How long does it take to learn how to produce?
How long does it take to learn how to produce?
Many of our DJ course graduates want to also learn how to produce their own tracks and remixes. It’s the ideal way to elevate your DJ career and make yourself valuable in the eyes of any promoter. It will increase the number of DJ gigs you get, and also your fee! Learning how to produce your own music is vital!
Nowadays, it’s essential for a career-DJ to produce music, and for that music to be well known. It’s not enough just to release any track, it has to be an original track that makes an impact on the dance-floors. It doesn’t need to be a commercial hit record raking in millions in revenue, but it has to sit well in comparison to your piers in the scene.
It’s now clear that every DJ who wants to make an impact in the music industry should learn how to produce. So, how long does it take to learn how to produce?
It’s not a simple answer, but there is set time it will take you to learn all the theory and skills you need, then it’s up to you to put them into practice.
It will take you approximately 24 hours of one-to-one training at LSA to learn how to use your DAW to produce electronic dance music of any genre. Our music production course is divided into three levels, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. It’s everything you need to know to make full length tracks from start to finish. You then need to put in an equal amount of hours at home, or ideally more, to put those skills into practice. That’s just step one! To then get to the point you can make a track you want to release it may take much longer, and really depends on your creative inspiration. Don’t rush, make sure you take the time to develop an original sound and then hone your craft so that your first release is of such high quality it will stand the test of time. You don’t want to rush a release and then be embarrassed of it later down the line.
10,000 hours is the usual answer you will hear for the amount of time it takes learning and mastering any valuable skill, like music production. It’s a good benchmark but it also really depends on your previous musical understanding.
What music theory do you need to learn how to produce?
You can actually start learning how to produce with zero musical experience or understanding. You can learn during the process. It is easier to have a musical background, but it’s not essential to begin with.
I play an instrument, will that help in learning how to produce?
It’s important to realise that playing a traditional instrument is not the same as producing digital music. There is some overlap, but as an instrumentalist you will still need to learn many new skills and music theory for computer musicians. Your experience and understanding of the terminology will help you learn quicker, but you’ll still need to spend a lot of time learning how to apply your skills in the digital world.
We recommend reading Music Theory for Computer Musicians by Michael Hewitt.
I am a DJ, will that help in learning how to produce?
Yes, having a good understanding of DJing, mixing and performing will help you in two ways. Firstly, it will give you a head start with understanding about the track structure you’re trying to create, to make your tracks DJ friendly. Understanding about musical phrasing and the bar-structure of your music will really help. Secondly, you will also understand, as a DJ, what kind of music gets the dance-floor going! You can start building on this vital knowledge and create music that will ignite the audience!
I don’t have any musical background of DJ background, can I learn how to produce?
Yes! You don’t need any experience to learn how to produce. You will learn all the music theory and skills during our practical one-to-one lessons. Your chosen production tutor will take the time to help you understand everything and teach at your speed. You can take as much time as you like in classes with us.
What other skills can help a music producer?
Other than musical skills, it’s useful to have a good level of computer literacy. Understanding how to use your computer will help you manage your chosen production software (DAW). Music production programs are complex so if you don’t know your way around your operating system, you need to start by mastering that first. If you have editing experience on other programs like Photoshop or Final Cut you will find it easier to understand your DAW and the editing process. This also means once you have learnt how to use a DAW you will find it easier to learn other editing programs.
Do I need to know about sound theory before learning how to produce?
It certainly helps to understand the physics and nature of sound and recorded sound. Even the basic terminology will help you in your goal of learning how to produce.
We recommend you read the Yamaha, Sound Reinforcement Handbook to get an in-depth knowledge of sound theory.
Further Learning...
We hope that this article has helped you understand how long it will take to learn how to produce your own music. Now get going, it will take forever unless you jump in! Click here to get started with our Beginner Music Production Course, you can book lessons in the studio or online!
Contact us if you have any questions!
