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What are the basics I need to learn?
How do I achieve this career? What are some standard goals I should set for myself? Why should I set goals for this subject?
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7 answers
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in music.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to music, e.g. singing, musician, musical artist, music production, music composing, etc. Each have specific domain and knowledge. You can find out more music related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these industry.
4. Attend to the information session host by music department of colleges, performing academy or music schools. Speak to the professors and alumni if you can.
5. Find out the entry criteria of the relevant subjects you would like to enter and work hard to meet the criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to music, e.g. singing, musician, musical artist, music production, music composing, etc. Each have specific domain and knowledge. You can find out more music related careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these industry.
4. Attend to the information session host by music department of colleges, performing academy or music schools. Speak to the professors and alumni if you can.
5. Find out the entry criteria of the relevant subjects you would like to enter and work hard to meet the criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
146
Answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Lots of good questions that require complex answers! So, I apologize in advance for how long this response is going to be.
First, how do you "achieve" a career in music? With hard work, practice, and dedication. Work a little bit on your craft every day, practice your instrument, and watch videos of people doing what you want to do. Listen to interviews and any advice that professionals give- put it into practice. For a while, it might seem like you are literally living and breathing music. But that's kind of the point. Listen to music constantly too- and not just the genres you like. Listen to everything and learn to appreciate the artistry and intent behind all genres. This will help develop your critical ear so that you can produce, record, and mix to the best of your abilities. I would also suggest that you find a mentor. My first (and main) mentor is my former college professor. He taught me everything I know and encouraged me to write and record the music I like. I have also been mentored by other people who contributed to my sound, my process, and my way of thinking in the music industry. Mentors have experience- something that someone just starting out does not have. So if you find a good mentor, you will have a great resource to ask questions, check your mixes, and keep you going.
What are some standard goals? You might not like this answer- the goals are yours to set because there is not just one way to come up in the music industry. Everyone has their own story on how they joined the industry. If you're just starting out, then I would set small goals so you're achieving something as you come up. The overall goal should be to go full time in the music industry. But, by setting other goals, you're setting yourself up for success. And setting yourself up for success is extremely important because this industry is brutal. Goals help you keep on track even when the industry pushes you in a different direction. Personally, I've had to abandon some goals and re-write/ review how I should be going at my career many a-time. If you want to specifically be a music producer, your goals might look something like 1. sell your first beat, 2. sell a few beats a week to make extra pocket money, 3. get your name out there by networking with other producers, 4. collaborate with big producers, and 5. land a big placement with one of the top artists. Start small, then as you continue to achieve those small goals move on to the next one.
Why set goals? Any kind of musician is actually their own business. They have formed a brand and run their careers like any other business. Without goals, any business will close within a couple of weeks. You need to be able to develop, edit, deploy, and commit to a plan that will help push your career along. The goals you set are part of that plan. You'll have long term goals and short term goals and you will update and evolve each as your career continues. These goals will also need to be specific. You'll have to think of everything from branding to marketing, to recording to mixing. Everything you do will circle back into who you are as an artist and how that affects your business. If you're just starting out, then focus more on the music making. That is, after all, the main thing you want to do. But you'll also want to study the industry and learn how money moves in the industry so that you can play the industry to make money. There are great YouTube videos, resources, and websites that really help teach how the industry works. And it's an extremely confusing industry so you'll want that kind of support. I personally approached learning the industry like I was studying for an exam for school (partly because some of the stuff I learned was in one of my college classes that had exams but that's besides the point lol.) Once you know the industry well, you'll be able to plan and set goals more efficiently because you'll understand WHY you're setting those goals.
