Top Books for Electronic Music Production: Essential Guides for Music Producers

February 1, 2025 by Muse Waves Uncategorized

Finding the right books for electronic music production can be hard. One key fact is that the right book can change how you make music. This article lists top books to guide you in making better dance music and sounds.

Let’s start reading.

Essential Guides for Mastering Electronic Music Production

Improve your music production skills with key resources such as The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook, Zen and the Art of Mixing, The Secrets of Dance Music Production, and Music Theory for Computer Musicians. Uncover tips and techniques crafted for electronic music production from these authoritative sources.

The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook (Bobby Owsinski)

“Bobby Owsinski’s “The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook” is an exceptional choice for music producers venturing into electronic dance music. This guide provides valuable insights on generating outstanding mixes using EQ, compressors, and saturation.

Consisting of 260 pages filled with insightful guidance and practical counsel, it is an indispensable manual for those keen on enhancing their mixing abilities. It comes at a cost of £32.12 and is highly advocated for novices, ranking impressively with an average rating of 4.30 from 666 evaluations.

This manual elucidates all a music producer needs to comprehend about mixing in the present digital audio workstation environment. It simplifies convoluted aspects like chord progressions and automation into comprehensible language.

Irrespective of your endeavour, be it composing ambient music or recording tracks for drum and bass or techno, Owsinski’s techniques can expedite your song completion and elevate the quality of your mixes.

Zen and the Art of Mixing (Mixerman)

“Zen and the Art of Mixing” by Mixerman is a book intended for music producers who aspire to enhance their mixing skills. It boasts an average rating of 4.27 from 497 individuals, illustrating its usefulness to many.

The book accentuates the psychological aspects of mixing music, which can be equally significant as mastering your equipment usage. It was issued on 1 Oct. 2010 by Hal Leonard Corporation and has 285 pages.

In this book, Mixerman employs straightforward language to convey profound thoughts on creating exceptional mixes. He goes beyond the mere placement of a microphone or the selection of a button on your mixing desk.

The guide probes the mindset one holds during the mixing process, distinguishing it from other references on sound design and music production methods. If you’re starting with electronic music or an experienced professional looking for revitalising perspectives, it’s recommended to consider this one.

The Secrets of Dance Music Production (David Felton)

David Felton’s book, “The Secrets of Dance Music Production,” is a top pick for producers aiming to master their craft. At 312 pages long, it offers deep insights into making hit tracks for the club scene.

Rated highly at 10/10 by Music Tech Magazine and boasting an average rating of 4.58 from 160 ratings, this guide stands out as a reliable source for learning.

This book comes packed with over 500MB of audio samples and project files, making it not just a read but also a practical toolkit. With its clear advice on arranging melodies and using digital audio workstations like Ableton Live, readers learn through doing.

For $38.00, you get tips on everything from composing electronic music to achieving great mixes in your home studio setup—essential reading for every electronic music producer looking to up their game.

Music Theory for Computer Musicians (Michael Hewitt)

Michael Hewitt’s book, “Music Theory for Computer Musicians,” is highly recommended for music producers desiring to expand their knowledge of music theory in the electronic music genre.

This 336-pages book transforms complicated theories into straightforward concepts, priced at £48.99 and appreciated by its readers with a score of 4.23 from almost 379 ratings. Since its recent update in 2008, it has turned into a mandatory tool for both newcomers and experienced producers.

Comprehension of music theory plays a pivotal role in enhancing your creativity in electronic music production.

This book envelopes all the necessary information related to chords, MIDI, and synthesizers in a digestible language. Producers can acquire the knack of crafting their unique sounds while perfecting the skill of arrangement.

For those desiring to augment their skills and infuse new concepts into their tracks, exploring this thorough guide can certainly assist in accomplishing your goals.

Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers (J Anthony Allen)

J Anthony Allen teaches you music theory in a way that’s easy for electronic music makers to understand. His book, “Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers,” is your guide. You’ll learn how chords work and how to make your tunes catchier.

This book has 288 pages of tips and lessons. It was published by Slam Academy on 24 November 2018.

The first 30 pages are free online, so you can start learning right away without paying anything. Plus, J Anthony Allen knows his stuff because he’s an Ableton-certified trainer. For only £4.67, this book is a steal for anyone looking to improve their music with sound theory knowledge.

Specialised Books for Advanced Techniques

3. Specialised Books for Advanced Techniques: Explore the world of advanced techniques with books crafted to improve your skills and reveal the strategies of electronic music production.

