How to Start Electronic Music Production

Introduction

Electronic music production has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. It’s creative, empowering, and more accessible than ever thanks to digital tools and online education. Whether you’re drawn to house, techno, trap, or ambient soundscapes, this guide will help you start strong and stay focused. This comprehensive article breaks down everything you need to know to launch your journey, from understanding gear to learning essential skills, and wraps up by showing how Aviary Music School can help you rise quickly and confidently as a new producer.

1. What Is Electronic Music Production?

Electronic music production is the process of creating music using electronic equipment and digital tools. At its core, it’s about sound design, sequencing, arranging, and manipulating audio — whether synthesized or sampled — to create a finished track. Unlike traditional music that often involves live bands and acoustic instruments, electronic music production is typically a solo endeavor that unfolds entirely within a computer-based environment.

It combines technical skills with musical creativity. The tools vary — from hardware synths and samplers to purely in-the-box setups using software — but the goal is the same: to create compelling, polished music that can be enjoyed in headphones, clubs, festivals, or film scores.

Genres and Styles

Electronic music is a vast and diverse world, spanning multiple genres and subgenres. Some of the most popular include:

House: Defined by a four-on-the-floor kick pattern, house music is groovy and rhythmic. Often around 120–130 BPM, it’s built for dancefloors and can be soulful, deep, or funky.
Techno: Characterized by repetitive, hypnotic grooves and industrial sounds. Usually minimal in melody but rich in rhythm and texture.
Dubstep: Known for its half-time rhythm and aggressive bass drops. Modern dubstep can range from melodic and atmospheric to hard-hitting and chaotic.
Drum and Bass: High-tempo (160–180 BPM) with complex breakbeats, rolling basslines, and heavy sampling.
Trap: Originating from hip-hop, EDM trap uses punchy 808s, rapid hi-hat rolls, and cinematic synths.
Ambient: Focused more on mood and texture than rhythm or melody. Great for film, meditation, or experimental compositions.

Each genre has its own signature sounds and techniques, which producers often blend or reinvent. Exploring different genres not only helps you find your voice but expands your technical toolkit.

Why It’s Worth Getting Into

The appeal of electronic music production goes beyond trends — it’s a creative outlet, a career path, and a cultural connection. Here’s why so many aspiring musicians are getting into it:

Creative Freedom: You can design every element of a track from scratch. There are no rules — just tools and your imagination.
Accessibility: With a laptop and a DAW, you can start producing today. Entry barriers are low.
Career Potential: Producers can earn income from streaming, licensing, DJ gigs, sample packs, and more.
Global Community: Online forums, Discord groups, and local scenes make it easy to find support, inspiration, and collaboration.
Rapid Feedback Loop: You can test an idea, get feedback, and refine it all within hours.

If you’ve ever wanted to sculpt sounds, tell stories without words, or build your own sonic world, electronic music production is one of the most dynamic and rewarding creative paths available today.

2. Essential Equipment and Software

You don’t need a studio full of expensive gear to start producing great music. What matters is having the right tools — and knowing how to use them. Here’s a breakdown of the core equipment and software every beginner should understand:

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

The DAW is the heart of your production setup. It’s where you compose, arrange, record, edit, mix, and export your music. Choosing the right DAW is critical — it shapes how you work and how fast you learn.

Popular beginner-friendly DAWs:

Ableton Live: Intuitive and powerful for loop-based production, sound design, and live performance.
FL Studio: Known for its pattern-based workflow and vibrant user interface. Excellent for beatmakers.
Logic Pro X: Mac-exclusive, great for audio recording, mixing, and scoring. Comes with a massive sound library.
Reaper: Extremely affordable and lightweight. Highly customizable, with a steep learning curve.

Try a few demos before committing. Most DAWs offer trial versions. Pick one, stick to it, and dive deep.

MIDI Controller

MIDI controllers are hardware tools that help you input music into your DAW. They don’t make sound on their own but allow you to control software instruments.

