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Relying on Track Walkthrough Courses Is Holding You Back

Writer's picture: Varti DeuchoghlianVarti Deuchoghlian

If you're an electronic music producer, you’ve probably come across a plethora of online courses focusing on track walkthroughs. These courses often feature favorite producers breaking down their tracks, revealing their workflows and techniques. While this might sound appealing, relying solely on these walkthroughs for your education could be setting you back more than you realize.

The Appeal and the Pitfalls

I understand the allure. Watching your favorite producer work through their process can be exciting and inspiring. It feels like you’re getting a backstage pass to their creative world. However, the main issue with this type of education is the lack of depth and insightful learning. These courses are often long, drawn-out videos that focus primarily on the specific plugins used in the session. They might give you a glimpse into a new plugin or a fresh technique, but they rarely delve into the nitty-gritty of how to use those plugins effectively and creatively.

Superficial Knowledge

More often than not, these courses end up being an information dump, where you hear statements like, "I really like using this xyz plugin," without understanding why it’s being used in a particular way. You might pick up a new trick or two, which can provide a temporary boost to your workflow. However, you walk away with superficial knowledge rather than a comprehensive understanding of production techniques. Spending 4-6 hours on these courses usually doesn’t result in a significant shift in your production skills or mindset.

Missing the Bigger Picture

The problem with track walkthroughs is that they often focus on isolated elements rather than the bigger picture of music production. You might learn how a particular sound was created, but not why it was chosen or how it fits into the overall mix. This kind of piecemeal learning can leave you with gaps in your knowledge, making it harder to develop a cohesive production style and approach. It’s like learning to cook by watching someone prepare a dish without understanding the fundamental techniques and principles of cooking.

The True Purpose of Education

Education in music production should be more than just a collection of tips and tricks. It should aim to transform your thinking and elevate your skills to a higher level. Proper education provides deep insights into how to apply complex fundamentals, helping your music sound more mature and polished. It’s about shifting your mindset and developing a thorough understanding of the craft, enabling you to create music that stands out and resonates.

The Decision: Scattered Knowledge vs. Guided Learning At the end of the day, you need to decide whether you want to:

  1. Piece Together Scattered Knowledge: Spend time learning bits and pieces from various sources, trying to make sense of it all on your own. This approach can be frustrating and time-consuming, as you have to sift through a lot of content to find the valuable nuggets of information.

  2. Seek the Right Guidance: Get comprehensive and structured education that explains the ‘how’ and ‘why,’ not just the ‘what.’ This method allows you to build a solid foundation of knowledge, making it easier to understand and apply advanced techniques.

The Value of Structured Learning

Structured learning provides a clear path forward. It’s like having a roadmap that guides you through the complexities of music production, ensuring you don’t get lost along the way. With the right guidance, you can develop a deeper understanding of essential concepts, such as sound design, arrangement, mixing, and mastering. This holistic approach to learning helps you become a well-rounded producer, capable of tackling any creative challenge.

The Impact of Proper Guidance

Recently, I had a private session with one of my student producers who had been learning on his own for years. He had relied heavily on YouTube and various online courses. During our session, he realized the massive difference between having fundamentals properly explained and his previous fragmented learning experience.

Real Progress Through Deep Learning

We covered the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything he had been struggling with in production. The transformation was incredible. After just a few sessions, his music started to sound significantly more mature and professional. This kind of progress isn’t something you achieve by digging through endless online tutorials and courses. It requires focused, personalized guidance that addresses your specific needs and challenges.

Building Confidence and Skill

One of the most significant benefits of proper guidance is the boost in confidence it provides. When you understand the principles behind what you’re doing, you can approach production with greater assurance. You’re no longer second-guessing your decisions or relying on guesswork. Instead, you can make informed choices that enhance your music. This confidence translates into better, more consistent results, and a more enjoyable creative process.

Explore Personalized Learning

If you're serious about advancing your career and want to explore how a personalized learning experience can be tailored to your needs, reach out. We can have a discussion to figure out what’s best for you and set you on the path to real, significant progress in your music production journey. Personalized learning offers tailored guidance that addresses your unique challenges and goals, helping you achieve faster and more meaningful results.

Investing in Your Future

Investing in high-quality education is one of the best decisions you can make for your career. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about transforming your approach to music production. With the right support and guidance, you can unlock your full potential and create music that truly resonates with your audience. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Take the leap and invest in your future as a successful music producer.


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