Start producing music at home: Beginner’s guide 2025

When I started out, producing music meant owning a bulky desktop and spending hundreds on software. These days, it’s a different story — even a modest laptop and some free tools are enough to get started.

If you’re new to music production, the biggest hurdle might just be figuring out the software. But don’t worry — you really only need three things to begin:

1. Computer

2. DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

3. Headphones or speakers

Yes — 100%. If you already have a laptop and a pair of headphones, you can start making music today without spending a penny.

There are several free DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) that work across different systems:

• GarageBand – Great for Mac and iOS users, includes built-in instruments and loops.

• Cakewalk by BandLab – A professional-grade DAW for Windows.

• Pro Tools Intro – A free, streamlined version of the industry-standard DAW for Mac and PC.

• Soundtrap by Spotify – Cloud-based, beginner-friendly, and excellent for collaboration.

Even if you’re on a Chromebook or tablet, BandLab and Soundtrap will let you start producing in your browser with no extra gear.

As a beginner, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on a high-end machine — and honestly, you don’t need to. I recently mixed a track on a really low-spec laptop, and while there were some limitations, it still got the job done.

When you’re choosing a computer for music production, the main things to think about are:

• Processor – A multi-core processor (at least four cores) like an Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7

• RAM – 8GB is the minimum, but 16GB or more makes everything run more smoothly

• Storage – An SSD is much faster than a traditional hard drive. Aim for at least 256GB (512GB is better if you work with a lot of files)

You don’t need a monster machine — just something stable and capable. And if you're upgrading later, focus on RAM and an SSD first. Those two things will give you the most noticeable improvements.

Budget laptops for music production

If you’re thinking about buying a new laptop specifically for music production, here are a few affordable options that are still going strong in 2025:

• Acer Aspire 5 – A great all-rounder with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, and up to 512GB SSD. Reliable, easy to upgrade, and priced around $500–$700.

• Dell Inspiron 15 3000 – Available with Intel i3, i5, or i7. You can get up to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It’s not flashy, but solid for the price (around $400–$600).

• Lenovo Ideapad 3 – Lightweight, compact, and good value. Comes with AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Expect to pay around $450–$550.

• MacBook Air (M1 or later) – This is more of an investment, but it runs DAWs like Logic and Ableton really well, and the battery life is excellent. Price starts just under $1000.

Whichever one you go for, make sure it has enough RAM and an SSD — that’ll help keep your workflow smooth as your projects get bigger.

MAC or PC: Which is better for music production?

This one always sparks debate. Macs tend to be more stable and offer a slick plug-and-play experience, especially if you’re using Logic Pro. But they also cost more — and you’re limited to Apple’s ecosystem.

PCs, on the other hand, give you more flexibility and customisation options. If you like digging into settings or upgrading components, Windows might be the better fit. That said, you might run into the occasional compatibility hiccup.

Personally, I’ve always used Windows for music production. These days it’s pretty solid — not crash-proof, but much better than it used to be.

No matter what computer you have, you'll need to install a DAW.

A DAW is where the magic happens — it’s the software where you record, edit, arrange, and mix your music. You can work with audio tracks (like vocals or guitars) and MIDI tracks (which control virtual instruments).

When I first started out, there weren’t many choices. I used Cubase VST at the time, then later moved on to SONAR (Cakewalk). These days, there are loads of DAWs — both paid and free — and most of them share similar layouts and features.

If you’re a complete beginner, I recommend starting with something simple and accessible. That might be GarageBand if you're on a Mac, or one of the free DAWs we mentioned earlier like Cakewalk, Pro Tools Intro, or Soundtrap.

There are more free DAWs available now than ever — and some of them are genuinely powerful enough to produce full songs from start to finish.

Mac only:

• GarageBand: User-friendly with built-in instruments and effects, perfect for entry-level production.

Windows only:

• Cakewalk by BandLab: Professional-grade DAW with advanced audio editing, MIDI support, and virtual instruments.

Cross-Platform:

• Pro Tools Intro: A free version of the industry-standard DAW with essential recording and editing tools.

Other free options:

• Tracktion T7: Unlimited audio/MIDI tracks and built-in effects.

• LMMS: Open-source DAW for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

• Audacity: Simple cross-platform audio editor and recorder.

Whichever DAW you choose, the basic layout and tools are usually pretty similar — so once you learn the ropes, it gets much easier.

