Training the ear for effective music production
Producing excellent music requires one to have ears that are both talented and skilled. Listening is a muscle that demands to be trained, exercised, and sharpened through critical and analytical listening. While a background in music theory isn’t a requirement for music producers, an understanding of audio concepts is essential. Image source: musical-u.com The objective of critical listening is to decipher the physical characteristics of a certain mix. Physical characteristics of a mix include the blending of the instruments, dynamic range, tone, and studio imaging. According to DJ-producer James Haidak, determining these qualities of a mix allows a producer to know how to arrange vocals, instruments, and other sounds without their different frequencies clashing with one another. A critical ear is not enough to produce sound that speaks to the psyche. Analytical listening deals with the artistic approach to musicmaking. Here, the feelings of songs are identified, altere...