Making Music: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

If you’re saying, “I want to start making music, but I don’t know where to begin,” this guide is just for you!

Making music is a wonderful way to express your emotions, creativity, and passions. It may seem complex, especially for beginners, but with the right tools and steps, you can simplify your journey into music creation. This guide provides a step-by-step overview on what you need to start making music, whether you’re interested in becoming a songwriter, singer, instrumentalist, or DJ/producer. It covers essential topics like choosing instruments, exploring music software, and understanding studios.

Here are the steps you should follow to get started with music creation:

Step 1: Determine Your Role

Before diving into music creation, it’s important to determine which role you want to take on. Each role requires different skills and tools. Whether you choose to be a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, or DJ/Producer, understanding your preferred role will guide you in choosing the right programs and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need for each role:

1. If You Want to Be a Songwriter:

Songwriting involves crafting the lyrics, which are a fundamental part of music. Focus on developing your creativity and language skills. The tools and equipment you use will primarily support written content creation.

Tools: Note-taking apps, digital music software (DAWs) that allow you to create chord and melody structures.

Equipment: A simple microphone and computer may suffice, but for recording your voice, a quality microphone is recommended.

2. If You Want to Be a Singer:

Singing requires mastering the use of your voice and capturing the best recordings. After creating the musical background, you’ll need to perform and record your vocals.

Tools: DAWs (such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live), vocal processing software (Auto-Tune, Melodyne).

Equipment: A good microphone, audio interface, and headphones are necessary. Acoustic treatments for your vocal recordings might also be helpful.

3. If You Want to Be an Instrumentalist:

Being an instrumentalist involves mastering various musical instruments (like guitar, piano, violin) and recording them. To create an instrument-based song, you’ll need specific techniques and equipment.

Tools: DAWs for music recording and editing, instrument-specific amplifiers and effect pedals.

Equipment: Microphones suited to your instrument (e.g., dynamic microphones for guitars), audio interface, and recording devices.

4. If You Want to Be a DJ/Producer:

DJing and producing focus on digital music production. You’ll use software and hardware to create music, remix tracks, or reimagine others’ works.

Tools: DJ software (Serato, Traktor), production software (Ableton Live, FL Studio), MIDI controllers, synthesizers.

Equipment: DJ controllers, audio interface, headphones, monitor speakers.

Which Area Should You Choose?

When deciding on your path, think about what genre of music you want to create and which skills you want to develop. Singing, production, or songwriting—your answers to these questions will help determine the programs and equipment you’ll need.

Step 2: Choose Music Programs

When starting, selecting the right Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is crucial. DAWs allow you to record, edit, and produce music. Here are some popular DAWs for beginners:

• GarageBand: Ideal for Mac users, this program has an intuitive interface and basic production tools, making it perfect for beginners.
• FL Studio: Popular among those who focus on electronic music and hip-hop production, FL Studio offers creative features.
• Ableton Live: This DAW is preferred for live performances and production, especially in electronic music.
• Logic Pro: The professional version of GarageBand, with advanced features for music production.

Step 3: Select Your Equipment – What Do You Need to Get Started?

The equipment you’ll need depends on your music genre and production goals. However, a basic set includes:

• Computer: A powerful computer capable of running DAW software (both desktop and laptop options are suitable).
• MIDI Keyboard: Useful for creating musical ideas easily, a basic MIDI keyboard is a good start.
• Audio Interface: This allows you to connect music equipment to your computer and improves sound quality.
• Headphones and Monitors: Good quality headphones or monitor speakers are necessary for clear sound.
• Microphone: If you plan to record vocals, a good microphone is necessary, with a condenser mic being a great option for beginners.

Step 4: The Songwriting Process

If you want to make a song, here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Find Inspiration and Create Ideas: Decide on the theme of your song, whether it’s an emotion, a story, or a social issue. You can draw inspiration from music you listen to, personal experiences, or daily life.
• Write Lyrics: Ensure your lyrics are meaningful and melodically coherent. Think about the chords while shaping the melody.
• Create Melody and Chord Structures: Create the foundation of your song with melodies and chords. Instruments like guitar or piano can help during this stage.
• Digital Music Production (Using DAWs): Record your song in a DAW. Popular DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro guide you in creating your melodies, chords, and vocals.
• Recording Vocals and Instruments: Record your vocals using a good microphone and audio interface. If you’re using instruments, ensure you use proper microphone techniques for high-quality recordings.
• Mixing and Mastering: Adjust sound levels and effects to harmonize vocals, instruments, and effects. After mixing, mastering refines the final version of your song, making it suitable for all platforms.

Step 5: Music Distribution – Sharing Your Songs

Once you’ve made music, you’ll want to share it with your audience. Digital distribution platforms make this easier. You can use:

• DistroKid: Quickly distribute your music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
• TuneCore: Another popular music distribution service, TuneCore helps publish your music on multiple platforms.
• CD Baby: This platform offers distribution to digital platforms and also supports physical album sales for independent artists.

Bonus: Making Music with Artificial Intelligence

In recent years, AI has played a significant role in music production. AI can simplify the music creation process and inspire new ideas. For beginners, AI-powered music programs can speed up production and offer creative solutions. Some popular AI tools include:

• Amper Music: An AI-powered music production tool that lets you choose a genre and watch AI generate songs.
• AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist): AIVA is an AI tool used for creating classical-style music, ideal for film scores and more.
• Soundraw: An AI music platform that allows users to create songs with just a few clicks. You choose the style, tempo, and other parameters, and AI handles the rest.

AI can be a creative tool for music production, making it easier than ever to get started. However, human creativity is still essential, and AI is simply a helpful tool to enhance the process.