One of the fastest ways to level up as a producer is to start thinking at a higher level.
Most producers don’t even realize there’s a whole different way to approach production—one that could completely change the game for them. If they did, they’d already be there.
So what does high-level thinking actually look like?
Where Most Producers Get Stuck
You’re messing around in the DAW, jamming on a new idea, and suddenly—you hit gold. The track has potential. You dive in, develop it, and things are feeling good.
Then… the wheels fall off.
You get sick of the track, stuck in endless tweaks, and no matter what you do, it’s just not coming together the way you imagined.
If this sounds familiar, know this: it’s not because you’re missing some secret production technique.
It’s because of how you think.
The Difference Between Low-Level and High-Level Thinking
I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time refining my approach to teaching, and it all comes down to one thing—helping producers think at a higher level inside the DAW.
Low-Level Thinking:
"Why doesn’t this sound better?"
This is where most producers get stuck. They don’t know what to do next, so they hit YouTube, fall down a rabbit hole, and learn a bunch of random techniques that don’t actually solve their problem.
High-Level Thinking:
"Based on high-level fundamentals, what’s the next immediate focus in the track?"
This mindset is what allows you to move through the production process smoothly, step by step, until the track is done.
And yeah, I’m making it sound simple—because it is.
The Questions You Ask Yourself Define Your Growth
At the core of all this is one simple truth: the quality of your production is shaped by the questions you ask yourself while making music.
When I work with producers, I’m constantly asking, "What made you do this or that?”
That one question tells me everything about their thought process—their patterns, their instincts, and where they need to upgrade.
And here’s the thing… learning a new mixing trick or compressor setting is meaningless compared to this level of upgrade.
This Is What Sets Elite Producers Apart
Not a lot of people can teach this way. It’s something I’ve spent years refining. And honestly? It’s what makes our students level up faster than they ever thought possible.
But hey, you don’t have to take my word for it—just ask them. 😉
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