Despite how far or near this event looks to you these seven steps should be clear to you in your mind. Helps to have a clear picture of the future you are about to embark on…

STEP 1: Ideation

The initial spark can come anywhere. Typically one band member or the composer will come up with a starting point which is typically a guitar riff or a musical piece on the Keyboards or the Piano. It is best to have all band members participate in the ideation stage so that the band is truly greater than the sum of the parts. However typically in many bands there is one person who is the creative director of the entire show.

As an individual composer your initial spark can come from many sources including the songs and musical genres that you are currently listening. This is not the same as being “inspired” or illegally ripping off someone’s musical work. However keep listening to new genres of music to have an open mind and greater exposure.

STEP 2: Background Arrangement

Once you have an initial starting point you will need to arrange other pieces of music around the initial riff. Say for example you have a killer guitar riff (Say a progression of chords) you may want to start the song with it or use it as the verse or chorus or main melody.

The other pieced of music will act to support the rest of the song. For example if you use your initial riff in the chorus you may want to use a lighter version (say an arpeggio version) of the progression or some complementary riff for the verse. Other derived musical pieces could become the bridge or the intro to the song.

Once you have figured out the pieces of music you will have to arrange the entire background of the song from the start to the finish as you want it.

Arranging is mostly done on computers using a very powerful computers say for example a machine with a 4/8 Core Intel/Mac processor. Various software like Logic can be used for arrangements. However if you are recording demo versions at home this can be done on much less powerful machines… even of your laptop!

STEP 3: Recording

Now as a composer or a band you need to bring in other instruments and/or vocals and record them separately.

For example you feel your composition could use a sitar solo in between or a Carnatic vocalist for backing vocals. (This is the stage to let your imagination soar!) The possibilities are limitless.

Once the lead parts of the song are recorded we can move on to the next part.

STEP 4: Music Production:

At this stage you may still want to nail a particular feel and add more instruments and effects. You may add or edit certain effects to the various musical parts you have recorded so far. The amount of processing you can do for each of the tracks you have recorded is again endless.

A word of caution: There is a point of time whereby you will not achieve much by spending sleepless nights tweaking some process into the tracks. Just be aware when to move on to the next stage! There are bands and composers who spend forever trapped in production! Just see where you draw the line between perfectionism and paranoia.

STEP 5: Mixing

This is where you give everything you have produced so far to a mix engineer and give him a basic idea of what you want to achieve in terms of the sound. The Mix Engineer will thereafter mix the song and give it the correct treatment. A mix engineer’s tool is of course the multiple Channel Mixer. In a typical professional setting it could be a 24 channel mixer with the ability to process any number of tracks.

STEP 6: Mastering

Once you are through with each of the above 5 Steps for each song that you want on your album you are ready to move into the penultimate step which is Mastering the Album.

The tracks which are produced so far are sent to a Mastering Facility where the final EQ adjustment including equalising the loudness of all the tracks takes place. The tools for this purpose used are Mastering Boxes.

STEP 7: Replication

The Mastered Tracks that are so produced are then finally sent to (hopefully!) your label company for final replication and distribution into hopefully millions of CDs.

Of course now that you album is ready for distribution you will have to make a huge effort to promote the album. That would require a lot many steps and in case you are an independent artist without the backing of a Music Label these initial steps are going to be a very difficult. Yet there is no need to lose hope if you are a band or composer who has found his sound the audience is out there. Make the effort and reach out to your audience. Use the internet to promote your music.

Do some Research

Here are few suggestions that will help you to narrowdown the search. First, do some research into what the different instruments sound like. You do not want to bestuck playing, or listing to someone play, aninstrument you cannot stand the sound of. Check out some orchestra CDs from your local library, or go online to find sound clips of different instruments. A

music teacher may be able to demonstrate the sound of some instruments for you. Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf is a great piece that showcases several instrumental solos.

Try Some Out

Once you have found a few sounds that please you, see if you can try some out. If you know someone who plays an instrument, ask them if you can try it. They may not want to let you put your mouth on their mouthpiece, but you can at least hold the instrument and feel how it feels in your hand. Also, if you are looking for an instrument for your child, their school orchestra teacher will most likely have some student models they can try. Some music stores may be willing to let you try an instrument. Keep in mind that you will not play a symphony on the first try, but you do want to have an instrument that feels somewhat comfortable in your hands.

When looking at an instrument, there are some physical capabilities you need to consider. For example, if you have tiny hands, you may have trouble reaching some chords necessary to play the piano. The trombone requires relatively long arms, and a child that is younger than fifth grade is probably too small for it. Kids with braces will have a difficult time beginning

a brass instrument, as the pressure on their teeth will be painful. Think about the size of the arms, hand, and mouth of the person you are choosing and instrument for, and try not to force them into something that is too big or small for their build.

Match with personality

Next, think about the new musicians personality. A quiet, shy young person is most likely not going to be comfortable with a loud brass instrument. Likewise, the tough football player would be mortified playing the flute. Piano students need to be capable of working on their own, while band students need to enjoy working in groups. Think about your home environment too.

Is there a place where the student can practice? If space is at a premium, choose a smaller instrument. If there are close neighbors, think of quieter instruments.

Think about your budget.

The fact is, some instruments take more financial dedication than others. For instance, strings have to be upgraded as the student grows, whereas a brass instrument usually comes in one size. Also, keep in mind the repairs the instrument will need, whether it be tunings for a piano, strings for a violin, or reeds for a clarinet. These considerations may help you decide between one or two once you have narrowed it down.

