Music Producers

Employers

Music producers work independently (freelance) or for a record company (usually referred to as a label). When working independently, they may be hired by a label for a project or they may bring their own artists to the attention of industry executives. Although many producers work in major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, many cities across the country have vibrant music scenes. Wherever there are recording studios and musicians, there will be a need for producers.

Starting Out

Postsecondary training in audio and recording technology will provide a strong basis for getting a job in music production, or at least in the music industry. Most training programs offer job placement assistance for their graduates, and record labels that are looking for producers frequently post job openings at these schools. Some of the larger record labels offer highly competitive and much sought-after internships in music recording. Students who finish an internship for a major record label will have a high success rate in finding employment. A job in any capacity with a record label, an independent producer, or in a recording studio would be worthwhile just to get your foot in the door. Many major labels prefer to hire only producers who have first worked independently.

To find a job as a music producers you have to be aggressive in canvassing the record companies and related businesses by telephone and mail to seek out entry-level jobs. Leads to jobs in the industry can also come through studying trade publications. These include Billboard (http://www.billboard.com), Variety (http://www.variety.com), Mix (http://mixonline.com), and Down Beat (http://downbeat.com).