What are the basics you need to learn? I'm putting this one at the end because it's something you can start doing right after you read these responses. First, practice practice practice practice. Every single successful artist, producer, songwriter, A&R, or any other music professional practices every day and developed their skills well before their careers blew up. If you want to take lessons, be prepared for classical music as the style you'll be learning (for a little bit at least). I'm a big supporter of learning classical music first because you'll realize not a lot has changed besides the technology. Music has always been a form of emotional expression. As you're learning and practicing your instrument of choice, learn the basics of music theory as well. What chords are in what key and how do you count certain rhythms? That sort of thing. You really don't need a lot of music theory training to write music (though it's helpful sometimes). Once you start feeling more confident in yourself, start posting covers and originals on social media. When you post you should also interact with the people in the comments as well. Set a specific goal for what you can do for the rest of the year. Make it something attainable but also helpful to your overall career. Don't know what grade you're in, but when I was in high school, my goal was to write one song or beat every single day. When the pandemic hit, it became a lot more than 1 and then when I went to college for music my personal beat production and songwriting went down as I worked on class projects. But the goal remained the same. Now, I have multiple goals for each day but that's because I've been doing this for a while. Focus on one goal for now if you have classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. I can promise that as you make new music, practice and record covers, and post your work online you will start learning more and more about this industry. The best way to learn the music industry is by participating in the music industry.
Finally, I'll say this: don't give up, don't listen to anyone who doubts your career, and take everything that's said to you with a grain of salt. Just because something worked for one person doesn't mean it works for everyone. Remain true to your craft and do it for the love of music NOT for the money. Build your reputation in a sector of the industry and money will follow.
Hope this helps!
First, how do you "achieve" a career in music? With hard work, practice, and dedication. Work a little bit on your craft every day, practice your instrument, and watch videos of people doing what you want to do. Listen to interviews and any advice that professionals give- put it into practice. For a while, it might seem like you are literally living and breathing music. But that's kind of the point. Listen to music constantly too- and not just the genres you like. Listen to everything and learn to appreciate the artistry and intent behind all genres. This will help develop your critical ear so that you can produce, record, and mix to the best of your abilities. I would also suggest that you find a mentor. My first (and main) mentor is my former college professor. He taught me everything I know and encouraged me to write and record the music I like. I have also been mentored by other people who contributed to my sound, my process, and my way of thinking in the music industry. Mentors have experience- something that someone just starting out does not have. So if you find a good mentor, you will have a great resource to ask questions, check your mixes, and keep you going.
What are some standard goals? You might not like this answer- the goals are yours to set because there is not just one way to come up in the music industry. Everyone has their own story on how they joined the industry. If you're just starting out, then I would set small goals so you're achieving something as you come up. The overall goal should be to go full time in the music industry. But, by setting other goals, you're setting yourself up for success. And setting yourself up for success is extremely important because this industry is brutal. Goals help you keep on track even when the industry pushes you in a different direction. Personally, I've had to abandon some goals and re-write/ review how I should be going at my career many a-time. If you want to specifically be a music producer, your goals might look something like 1. sell your first beat, 2. sell a few beats a week to make extra pocket money, 3. get your name out there by networking with other producers, 4. collaborate with big producers, and 5. land a big placement with one of the top artists. Start small, then as you continue to achieve those small goals move on to the next one.
Why set goals? Any kind of musician is actually their own business. They have formed a brand and run their careers like any other business. Without goals, any business will close within a couple of weeks. You need to be able to develop, edit, deploy, and commit to a plan that will help push your career along. The goals you set are part of that plan. You'll have long term goals and short term goals and you will update and evolve each as your career continues. These goals will also need to be specific. You'll have to think of everything from branding to marketing, to recording to mixing. Everything you do will circle back into who you are as an artist and how that affects your business. If you're just starting out, then focus more on the music making. That is, after all, the main thing you want to do. But you'll also want to study the industry and learn how money moves in the industry so that you can play the industry to make money. There are great YouTube videos, resources, and websites that really help teach how the industry works. And it's an extremely confusing industry so you'll want that kind of support. I personally approached learning the industry like I was studying for an exam for school (partly because some of the stuff I learned was in one of my college classes that had exams but that's besides the point lol.) Once you know the industry well, you'll be able to plan and set goals more efficiently because you'll understand WHY you're setting those goals.
