How to Get Started With Music Production While at College

We live in great times when a lot of useful information is in open access. Thus, nothing stops us from trying new amazing technologies and techniques. In the music world, this trend has led to the fact that more people start producing music when in college. And that’s how a new profession called bedroom producer appeared.

Where was Billie Eilish’s iconic album recorded? In a small bedroom, of course. These days, writing music starting from home is more than comfortable. It’s cheap, easy, and you can combine this activity with your college studies. In this article, we figure out what equipment and strategies you need to create something truly outstanding.

Before We Begin

As we mentioned earlier, most bedroom producers start with minimal capital, so today, anyone can try themselves in this role. Don’t believe those who say that you will need to spend plenty of money on equipment.

In fact, your efforts are what matters most. And if you lack energy because of routine tasks, here’s an idea. You can always order paper writers online and devote your time to what matters most. No doubt, outsourcing is a magic wand to improve both your academic performance and creative potential. Sounds amazing, right?

Buy The Bare Minimum

To get started, you need the following set:

Laptop/computer;
DAW;
Headphones.

Chances are, you already have a computer or laptop that can handle most music production tasks. Technically, you can record a song or even an entire album using a mobile device, but this isn’t the best option. In addition, the software mentioned below isn’t always compatible with mobile devices.

When choosing a laptop, make sure it has the following parameters:

Dual-core CPU;
2 GB of RAM;
120 GB hard disk space.

The next item on our list is the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), which is software designed to record, store, edit, and play back digital audio on your computer. In other words, this is where you will create music.

There are many DAWs on the market today at different prices. If you are just starting out, it’s better to test the demo versions of the programs in order to choose the ones that suit you best. Here is a list of the most popular DAWs:

FL Studio;
Ableton Live;
Reason;
GarageBand;
Logic Pro X;
Reaper;
Pro Tools.

As for the headphones, it is better to use closed-type models. They isolate sound better, and they are handy if you want to record your voice. Here are the models you should pay attention to:

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X;
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO;
AKG K92;
SENNHEISER HD 280 PRO.

The items described above are just the minimum set of tools needed to get started. As you grow, you may need some more products, such as a microphone for voice recording or a synthesizer.

Keep in mind that expensive products aren’t always the best ones. For example, if you are recording a voice in an unprepared room, no matter how expensive your microphone is, room flaws will get on the record and interfere with the mix. Moreover, super-expensive models are designed to work in a professional environment. They are more sensitive to background nuances.

Musical Size Does Matter

Work on the stereo image of the track is usually done at the mixing stage, but you can start panning the instruments much earlier when arranging, for example. This will help you visualize the final result much better, as well as resolve some conflicts between instruments if any.

Sometimes Less Is Better

Beginner producers often think that their track isn’t good enough and believe that there’s a need to add something else. But in practice, the situation is exactly the opposite. Less is more. Many producers advise supporting strong and emotional vocals with a minimal set of instruments and avoiding using everything at once.

If you’re stuck at the songwriting stage, try removing some elements and see how things sound without them. This technique often leads to a bunch of amazing ideas.

Realize All Your Intentions

As soon as you have a unique thought in mind, open your DAW and write down everything that comes to mind. You will decide on what’s good later. At this stage, don’t analyze or think critically. You will return to your project another day with fresh, rested ears. That’s when you will see which ideas to keep and which ones to give up.

Don’t Overdo The Effects

Be careful with effects: it’s best to use them when you have a specific idea of which sound you want to receive. Otherwise, it is better not to hurry with the effects. You can always add them at the mixing stage.

Close Your Eyes

When your work is almost done, take a comfortable position, close your eyes, and hit the play button. It’s great not to see your project in the DAW and not be distracted by incoming messages. Instead, you will focus on the song only. It is also useful to change the focus. Try to shift your attention to another topic, whether it’s looking for student housing, planning a trip, or watching a TV show. You need a fresh look, right?

Make Backup Copies

Save your projects as often as possible, as there’s always something that can go wrong. The program or the entire computer may crash, or you may feel the urge to listen to recordings you did months ago or even earlier.

To Wrap It Up

And here’s the last piece of advice – try to get plenty of rest. Your ears will get tired, so don’t spend more than an hour at work without a break. Even 10 minutes of rest will help you unwind. Take a walk to breathe fresh air, drink a cup of coffee, and then get back to the music.

This will improve your perseverance and guarantee that you will avoid burnout. Regular work and regular rest – this is the recipe for achieving progress day by day.