For some time I would be in a taxi, or somewhere I simply have to be and hear the most recent “amazing” hits. I have family members who would belt the lyrics and I must admit catchy beats make an impact. But, perhaps because of my attempt to abstain from the secular, or even my love for words and their meanings, I often find myself analyzing these intoxicating tunes. Hence the idea of this article.

Who this article is for...

Firstly I’d like to say that I’m no expert in the field of music production. I’m just someone that’s been doing it for a few years and would like to share what I have learned. With that being said I’d like to say that this article is for anyone who has an interest in doing music, but simply doesn’t know where to begin.

What you’ll need to get started

Passion and Humility: if you don’t have these two, you won’t be doing music for too long. Passion will keep you going when folks say you’re lame, and humility will allow make it much easier to swallow comments of constructive criticism. Passion will turn disappointment into motivation and keep you going back to the kitchen until you find the formula that works.

The right software:  To make music on your PC/ MAC you’ll need a Digital Audio Workstation of somesort. I like to use Reason 5 because it has pretty much everysound I can think of or want to use in a track and it has also helped me to broaden my expression. Added to which, all I do right now is make beats. I don’t record or anything like that so it’s just what I need.

I started off using FL Studio which in my opinion is the best program for beginners. With FL Studio you learn the basics of composition, mixing, sequencing and you’ll even learn the commonly used terms used in engineering and production. It has very helpful tools for those who aren’t so good with theory (like me). Some were shocked to know this but I actually did the beat for this song in FL Studio.

The right hardware:  At the very least you’ll need a PC/ MAC, some decent studio monitors, and a decent midi controller. The sooner you get these the sooner you’ll have the tools to cultivate your creativity and widen your range of expression.The sooner you learn music theory is the sooner you’ll be able to make your production full and rich. I have the M-Audio Oxygen 49 midi controller, it has the standard pitch-bend and mod-wheel controls as well as other knobs for controlling my virtual instruments.

My advice

Firstly, do it as unto the Lord. Get equipped, Get the inspiration, Get creative, but above all stay in line with the word of God. So I’ll just say it: DON’T STEAL!!!! DON’T STEAL software, DON’T STEAL sample packs!!!! DON’T STEAL VSTs. You don’t want to adopt that sinful practice. 1 John 5:17 says “All unrighteousness is sin”.  When I got this conviction, I had to get rid of a lot of my samples, software and VSTs, and start saving up to buy Reason 5.

If you have already stolen software that has become the center of your workflow I strongly advise that you save the money to buy what you use. It may seem like a waste of time, but the reward of being obedient to God plus help and support from the company you patronize is worth it. When you register Reason or Record your get access to song files that other customers have worked on and you become part of the Propellerhead community and gain all the benefits that comes with it.

I’d also advise you to start learning music theory as early as possible (oh yes I said it again). If you’re like me and you hear music in your head often, you’re gonna want to learn how to do what you hear. So I bought some really helpful tools that I think you should check out. I bought a book called Music Theory for Computer Musicians by Michael Hewitt, and I also got Alfred’s “Teach Yourself To Play Piano” book and DVD. I bought both of these at Amazon, check them out here:

•Music Theory for computer musicians:http://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Computer-Musicians-Book/dp/1598635034/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300065151&sr=8-1

•Alfred’s Teach Yourself To Play Piano:http://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Teach-Yourself-Play-Piano/dp/0739033999/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300065214&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Another quick tip would be to develop your own style. Try new sounds, make your own sounds, mix what you like from different styles and get creative. Put a bit of your personality into it. You’ll need your own style if you want to stand out from the crowd. Crafting your own style takes a lot of time and a lot of effort, but once you know what you’re after it makes it easier to get it.

My last piece of advice, and probably one of the most obvious, is to make friends with folks are grounded in the faith, know music and are willing to help you on your journey. Trust me, this will be one of your greatest resources.

Helpful Resources

These sites helped me a lot when I started and they’ll help you as well.

www.todaysbeats.net – step by step video tutorials on beat making. This dude helped me a lot.

www.hiphopmakers.com – lots of free stuff and links to resources

www.warbeats.com – lot ofs free stuff including FL Studio projects for your enjoyment

www.reasonstation.net – free stuff for Reason/ Record users

www.kvraudio.com – lots of free VSTs and updates on your favorite software

www.youtube.com – a dear friend, search here for tutorials on music theory, piano playing and more.

www.google.com  - where I found out about the cycle of fifths.