose an affordable one, or get a free trial.
Learn the Basics
Try to learn one DAW well instead of several at a lower level
Consider taking a course or class to help you understand the fundamentals more quickly. There are plenty of books and online resources for this.
Spend time practicing what you learn in order to become really familiar with your tools.
Realize that music production is a process that takes time.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how we learn.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and don’t get discouraged when things don’t always work out perfectly on the first try.
As you learn, remember it’s a journey where you will improve over time. Keep trying.
Be a part of the Community and get as much feedback as you can.
Join training and focus groups online, especially for your DAW and Producing groups.
Try to work with others along the way. It’s not a solo activity, and music tends to get better when collaborating.
Here are some links to help you:
Beginning producer tips: https://dittomusic.com/en/blog/10-important-music-production-tips-for-beginners/
Best DAWs for Beginners: https://blog.landr.com/best-daw-for-beginners/
Review of ten DAWs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQxJ5yCtuXE
Best Microphones for Vocals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez0H75g8TFo
Headphones: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/headphones/srh440?variant=SRH440A
System Requirements for your DAW:
Operating Systems:
Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11 (32-bit and 64-bit).
macOS: 10.5 (Leopard) through macOS 15 (Monterey).
Linux: Supports both Intel and ARM architectures.
Minimum Hardware (for basic use) :
Processor (CPU): A modern processor is sufficient, as REAPER is a lightweight application.
RAM: 4 GB of RAM is the absolute minimum, but 8GB or more is recommended for comfortable use.
Storage: Up to 20 GB of free disk space, but having a separate, large hard drive for projects is wise.
Recommended Hardware (for optimal performance)
Processor (CPU): A modern 4+ core processor or above.
RAM: 16GB of RAM or more is highly beneficial for larger projects with many plugins.
Storage: A fast Solid State Drive (SSD) will significantly improve performance and loading times.
Other Considerations:
A high-performance audio interface with a direct connection to the CPU (like Thunderbolt or PCIe) helps minimize latency.
Plugins: The specific requirements for any virtual instruments or plugins you plan to use will also impact your system needs.
Simple projects like voice recording have lower demands than complex projects with numerous tracks, large orchestral libraries, or multiple processor-intensive VSTs.
Good luck on your journey – you’re going to do great!
Congratulations on wanting to get into music production! For those of us who have been doing it for a long time, it’s always a pleasure to assist new people coming along.
Some things I think you might want to consider are:
Basic tools of the trade.
You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. But you need these:
Computer: Laptop or desktop, with Windows or Apple Mac OS. Use the one you have.
Headphones: You should invest in a good pair – costing around $100.
Digital Audio Workstation software: Choose an affordable one, or get a free trial.
Learn the Basics
Try to learn one DAW well instead of several at a lower level
Consider taking a course or class to help you understand the fundamentals more quickly. There are plenty of books and online resources for this.
Spend time practicing what you learn in order to become really familiar with your tools.
Realize that music production is a process that takes time.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how we learn.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and don’t get discouraged when things don’t always work out perfectly on the first try.
As you learn, remember it’s a journey where you will improve over time. Keep trying.
Be a part of the Community and get as much feedback as you can.
Join training and focus groups online, especially for your DAW and Producing groups.
Try to work with others along the way. It’s not a solo activity, and music tends to get better when collaborating.
Here are some links to help you:
Beginning producer tips: https://dittomusic.com/en/blog/10-important-music-production-tips-for-beginners/
Best DAWs for Beginners: https://blog.landr.com/best-daw-for-beginners/
Review of ten DAWs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQxJ5yCtuXE
Best Microphones for Vocals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez0H75g8TFo
Headphones: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/headphones/srh440?variant=SRH440A
System Requirements for your DAW:
Operating Systems:
Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11 (32-bit and 64-bit).
macOS: 10.5 (Leopard) through macOS 15 (Monterey).
Linux: Supports both Intel and ARM architectures.