To help you get started, check out Grammy-winning engineer Chris Kasych as he walks through the first steps in a DAW — from setting up your project to understanding the workspace.

If you want to learn more about how to record your first song at home, Chris Kaysch has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry (Adele / Olivia Rodrigo). Try out his Recording for Beginners course for free with your 7-day FREE trial.

If you’re a music lover, chances are you already have a pair of headphones or a decent speaker setup at home. And honestly, that’s a perfectly fine place to start.

But if you want a more accurate sense of how your mix really sounds, upgrading your monitoring setup can make a big difference.

Headphones are great for picking out details — especially when you’re working in a small or untreated room.
Studio monitors, on the other hand, give you a more balanced picture of your overall mix.

Recommended headphones and studio monitors

• Headphones:

  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Excellent sound quality and comfort.

• Studio Monitors:

  • KRK Rokit 5: Budget-friendly and popular among beginners.

👉 If you’re on a tight budget, stick with headphones at first. You can always add monitors later.

With a computer, a DAW and some headphones (or speakers), you have the absolute basics you need for music production. The trickiest part can be getting to grips with the software, so just spend some time exploring it. You’ll find loads of tutorials online to guide you — just jump in and start experimenting. The more you play around, the quicker you'll pick it up.

Download free audio for DAW practice

For me, the best way to start was to set up a project and download some audio tracks to get a feel for how things work.

• In our Recording for Beginners course, Chris provides audio files and projects you can freely use.

• Cambridge Music Technology has an online download library of more than 50 unprocessed multitrack projects, all of which are free to use for educational purposes.

Key audio controls in music production

Now, you've got some audio files loaded into your DAW, it's time to start experimenting with the core elements of audio production. Here’s a guide to the main audio controls you should explore as a beginner.

💡ARTMASTER TIP: Ever wondered what a music producer does? Music production is the artistry that transforms ideas into polished tracks. Check out our guide — How to become a music producer.

Even if you are main interested in working with audio files, it will really add versatility to your productions if you can understand and use MIDI. Fortunately, you can experiment with MIDI without using a MIDI controller (a music keyboard you plug into your computer).

What is MIDI?

• MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a way for your computer to talk to virtual instruments—software versions of instruments like pianos, synthesizers, and drum kits. It sends information such as which notes to play, how long to hold them, and how loud or soft they should be, allowing you to create and control sounds within your DAW.

Why MIDI matters

• Versatile control: Control virtual instruments and effects directly within your DAW.

• Easy editing: Modify notes, timing, and dynamics without re-recording.

• Broad use: MIDI is useful for all music genres, from electronic to orchestral.

Using MIDI in your DAW without a controller

As I said, if you don’t have a physical MIDI controller, you can still create and manipulate MIDI in your DAW using various tools. Here are a few methods to get started:

1. Piano roll editor

• Click and draw notes: In most DAWs, you can open the "Piano Roll" or "MIDI Editor" and simply click on the grid to draw in notes with your mouse. You can click, drag to adjust the length of the note, and move it up or down to change the pitch.

2. Computer keyboard as a piano

• Musical typing: Many DAWs have a feature that lets you use your computer keyboard as a piano. For example, in some DAWs, the keys on your keyboard (like QWERTY) correspond to different notes, so you can play and record melodies just by pressing keys.

3. Using pre-made MIDI clips

• Drag and drop MIDI files: Some DAWs come with built-in MIDI loops or clips (like drum beats or melodies). You can drag these onto a track, and then open the piano roll to edit them if you want to change something.

4. Step recording

• Step input: This method allows you to enter notes one at a time. You select a note length (like quarter notes), then press a key on your computer keyboard to place that note in the timeline. It’s like building your melody step by step.

What are virtual instruments and VST plugins?

Virtual instruments are software instruments that generate sound using MIDI — and they often come in a format called VST plugins.

🎹 VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins are add-ons that run inside your DAW. They include:

• Virtual instruments (e.g. pianos, strings, synths)

• Effects processors (e.g. reverb, EQ, delay)

Your DAW likely comes with some free VST instruments and effects, but you can download many more online. Some popular free VSTs to try include:

• Spitfire LABS – Lush cinematic instruments

• Dexed – A classic FM synth emulator

• Valhalla Supermassive – Reverb and spacey delay effects

To use one, just load it onto a track in your DAW, and then use MIDI (via mouse, keyboard, or controller) to play it.

