Music from idea to completion – And How You Can Do It Too

Rohan Büchner

Rohan Büchner / January 13, 2025

READING TIME

A step-by-step guide:

It's been a long journey—learning to compose, record, and edit—but for me, this is the best feeling ever: having something tangible to show after years of dedication. Music production is a craft that combines creativity, technical skills, and persistence. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few key insights that have helped me refine my process, and I want to share them with you.

If you're just starting or looking to level up your music-making skills, here’s a roadmap based on what has worked for me.

Step 1: Learn to Compose 🎼

Every great track starts with composition. Whether you're writing for a full band, an orchestral piece, or electronic music, the fundamentals of melody, harmony, and rhythm are crucial.

My Approach:

  • Using Guitar Pro: I love using Guitar Pro for composition. It’s an excellent tool for writing, arranging, and experimenting with musical ideas before even picking up an instrument.
  • Borrow and Tweak Ideas: Some of the best music is inspired by others. Don't be afraid to take motifs, chord progressions, or rhythmic patterns you love and reshape them into something new.
  • Join Online Communities: Engaging with other musicians can be incredibly inspiring. I highly recommend checking out Chris Bedan on Youtube & Twitch, where you can watch him compose and mix in real time. Twitch, Discord servers, and Reddit forums are great places to share ideas and get feedback.

Step 2: Learn to Produce & Mix 🎛️

Once you have a solid composition, the next step is turning it into a polished, professional-sounding track. This is where music production and mixing come in.

What Helped Me:

  • Get Comfortable in Your DAW: Your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is your main tool, so invest time in learning it inside and out. Whether you use Cubase, Ableton, Logic Pro, or FL Studio, mastering your DAW is essential.
  • Consider Formal Education: While trial and error is a great teacher, structured learning can speed up your progress. I personally benefited from working with a private tutor at Next Level Mixing, and it made a huge difference.
  • Use Mix-Ready Templates: If mixing feels overwhelming, pre-made mix templates can give you a head start. I found Mix Ready Templates incredibly helpful in improving my workflow.

Step 3: Protect & Distribute Your Music 📀

Creating music is one thing, but getting it out into the world—and ensuring you retain your rights—is another.

  • Digital Distribution: Services like DistroKid and iMusician allow you to release your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms effortlessly.
  • Copyright & Royalties: If you're in Switzerland (like me), registering with SUISA ensures you receive royalties when your music is played. Similar organizations exist worldwide, such as BMI, ASCAP, and PRS.

Step 4: Marketing & Promotion 📣

This is where I’ll admit—I haven’t cracked the code yet. Marketing your music effectively can be as challenging as making it.

Some artists thrive on social media, engaging with their audience on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Others leverage playlist submissions, collaborations, or even live performances to grow their reach.

I’m still figuring this part out, but if you have any great marketing tips, feel free to share!

Final Thoughts 🎶

If you’re on your own music journey, I hope these insights help you avoid some of the common struggles and speed up your progress. The most important thing? Keep creating. The more you write, record, and mix, the better you’ll get.

Would love to hear about your experiences! What’s been the biggest challenge in your music-making process? Let’s chat in the comments.


Ps check out my project Senaah, if you are into metal 🤘

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