These carefully created resources provide direct experience and strong strategies aimed at uncovering the intricacies of mixing, mastering, and creating original sounds.

74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers (Dennis DeSantis)

Making music can get tough. Sometimes, you hit a wall. Dennis DeSantis knows this. His book, “74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers,” is like a guide through those blocks.

It breaks down the music-making process into three parts: starting, improving, and finishing tunes. This makes it perfect for people at any skill level.

Creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration; it’s about working hard, says Dennis DeSantis. This book gives you the tools to do just that. Priced at £6.99, it has earned an impressive rating of 4.48 from 935 reviews—making it a must-have in your collection of electronic music strategies and production tips.

Dance Music Manual: Tools, Toys, and Techniques (Rick Snoman)

Rick Snoman presents the “Dance Music Manual,” an indispensable guide for those interested in dance music production. With an average ranking of 4.17 from 359 ratings, this book serves as an in-depth guide that covers everything from fundamental principles to advanced methods in creating dance tracks.

Issued by Focal Press with an ISBN of 9780240519159 and priced at £33.99, it assures to be of great value for beginners and experienced producers alike.

This crucial book delves thoroughly into electronic sound creation. It simplifies complicated subjects such as mastering audio, employing digital audio workstations (DAWs), MIDI programming, and more—all modified for the dance genre including house music, techno, dubstep, amongst others.

The book presents straightforward steps to enhance mixing and mastering skills while also sparking creativity within your production process. Whether you’re working with trance or experimenting with two-step garage beats, Rick Snoman’s manual provides you with practical advice and techniques to boost your music creation journey.

Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science (Bob Katz)

Bob Katz’s “Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science” is a comprehensive guide that explores the intricacies of audio mastering. Published by Focal Press, this book boasts an impressive 4.45 average rating based on 537 reviews and spans over 300 pages.

It offers readers detailed guidance on crucial techniques and practical tips, making it an indispensable resource for music producers seeking to elevate their craft.

Katz’s book not only covers mastering techniques but also supports them with educational insights, allowing producers to explore the world of audio production. From editing and mixing secrets to recording techniques, this book provides a tailored approach to enhance one’s production skills with advanced techniques.

With its focus on practical benefits and goal-oriented language, “Mastering Audio” is crafted to reveal the secrets of audio mastery while encouraging readers to aim for specific objectives in their musical journey.

Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio (Mike Senior)

“Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio (Mike Senior)” is a comprehensive guide to music production, offering practical advice for small home studio setups. With an impressive average rating of 4.38 and a total of 985 ratings, this 320-page book published by Focal Press has garnered a high score of 377 among music producers.

The content covers in-depth mixing tips for music producers seeking to refine their craft. Aspiring electronic musicians can benefit from its detailed guidance, making it an essential addition to their collection.

Notably, “Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio” provides valuable insights into audio mixing techniques and mastering processes that are easy to comprehend, ensuring that readers can apply these concepts immediately.

The book serves as an indispensable resource for navigating the intricacies of the constantly changing world of electronic music production.

Books Focusing on Creativity and Workflow

Explore the books centred on igniting creativity and refining your workflow for a more efficient music production journey. To obtain valuable insights, delve into the inner workings of dance music production, uncover innovative strategies for electronic music producers, and delve into the mindset of electronic music production.

These vital resources are crafted to enhance your abilities and enhance your creative output in the electronic music domain.

Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers (Dennis DeSantis)

Dennis DeSantis’s book “Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers” offers practical advice and inspiring ideas tailored for electronic music production. Published by Ableton AG on April 21, 2015, this comprehensive guide spans 271 pages and has received an average rating of 4.48 from a total of 935 ratings.

DeSantis provides detailed strategies to enhance the music production process, making it easy for aspiring producers to unlock their creative potential. Priced at £6.99, this resource is designed to directly benefit music producers looking for more than just basic guidance in the constantly changing world of electronic music production.

With concise content and actionable tips throughout its pages, DeSantis aims to help readers finish songs fast while exploring the intricacies of musical creativity.

The Artist’s Way (Julia Cameron)

“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron is a thorough guide intended to boost creativity and workflow. With 272 pages, this book provides practical advice and techniques for music producers aiming for more than just technical knowledge.

Its goal-driven language motivates readers to establish clear objectives in their music career. Published on 5th November 2020 by Souvenir Press, this educational resource is packed with detailed insights crafted to reveal the secrets of creativity in electronic music production.

Cameron’s authoritative voice positions her as an expert in the field, making “The Artist’s Way” a crucial addition to any producer’s library.