Look for controllers with:

Velocity-sensitive keys (mini or full-size)
Drum pads (for finger drumming)
Knobs and faders (to tweak synths and effects)

Popular choices:

Akai MPK Mini Mk3
Novation Launchkey Mini
Arturia MiniLab

These devices make your workflow faster and more intuitive, especially when you’re playing chords or tapping out rhythms.

Audio Interface

If you plan to record vocals, guitars, or external synths, you’ll need an audio interface. It converts analog signals to digital so your DAW can process them.

Top beginner interfaces:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

Even if you don’t record audio now, an interface improves playback quality and reduces latency — that annoying delay between hitting a key and hearing the sound.

Studio Monitors and Headphones

Accurate monitoring is key to producing mixes that sound good on any system. Your laptop speakers or gaming headphones won’t cut it.

Monitors:

KRK Rokit 5
Yamaha HS5
JBL 305P MkII

Headphones:

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Start with good headphones if monitors are out of budget — but don’t rely on consumer earbuds.

Optional but Useful Tools

These aren’t mandatory but can level up your setup:

- Microphone: A decent condenser mic like the Audio-Technica AT2020 is great for vocals or sampling your environment.
- External Synths: Devices like the Korg Minilogue, Roland Boutique series, or Arturia MicroFreak add tactile sound design options.
- Control Surfaces: Tools like Ableton Push 2 or Native Instruments Maschine offer hands-on sequencing, sampling, and live performance features.

3. Setting Up Your Home Studio

You don’t need a high-end studio to make professional music — you just need to make smart choices about how you use your space. Whether you have a spare bedroom, a corner in your living room, or even a desk in your bedroom, there are key factors that will help you get the most out of it.

Choose the Right Space

Look for a room or area that:

- - Has minimal outside noise (avoid areas near traffic or loud appliances).
  - Has soft surfaces like carpet or curtains to absorb sound.
  - Is dedicated — a space where you can leave your setup intact for consistent workflow.

Avoid cramped corners, small closets, or highly reflective rooms with bare walls and tile floors. Good sound starts with a stable environment.

Desk and Monitor Positioning

Proper desk and speaker placement will greatly improve your mix accuracy:

- - Position your studio monitors at ear level.
  - Create an equilateral triangle: the distance between each monitor and your head should be roughly equal.
  - Place monitors on isolation pads or stands to reduce vibrations.

If possible, sit with your setup facing the short wall of the room (lengthwise), centered between the side walls. This avoids sound bouncing unevenly.

Acoustic Treatment

Acoustic treatment is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most important upgrades you can make — and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Key treatment types:

- - Bass Traps: Placed in corners to absorb low frequencies.
  - Acoustic Panels: Positioned at ear-level reflection points on side walls and behind monitors.
  - Diffusers: Help break up reflections in larger or high-ceilinged rooms.

You can DIY with rockwool panels, heavy blankets, or bookshelves filled with books.

Lighting and Ergonomics

A clutter-free, well-lit space boosts creativity and productivity.

- - Use soft ambient lighting to reduce screen glare.
  - Add a desk lamp or RGB lighting for mood.
  - Invest in a comfortable chair — you’ll be sitting for long sessions.

Cable Management and Workflow

Keep your studio tidy:

- - Use cable clips or velcro straps to manage wires.
  - Label inputs and outputs if you use multiple pieces of gear.
  - Keep frequently-used tools and instruments within arm’s reach.

Backup Power and Safety

Protect your setup from surges and power outages:

- - Use a surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
  - Keep drinks away from gear to avoid accidents.
  - Regularly back up your sessions to an external drive or cloud service.

A well-organized and acoustically treated space isn’t just for looks — it helps you hear better, work faster, and stay inspired. Next up: we’ll cover music theory basics that will give your productions structure and style.

4. Learning Music Theory Basics

Music theory might sound intimidating, but you don’t need to be a classical pianist to make great electronic music. Knowing a few essential concepts can help your tracks sound more professional, emotional, and intentional — even if you’re using samples and loops.

Why Music Theory Matters

Helps you write better melodies, basslines, and chord progressions.
Makes arranging and structuring songs easier.
Speeds up your workflow — you’ll know what sounds good and why.
Allows you to communicate with other musicians.

