I’ve heard and have read numerous times where some people think because a music producer does not play an instrument or physically tap out a track on a MIDI keyboard or drum machine, that this makes them not a producer. Wrong!

Although some music producers may not always physically play, they simply hire professionals to do it for them. Some music producers are often very familiar with music composition, arrangement and the use of various types of instruments. They are savvy about the music business in hiring and paying union wages to musicians and conducting the necessary paperwork for production, clearances, studio scheduling, etc. A good music producer has a great ear and understand the elements of pulling the masterpiece together. The project becomes their new-born and they nurture it through its infancy to platinum/gold plaques on the wall.

There’s a certain level of development and education in the music-making process, (and I’m not talking just classroom). I’m talking exposure and experience. Music production is more than just a room of equipment. It’s more than a rhythm track followed by an ego. It’s a process, a discipline, and an effort of understanding the full spectrum of the studio environment, the music business, and more importantly, the art of working with artists in bringing out their best where they compliment the music and vice versa.

So in essence, music producers vary, yet with one common goal; and that is to bring fruition to a project that was once an idea, whether they physically play the notes or not!