Last updated on Nov 13, 2023
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Watch online tutorials
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Use free or low-cost software
3
Listen to different genres and artists
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Record and mix your own music
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Get feedback and advice
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Keep learning and practicing
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Here’s what else to consider
Sound production is a vital skill for anyone who wants to create, record, or mix music professionally or as a hobby. However, formal education in sound production can be expensive, time-consuming, or inaccessible for many people. Fortunately, there are some ways to improve your sound production skills without enrolling in a degree or certificate program. Here are some tips to help you learn and practice sound production on your own.
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- Barry Lubotta President at Phase One Audio Group inc. 4
- William Mann Song Writer/ Musician 3
- Gino Olivieri 2
1 Watch online tutorials
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to learn sound production is to watch online tutorials from experts, educators, or enthusiasts. You can find videos on various topics, such as audio engineering, music theory, software, hardware, effects, mixing, mastering, and more. Online tutorials can help you understand the basics, learn new techniques, and get inspired by different styles and genres. You can also ask questions, leave feedback, or join discussions with other learners in the comments section or on social media platforms.
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- Gino Olivieri
That's a good question and in my man years of hearing, listening and producing songs... you either have it or you don't.It's artistic, you need to have it in your soul, not every producer works the same way, not every engineer works the same way. You can learn technical terms, but the sound that comes out of a mixing board into speakers to the masses from an individual is in the touch, its a feeling. One can learn it all in school but does not mean the sound coming out of his/her work will be amazing. This is debatable on some levels, but it is reality.
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See AlsoWhat are the most effective ways to learn new media production skills and technologies?Mastering the Mix: The 5 Essential Skills for Music Production SuccessWhat do you do if you want to enhance your music production skills?What are the most in-demand skills for a successful studio recording career in Media Production? - Barry Lubotta President at Phase One Audio Group inc.
The benefits of recording schools are debatable. They are expensive and too often do not lead to good-paying jobs.The only certainty is that these schools make a lot of money, disproportionate, in my view, to the good they do for the industry.Years ago, no recording schools existed and yet, those who volunteered and learned as unpaid interns often found a way to succeed. Today, laws do not allow studios to take interns without paying them. In the recording industry, this works against both studios and those who want to learn. A beginner, who really wants to succeed, can learn enough as an intern to know what they need to. Eventually they develop skills that owners are willing to pay for.The laws should be changed to allow for this.
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- Randy Akins Technical Sales Director at Portman’s Music
Use the best gear you can afford, learn to use it properly, and find a mentor, if possible. A mentor will be your “checks and balances” to prevent you from going in a wrong direction!
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2 Use free or low-cost software
Another way to improve your sound production skills is to use free or low-cost software that allows you to create, edit, and manipulate audio files. There are many options available, such as Audacity, GarageBand, Reaper, LMMS, and more. These software programs can help you practice sound production without investing in expensive equipment or subscriptions. You can also experiment with different features, plugins, samples, loops, and effects to enhance your sound and develop your own style.
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- William Mann Song Writer/ Musician
use gear you afford and go with what you hear and what you want to hear. Studying sound waves and speaker enclosures is also important.
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3 Listen to different genres and artists
A good way to improve your sound production skills is to listen to different genres and artists and analyze how they produce their music. You can learn a lot from listening to different elements, such as melodies, harmonies, rhythms, instruments, vocals, dynamics, and more. You can also compare and contrast how different genres and artists use sound production techniques, such as EQ, compression, reverb, delay, distortion, and more. Listening to different genres and artists can help you broaden your musical horizons, appreciate diversity, and discover new influences.
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Get in the booth and do what feels good. Then refine that with a fine toothed comb. And when you you feel like you're done, revisit the recording and add what naturally flows out of your spirit to the track. Then mix it, Master it, and release it.
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4 Record and mix your own music
One of the best ways to improve your sound production skills is to record and mix your own music. This can help you apply what you have learned from online tutorials, software, and listening to different genres and artists. You can use your own instruments, vocals, or computer-generated sounds to create your own music. You can also use a microphone, an audio interface, and headphones or speakers to record and mix your music. Recording and mixing your own music can help you improve your creativity, technical skills, and confidence.
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- KENNETH COLLIER Author/Skincare formulater
One thing to do is make sure you get professional headphones for music production so you can hear what’s really going on with your music,
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5 Get feedback and advice
Another way to improve your sound production skills is to get feedback and advice from others who are interested or experienced in sound production. You can share your music with friends, family, online communities, or mentors and ask for their opinions, suggestions, or critiques. You can also seek advice from other sound producers on how to improve your sound quality, solve problems, or overcome challenges. Getting feedback and advice can help you learn from your mistakes, improve your strengths, and grow as a sound producer.
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- KENNETH COLLIER Author/Skincare formulater
I agree with the above perspective and just keep working on your skills and your skills will improve and be willing to learn and take criticism for what you are doing. A good way to learn also is go to some of these night clubs and bars with live bands and practice sessions and work on your skills there also you will be able to hear your work.
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6 Keep learning and practicing
The final way to improve your sound production skills is to keep learning and practicing. Sound production is a complex and dynamic field that requires constant updating, experimenting, and refining. You can keep learning and practicing by following new trends, exploring new genres, attending workshops, reading books, or taking online courses. You can also keep practicing by working on new projects, collaborating with others, or challenging yourself with different goals. Keeping learning and practicing can help you maintain your passion, curiosity, and skills as a sound producer.
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7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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- Justin Angelo Pro Tools Engineer, Musician/Singer Song Crafter
With all of the new technological advances in the last few years alone, many people have some sort of “studio” or workspace on their own. While online tutorials among other similar things (skill share, shadowing etc. have been a great help to me, I tend to believe that networking with others within our own extended social circles is also a hugely underutilized and underrated path. Ask your friends and their colleagues about their personal studios and tactics. It’s not always what you know but who you know and any worthwhile friend will be more than happy to assist. Including myself!
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