Think of it as a toolkit: you don’t need every tool, just the right ones for the job.

Core Concepts to Learn First

Start with the basics that will help you most in a DAW environment:

1. Scales and Keys

A scale is a group of notes that sound good together.
The key of a song is the home base of your track.

Start with the C major scale — all white keys on the keyboard. It’s simple, flexible, and great for learning.

2. Chord Progressions

Chords are multiple notes played together. Progressions are sequences of chords that create tension and release.

Try this simple progression in C major:

C major (I)
A minor (vi)
F major (IV)
G major (V)

This is the classic “pop” chord progression used in hundreds of songs. It works because of emotional movement — from stable to sad, then hopeful, then tense.

3. Rhythm and Timing

Understanding rhythm means:

Knowing how beats are grouped (4/4 is most common in electronic music).
Using quantization in your DAW to align notes to the grid.
Playing with syncopation and groove to make your track feel human.

Explore swing, off-beats, triplets, and polyrhythms as you grow.

4. Melody and Hooks

Melodies are what people hum. Hooks are what they remember. Great electronic tracks often use:

Short, repetitive motifs.
Call-and-response phrasing.
Octave jumps and pitch bends for excitement.

Use MIDI to experiment with simple 3–5 note ideas. Layer and evolve them across your arrangement.

5. Song Structure

Most electronic music follows a structure like:

Intro
Build
Drop
Breakdown
Drop 2
Outro

Understanding structure helps you pace energy, keep listeners engaged, and create contrast.

Tools to Help Learn Theory

Ableton Learning Music (free): Interactive lessons in your browser.
Hooktheory: Visual songwriting tool.
TonedEar and Musictheory.net: Free ear training and exercises.
Scaler 2 Plugin: Music theory assistant that integrates with your DAW.

You don’t need to memorize scales or sight-read sheet music. Learn by doing — test concepts in your DAW and use your ears as your guide.

With these music theory basics in your toolkit, you’ll have the confidence to move from random experimentation to intentional creativity. In the next section, we’ll walk through how to create your first full electronic track from start to finish.

5. Creating Your First Track

Now that you’ve got your gear and theory sorted, it’s time to actually make music. Starting your first track might feel overwhelming — but breaking it into clear steps makes the process manageable and fun.

Step 1: Start with a Drum Pattern

Rhythm is the backbone of electronic music. Begin by laying down a simple drum loop:

Choose a kick, snare, and hi-hat from your DAW or a sample pack.
Create a 4/4 pattern — kick on every beat, snare on 2 and 4, and hats on every 1/8 or 1/16 note.
Use swing or humanization tools to avoid robotic stiffness.

Pro Tip: Keep it minimal to leave room for other elements.

Step 2: Add a Bassline

Your bassline gives the track body and groove. Try:

A sub bass following the root notes of your chords.
Syncing bass hits with your kick for a tight low-end.
Using sidechain compression to duck the bass when the kick hits.

Bass is one of the most important aspects of electronic music — experiment with different rhythms and tones.

Step 3: Build Chords and Harmony

Next, add some chords or a pad to give your track emotional context. Use:

A soft synth pad for atmosphere.
Stab chords or plucks for rhythmic texture.
MIDI tools or plugins like Scaler to find chords that fit your key.

Layering is key. Combine multiple simple sounds to create a rich, full tone.

Step 4: Create a Melody or Lead

Melodies are what your listeners will remember:

Start with 3–5 notes in your key.
Use repetition, variation, and call-and-response.
Add pitch bends, filters, or delays for character.

If you’re stuck, hum ideas or use a random MIDI generator to get inspired.

Step 5: Arrange Your Track

Once you have your loop (drums + bass + chords + melody), structure it into a full song:

Intro (0:00–0:30): Set the vibe. No drums or just hats.
Build (0:30–1:00): Introduce new layers and rising energy.
Drop (1:00–1:30): Full rhythm and melody hit.
Breakdown (1:30–2:00): Pull back. Add FX or ambient sounds.
Drop 2 (2:00–2:30): Bring it back stronger or with variation.
Outro (2:30–end): Let elements fade or filter out gradually.