Music Habits – The Mental Game of Electronic Music Production (Jason Timothy)

Music Habits – The Mental Game of Electronic Music Production by Jason Timothy, released on 11th June 2015, covers 238 pages and emphasises the importance of completing songs promptly, conquering procrastination, and improving creative flow.

Available for £7.73 with a file size of 1584 KB, this book aims to offer practical guidance for electronic music producers who want to increase their efficiency and creativity in their work.

The author, Jason Timothy, provides distinctive perspectives on the psychological aspects of music production. With a focus on improving workflow efficiency and overcoming creative obstacles in the dynamic world of electronic music production, this book is an invaluable resource for those seeking to customise their approach in order to achieve specific artistic goals.

Enhancing Your Production Skills with Advanced Techniques

To enhance your production skills, consider mastering self-mastering techniques and utilising advanced tips for headphone mixing and room calibration technology. Focus on essential topics such as EQ, compression, reverb, and sidechain.

The book “Electronic Dance Music Production: The Advanced Guide On How to Produce Music for EDM Producers” offers valuable insights at an accessible price of £9.99 for 94 pages. Delve into this comprehensive guide which covers live sound and a range of other pertinent topics.

By including proven concepts from the book, you can strengthen your music production prowess, revealing the secrets behind nuanced audio engineering solutions to navigate the constantly changing complexities of electronic music production with ease.

Additional Resources for Electronic Music Producers

Here are some additional resources for electronic music producers:

– Discover effective tips and tricks from the Electronic Music Production: The Biggest Mistakes & Tips and Tricks for Successful Club Tracks.

– Explore new aesthetic possibilities in Curtis Roads’ book, Composing Electronic Music: A New Style.

These resources will provide further insights into electronic music production, offering valuable knowledge that can enhance your skills.

Electronic Music Production: The Biggest Mistakes & Tips and Tricks for Successful Club Tracks

When creating electronic music, steer clear of the common mistake of overcomplicating your tracks. Keep it straightforward by concentrating on a strong melody and solid rhythm. Make certain to balance your mix properly to avoid any one element from overpowering the others.

Employ sidechain compression to generate space for kick drums in your mixes, providing them with room to breathe.

For successful club tracks, bear in mind that energy is vital. Employ effects like risers and impacts strategically to build tension and release throughout the track. Assure that every sound has a purpose in propelling the momentum forward, keeping listeners engaged and moving on the dance floor.

Composing Electronic Music: A New Aesthetic (Curtis Roads)

Curtis Roads’ ‘Composing Electronic Music: A New Aesthetic’ offers a fresh approach to electronic music composition. This comprehensive guide spans 512 pages and features a new theoretical framework backed by over 150 sound examples on its companion website.

Published by Oxford University Press, this book presents advanced techniques and enhances production skills for music producers seeking more than just the basics. Emphasising creativity and workflow, it delves into the complexities of electronic music production while providing practical benefits tailored towards mastering audio, mixing secrets, and live sound.

The innovative vocabulary introduced in this book supports the ever-evolving realm of electronic music. With an authoritative tone, readers can expect to unveil the secrets within the world of EDM production as they embrace advanced techniques outlined meticulously throughout its pages.

From Chord (music) arrangements to robust sampling methods, ‘Composing Electronic Music: A New Aesthetic’ provides a strategic roadmap for navigating the fast-paced world of electronic music composition.

Electronic Dance Music Production: The Advanced Guide On How to Produce Music for EDM Producers

Looking for advanced knowledge on music production tailored to EDM? “Electronic Dance Music Production: The Advanced Guide On How to Produce Music for EDM Producers” is a comprehensive resource aimed specifically at EDM producers.

Published by Fortune Publishing on 7th September 2019, this 98-page guide covers a wide range of topics from live sound and sound front to back. It includes extra resources crafted to enhance your skill set, making it an excellent guide for those who wish to go beyond the basics in electronic music production.

Furthermore, this book surpasses the basics with specialised techniques focused on mastering audio, mixing secrets for the small studio, and creativity workflow tips. If you want first-hand experience learning everything about music production without repeatedly delving into complexities – this is undoubtedly the book that supports the ever-evolving needs of today’s dynamic world of Electronic Dance Music Production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, excelling in electronic music production necessitates direction from experienced professionals. These highly regarded books encapsulate fundamental methods and sophisticated approaches for producers aiming to improve their skills.

From inventive workflow to mastering audio, these resources cover a variety of ideas and tools vital in the constantly changing realm of electronic music production. By immersing themselves in these books, producers can unveil the strategies of successful music creation while acquiring direct insights from industry experts.