The Internet is Not Always About Value
I’m a firm believer that anyone can learn something by themselves.
However, I first started teaching myself music production in 2015 and I found it very frustrating and difficult.
One of the reasons why is a lot of the music production content that is on the internet is not very specific or value-driven.
Today, creators are incentivized to churn out content to get the most views, not to give the most value. Because of this, even music production content can veer into the role of entertainment over mentorship.
Not that there's anything wrong with that type of content, but it doesn’t give people really clear advice on how to make THEIR music productions better.
https://youtube.com/shorts/RAe9MbcmdUI?feature=share
I’ve tried to think clearly about this issue, as a content creator myself. Even in a Youtube Short, I try to show the audience the approachability of playing complex chord changes on the keyboard, for instance.
I know that this content is not going to be rewarded especially well by the algorithm for one simple reason.
The content is designed for the audience to take action and be rewarded, not just be entertained.
But also as a Youtube Creator, I know first hand that I am not rewarded for this type of content. The internet does reward value, but it simply rewards attention more.
This is particularly true of Youtube, which benefits creators now in that it has an immense capability with SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which benefits this type of content in the long-term.
However, it is not content viewers typically see, which brings us back to the question:
If music production tutorials on the internet lack the step-by-step guidance people need to graduate to a higher skill level with their music, how does one actually become a professional music producer? Can it be done on your own? In a vacuum?
You Grow Through Osmosis, Not Entertainment
In 2017, I started working with a professional music producer on my own music. This person wasn’t a teacher, but I think just by the osmosis of working with this person for so long, I really adopted habits and perspectives about the music production process that really aided my development.
I learned a lot about music production, how to produce better beats, how to mix vocals, how to record better vocals - and many of the secrets on how to make professional music.
I learned the best tips on how to produce music. Before this, I may have learned from my mistakes to get better. But with a mentor, I was avoiding those mistakes altogether.
I think this really accelerated my abilities. From 2017 to 2019, I witnessed my own development grow tremendously and I was much more confident in my abilities.
People in almost any occupation talk about the value of having a mentor, and it really seems lost these days in the world of music and social media.
The internet has saturated the world with information. A lot of that internet information is good, but it also puts people in their own little vacuums and I think that hinders true self-development.
“No man is an island,” and I think this is the case when it comes to searching for success, especially.
You can learn so much from the experiences of others and that really is going to matter in the overall trajectory of your career, and ultimately, your life.
I would seek out a real teacher and invest in your own development. You can still watch YouTube videos and digest free content to slowly get there. I produce short and long YouTube tutorials myself. There’s nothing wrong with that approach.
But the real development is going to come from having a great mentor. They’re hard to find, but if you’re willing to be a student, you may find one. It will seriously benefit the trajectory of your success.
Find Avenues to Share
My advice to music producers who want to get better is to learn as much as you can from other people.
You want to find content that has value, even if it is short form content.
For instance, when I create Youtube Shorts, I’m searching for the best way to communicate value to my audience.
https://youtube.com/shorts/KDuQLt4pg6A?feature=share
I want to spark an inspiration in my subscribers that leads them to make their own discoveries and insights, and be more competent at their skillset as a result.
But what I also love about Youtube is its newfound focus on community.
Being part of a community that can give you feedback is an important step in your journey.
https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkx3MfXoihQska8YE9DBmYkoCXB440R3MFo
I try to connect with my community because it helps me to understand and provide more value to them as music producers who want to learn and grow.
We all want to share our opinions and victories, but social media becomes a real business tool when we connect with the communities we foster through value and digital mentorship.
For people trying to learn music production on their own, one of the most important steps to take is to connect with a community that has value and mentorship built into its core.
Ambition is the fuel to success, but great mentorship is the torch that sets it alight.