What are the basics you need to learn? I'm putting this one at the end because it's something you can start doing right after you read these responses. First, practice practice practice practice. Every single successful artist, producer, songwriter, A&R, or any other music professional practices every day and developed their skills well before their careers blew up. If you want to take lessons, be prepared for classical music as the style you'll be learning (for a little bit at least). I'm a big supporter of learning classical music first because you'll realize not a lot has changed besides the technology. Music has always been a form of emotional expression. As you're learning and practicing your instrument of choice, learn the basics of music theory as well. What chords are in what key and how do you count certain rhythms? That sort of thing. You really don't need a lot of music theory training to write music (though it's helpful sometimes). Once you start feeling more confident in yourself, start posting covers and originals on social media. When you post you should also interact with the people in the comments as well. Set a specific goal for what you can do for the rest of the year. Make it something attainable but also helpful to your overall career. Don't know what grade you're in, but when I was in high school, my goal was to write one song or beat every single day. When the pandemic hit, it became a lot more than 1 and then when I went to college for music my personal beat production and songwriting went down as I worked on class projects. But the goal remained the same. Now, I have multiple goals for each day but that's because I've been doing this for a while. Focus on one goal for now if you have classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. I can promise that as you make new music, practice and record covers, and post your work online you will start learning more and more about this industry. The best way to learn the music industry is by participating in the music industry.
Finally, I'll say this: don't give up, don't listen to anyone who doubts your career, and take everything that's said to you with a grain of salt. Just because something worked for one person doesn't mean it works for everyone. Remain true to your craft and do it for the love of music NOT for the money. Build your reputation in a sector of the industry and money will follow.
Hope this helps!
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
27
Answers
Updated
George F’s Answer
Hi Crystal,
I think the most important process is to study, learn , and become, educated. Not that you don't have any fun, but you might have to change priorities.
George
I think the most important process is to study, learn , and become, educated. Not that you don't have any fun, but you might have to change priorities.
George
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Crystal!
There are lots of good answers here, and I especially agree with Michelle and Rebecca.
My advice is you need to start narrowing down your interests in music as a career. There is a site online that can help you do this, and also help you develop your next steps and find schools to support your interests. Here's the link:
https://www.careersinmusic.com/music-careers-list/
For example they have section: "Music Producer Career Guide: Roles, Skills, and How to Get Started" where you can learn about what music producers do and take a survey on your interests to help guide you to areas to pursue.
I've been a musician pretty much all my life, starting with my first piano lessons when I was 5yo. Over the years I joined orchestras, choirs, acapella performing groups, bands, worked as a single performer in restaurants and clubs, as a church organist, etc. While I started as a classical pianist, later I branched out into music theory, popular and jazz piano and organ, and explored other instruments in orchestra and band classes at school, including drums, percussion, trombone, and guitar. This helped me to not only explore what was out there and try different instruments and venues, but also to build an understanding of the sounds that are possible in each of those groups and settings. This became invaluable later on when I began songwriting, arranging, and producing.
As a music producer, I began shifting my focus from instrumental performance to the production process, which involves planning, songwriting, arranging, recording, review/comping, editing, mixing, mastering, distribution, and marketing. I started learning music production about twenty years ago, and I have to say the transition from mostly analog hardware to largely digital software processes today (with some notable exceptions in major studios and premier engineers) has made things simpler and easier to learn, especially in post-production (editing, mixing, and mastering).
I tell you this to show that it's not a "once and for all" decision - because as you get out there and try things, you may find aspects of music that you love to do and enjoy them for a season, then move on to other aspects later on. And that's OK! When I started out, I wanted to be in a band or a solo performer. But now, the collaboration with other musicians, composers, audio engineers, transcribers, graphic artists, producers, and social media promoters is so interesting, fun, and rewarding that I can't imagine doing anything else.
So I would advise you to take your time, take advantage of all the opportunities you can cram into your schedule, until you find one that gives you joy - then run with that.
Good luck on your journey, Crystal - you're going to do great!
There are lots of good answers here, and I especially agree with Michelle and Rebecca.
My advice is you need to start narrowing down your interests in music as a career. There is a site online that can help you do this, and also help you develop your next steps and find schools to support your interests. Here's the link:
https://www.careersinmusic.com/music-careers-list/
For example they have section: "Music Producer Career Guide: Roles, Skills, and How to Get Started" where you can learn about what music producers do and take a survey on your interests to help guide you to areas to pursue.
