Test one, test two; hey, guys. I'm just going to finish up my sound check and then we're going to take a closer look at what it takes to be a music producer. Zach Zisken's [assumed spelling] love for music has him blending the melodies of people's dreams with the reality of making music. 

 The best part of it is the creative part; you know, getting to create something and when it's all done you have this final product, this result that, you know, hopefully you're really happy with. 

 And to get that product, a producer will have to be a jack-of-all-trades. 

 Helping craft an artist's performance and, you know, helping them with their vocals or with the band and their sounds and all that stuff. But, I also will run, you know, the console. I do the editing in the computer. I do the recording and mixing. 

 Working around the schedule of Zach's clients can give him some crazy hours. 

 Well, if that means pulling an all-nighter, then, you know; working overnight or first thing in the morning. Whatever it is; you know, that's what we'll do. 

 Zach's projects can take a couple of weeks to complete, or sometimes up to a year. 

 There was an album I produced recently that spanned the course of a year. 

 Wow. 

 We didn't work straight; you know, every day for a year. 

 Yeah. 

 But, the process, you know. 

 Although there is formal training for music producers, it's not necessary to have a degree. 

 There are a lot of different ways you can approach it, both with traditional education and courses, and also just real world practice and experience. 

 Before you start laying down tracks, you're going to have to pay your dues. 

 I started as an unpaid intern at a recording studio. You know; sweeping floors, making coffee, running errands. And in exchange for that, they let me sit in on sessions and watch and learn. 

 Doing an internship at a studio might help you land a job, and give you the tools to open your own studio. 

 These days more than ever, more and more producers are putting together their own facilities that they work out of for themselves. 

 Once you have your own studio, you are going to have to have the determination to make it work. 

 It really comes down to how much time and effort you're willing to put into it. 

 Your effort will determine how successful you'll be in this field. 

 You know, you make your own salary and it depends on how hard you're willing to work. It involves networking; you know, getting your name out there, doing good work. And that can help raise your profile. 

 Having passion for music and a strong business sense are just some of the characteristics of a great music producer. 

 Do you have to have a passion and a love for music? 

 Uh-huh. 

 If you have that, you can learn all of the technical stuff. You can learn all of the other stuff that comes with it. 

 Test one, test two; sounds good, Zach. Well, that's a wrap on this career. I'm Nicole Aaron [assumed spelling] for YouniversityTV. We'll catch you later. 

[ Music ]