I Want to Learn How to Make Music

You love music. You’re crazy passionate about it. You have ideas for songs that run through your head but have zero ability to play, read, or write music. Nevertheless, you’re downright hungry to learn how to make your own music. What’s the best way to proceed?

One place to start would be learning the basics of “music theory.” While this might sound intimidating it really is more about putting structure to things you probably already know—even if you don’t know you know them. In fact, you might be downright flabbergasted to see how much of this stuff you know on an intuitive level. Music theory has many levels to it. The stuff you need to understand deals with notation, key signatures, time signatures, etc. Here’s a simple breakdown of these.

Musical Notation.

Notation has to do with the visual representation of the music. Think sheet music. Basically, it tells musicians what to play. Does this mean you need to be able to read or write sheet music? Nope. Countless music artists don’t read or write notation so don’t sweat it if you don’t.

Key Signature & Time Signature.

Key Signatures are basically what key is a song played in. It’s important for all instruments and vocals to be in the same key.
Time Signature specify how many beats are in each measure and which note value is equivalent to a beat.

While this all may sound a bit complicated or technical, don’t worry—chances are you are already doing all of these things and don’t even realize it. A little study on these topics can go a long way and will be helpful when you go to the next step which is to start making your own music.

Just start making music now, for free.

The best way to start making your own music (assuming you have a computer) is to download one of the free DAWS (digital audio workstation). There are several to choose from including Garageband, Pro Tools First, Cubase LE, Cakewalk by BandLab, Ableton Live 9 Lite and Stagelight by Open Labs. Check out Free DAWS: The Best Available in 2018 for complete descriptions of each and make a choice based on what they can do for you and your music. Since most DAWS are based on the previously mentioned music theory components, you have put yourself in a position to better understand and experiment with your DAW of choice.

When you’re ready to jump.

Once you’ve gained enough understanding of your DAW of choice to where you can create a song without having to refer to tutorials and are still passionate about creating your own music, then the next step is to start working with professionals.

One way to accelerate making your own music to enroll in the Recording Connection. With programs in Audio Engineering, Music Producing, Electronic Music, Hip Hop, Rap and Beat Making, the advantages are many. All programs are taught under the mentor/externship educational model. This means your teacher will be an actual music professional—someone who makes music for a living. It also means you will be learning in their music studio which will give you insider access and enable you to learn how the pros do it, first hand. All of it is included in your tuition. You will take what you’ve learned on your own and add to that tricks of the trades, secrets and techniques that aren’t found in online tutorials. Additionally, simply by hanging out with your mentor and their studio you will have placed yourself in a stimulating environment that can inspire your creativity to new heights.