Why is Music Production so Expensive?

If you’ve ever looked into music production, you’ve probably heard that it’s an expensive hobby or career path. Between the latest software, high-end gear, and endless plugin bundles, the industry makes it seem like you need to spend thousands just to get started. But here’s the truth: music production doesn’t have to be expensive.

Marketing Makes You Think You Need More

Big companies thrive on making you believe you need the latest and greatest gear to make professional-quality music. They push expensive plugins, sample packs, and hardware, convincing you that your sound won’t be “industry standard” without them. But in reality, some of the best music ever made was created on minimal setups.

All You Really Need is a DAW

At the core of music production, all you need is a digital audio workstation (DAW). A DAW can cost anywhere from $150 to $500, which is a fraction of what marketing campaigns would have you believe is necessary.

For example, Ableton Live, the DAW I use, is on the higher end of that price range, but it’s packed with everything you need: powerful synths, high-quality effects, and intuitive workflow tools. Instead of buying extra plugins or hardware, mastering your DAW can take your production skills much further than you might expect.

Learn to Use the Tools You Already Have

Instead of chasing new gear, focus on understanding what you already own. Many people waste money on extra sounds and effects before fully grasping the tools inside their DAW. That’s why I created my online course—to teach you how to maximize your DAW’s built-in features so you can create professional-quality music without constantly spending more money.

Final Thoughts

Music production is only as expensive as you allow it to be. If you focus on learning instead of buying, you’ll realize that everything you need is already within reach. The key is knowledge, not gear—and once you have the right skills, you can make incredible music without breaking the bank.