Where or How do I learn to make music? How did you start?

[TheAdmiral]

Ok, this is a little intro of sorts I guess.

Well I've been a bedroom dj for several years now, playing at friends houses and such, nothing really major. I'm into House, electro, trance, etc..And of course I've always been interested in making my own sounds and such, which most djs do. I have a good understanding of intros, outros, breakdowns, synths, and basic stuff of dance music. But, I never really understood where people learned how to make dance music? I mean is this something you need to go to school for?

I have really no music background besides djing but I think picked it up rather quickly and more easily than some. I'm 23 years old and started out on basically junk equpment for several years until I recently upgraded. If I could pick one musical instrument I would want to learn it would be the piano. I was always fascinated with it, but thought it was, well...kinda sissy. But now with the technology today and the availability of music programs catered to dance music (and the price), I am more motivated than ever. I would just be in it for the hobby side, not full blown.

Should I just pick up a program (Ableton, FLStudio, etc..) and play around with it? Or should I be taking a more formal approach? Possibly piano lessons, to learn music structure, keys, octaves, and the like? Or pick up a book on making electronic music? Or should I stay away and let the pros do the work?

I'm just looking for some advice and how you got started? Whether its just for hobby or serious work. Thanks!

[dj falcon]

I started out alot like you, tho a few years ago. When I first got into college I wanted to strat producing music, but I didnt know how to do so and I had no previous music experience. I basically picked up a copy of FL Studio and started goofing around with it. After abut a month i was putting together simple songs and melodies, after a year I had finally mastered drums, and now (its been about 3 years) i can do full pro sounding tunes. You just need patience and plenty of time to goof off and play around.

BTW: Is that Spike on your avatar? cuz if so...rock on! Bebop rules!

-=Identity 4=-

[Noah Neiman]

Originally Posted by TheAdmiral

Ok, this is a little intro of sorts I guess.

Well I've been a bedroom dj for several years now, playing at friends houses and such, nothing really major. I'm into House, electro, trance, etc..And of course I've always been interested in making my own sounds and such, which most djs do. I have a good understanding of intros, outros, breakdowns, synths, and basic stuff of dance music. But, I never really understood where people learned how to make dance music? I mean is this something you need to go to school for?

I have really no music background besides djing but I think picked it up rather quickly and more easily than some. I'm 23 years old and started out on basically junk equpment for several years until I recently upgraded. If I could pick one musical instrument I would want to learn it would be the piano. I was always fascinated with it, but thought it was, well...kinda sissy. But now with the technology today and the availability of music programs catered to dance music (and the price), I am more motivated than ever. I would just be in it for the hobby side, not full blown.

Should I just pick up a program (Ableton, FLStudio, etc..) and play around with it? Or should I be taking a more formal approach? Possibly piano lessons, to learn music structure, keys, octaves, and the like? Or pick up a book on making electronic music? Or should I stay away and let the pros do the work?

I'm just looking for some advice and how you got started? Whether its just for hobby or serious work. Thanks!

First off, the piano is NOT "sissy." I've played the piano since I was 4 years old and let me tell you, nothing will win a girl over easier than playing her some Andrew Lloyd Webber. Yeah, the guitar will get you some chick in a club, but so will a beer.

Secondly, to learn how to make electronic music, you have to do the same thing you did with your decks. Buy some relatively cheap stuff, learn production basics reading stuff on the internet and playing with knobs or buttons, and then progressively delve deeper into the more complicated stuff like programming your own synths, etc.

Sure you could go to school for it, but at 23, do you really have the time? I doubt it. However, you seem like you want to learn about the more theoretical side of music (you mentioned structure, etc). I'd pick up a short book on musical theory for that, unless you really want to commit to taking lessons. It is going to be very greuling at first, especially at your age, let me tell you. But it can be very rewarding.

But, I guess to answer your question, I'm pretty sure that most people on DJ Forums, who can produce reasonably well, picked it up on their own.

[nem0nic]

Piano... sissy?

Good luck wtih your musical career.

[mostapha]

I would much rather have a girl impressed by piano than beer.

I really want to learn both...I have a guitar and I can play a few things, nothing too well. I've always wanted to play piano better than I do. I'm freaking lousy.

The best way is to take lessons, but if you already can read/write music that's a big thing...if you want a head start, i say start with scales, then learn basic chords, then more complicated chords. Then modes...you'll be fine. I know enough to watch people play guitar and anything with a keybaord and the most impressive players mostly stick to that...and know when they can break the rules.

Also, with regard to piano being sissy...I've been singing for over 10 years, from being an Alto with a squeaky voice to a Baritone with decent tone, better w/ a sinus infection....and I danced for a brief period. Guys may make fun of you, but both of them have gotten me some kind of action. It's all about priorities.