Minimum Hardware (for basic use) :
Processor (CPU): A modern processor is sufficient, as REAPER is a lightweight application.
RAM: 4 GB of RAM is the absolute minimum, but 8GB or more is recommended for comfortable use.
Storage: Up to 20 GB of free disk space, but having a separate, large hard drive for projects is wise.
Recommended Hardware (for optimal performance)
Processor (CPU): A modern 4+ core processor or above.
RAM: 16GB of RAM or more is highly beneficial for larger projects with many plugins.
Storage: A fast Solid State Drive (SSD) will significantly improve performance and loading times.
Other Considerations:
A high-performance audio interface with a direct connection to the CPU (like Thunderbolt or PCIe) helps minimize latency.
Plugins: The specific requirements for any virtual instruments or plugins you plan to use will also impact your system needs.
Simple projects like voice recording have lower demands than complex projects with numerous tracks, large orchestral libraries, or multiple processor-intensive VSTs.
Good luck on your journey – you’re going to do great!
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
27
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
George F’s Answer
Right off hand, I think that taking some college courses to gain knowledge is a good start. If you're self-employed, be aware that some of your clients may have little to no knowledge about the process, and come to sessions unprepared. They might have an idea in their heads of what they think they sound like, but playback tells a different story. Depending on personalities, people may try to blame you for their lack of experience.
Besides classes, I think being able to observe professional sessions too would be of help.
I attended a summer recording class at Peabody. There's so much to learn if you want to be good at it. For students seeking a degree in Recording Arts & Science, it's a 5-year course, because of the double major. One needs a degree in music, plus a degree in the physics of sound.
Besides classes, I think being able to observe professional sessions too would be of help.
I attended a summer recording class at Peabody. There's so much to learn if you want to be good at it. For students seeking a degree in Recording Arts & Science, it's a 5-year course, because of the double major. One needs a degree in music, plus a degree in the physics of sound.
Savanna Rose 🜲.
4
Answers
Flint, Michigan
Updated
Savanna’s Answer
Start simple. Pick one DAW (you already mentioned FL Studio — solid choice) and stick with it. You don’t need to master everything at once.
Watch YouTube tutorials on the basics: how to make a beat, use plugins, and arrange a song. Channels like In The Mix or Busy Works Beats help a ton.
Make it fun — remix songs you already like or try recreating simple beats you hear online. That’s how your ear learns what works.
Don’t stress about gear. A laptop, headphones, and free plugins are enough to start. Skills > equipment.
Lastly, practice every day, even if it’s just 20 minutes. Mess around, fail, learn, repeat. Everyone you look up to started making garbage beats before they made good ones.
And hey — don’t get discouraged. You got this. I’m seriously rooting for you, lil bro. Keep at it, ‘cause the world needs to hear your sound. 🎧💪
- Savanna Rose (big sis!)
Watch YouTube tutorials on the basics: how to make a beat, use plugins, and arrange a song. Channels like In The Mix or Busy Works Beats help a ton.
Make it fun — remix songs you already like or try recreating simple beats you hear online. That’s how your ear learns what works.
Don’t stress about gear. A laptop, headphones, and free plugins are enough to start. Skills > equipment.
Lastly, practice every day, even if it’s just 20 minutes. Mess around, fail, learn, repeat. Everyone you look up to started making garbage beats before they made good ones.
And hey — don’t get discouraged. You got this. I’m seriously rooting for you, lil bro. Keep at it, ‘cause the world needs to hear your sound. 🎧💪
- Savanna Rose (big sis!)
Deepraj Choudhury
Musician
3
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Deepraj’s Answer
I would suggest going through online tutorials for FL studio so that you know the basics (for eg. how to record tracks). Once you have familiarised yourself with the software, If you play an instrument then I would suggest start with an idea on that instrument, and then build from there, and if you don't play an instrument it doesn't matter. Just remember that there's no right or wrong way to make music. Think about a melody that you randomly hum, or maybe a groove that you subconsciously play in your head, a random sound, anything! Record that, and build from there. Hope this helps!