How to Start Producing Music at Home: 6 Steps to Get Started in Music Production

So, you want to produce music. Maybe you’ve been messing around with GarageBand, maybe you’ve always been the one curating the party playlist, or maybe you've just got this itch to create. No matter where you're coming from, you’re in the right place.

The good news? You don’t need a fancy studio to get started. All it takes is a few essential tools, the right mindset, and a little bit of guidance. In this guide, we’ll break down the key steps to get started in music production—so you can start making tracks from your bedroom (or wherever inspiration hits).

Step 1: Choose Your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Your DAW is your creative playground. It’s the software you’ll use to record, edit, and produce music. Popular options include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools.

Not sure which one to pick? Think about your goals, your budget, and your computer (some DAWs are Mac-only). And don’t worry—you can always switch later. Most producers try a few before landing on the one that feels like home.

Step 2: Set Up Your Home Studio

You don’t need a massive setup to get started. A basic home studio might include:

• A reliable computer
• Audio interface
• MIDI keyboard
• Studio headphones or monitors
• A mic (if you’re recording vocals)

Pro tip: Prioritize quality headphones or monitors—they’ll help you actually hear what you’re making.

Step 3: Learn the Fundamentals

You can have all the gear in the world, but if you don’t understand the basics—song structure, rhythm, harmony, mixing techniques—you’ll hit a wall fast.

That’s where a structured course can make a huge difference. ICON Collective’s Online Music Production Program was built to take you from “Where do I start?” to “Check out my new track.” You’ll learn from industry pros, get feedback on your work, and collaborate with a community of up-and-coming producers.

Step 4: Start Making Music (Even If It Sucks at First)

Perfection is the enemy of progress. The only way to improve is to start creating. Make loops. Try making a beat a day. Remake a song you love. Play around.

The point is to build muscle memory and start understanding how sounds come together. Every pro you admire once made absolute garbage. That’s just part of the game.

Step 5: Get Feedback and Collaborate

Music isn’t meant to be made in a vacuum. Share your work with other producers, join online communities, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.

ICON’s Online Program gives you direct access to mentorship and peer critique—that’s the kind of feedback loop that fast-tracks your growth.

Step 6: Keep Going (Even When It’s Hard)

You’ll hit roadblocks. You’ll doubt yourself. You’ll get stuck on the same 4-bar loop for way too long. That’s all normal.

The producers who make it are the ones who keep going. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and remember: you’re not alone on this path.

Ready to Go Deeper? If you’re serious about producing music and want a structured way to learn, grow, and level up—check out ICON’s Online Music Production Program. It’s your first real step from bedroom beats to industry-level production.