Getting started with music production! Help?
By h_gaurd9
@h_gaurd9 (986)
United States
January 5, 2008 6:27pm CST
I have little to no experience with producing music on the computer. I do, however, have more than enough musical background to make up for it. I want to be like that producer Rsherfan who's a rnb, rap, hip hop, and soul producer in Sydney, Australia. I played the trumpet from 4th-8th grade, moved to Florida and decided I won't do band and focus more on computers. I also play the piano keyboard(been playing since I was 4-5 in my dads band but the band stopped and I didn't really play for about 4-5 yrs after). When I was 8, I got a guitar for Christmas and I learned to play! The problem is that I haven't taken any courses related to music in high school, but I'm sure I want to learn in college. The thing is that I plan on majoring in computer & information sciences and I've taken some computer related courses in high school. My family notices my musical talent, so I believe music production is worth pursuing. I'm about to be 18 in a couple of days as well. Any suggestions?
1 response
@justabloke (526)
• United States
6 Jan 08
Here is a link to a website that has links to demo and freeware music programs.
( http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/ ) I suggest you try a few out before buying anything.
What you will need is a multitrack recorder, which will allow you to create multiple and seperate audio and midi tracks. IMO you will need to use MIDI if you plan to use VSTi and DXi plugins(these are virtual instruments, which are sampled sounds, either stand alone or be a collection of sounds original found on a renowned keyboard).
You will also need some VST/DX plugins which are effects, like distortion, chorus, delay, reverb etc.
Play around with one of the demo/shareware, freeware programs and try and get a good feel as to what you need to do and then focus on the application you like best.
Sony's Acid is quite good for creating short samples.
Also you'll probably need a loop or sample maker. Some products will come with a free plugin loop maker. If you really want to you can use a keyboard and a plugin(vsti/dxi) to press relevant keys and make the loop sounds you want.
There are quite a few different computer products for music production, one just needs to find the one that they like and find easier to work with.
Initally, you may find yourself working more with the software than creating music and to me that is the key. You need to find the software that works for you, that allows you to spend more time creating than playing with the software.
One more thing. You're best investment will be to get a 24bit soundcard. If you do, make sure the software you use supports 24bit.
