If music is your passion, you just might belong in the music industry. However, you don't have to be a famous singer or band member to make an impact on the musical world. Instead, consider becoming a music producer.
Your work behind the scenes has the power to change the landscape of the music industry, or at least improve someone’s day. If you’re interested in becoming a music producer, here’s what you need to know.
Get the Education You Need
First, you need to learn everything there is to know about music production. That might sound overwhelming right now, but completing a music production program at a local college will ensure you gain the knowledge you need for success.
For example, Hocking College’s Music Production/Management Program aims to prepare students for a career in music management or production. Considering that it was recently included on a list of Best Music Management Colleges in Ohio, this program is worth checking out.
When you enroll in the program at Hocking College, you’ll take classes on music theory, music production, publishing, new media and more. Once you’re done with these classes, you can choose your area of specialization — music management, production, or both.
Depending on which specialization you choose, you’ll discover how to lead recording sessions, identify artists’ strengths, market music, make a professional portfolio, and use audio equipment and software to mix music. Basically, you’ll learn how to become a music producer, which means you’ll graduate with the building blocks you need to start a career in music production.
Know the Career Options and Outlooks
If you’re considering studying music production, you’ll end up with a few choices when it’s time to get a job. You can go for the job of music/record producer, which is among the most popular routes for those with a music production education.
You can also look into becoming a recording engineer, sound designer, sound mixer, live sound engineer or recording studio manager. As long as you have a degree from a music production program and a willingness to learn any new skills you need, you’ll have options in this industry.
Your salary will depend on which job title you have, where you live, and how much experience you have. In general, you can expect a salary of about $50,000 per year in your early years in music production. That amount could rise as you become more experienced and perhaps discover a specialty that sets you apart from others in the industry.
Fortunately, careers in music production are rising about as fast as most other industries, so there will be jobs available to you in a few years when you graduate from a music production program. This is especially the case if you choose a two-year program that will result in an associate’s degree that you can use in both the music industry and other fields requiring this type of degree.
The sooner you can learn how to become a music producer and obtain the appropriate degree, the sooner you can start your career in music. Plus, when you choose a two-year degree, you'll likely pay less than if you were to go through a four-year program.
What to Do Next
If you’re interested in learning more about how Hocking College’s program can help you learn how to become a music producer, contact us today.
