7 Steps for Starting a Music Production Company

Have you always wanted to become a music producer? Do you want to start your own production company? As with starting a band or establishing yourself as a solo act, there is plenty of long hours and hard work that goes into producing. But, with careful planning and dedication, you can start your own music production company.

You do not need office space to get started. As with bands, you can begin your music production career from your own home. Here are 7 simple steps to help you get started as a music producer.

#1 – Learn Your Business and Develop Your Skills

First, you need to know what you are doing. If you don’t have a musical background, a musical education, or musical experience, you should focus on your skills. Learn more about the business. Read articles, browse music insider websites, and soak up as much information as you can.

Depending on your situation, you may also want to consider getting a degree in music production, sound engineering, or recording. Another option is to seek an internship at a professional recording studio. This provides hands on learning.

#2 – Get the Right Equipment

You should have the ability to make music from your own home. Unless you have the funding to create a professional quality studio, you should ensure you have the basics. This means having a computer or laptop with audio software. If you plan on recording with live instruments, you will obviously need additional recording equipment.

Check out the following YouTube video from user David Scott as he covers some of this info in a little more detail:

#3 – Choose a Space for Your Home Studio

You will want to setup your main workspace in an area that is free of distractions. For example, if possible, do not place your equipment in your living room.

You want to place it somewhere with minimal chances for interruption or noise disturbances. Basements are often good options, as they can help dampen the sound and are easier to soundproof.

#4 – Choose a Name for Your Company

If you have not yet established a name for yourself, or you have plans of building your company to include staff, you may want to come up with a unique business name. Instead of using your own name, you could establish a business for your music production.

If you decide to create a business and choose a name for this company, you will need to file a DBA (doing business as) form. Depending on the state where you live, you may need to file additional paperwork and tax forms.

#5 – Get Marketing Material

There are two sides to marketing your fledgling production skills. You will need to market yourself locally and online. For in-person meetings, you will definitely want to have your own business cards. This is an affordable step.

You’ll find many online sites that offer great deals on personalized business cards. Other marketing material to consider using includes pamphlets, flyers, and posters.

#6 – Get a Website

Next, comes the online marketing. For starters, you’ll need a website. Every business needs a site and you don’t need to spend a lot to create one.

You can find hosting plans for as low as $5 to $10 per month for the first year. These will often come with a free domain name, which should either be the same as your own name or your production company. From there, you can use WordPress to build your own personalized website. You don’t need any web design experience.

#6 – Start Producing Your Own Music

If you have not yet produced music with other artists, you could begin producing your own music. You obviously have the skills to create music if you’re interested in producing music. Work on your own tracks and upload them to SoundCloud. You’ll have material that you can present to local and regional recording artists as a sampling of your work.

#7 – Seek Out Local Talent

At some point, you’ll want to actually start producing music. You’ll need to be active in your local music scene and make contacts with local artists. Find artists with similar tastes and style. Seek out local talent and negotiate the terms of working together. If you don’t have a standard production contract, you can find plenty of templates online.

Starting your own music production company is not an easy process. It will require a lot of hard work. These 7 steps are a good starting point, but you are going to have to stick with it. Continue looking for new learning opportunities and ways to promote your music.

Along with these 7 steps, you’ll need to promote your music. Whether you are producing your own music or working with other artists, music promotion will be a key part of your success.

Learn How to Promote Your Music

If you want help getting started with your burgeoning music career, we have an online webinar for you to check out.

This free online webinar is available for indie musicians and music producers that are interested in making money from their work. You will discover effective methods and strategies for gaining more control over your music career.

Sign Up for This Free Webinar to Learn 5 Steps for Building Your Fan Base and Making Money!

Source: ArtistPR Music Production