Use automation to evolve your sounds — filter sweeps, volume fades, panning, etc.

Step 6: Mix and Balance

Mixing ensures all parts of your track are heard clearly:

Level each track (volume balance).
Use EQ to carve out space for each element.
Compress drums and bass for punch.
Add reverb and delay to create depth.

Start with a static mix — no effects — and only add polish once the track is structured.

Step 7: Master and Export

Mastering gives your track final polish:

Boost overall loudness without distorting.
Add a limiter, gentle EQ, and light compression.
Compare your master with commercial tracks (A/B testing).

Export your finished track as a WAV or high-quality MP3. Congrats — you’ve completed your first electronic production!

Next, we’ll cover how to build long-term skills and develop your unique sound as a producer.

6. Practicing and Growing as a Producer

Finishing your first track is a huge milestone — but real progress comes from consistency and refinement. Becoming a skilled producer is a journey, and the key is to stay curious, deliberate, and open to feedback.

Set a Routine

Dedicate a set number of hours each week to producing.
Break up sessions into idea generation, sound design, arrangement, and mixing.
Use a timer or schedule to create accountability.

You don’t need to finish a song every session — just keep creating consistently.

Focus on Quantity First

Start and finish small sketches or 8-bar loops.
Limit yourself to a short time frame (e.g., “1 idea per day”).
Treat everything as a draft — no pressure to make it perfect.

Repetition builds instincts and speeds up your creative process.

Analyze the Pros

Study reference tracks in your genre.
Look at arrangement, sound design, transitions, and mixing choices.
Use spectrum analyzers and level meters to compare your tracks.

Remaking songs you love (without releasing them) is a powerful exercise.

Get Constructive Feedback

Friends who are musicians or producers.
Online communities (Reddit, Discord, Facebook groups).
Mentors, coaches, or instructors if available.

Ask for specifics: “How’s the mix?” “Do the drums hit hard enough?” “Is the drop strong?”

Keep Learning

YouTube tutorials (e.g., Andrew Huang, Point Blank, In The Mix).
Production blogs (e.g., EDMProd, Sonic Academy).
Online courses or in-person workshops.

Try to learn one new technique or tool each week and apply it in a track.

Save and Revisit Old Projects

Name projects clearly (genre + vibe + date).
Export quick bounces for later review.
Come back with new ideas, samples, or sounds.

What felt like a dead-end before might inspire something fresh later. Don’t delete your work — organize it.

Develop Your Unique Sound

Experiment with genres you don’t normally produce.
Use unusual samples (field recordings, vinyl rips, etc.).
Try limitations: one synth, one sample pack, one-hour time limit.

Originality comes from making bold choices — not doing what everyone else is doing.

Build a Creative Environment

Inspirational visuals or lighting.
Mood boards or playlists of tracks you love.
Motivational reminders of why you create music.

Keep your workspace clean and inviting. A space that feels good to enter will help you stay consistent.

Track Your Progress

Save versions of the same track as you refine it.
Keep a “beat journal” with what you worked on and learned.
Revisit old tracks every few months to hear how far you’ve come.

Growth happens gradually. Tracking it helps you stay motivated.

Collaborate with Others

Expose you to new workflows and ideas.
Challenge you to finish and release music.
Build your confidence and social circle.

Even simple collabs — like remix swaps — can fuel creativity.

Next, we’ll explore the online tools, communities, and resources that can fuel your development even further.

7. Using Online Tools and Communities

You don’t have to go it alone. One of the best parts of producing electronic music today is the incredible range of online tools, communities, and resources designed to help you grow faster, connect with others, and stay inspired.

Online Communities for Feedback and Support

Joining a music production community gives you access to:

Honest feedback on your tracks
Collaborators and vocalists
Networking opportunities
Motivation and accountability

Top platforms to explore:

Reddit: r/edmproduction, r/WeAreTheMusicMakers
Discord servers: Look for genre-specific production groups
Facebook groups: Many are private but active
Producer forums: Gearspace, KVR Audio, and Looperman

When posting, be respectful, specific, and open-minded. The best feedback comes from conversations, not just quick likes.

