Do's and don'ts

So, you want to become a music producer and create tomorrow's music? Here are some basic tips on what you should and should not do when you've decided to become a music producer.

Do's

• Find the producer software that suits you.

To create the music, you must have a program that is created for that purpose. However, there are lots of different software, but I recommend you start with something that has a large user base and thus a strong community. The program that I started with, and still uses, is called FL Studio. What you should do is to download the demo versions of the software that you can find. I know it can be difficult to choose the software when you are a beginner, but it is something you must do. Always keep in mind that if you are not satisfied with the program you are using, you can always switch to something else. The programs that I recommend that you check out is FL Studio, Ableton Live and Reason. (Click the names to get to each software's website.)

• Create an account on SoundCloud.

SoundCloud is a fantastic website for music producers and music lovers worldwide. You can easily share your music to everyone without paying anything at all. You can even upload unfinished songs if you feel like it. When you upload your creation, it is not unusual that you get comments on what you have just created. Do not worry about hurtful words, users usually understand if you are a beginner or if you have chosen to upload an unfinished song.

• Try to reproduce the songs that you like.

When I learned how to make electronic music, I learned the most when I tried to recreate the songs that I like. By doing so you'll learn how to put up the song's structure, and perhaps some useful tricks along the way. The song that I first tried to recreate was Does It Offend You, Yeah?'s song Dawn Of The Dead. Even though the result did not sound so good, I was really pleased to have created a whole song.

Don'ts

• Do not be afraid to fail.

In order to become a better producer, it is necessary that you dare to experiment and get constructive feedback on your music. Do not try to avoid criticism, welcome it instead.

Music making can be frustrating at times;
but fear not, my guide is here to help you.

• Do not give up.

Starting to learn how to produce electronic music can seem as challenging as climbing a high mountain. But fear not, the more you practice, the more you can, and the easier it becomes to make music. Would you get stuck with your music making, you could always take a break and continue later.

• Do not get bored.

Something that is very important when learning something difficult is to always have fun. Having fun when trying to learn something hard will make it feel much easier: to learn to make music without having fun is like trying to lift weights at the gym without using your muscles. Have a TV in the background when you make music to facilitate breaks.

Over to you

What do you think is the best beginner tips for producing music? Share your thoughts!