Getting Into Music Production: Is it the Right Thing for You?
For years, music production has been my passion. It's been since I was a teenager, which is over 20 years.
I have mastered the skill set to make remixes for my DJ sets and professional-sounding records. However, I am a DJ first and a producer second, which gives me a rating of 70% - 80% compared to someone whose career is primarily making hit records. This article won't be long; I will share a few of my experiences to help you decide if it's worth your time and avoid the mistakes I made.
The Truth About Music Production
Let's be clear: production involves many different roles. You can be a Composer, writer, executive producer and more. However, I want to cover one aspect: making the beat, mixing and mastering the recording, and then releasing it to the public. It's fair enough to speak in terms of that aspect, because that was the avenue I ventured into. The dream of being a producer is fantastic. You work on your own time, most of the time as a freelancer, you live a life that glitters and is glamorous, you are surrounded by like-minded individuals collaborating on projects, and the list goes on. And last but not least, making money on your time and passively.
All those things sounds great, but the truth is music production is one lonely game, you spend hours by yourself in one location trying to get the ideas out your head, you then spend hours listening that idea trying to convince yourself if it sounds good or its trash, you might even send it to a friend who will most of the time tell you its fire because they dont want to hurt your feelings. You spend money on music gear, and when I say money, I mean lots of money on gear and plugins, because you will believe it's the plugin or gear that made the record sound awesome that your favorite producer is using.
Will you be successful? It all depends on what you can endure. So be prepared to spend more time than you will receive in money at first. Mindset will play a key role in your success. Focus on the why. Why do you want to be a producer in the first place? My why was to help my DJ sets sound different, share my remixes with other DJs, and, last but not least, generate passive income.
Does age matter when trying to pursue a career in Music Production?
Some folks on YouTube, or other social media platforms, might tell you that age is just a number, and you can be a music producer at any time and at any stage of your life. While there is some truth to that, it is the complete opposite. Don't get me wrong, I have seen people lucked out in their older age and struck gold by becoming a music producer. But I don't base my life on luck; I base it more on 95% preparation and 5% luck.
I find that the older you are and the more responsibilities you have, the more complicated it gets. When I say responsibility, I mean: a wife, kids, or someone who depends on you emotionally and/or financially, and a 9 - 5 that takes up your time. All that plays a vital role. So, who are you? This is the time to be honest with yourself: will you neglect your roles to pursue music, and will music be on the back burner? I will tell you upfront: music is like a jealous wife who depends on your time; if music does not get what she wants, she will not give you what you want.
There is no two ways about it: you're either invested 60% - 100% in music, and that's just the minimum, or it won't work. You will have to be hungry; if not, you will be like the other people I know who work and do music on the side. And before you judge me, I tried to escape the rat race and make music my number one. The problem was that I tried to go in too late, and by too late, I mean, more people have access to the same gears/plugins I have, who have more time and less responsibility than I do, which makes them the prime candidates for success in music production.
So what are my thoughts on age? If you are in your teens/ early 20s and have little or no bills, you should go all in, put everything else to the side and run with your heart, grow your skill set, eat, drink and sleep music. If you gain the talent and skill set, it's not if, but when, and at that point, you won't need luck.
Should You Go To School For Music Production
This is one of the biggest debates on social media and forums such as Reddit, with a lot of mixed views. Most of the responses are more geared towards you not going to school to become a music producer. I went to school for audio production, Full Sail University to be exact, and my opinion is this. School does not guarantee you success in the field or even a placement; in fact, schools don't offer you anything more than what's already out there on YouTube. Full Sail did not get me a Job or any form of internship. What it did offer me was structure and discipline; in the end, you receive a document to prove just that.
Remember, as I stated at the start, don't base your life on luck. If you are young and you have the time, go back to school. In the end, you will have the skillset and the degree to show. What if one day you have the skill set and get the opportunity to work with the artist of your dreams, and the only thing they ask for is a degree, a degree you didn't get because someone said it doesn't make any sense!
I suggest going to school, practising your craft day in and day out, and finding a good mentor. Honestly, a good mentor is the most important of all those mentioned. A mentor will save you time, money and fewer mistakes. Most successful producers received mentorship earlier in their careers.
What do you need to get into music/audio production?
Let's first talk about what you don't need. Although it would be great to have, you don't need the most expensive gear or plugins. Please wipe that from your head before we begin. Companies will always try to sell you new, shiny gears that do the same as the version before, with a minor upgrade. YOU DON'T NEED IT!
Now what do you need? I will list a few things you need below.
Computer
DAW + Plugins
Speakers / Headphones
Microphone
Audio Interface
DAW + Plugins
Speakers / Headphones
Microphone
Audio Interface
Computer
I recommend a MacBook Pro - 2021 and up. If you can afford a maxed-out version, go right ahead. This will be the main investment; it will last you years and save time when working on big projects. Why I don't recommend Windows: I have always had issues with Windows for audio—too much freezing and crashing. Apple, on the other hand, is much more stable, in my opinion. Most producers who own Windows do so to get free plugins because Windows is easier to crack.
DAW + Plugins
Where to start - There are a lot of daws out there, and most are great. The ones I use are Pro Tools, Logic, Studio One, and Ableton. Pro Tools is an industry standard, so it can be your main DAW for mixing and mastering. Your second Daw can be Ableton or Fruity Loops for beat making. Plugins can be stock; however, UAD, Fab Filter, iZotope, and Waves are all good options to explore.
Speakers
Choosing the right speaker takes a lot of time; you should watch many YouTube videos, as speaker selection can vary. The right speaker for you depends on the space available. Brands I use and recommend are Yamaha, PreSonus, and KRK.
Microphone
Like the computer, make sure you purchase a great mic. I recommend a condenser mic and a dynamic mic as a starting point. For a dynamic, I recommend the Shure 7B, and for a condenser mic, I recommend the Nueman TLM 103. Both mics are very versatile. Again, YouTube videos will help you choose a microphone. I will list videos below.
Audio Interface
My recommendations are UAD or Focusrite; they are more stable and deliver a great sound. Again, there's a lot in the marketplace - I've listed a video below that can help with your decision-making.
Can Music Production Still Make Money?
Yes, but not in the way most people imagine. The idea that you’ll upload beats and instantly start earning passive income is unrealistic for most people. Money in music production today is diversified.
You can make money through:
- Selling beats or instrumentals
- Sync licensing
- Mixing and mastering services
- Sound packs and presets
- DJ edits and remixes
- Freelance audio work
The producers who survive in the long term are usually those who treat music like a business, not just an art. Learn the basics of marketing, branding, and networking. Your skill can be world-class, but if nobody knows you exist, it won’t matter.
Final Thoughts: Is Music Production Right for You?
Music production is not for everyone, and that’s okay. It requires patience, sacrifice, discipline, and a thick skin. It will test your relationships, your finances, and your confidence. But if you genuinely love the process, not just the idea of success, it can be one of the most fulfilling journeys you’ll ever take.
Ask yourself this: would you still make music if nobody was watching, listening, or paying? If the answer is yes, then you’re already on the right path.
I don’t regret getting into music production. It shaped who I am, sharpened my ear, and gave my DJ career its own identity. Even with the mistakes I made, I gained something priceless: perspective.
If you decide to do this, do it with intention. Learn, stay hungry, and most importantly, be patient with yourself. Music always gives back — just not on your timeline.
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