How to Start Music Production in London: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Your step-by-step guide from complete beginner to confident creator
Introduction
You’ve always loved music — maybe you’ve spent hours exploring different genres, creating playlists, or dreaming of one day producing your own sound. But when it comes to actually starting music production, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? What gear do you need? How do you learn the software? And more importantly, how do you find support and guidance that meets you at your level?
If you’re based in London, you’re already in one of the most inspiring music capitals in the world — and the good news is, you don’t need to study at a huge institution or have a professional studio to start producing music. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to begin your music production journey — whether you want to make techno, house, hip-hop, ambient, or something entirely your own.
1. Choosing the Right Music Production Software (DAW)
The heart of music production is your Digital Audio Workstation — or DAW for short. This is the software where you’ll create beats, arrange tracks, record vocals, and mix your music. In London (and globally), the two most popular options are Ableton Live and Logic Pro X.
Ableton Live is an excellent choice for beginners and is especially loved by electronic producers and DJs. Its workflow is intuitive and playful, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy hands-on creativity. Logic Pro X, on the other hand, is great for structured compositions, live instrumentation, and film scoring. If you’re not sure which one to choose, try out a free trial, or better yet — book a taster session with a tutor who can walk you through the basics of each and help you find your fit.
2. Start with Simple Equipment
One of the biggest myths in music production is that you need a studio full of expensive equipment to get started. In reality, many producers begin with just a laptop and a pair of good headphones.
To start, you’ll need:
A laptop or computer powerful enough to run your DAW
Studio headphones (or any quality headphones that give a clear, flat sound)
Optionally, a small MIDI keyboard to play melodies and control instruments
As you grow, you might add a sound card (audio interface), studio monitors, or even hardware synths — but for your first track, less is more. Focus on learning the tools and the craft before you invest heavily in gear.
3. Learn the Fundamentals
This is where many people get stuck — not because they don’t have talent, but because they don’t know how to learn. YouTube is full of tutorials, but it can be hard to know what’s relevant, and what’s actually teaching you good habits.
That’s why structured guidance, especially in a one-to-one setting, can be a game-changer. At BAD Studios in West London, we offer personalised music production lessons designed around your goals — whether that’s making your first house track or understanding the difference between compression and EQ.
In your early stages, you’ll want to focus on:
Building beats and understanding rhythm
Using synths and samples creatively
Recording audio and layering sounds
Mixing your tracks so they sound polished
Every genre has its own style, but the foundation is the same: create, listen, adjust, repeat.
4. Practice in a Real Studio (Even as a Beginner)
Learning from home is convenient, but something powerful happens when you step into a proper music production studio. It’s not just the gear — it’s the environment, the acoustics, the mindset shift.
At BAD Studios, we welcome absolute beginners and make the process feel relaxed, fun, and focused. Our one-to-one sessions mean you’re not lost in a classroom — you get tailored support, honest feedback, and the freedom to explore your own sound. Plus, working in a real studio helps you get comfortable with industry-standard equipment like audio interfaces, monitors, and MIDI controllers, preparing you for professional results.
5. Finish Your First Track
This might sound obvious, but finishing your first track is a huge milestone. Many beginners start multiple projects and never complete one — either because they lose confidence or they get overwhelmed by perfectionism.
Here’s the secret: your first track doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be finished.
By setting realistic goals and getting guidance from someone experienced, you can learn how to structure a track, add movement and variation, and decide when something is “done.” It’s incredibly satisfying — and it gives you the motivation to keep going.
6. Join the London Music Scene
One of the best things about producing music in London is the sheer amount of creative energy around you. From underground clubs and record stores to music meetups and production communities, the city is full of people just like you — curious, passionate, and ready to connect.
As you grow, consider:
Attending producer meetups or workshops
Sharing your work with local DJs or online groups
Going out to listen — really listen — to how different tracks are mixed and structured
Community can make a huge difference, especially when you’re learning. It’s where you’ll find inspiration, feedback, and maybe even future collaborators.
Final Thoughts: Your Music Journey Starts Now
Starting music production doesn’t require a degree, a big budget, or years of experience. It just takes curiosity, consistency, and the right kind of support. Whether you want to make electronic beats, record your own vocals, or learn how to use Ableton from scratch, there’s no better time — or place — to begin than now, right here in London.
At BAD Studios, we specialise in one-to-one music production lessons designed to help beginners grow into confident producers. You set the pace, we provide the structure — and together, we bring your sound to life.
🎧 Ready to start producing? Book your first session now, or get in touch to chat about your goals.