This message is for electronic dance music producers who have been navigating the scene for some time. If you’re committed to advancing your craft and achieving your unique sound, understanding the three critical stages of your journey can offer valuable perspective and direction.
EDUCATION
The Education phase is where you embark on your production journey. During this stage, you immerse yourself in learning the ropes of music production. You spend hours deciphering how to use your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), understanding sound design, and mastering various production techniques.
Your focus is on acquiring knowledge—whether through formal education, online courses, tutorials, or self-study. This phase is about building a foundation and learning the essentials of production. Depending on your available time, resources, and dedication, this stage typically lasts 4 to 6 years (plus or minus). This variability is influenced by many factors, including the depth of your learning and the pace at which you absorb and apply new information.
EXPERTEASE
The Expertease stage is where many of my private students find themselves. By this point, you have developed a solid grasp of production techniques. You can complete tracks with relative ease, and your music has a professional sheen to it. You are skilled at producing, and your focus shifts towards refining and perfecting your craft.
In this phase, you're closing in on the final 5% to 10% of production mastery. You understand the nuances of sound design, mixing, and arrangement, but there are still subtle areas where mastery is needed. Like the previous stage, this can also take 4 to 6 years (plus or minus), depending on your ongoing learning and practical experience.
YOUR TRUE SOUND
Your True Sound is the ultimate goal of your musical journey. By this stage, you are not just a producer; you are a distinct artist with a unique sound that sets you apart. Success may already be on your horizon—you might have signed tracks with prominent labels, toured, or started making significant income from your music. However, achieving your true sound is about more than just these external markers of success.
Even if you have achieved notable milestones, this phase is about refining and discovering your authentic sound. It’s a continuous process of evolution and deepening your musical identity. The industry often imposes specific "sounds" that can overshadow individuality, making it challenging to fully realize your unique voice.
Remember, the examples of producers who seem to achieve success quickly may not reflect the complete picture of their personal journeys. Circumstances, backgrounds, and the details of their experiences can vary widely, and jumping to conclusions based on limited information can be misleading.
THE SIMPLE SECRET
All producers will pass through these stages. However, many do not reach the pinnacle of their true sound because they stop before reaching the top. The secret to overcoming this is straightforward: Just don’t stop.
If you are committed to accelerating your progress, consider the value of mentorship. Having a mentor can significantly speed up your development by providing personalized guidance, feedback, and support tailored to your specific needs. This principle applies not only to music production but to many aspects of life.
Embrace the journey through these phases with determination and seek the right mentorship to help navigate your path. The opportunity to accelerate your progress and achieve your true sound is within reach.
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