I've been a musician pretty much all my life, starting with my first piano lessons when I was 5yo. Over the years I joined orchestras, choirs, acapella performing groups, bands, worked as a single performer in restaurants and clubs, as a church organist, etc. While I started as a classical pianist, later I branched out into music theory, popular and jazz piano and organ, and explored other instruments in orchestra and band classes at school, including drums, percussion, trombone, and guitar. This helped me to not only explore what was out there and try different instruments and venues, but also to build an understanding of the sounds that are possible in each of those groups and settings. This became invaluable later on when I began songwriting, arranging, and producing.
As a music producer, I began shifting my focus from instrumental performance to the production process, which involves planning, songwriting, arranging, recording, review/comping, editing, mixing, mastering, distribution, and marketing. I started learning music production about twenty years ago, and I have to say the transition from mostly analog hardware to largely digital software processes today (with some notable exceptions in major studios and premier engineers) has made things simpler and easier to learn, especially in post-production (editing, mixing, and mastering).
I tell you this to show that it's not a "once and for all" decision - because as you get out there and try things, you may find aspects of music that you love to do and enjoy them for a season, then move on to other aspects later on. And that's OK! When I started out, I wanted to be in a band or a solo performer. But now, the collaboration with other musicians, composers, audio engineers, transcribers, graphic artists, producers, and social media promoters is so interesting, fun, and rewarding that I can't imagine doing anything else.
So I would advise you to take your time, take advantage of all the opportunities you can cram into your schedule, until you find one that gives you joy - then run with that.
Good luck on your journey, Crystal - you're going to do great!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Crystal !
If you know what career you want in the music industry, creative, technical, or business you can obtain specific advice. Establish the exact career and you can then learn the exact path and what goals to set.
There is no one way to achieve this career because it is subjective and an opinion field of work that relies heavily on networking, socializing with music people and making strong contacts. You should also learn about all of the music studios located near you. The way you start your career will depend on your circumstances, preferences and locale.
In general, my advice for this career is most always to go to college for a Bachelors Degree in Music because you'd be around music every day and have a broad education in various music subjects. It is structured, focused and you'll have opportunities that you may not get as quickly if you do not take a college path for this. You will have lots of support doing an academic path, also.
While in high school, you can break the ice by finding out who is the person that oversees and does the recitals, shows, musicals, etc. at you school. Once you find out, join whatever group or class they are connected with. You can tell the directors that you are interested in performing/singing, stage managing or doing anything for the shows so you can be around a real production. You'll learn a lot this way. It will be good to do this for all the time you have left in high school and you will be a bit more familiar with the work before college. So there are no random "basics" right now, take it a step at a time and be around productions and music people for right now.
Consider volunteer work in any capacity at a Houston music studio. Your best bet would be to go in person to inquire about volunteering. You can try Studio 713, Inner Me Studios, Band Barracks Studios, Lucky Run Studios, Wire Road Studios, Baron Studios, and Sugar Hill Studios. In order to get some sort of oreintation to the field of work, you really have to be around it. It's not something that you learn all at once, it's gradual and unpredictable, too.
Another goal could be to think about programs for your age range in Houston. Just Add Beats provides camps focused on audio production for pre-teens and teenagers, covering beat making, podcasting, and sound design with professional instructors. Garnish Music Production School offers boutique music production and DJ courses, including 18-hour Build Beats Better classes and 120-hour Certified Producer Programs, suitable for teens seeking to learn music production. The School of Rock West Houston has music camps where teens play as a band and work toward performing a live show in front of an audience, done around school breaks. See if you can do tech at this program if that's the work you want. See if TRCOA has a Recording Art Program for your age range, too. This is a career that one must take active steps, moving towards it because it will not come to you. Now is a good time to start ! You can do it !
