Starting out in music can be very intimidating, especially given the technical equipment and skills that are required. Music is about production as much as it is about writing and singing. It could also be really expensive, but you can start with less expensive equipment and progress from there.
However, these are just first-time hurdles that you will overcome quickly and get going with your career. The hardest part always comes first.
As a beginner, you have probably been given a long list of requirements, Before you start making purchases, here are some things to consider:
- Work within your budget. Accessories are available in different qualities and pricing. As a beginner, it’s better to start small and grow with time.
- What works for others might not work for you. Remember that different genres of music could require different tools. What works for some styles may not be great for what you are trying to create.
- It takes time to get good. Music is a skill that is honed through practice. Regardless of the quality of your equipment, it could take some time until you become truly skilled.
Here are seven more items that you might not have thought of but that you should add to your list nonetheless.
Pop filters
A pop filter is a fabric mesh placed inches away from the microphone to disperse ‘plosive’ sounds like ‘p’ and ‘b’ during recording. These sounds can distort the recording due to the nature of how they are created. They also prevent saliva from getting onto the microphone.
Pop filters are essential for production studios, but they are also useful in a home setup. If you opt not to buy a pop filter, you could do the following to lessen audio distortion:
- Sing to the side of the microphone instead of directly in front of the microphone.
- Use a lavalier instead, which is hooked to your shirt and allows you to speak without facing it directly.
- Stand a reasonable distance from the microphone such that the plosives are dispersed before they reach the mic.
Pop filters are available on Amazon for as little as $5, while professional-grade ones cost over $50. If you need help using pop filters, here is a great video with a simple set-up of a microphone with a pop filter.
Acoustic treatment
No matter how costly or sophisticated your equipment is, sound reflections can cause distortions in your audio. Using acoustic panels in your home studio could significantly enhance the sound quality of your recordings. That is why acoustic panels are essential for any production studio.
There are three primary types of acoustic panels that are used for specific tasks:
Diffusers
This acoustic treatment technique is meant to scatter reflections that could degrade sound quality, giving you better-quality audio recordings.
Acoustic panels
Wall-mounted acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves and minimize sound wave reflections.
Bass traps
These contain excessive bass frequencies from sound recordings.
Accessories organizer
Your music accessories need to be easily portable whenever you need to work outside your home setup. An accessories organizer can help you pack and carry your items without fear of breaking them.
Headphone Splitter
It’s quite awkward listening to music in public on speaker. Even with a pair of headphones, if you want to listen to something with a friend, you’ll need to unplug them.
With headphone splitters, you can use two or more pairs of headsets at the same time. This makes it easier to share audio with someone in public spaces without inconveniencing others.
They are one of those things that you don’t realize how crucial they are until you need them.
Backup battery kit
Your entire accessory kit needs the power to work and some need double A batteries.
It’s wise to have a package of fresh batteries as a backup in case your current ones run out of juice. It’s a quick tip that could save you from making a stressful trip to the store at odd hours.
A website and social network
Music needs as much marketing as it needs actual quality. Many talented musicians never progress beyond the amateur stage due to a lack of adequate marketing.
as it needs actual quality. Many talented musicians never progress beyond the amateur stage due to a lack of adequate marketing.
It’s likely true that you may need to spend some money promoting your music, but there are still effective ways to do so if you don’t want to. You can spread your content by creating a website where you promote your music or by posting your music on social media.
Building a following takes time. Once your music starts getting attention, becoming mainstream happens much faster than you might expect. If you can afford to enroll in a music school like 1500 Sound Academy, you may benefit from free marketing opportunities and exposure to industry professionals who can function as mentors.
Sample services subscription
It’s much easier to create music with pre-existing samples rather than starting from scratch. Sample subscription services like Tracklib and Splice provide hundreds of thousands of royalty-free samples you can use on your music without worrying about copyright issues.
If you can pay for the subscription, don’t hesitate to take this shortcut.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned things are just a handful of the many essentials you’ll need to start in music. In reality, most people don’t have half of the things we have here, but your creativity will always set you apart.
Remember, if you can’t immediately afford everything you need, start small. The entire process is a lot easier and enjoyable if you’re passionate about music and not just looking for fame or the other perks of a career in music.