Learning Platforms and Courses

Whether you’re just starting or want to master a niche skill, these platforms offer structured, in-depth learning:

Sonic Academy: Great for genre-specific tutorials
EDMProd: Solid production roadmaps and start-to-finish guides
Point Blank Music School: Professional-level courses and degree programs
YouTube: Channels like In The Mix, Venus Theory, and You Suck at Producing

Combine free content with paid material for a well-rounded experience. Always apply what you learn immediately.

Sample Libraries and Sound Packs

High-quality samples give your tracks a polished, professional sound — fast.

Popular resources:

Aviary Music School: Access to thousands of professionnals samples and templates
Loopmasters: Genre-specific packs with royalty-free loops
Cymatics: Free and paid packs with cutting-edge sounds
LANDR Samples: A curated selection of industry-standard content

Tip: Don’t over-rely on samples. Use them as tools to support your ideas, not replace them.

Plugins and Software Tools

Plugins can enhance your workflow and creativity. Start with essentials:

Synths: Serum, Vital (free), Massive, Pigments
Effects: Valhalla Room (reverb), FabFilter Pro-Q (EQ), iZotope Ozone (mastering)
Utilities: Spectrum analyzers, reference tools, MIDI tools (e.g., Cthulhu, Scaler)

Many developers offer free versions — try them before you buy.

Online Challenges and Beat Battles

Participating in online challenges is one of the most motivating and fun ways to improve:

Weekly Beat Battles on Discord and Reddit
Remix contests from labels or producers
Prompt-based production jams (e.g., make a track using only 5 samples)

These help build discipline, expand your skillset, and connect you with peers.

Staying Inspired

Music production has highs and lows. To stay inspired:

Curate playlists of music that excites you
Read artist interviews and studio journals
Watch behind-the-scenes breakdowns
Take breaks and come back with fresh ears

Inspiration is everywhere — just make sure you keep feeding your creative engine.

Next, we’ll break down how Aviary Music School can take all of this to the next level with real mentorship, structure, and community.

8. How Aviary Music School Can Help You Rise Faster

If you’re ready to take your production skills to the next level, Aviary Music School offers a professional, proven path forward. Whether you’re producing in your bedroom or already releasing tracks, Aviary is built to help you rise faster with the mentorship, structure, and community most new producers are missing.

What Makes Aviary Different?

1. Personalized Mentorship
Unlike generic courses or YouTube tutorials, Aviary connects you with seasoned producers who tailor lessons to your goals, style, and skill level. Whether you’re building from scratch or refining a specific sound, you’re never learning alone.

2. Real-World Curriculum
From foundational theory to advanced arrangement, mixing, and mastering, Aviary’s curriculum is grounded in the real demands of the music industry. Learn what labels, listeners, and collaborators are looking for — and how to deliver it.

3. Hands-On Feedback
Submit tracks, get real-time feedback, revise, and repeat. The focus is on progress, not perfection. This loop of creation and feedback accelerates your development and helps you avoid common beginner pitfalls.

4. Access to Industry-Standard Tools
Train using the same tools and workflows as professional producers. Aviary provides access to cutting-edge software, plugins, and studio gear to ensure you’re not just learning — you’re producing at a pro level.

5. Community and Collaboration
Join a tight-knit network of artists and producers who support each other, share ideas, and even collaborate on projects. You’re not just learning — you’re joining a culture of creators.

Results That Matter

Aviary students have:

Signed with respected independent labels
Landed sync placements in games, film, and TV
Built sustainable careers as freelance producers and artists

No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just the right support, right tools, and right people to help you level up faster.

Ready to Launch?

If you’re serious about your growth, apply now at AviaryMusicSchool.com and turn your passion into progress.

Final Thoughts

Electronic music production is one of the most accessible and rewarding creative paths today. But success doesn’t come from gear alone — it comes from focus, feedback, and the right community. You’ve got everything you need to start.

Now take the next step with Aviary Music School and start rising today.