It may be helpful to set goals for this journey, but first you need to get a handle on the work, the business and then you can take it the way you need to. Everyone takes a different journey but the end result usually turns out beautiful, so start now, be part of Houston's music community, be involved at school and things will fall into place !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
If you know what career you want in the music industry, creative, technical, or business you can obtain specific advice. Establish the exact career and you can then learn the exact path and what goals to set.
There is no one way to achieve this career because it is subjective and an opinion field of work that relies heavily on networking, socializing with music people and making strong contacts. You should also learn about all of the music studios located near you. The way you start your career will depend on your circumstances, preferences and locale.
In general, my advice for this career is most always to go to college for a Bachelors Degree in Music because you'd be around music every day and have a broad education in various music subjects. It is structured, focused and you'll have opportunities that you may not get as quickly if you do not take a college path for this. You will have lots of support doing an academic path, also.
While in high school, you can break the ice by finding out who is the person that oversees and does the recitals, shows, musicals, etc. at you school. Once you find out, join whatever group or class they are connected with. You can tell the directors that you are interested in performing/singing, stage managing or doing anything for the shows so you can be around a real production. You'll learn a lot this way. It will be good to do this for all the time you have left in high school and you will be a bit more familiar with the work before college. So there are no random "basics" right now, take it a step at a time and be around productions and music people for right now.
Consider volunteer work in any capacity at a Houston music studio. Your best bet would be to go in person to inquire about volunteering. You can try Studio 713, Inner Me Studios, Band Barracks Studios, Lucky Run Studios, Wire Road Studios, Baron Studios, and Sugar Hill Studios. In order to get some sort of oreintation to the field of work, you really have to be around it. It's not something that you learn all at once, it's gradual and unpredictable, too.
Another goal could be to think about programs for your age range in Houston. Just Add Beats provides camps focused on audio production for pre-teens and teenagers, covering beat making, podcasting, and sound design with professional instructors. Garnish Music Production School offers boutique music production and DJ courses, including 18-hour Build Beats Better classes and 120-hour Certified Producer Programs, suitable for teens seeking to learn music production. The School of Rock West Houston has music camps where teens play as a band and work toward performing a live show in front of an audience, done around school breaks. See if you can do tech at this program if that's the work you want. See if TRCOA has a Recording Art Program for your age range, too. This is a career that one must take active steps, moving towards it because it will not come to you. Now is a good time to start ! You can do it !
It may be helpful to set goals for this journey, but first you need to get a handle on the work, the business and then you can take it the way you need to. Everyone takes a different journey but the end result usually turns out beautiful, so start now, be part of Houston's music community, be involved at school and things will fall into place !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
Hi Crystal,
You have many paths to reach your goal in music production. You could attend a university or community college with a music production program to earn a degree and certification as an audio engineer. Alternatively, you can dive right in by getting some music production equipment and learning to record and mix using digital audio workstations like Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Garage Band, FL Studio, Magix Music Maker, or Studio One.
I'm a recording artist who studied at Lane Community College for three years. Even though I didn't finish my degree, I still spend a lot of time creating music for my albums. Feel free to check out my music if you're interested. Some useful tools for you might be an audio interface, a Windows 11 PC, and a good microphone. You can also create music on your phone using Suno and Brev. Those are two apps that use AI for music production.
I hope this advice helps you on your music production journey. Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Dylan J. Ledford
You have many paths to reach your goal in music production. You could attend a university or community college with a music production program to earn a degree and certification as an audio engineer. Alternatively, you can dive right in by getting some music production equipment and learning to record and mix using digital audio workstations like Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Garage Band, FL Studio, Magix Music Maker, or Studio One.
I'm a recording artist who studied at Lane Community College for three years. Even though I didn't finish my degree, I still spend a lot of time creating music for my albums. Feel free to check out my music if you're interested. Some useful tools for you might be an audio interface, a Windows 11 PC, and a good microphone. You can also create music on your phone using Suno and Brev. Those are two apps that use AI for music production.
I hope this advice helps you on your music production journey. Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Dylan J. Ledford
Updated
George’s Answer
Listen to a variety of music genres regularly. Put your own spin on the sounds you here. Try a variety of instruments and methods of recording. Use different microphones and different placements. Use different plugins to create new sounds and feelings.