Music Production: Techniques and Concepts

Learn how to turn a demo recording into a fully mastered song with Grammy-winning writer/producer/mixer Scott Jacoby.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know before watching

1. Artistic Vision/Production Concept and Methodology

• Picking and optimizing the right song
• Understanding the artistic vision
• Creating the sonic vision
• Managing the budget and timeline
• Choosing the appropriate recording methodology

2. Pre-Production

• Listening to the demo or making a demo
• Finding the best tempo
• Picking the ideal key
• Analyzing and/or tweaking the song structure
• Deciding on the arrangement and dynamics

3. Instrumental Production, Tracking, and Programming

• Recording basic tracks in a live recording session
• Making beats and building the rhythmic framework and groove
• Programming instruments and creating a sonic landscape
• Combining live and programmed material
• Recording instrumental parts and overdubs

4. Vocal Production, Editing, and Comping

• Deciding on the vocal approach
• Engineering the vocal sound
• Producing a great vocal performance
• Comping lead and background vocals
• Creating background vocal concept, parts, and sounds

5. Post-Production

• Reviewing the arrangement
• Editing the track and cleaning up the session
• Setting up the mix
• Mixing the song
• Mastering the song

Conclusion

• Next steps