Who do you want to impress? Guys too insecure to admit that dancer's bodies are hot or girls who know what those muscles can do?

[Sean 5]

learning piano and taking a music theory class are the two single best things you can do to start making music. just because producers make music on a computer, doesn't mean we don't need to know how to compose music.

your local community college most likely has introductory music theory and piano classes, and i've found some to be really helpful. I ned to get back into learning, though, since I stopped years ago and never anchored down what I learned

like mostapha said above, scales are also very useful - and they'll be amongst the 1st things covered in any music class.

plus, play layla by eric clapton for a girl on a grand piano, and she'll drop her panties before you're done


I leave you with one more piece of advice I was given when I started out:

Good music is made by breaking the rules. But you must learn what the rules are first in order to break them correctly

[Sean 5]

hey mostapha - go suck on it you dancing pansy!!

[TheAdmiral]

Good Advice here!

Yeah, I guess I should get over my 'piano fear' and take it up. I always have been real interested in it and I heard its the easiest instrument for adults to learn (dont quote me on it) Taking a few lessons once or twice a week wouldn't be too hard on me, but then I would have to go out and actually buy a piano...

Any recommended books to hold me over for a bit?

dj falcon - yes it is spike, i caught the show on cartoon network a few years back and have been hooked ever since.

[Sean 5]

Dude I was adicted to Cowboy Bebop when my friend dragged me out to see the movie - after that I watched the entire season in a week..

but, in my own defence, that's the only anime I've ever been interested in...

[mostapha]

Originally Posted by Sean S

plus, play layla by eric clapton for a girl on a grand piano, and she'll drop her panties before you're done

It also works on guitar....and probably even better on a Hammond organ. There are a lot of blues songs that work like this.

Also, the thing about knowing which rules to break....yeah. The entire genre of Blues is based on putting modified pentatonic scales on top of seventh chords...which shouldn't work but does. Just the easiest example that comes to mind....mostly because of the layla reference.

[Damo]

I bought this..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dance-Music-.../dp/0240519159

And I've found it excellent. It explains everything you need to know, some of it hard to grasp but it does it's best to explain.

[steyg]

i beginin in radio and i still workinin to there i makin my songs and produktions jingle and sweeper then later so so so

[TheAdmiral]

Originally Posted by mostapha

It also works on guitar....and probably even better on a Hammond organ. There are a lot of blues songs that work like this.

Also, the thing about knowing which rules to break....yeah. The entire genre of Blues is based on putting modified pentatonic scales on top of seventh chords...which shouldn't work but does. Just the easiest example that comes to mind....mostly because of the layla reference.

Ok I have no idea what you just said but it sounds interesting! Yeah breaking the rules is respectable in any artform especially dance music. I have alot of respect for people who make Quality music, not just the same washed up garbage I hear on the radio everyday. Andy thats why I don't listen to it anymore.

Damo - I'll check out that book. It looks likea great read. I may dabble into researching and learning thru book reading rather then dropping $300+ into a program right now.

Sean S - yeah, Cowboy Bebop is really the only anime I can withstand myself. I've tried watching several other series and they really get on my nerves...I like the movie but the series is much more well rounded (obviously)

[Skeyelab]

notice that synths and keyboards have keys, like pianos. i suggest starting here.

thinking that any aspect of music is "sissy" is the wrong way to go about getting into production and music. you should learn any and all instruments you can, even the sissy ones.

[DJ Fame]

i agree piano is the ish. i started the piano last year, and now i make R n B beats and the girls love that.

[Jason Cerna]

since you've been DJing for a few years, you should already have a good understanding of how the music you play is generally structured.

[zuzz]

Download every recording program demo you can think of and which ever one you can wrap your head around go buy it and start making some noise. Good luck.

[sofia712]

I’m giving guitar lessons, and I recently have a new student who is the youngest. He’s learning fine, but it seems he is not having fun while doing so. I’m use to older students, and I’m trying to figure out how to make the lessons enjoyable for the youngster. I require any ideas from musicians who teach or know anything about this? Any tips on fun things to teach or any good techniques would be greatly appreciated.

[Epic Fail Guy]

Pianos are kick ass. Don't hate.

[Skeyelab]

Originally Posted by mostapha

It also works on guitar....and probably even better on a Hammond organ.

i'll have to try this on my Hammond

[dot_elettro]

Originally Posted by Damo

I bought this..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dance-Music-.../dp/0240519159

And I've found it excellent. It explains everything you need to know, some of it hard to grasp but it does it's best to explain.

this damn book is the best and most important piece of equipment in my studio. the best 30 dollars i've ever spent. don't hesitate. and read every word in the book 5 times at least.