Wednesday, April 17, 2013

How to Start Your Own Music Production Business

Starting a music production company requires experience, skill, a talent for analyzing music, and an investment in recording equipment and studio space. Production companies offer many services, so you must understand what a production company does and define your business objectives. A music production company records music and manages the process from start to finish for artists they contract with. This differs from a standard recording studio in that the producer provides artistic and technical input, and may also provide recording and production services free or at reduced studio rates in return for a share of future music sales.






Step 1
Gain production and recording knowledge by taking degree or certificate courses in music production, or securing a job or internship at a recording studio. Expertise in every facet of the recording process and music business is vital to your success.
Step 2
Register your business with local and state government offices, and obtain a business permit and tax registration certificate. Check with your local town zoning office and inquire about legalities if you plan to build a studio in your home. No special business license is required for music production companies.
Step 3
Set up your office with computer, phone, fax and office supplies.
Step 4
Purchase recording equipment and set up your recording studio space. It is recommended that you consult a recording studio designer or consultant, as studios and equipment can be enormously complex depending on the type and size of your operation.
Step 5
Purchase printed marketing aids from a local printer, such as business cards, brochures and stationery. You may also wish to design a website and purchase a web hosting package and domain name for your business from a web hosting provider.
Step 6
Purchase production contracts from a music contract company or have an entertainment attorney draft contracts for you.
Step 7
Create a list of music industry contacts, which will include online and physical music retailers, distributors, record companies and radio stations. You will use these contacts to make inquiries into selling and marketing music you've produced.
Step 8
Contact local and regional recording artists and market your music production services. When you find an interested artist, negotiate the production terms and execute a production contract.
Step 9
Contact CD manufacturers and purchase market-ready CDs of your completed recordings.






Step 10
Send completed recordings to the music industry contacts on your list, as well as music magazines and online music sites for reviews. Your goal is to promote the music and ultimately secure a deal with a record company, who will take care of the distribution to retail outlets and radio stations.


Things Needed
  • Formal education or real-world experience in music production
  • Office with computer, phone, fax and office supplies
  • Recording equipment and studio space
  • Printed marketing aids (business cards, brochures, stationery)
  • Website and domain name
  • Producer contracts
  • Contact list
Tips
  • Music production companies primarily work with other artists, but some produce their own original music. Decide on which business tact you prefer, or you may work both angles.
  • If you lack the funds for equipment and space for recording, partner with a local recording studio for your projects. You will perform the same production functions, but will benefit by limiting your monetary investment.
  • The music business is market-driven. It may be tempting more enjoyable to produce musical styles you prefer, but it makes better business-sense to deal with music that is marketable.
Warnings
  • It is very important to know exactly how the music business works. Even the most talented production company risks rejection and business income loss by not going through the proper business channels. Courses and books are available to help you navigate this complicated business.
  • Avoid trying to offer too many services beyond the scope of a production company. One the recording is finished, and music sale and broadcast contacts are made, you are entering into record label, promotion and distribution business territory. While it is possible to function in these capacities with knowledge and experience, concentrate only on production aspects at first to avoid over-extending yourself.
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