💡ARTMASTER TIP: To find out more check out our Ultimate guide to VST plugins in 2025 (Paid & Free). Or if you want to learn more about MIDI and how to use it effectively, try out Alex Moukala's course for beginners on composing, arranging, and mixing professional-sounding orchestral tracks.

Depending on what type of music you are into, there are generally 2 main ways to head when considering your next (or first) purchase.

1. Essential tools for recording real instruments

If you want to capture the sound of a real instrument, you'll need an audio interface and a microphone (plus some cables)

Audio Interface

• What it is: An audio interface connects your instruments and microphones to your computer, converting analogue signals to digital for high-quality recording.

• How do you connect it: Audio interfaces connect to your PC via Thunderbolt, USB-C, USB 2.0, FireWire, or PCIe. Once connected, you can then plug in your electric instrument or microphone.

• Why you need it: If you’re recording live instruments (acoustic or electric) or vocals, an audio interface gives you clear, professional-grade recordings with minimal latency.

• Recommended models: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, PreSonus AudioBox USB, or Universal Audio Apollo Twin.

Microphone

• What it is: A microphone captures sound from your voice or instrument and sends it to your audio interface.

• Why you need it: A quality microphone is necessary for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.

• Recommended models: Shure SM58 (dynamic mic), Audio-Technica AT2020 (condenser mic), or Rode NT1-A (condenser mic).

Additional considerations:

• For recording vocals, a condenser microphone is usually preferred for its sensitivity and clarity.

• Dynamic microphones are more durable and are often used for recording louder sound sources like drums or amplified instruments.

2. For producing electronic music

MIDI Keyboard

• What it is: A MIDI keyboard is a device that allows you to control virtual instruments and synthesizers within your DAW. It sends MIDI signals, which can trigger sounds from your software instruments.

• How you connect it: A MIDI controller typically connects to your PC using a USB cable.

• Why you need it: If your focus is on electronic music, a MIDI keyboard is a versatile tool for composing melodies, creating beats, and controlling various elements within your DAW. It can speed up your workflow and add a tactile element to your production process.

• Recommended models: Akai MPK Mini, Novation Launchkey, or Arturia KeyLab.

Additional considerations: Look for a MIDI keyboard with pads, knobs, and faders if you want more control over your software instruments and effects.

Combining both worlds

Hybrid approach: Audio Interface + MIDI Keyboard

Many producers create music that blends real instruments with electronic elements. This setup allows you to record live instruments while also programming and controlling electronic sounds and effects within your DAW.

💡ARTMASTER TIP: Curious how AI is changing the way we learn and create music? Explore the tools and trends that are reshaping everything in our article The AI Music Revolution.

As you get more comfortable using your DAW, try experimenting — this is a fundamental (and fun) part of music production, and numerous famous producers have created groundbreaking tracks using simple, inexpensive gear:

• The Beatles: While recording Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles used tape loops, found sounds, and basic recording equipment to create innovative effects that were ahead of their time.

• Aphex Twin: Richard D. James, known as Aphex Twin, famously used cheap Casio keyboards and basic home recording setups to produce some of his most influential tracks, proving that creativity trumps expensive equipment.

• Billie Eilish and Finneas: Billie Eilish’s debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? was mostly recorded in a bedroom studio with minimal gear. Finneas, her producer and brother, often used simple tools and inexpensive software to craft the album’s unique sound.

Ideas for experimenting with budget gear:

• DIY recording techniques: Use your smartphone or a basic USB microphone to capture interesting sounds around you. Even a cheap microphone can add character to your recordings when used creatively.

• Lo-fi effects: Embrace the imperfections of low-budget gear. For example, record vocals through a cheap microphone to create a gritty, lo-fi sound, or use free plugins to add tape saturation or vinyl crackle to your tracks.

• Re-purpose everyday objects: Turn household items into instruments. Tap on glasses, bang on pots, or use a rubber band as a makeshift guitar string. Sample these sounds in your DAW and manipulate them to create unique beats and textures.

• Explore free and low-cost software: There are many free virtual instruments, and effects plugins available online. Experiment with different combinations to see what you can create without spending much money.

Now we have covered the basics, if you want to learn to record your first song at home, Chris Kasych’s "Recording for Beginners" course is excellent. Plus, it offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from someone who has worked with industry giants like Adele and Olivia Rodrigo.

Get full access to this and all our courses with your 7-day FREE Trial.