Jobs In Music

There are a wide variety of jobs available in the music world, which is one reason that it is such an enjoyable field for many.

For this portfolio, I decided to research the job of producer.

Sir George Martin

A perfect example of a producer is the Sir George Martin, who was famous for pioneering many recording techniques and producing for The Beatles.

The band wrote the songs, but when it comes to their aurally-pleasing sound - the flourishes that pull you in - the responsibility fell to Martin: the piccolo trumpet in "Penny Lane"; the ethereality of "Strawberry Fields Forever".

Martin was responsible for bringing their artistic vision to life, and essentially, this is the job of a producer.

what you need to know

It can be hard to become a successful producer, as it is a very competitive market - but what are some helpful skills?

While you don't need a degree to be a music producer, a number of producers will have a degree or some technical training alongside running their own production projects. The following subjects at degree are most likely to provide you with relevant skills or knowledge:

Music,
Music production,
Sound engineering,
Multimedia.

Salary expectations:

Most producers charge on an hourly basis, at £25-£50 per hour (experienced producer may charge up to £200 per hour),
producing for live events may be fixed (a starting salary of around £18,000 - £25,000).

Career pathways:

Most producers work either as a freelancer, in their own studio, or as an employee for a company such as Sony Music UK, Viacom CBS or Domino.

Why produce?

It is a unique job, where you can use creative flair to bring a vision into reality, which leads to satisfaction and a sense of achievement,

Steps I could take:

Upon further research, I had found out pathways I could take if I wanted to go down this path myself:

BA Music (Production) | Leeds Conservatoire
BA Music Production Course | Leeds Beckett University
Music BA - University of Leeds
Work experience and practical study at recording studios such as Old Chapel Studios, etc.

Other producers I admire:

Dr Dre - Paved the way for many famous rappers - such as Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, etc with Aftermath Entertainment.
Quincy Jones - Produced some of the most famous albums of all time - such as Thriller and has received a staggering 28 Grammy awards.
John Leckie - Worked with John Lennon, Pink Floyd and later, worked with The Stone Roses, Cast and other bands I admire.

What I have learnt:

Researching production has taught me that it is a vital step in the musical process, and that producers are necessary in any musician's sound.

Furthermore, I have learnt that careers in music, whilst they may not generally be high paying, can be fulfilling, enjoyable and creative