Record Producer

Tasks & duties

Record producers may do some or all of the following:

• oversee the entire recording project, including timeframe and budget
• book the studio
• supervise the recording, mixing and mastering process
• hire musicians
• hire and instruct recording engineers
• guide musicians in their performance
• listen to recordings to get the best sound
• negotiate with mangers of bands and record labels
• decide on the order of the songs for the album
• keep record labels up to date with the recording progress

Some record producers also work as the sound engineer on an album and carry out more specialised tasks and duties.

Skills & knowledge

Record producers need to have:

• knowledge of recording processes
• an understanding of how studio equipment, including digital recording equipment, works
• knowledge of musical theory
• knowledge of musical instruments
• knowledge of different musical styles and vocal techniques
• an understanding of how to arrange music
• listening skills for evaluating musical performances
• communication and leadership skills
• computer skills
• time management and organisational skills

Record producers who also work as sound engineers need to have specific skills and knowledge related to audio engineering.

Entry requirements

To become a record producer you need to have a broad knowledge of music, studio experience and contacts in the music industry.

Tertiary education

A tertiary music or management qualification may be useful.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Record producers also conduct their own recording experiments.

Useful experience

Useful experience for record producers includes working as a musician, music arranger, audio engineer or DJ, or any work involving sound equipment. Experience mixing music on computers is also useful.

Related courses

Audio Visual Studies
Business Management
Music

For more information, please refer to Career Services.