How to Start a Music Production Company

The best way to learn how to start a music production company, or any company at all, is to realize it’s more than just the product or service you’re offering. That certainly plays a part in it–if you’re operating a taco truck, you better know how to make tacos.

In addition to getting all the right flavors together in a tortilla, you need to figure out portion size, where to park the truck, follow health regulations, and make sure you have the proper licensing. When you start a music production company, you’ll need more than just a love of music.

The following tips on how to start a music production company provide a general outline. Unless you happen to have enough money or incentives to hire a crew to help, you’ll have to take on many of these jobs yourself. For now, chances are you’ll be doing most of the work.

Know Your Business

You don’t necessarily need to know everything about studio monitors, digital audio workstations, microphones, and the rest of the recording equipment needed to operate a music production company. But you do need to know your way around a studio. You’ll need to get training and experience in real-world situations before striking out on your own.

Securing a place to record your clients, understanding sound engineering, working with audio engineers, and calculating how much it will all cost will play a major part in your success. Being a good music producer is knowing how to get the right people together to make the right music.

Secure Clients

Just like in any business, you need buyers for what you’re selling. Before looking for talent to produce, you need to develop relationships with recording studios, audio engineers, and others in the music industry. In some cases, they may even put you in touch with local artists that are in need of your services.

When you meet with potential clients, remember that appearance is important. You don’t need an office in a high rise, but if you’re bringing them to a home studio, make sure it’s as comfortable and professional as possible.

It’s Not Just about the Music, Man

The idea of starting a music production company may have come from your soul and a love of music, but you better get your brain involved as well. Whether you’re starting a music production company, a retail store, or a software development business, you’ll need to make sure you’re following all legal requirements.

Filing the proper paperwork with the secretary of state, ensuring your taxes are being properly monitored, and even choosing what kind of business entity your company will be. If you’re just now starting to do the legwork to get your music production company off the ground, consider either a limited liability or sole proprietorship company type.

Although you should probably consult an attorney at some point when establishing your business, a limited liability company (LLC) is when your business expenses and liabilities are kept separate from your personal finances. If there is a legal judgment against you, they can only find restitution from the business, not you personally.

You could be forced to sell your gear, company car, and other assets as they relate to the business, but your home and other personal assets would be safe. With a sole proprietorship, there is no distinction. So why choose a sole proprietorship? It’s the easiest way to establish a business, you won’t have to file additional paperwork, and there are fewer tax implications.

Learn the Business Side of How to Start a Music Production Company

The Recording Connection Music Business Program is designed to give you a real-world look into how a music production company or recording studio is operated. While having a background in music production is an obvious asset, learning about contracts, marketing, agreements, artist development, and much more.

Instead of learning how to secure recording artists and promote their music from a book, why not see how it’s done in real life alongside an industry professional? Your mentor is an industry insider, working in the music business today, not somebody who may be more interested in earning tenure.

It’s true that having a business background is an absolute plus when it comes to learning how to start a music production company. A degree from a four-year university isn’t a requirement for starting your own business, however–so why waste your time or your money on a classroom when you could be getting the necessary experience instead?

Our program lasts six months and costs a fraction of what universities, music colleges, and trade schools charge for tuition. With more than 300 locations around the U.S. and remote learning opportunities, you won’t have to uproot your life to access years, even decades, of experience. Ready to amplify your life? Apply today.