How to Create Beats Online

Professional and amateur music producers can find, download and share music beats on the Internet. Be handsomely rewarded when you join the immense community of music lovers who spend their time creating new beats. Although many beats and sample sites have paid memberships, visit the free sites first to get an introduction to this increasingly popular pastime.

Things You'll Need

• CD, DVD or MP3 player

Instructions

1. Download and try Audacity open source software to remix samples and beats or buy the best audio software that you can afford. This multi-platform software converts tapes and vinyl to digital formats and mixes sound files (see Resources below).

2. Choose free drum beats from popular bands like Aerosmith and the Average White Band from content at Phat Drum Loops. Although the site is not updated frequently, it has many classics that you can add to your repertoire (see Resources below).

3. Get a large variety of loop samples at Sample Craze. Join their mailing list for access to free beats and an ebook about acoustics and music production (see Resources below).

4. Create hip hop beats from sounds available at Funky Remixes. Choose from and download beats contributed by original artists, from Beastie Boys to Zap Mama (see Resources below).

5. Visit the Berklee School of Music’s website at berklee.edu for in-depth production tips. Download free music courses on Production and Technology, Music Education, Arranging and Improvisation. Most courses are available as PDF and MP3 files.

6. Join groups dedicated to different music genres at Make Hit Music. Professional and amateur musicians here always know where to find the latest tunes and tools that you need (see Resources below).

7. Mix your beats on your computer. Create your own website or homepage at social networking sites to introduce your creations to the world. Remember to promote them in online music forums like Make Hit Music.

Tips & Warnings

• Most computers have built-in software to play audio files, but if you plan to mix audio and do sampling, you may need to upgrade your audio software and possibly your audio card.

• Check the copyright yourself before using any beats or samples that you find online.

• Audio files and audio software require a lot of memory and hard drive space.

Resources

• Audacity
• Funky Remixes
• Sample Craze
• Make Hit Music
• Phat Drum Loops