The bottom line is, choose an instrument you can see yourself or your child enjoying. Practicing an instrument is hard work, and in order for it to pay off, you need to enjoy it. By taking time to choose your first musical instrument, you will ensure

that you have made a choice you can stick with until the final curtain call.

1. Make a list of Goals

Create a Goal List – What is it that you yearn for and how do you plan to get it? Write it down from ending to beginning. For example, if you want to record 2 songs in a week. Write down what it is you have to do to record 2 songs in a week. Break it down from when your going to start, to when your going to end. What are the things you need to do and how long will it take? Set reasonable goals and break your Plan into phases: 3 months – 6 months and so on. And STICK TO THE SCRIPT.

2. Keep It Real

Do your research – Get honest opinions – Identify your market. Start small, you don’t have to take over the world in one day…as a matter of fact, its impossible. For example when I first started rapping and had mixtapes to pass out I had a goal to get my name out by passing inserts of my mixtape out all throughout the 3 highschools in my area. It worked like a charm. The point is don’t try to take over a large area at one time. Especially if its your first time. Recognize that you’re going to have to do shows, most of the time for free, atleast until you build a following. Remember it still is a business and money matters. Know when to ask for help. Respect the possibility that you may not become a star or get on MTV, but that you can make a living making music.

3. Have A Blast

If it’s not fun anymore – don’t do it. You matter as well throw in the towel right now. Because as I said many times over and over again, DO NOT do this strictly for monetary reasons. You absolutely must love the music more or you will quit as soon as the going gets tuff. Reward yourself (and your team) each time possible. Acknowledge a job well done. Catch a break – take pleasure in life – then, get back to work.

4. Believe In You

You must believe in yourself. If you don’t then how can you expect anybody else to? That’s what it boils down to. Realize that you don’t need a label to be a success. Show that swagger that can’t nobody mess with you. Be confident but not to confident. You don’t want everybody saying bad things about you behind your back. Don’t be egotistical, but be confident. Trust that inner gut that tells you, you are good enough and can get what you want. If you don’t have faith in yourself – no one else will.

5. Become Accustomed & Adjust

Evaluate results: What works for you– What doesn’t? I had to learn pretty quickly what I was going to accept and what I wasn’t going to accept. In this business they will eat you a live if you let them. And it is very easy to get side tracked. Modify your plan and fine-tune your approach accordingly. Find ways to amplify your fan base and make a profit. What can be done better? Learn quick and you will succeed faster.

6.Market And Promote Yourself

Think imaginatively. There are so many places for you to go to find ways to promote yourself. Posters, cards, and flyers are all ways to promote yourself. Just passing out a flyer is a great way to get your name out there. Make personal appearances. Set up cross-promotions with radio-stations, sponsors, venues, and retail stores. Offer promotional contests. Play Special Events. Work your mailing list and keep in touch with your fans at least once a month. Make sure you have enough products to sell – both CDs and merchandise.

7. Know your budget

If you’re serious about a career, you’re going to have to invest in yourself. And that means putting money into your album, posters, flyers and other merchandise. To figure out your budget simply temize your expenses and add 20%. Then you will have elbow room to not over budget. Approach Sponsors with a detailed plan, this will let them know your serious about your business and is a great opinion to want from somebody giving you money or merchandise. Negotiate deals that take care of the basics: travel, food, lodging, backline, etc… And, don’t forget to factor in manufacturing and promotional costs. And its always good to look for the cheapest price as possible. But If you must choose quantity or quality, I would say always pick quality.

8. Take Care Of Business

Remember as I said before – it is the music “business.” Network as to a great extent as possible; arrange a squad, with each person in charge for a specific area. If you’re solo, handle your time wisely. Get your own Bar Code. Seek professional advice to set up your business entities. Pay attention to licenses and tax implications. When you tour, get insurance. Keep your business tight at all times. It really makes a difference when its all said and done.

9. Keep The Faith

No matter how hard you work, there will be testing times. Maintain the faith and don’t let it prevent you from chasing your dreams and deepest desires. Every person experiences setbacks. Those that keep at it will prevail. And those who give up shall fail. Its already written.

10. Keep Good Books

Keep books that show income and expenses. Accurately account for sales. Register and report to SoundScan. Maintain tax records. Keep updating your mailing list. If you don’t know how to keep good books, find a good CPA who does.

Thanks for the taking the time to read the Ten Steps To Your Success. We hope these steps point you in the right direction and may you succeed in all that you do.

Best of Luck

1. When it comes to making rap beats, price does not always determine quality! Many people think that they must have the most expensive beat making software, or the most expensive Akai Sampling model. None of this is the case. I have ran into quite a few online beat makers that produce sounds that mirror the quality that a $499 program does for a fraction of the price. Look into such opportunities, as they are the best place to get started.

2. Find something that is user friendly. Sometimes the interface of a program can be so overbearing that you give up within 15 minutes. If you don’t end up giving up, it will take you 2 months to even learn the program before you can start pumping anything out. Look for something that has an easy interface, without sacrificing quality.

3. Make sure whatever beat making programs you purchase have money back guarantees, and then purchase more than one different program. I do this and it pays off cause I get the beat making program that I want, and I am positive of that. Sometimes you can find an online beat maker that has lessons and tutorials, which helps you to cut your learning curve.

If you want to really learn how to make rap beats, you have to take initiative. Don’t go overboard with your purchasing however. Be smart and shop cheap until you find the right beat making software to get your foot in the door.

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