Music Production

What is a Music Producer?

When recording a song, a music producer, often called a record producer, ensures that the output is as good as possible. The producer advises vocalists or bands on performance details and ensures the engineer fulfills their responsibilities for a successful recording session. Music producers have a variety of roles during the recording, production, and dissemination of music by bands and performers. Music producers bring recordings to life by shaping their sound and direction. They manage the technical and artistic aspects of songs, soundtracks, or albums.

What Does a Music Producer Do?

The music producer ensures the final product aligns with the artist’s or record label’s vision. Their work follows the contractual agreement set in place. They possess deep musical knowledge and technical expertise with recording equipment. They also stay updated on the latest formats, genres, sounds, and production techniques. Although it varies from person to person, producers work the soundboard, help place microphones, or even participate as musicians, if needed. They don’t always have to be “hands-on,” though. A music producer’s job can seem as simple as sitting on the couch listening, but never assume it’s easy to work. When starting your music-producing career journey, you must ensure that a song is well recorded and received. If the band struggles and the engineer faces technical issues, the producer must be more active in the recording process. Good record producers understand all aspects of studio production and the creative process. They also have a good ear and a well-rounded knowledge of how voices and instruments produce recordable sounds. While you can be a capable music producer without writing, arranging, or performing music, the job becomes significantly more challenging.

Music producers oversee the process, from planning the sessions to producing the finished product. As a music producer, you'll provide instruments, schedule studio time, and handle funding, costs, and negotiations. You'll also work with and coach musicians. A significant aspect of your job as a music producer is creating quality sounds that match the musicians' and producers' plans.

Additionally, as part of your daily routine, you'll assist audio engineers in the mixing and recording. Engineers primarily deal with the technical aspects of the recording, such as broadcasting and converting sounds. If you're working with a smaller record label, you may perform the music producer's and audio engineer's tasks. Finally, music producers also have an entrepreneurial role in ensuring the business flourishes and is within budget.

How to Become a Music Producer?

Music Production students can complete a three-semester basic vocational certificate (BVS) or a two-year Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree program. The vocational certificate program provides hands-on skills necessary for employment. The AFA degree is designed to prepare students for a successful transfer to a four-year college or university for further education. Students who complete the AFA in Music Production will also earn the BVS in Music Production. Students pursuing a BVS will find they are well-prepared for the AFA in Music Production after completing their studies. All the credits from the BVS apply to the AFA.

Students should start their studies with MUS 150 (Introduction to Music Production) and MUS 170 (Recording Techniques I) in their first semester. These courses serve as prerequisites for advanced recording classes. Additionally, MUS 171 (Recording Techniques II) is only offered during fall semesters. First-year students should also plan to take MUS 100 (Intro to Music Theory).

What sets ECC’s program apart?

Elgin Community College is a great place to develop skills and talents. ECC features professional performance facilities, a dedicated recording studio, private instruction, individual practice rooms, and workshops with visiting artists. Learn from faculty who are professional musicians who can coach you toward your best performance.

What skills can I develop?

• Create high-quality music production projects using industry-standard software, such as Pro Tools®, Logic®, Ableton Live®, and Adobe® Audition®.
• Record music with professional equipment, including microphones.
• Mix music tracks using standard audio effect processes.
• Perform music in a solo or collaborative environment.
• Edit sound files for aesthetic and technical purposes.
• Analyze recorded music for balance, instrumentation, clarity, and audio effects.

Getting a Job as a Music Producer

Jobs that may be available to students who complete a Music Producer certificate or degree include the following:

• A&R
• Audio Engineer
• Audio Technician
• Beatmaker
• Board Operator
• Freelance Technology Assistant
• Home Studio Producer
• Music Director of Composer
• Songwriter
• Sound Engineer