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What does a freelance music producer do?

Music production is a multifaceted undertaking. A music director can wear many hats, managing various tasks that involve musicians, music rights, software, recording equipment, and more.

Music producers are usually tasked with overseeing the production budget. This includes the cost for studio time, session musicians, recording engineers, audio engineers, and backup singers. In addition, the producer is responsible for how the finished composition will sound, whether it has a country flavor or leans more toward jazz.

Finally, music producers are tasked with making sure everyone involved with the production does their job properly. This requires knowledge of the music business, but also a keen understanding of the technical aspects involved in the recording process.

Communication skills are also a key skill in creating good music.

What skills do I need to become a freelance music producer?

Freelance music producers possess a number of skills that allow them to create memorable sounds for albums, cinema, and television. With so many skills associated with music production, it’s common that some producers are strong in some areas while not as strong in others. Nevertheless, there are common skills that most freelance music producers can offer their clients.

Common skills a music producer should possess include:

• Playing an instrument. Most music producers can play one or multiple instruments. Freelance producers can provide great value to clients by playing one or more instruments during the recording process. This not only allows the producer to capture exactly what the client wants but also allows for more efficient use of resources, as additional musicians are not needed.
• Familiarity with sound engineering. A music producer can double as a sound engineer or can hire one. Whichever option is chosen, it’s important that the freelancer has the technical skills to work in a recording studio. If the producer possesses this skill, they can directly supervise the sound engineer or simply handle the duties themself.
• Creativity. Clients often look to music producers to capture a particular tone or sound regarding their music. In addition, capable freelance music producers will offer suggestions, share ideas, and provide guidance. The creativity music producers offer brings to life their vision in order to satisfy the requirements of the client.
• An understanding of music composition. Having an understanding of the science of music composition will enable freelance music producers to guide clients through the production process. A record producer who can do this stands to make good music that the intended audience calls in love with.
• Interpersonal skills. Many moving parts are associated with music production. In addition to securing studio time, ensuring the production concept is on target, and the instrumentation is ideal for the type of music being produced, music producers must manage multiple people responsible for specific duties. Freelance music producers must manage vocalists, session musicians, sound engineers, songwriters, and others.
• Project management. Producing a piece of music is the equivalent of managing a project for an organization. As such, successful music producers must oversee budgets, make personnel decisions, meet deadlines, work with clients, and engage stakeholders. In addition to these responsibilities, music producers must ensure the final deliverable meets the client’s requirements.
• An understanding of the latest trends in music. Clients engage freelance music producers to help them reproduce sounds associated with the latest trends in music. This requires some knowledge of the music industry and the know-how to create a similar vibe.

What are the core freelance music producer job responsibilities

Freelance music producers can wear a variety of hats as they move between gigs. While their creative process and technical skills may change each here are a few of the skills that are typically seen in freelance music producer job descriptions:

• Sourcing and securing the rights to various music
• Hiring and managing studio personnel, including sound engineers, session musicians, and songwriters
• Selecting and producing certain genres of music for different movie themes
• Coaching lead and background vocalists prior to final studio time
• Collaborating with studio personnel to produce masters for each piece of music during recording sessions
• Determining and managing the production budget

Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance music producer?

While a formal education is not a requirement to become a freelance music producer, obtaining some education may prove helpful in positioning you positively with potential clients. It could even provide a networking opportunity to meet people in the music business.

Some examples of popular degrees or certifications helpful for budding freelance music producers include:

• An associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in music theory, music production, sound engineering, art, or an equivalent area of study from an accredited college or university
• Advanced Professional Certificate for Music Production and Technology—offered by Berklee College of Music Online
• Certificate in Music Production—offered by the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media