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Make Music from Anywhere

A Guide on How to Make Music on a Laptop

man working hard - How to Make Music on a Laptop
man working hard - How to Make Music on a Laptop
man working hard - How to Make Music on a Laptop

January 31st, 2025

Arib Khan

Every aspiring musician faces an overwhelming challenge when starting: how to make digital music. With so many tools and software programs available, it can be challenging to know where to begin. You're not alone if you’ve recently decided to make music on a laptop!

Many musicians like you now record, edit, and produce music on their computers instead of relying on traditional instruments and recording studios. This guide will guide you through making music on a laptop, give tips on choosing the right software, and offer some helpful, practical advice to get you started.

Musicfy’s AI voice generator is one tool to consider as you learn how to make digital music on a laptop. This tool can help you create professional-sounding music tracks quickly. You won’t believe how easy it is to get started with this program.

If you can't wait to use Musicfy's Free AI Voice Generator, you can try out 1000+ celebrity voices, like:

You can use all of these voices and 1000+ more for free today on create.musicfy.lol!

Table Of Contents

Is It Possible to Create Professional Music on a Laptop?


person making a music video - How to Make Music on a Laptop


Once upon a time, music production was an expensive endeavor. If you wanted to record music in a professional environment, you'd need to book time at a studio laden with gear such as mixing consoles, multi-track recorders, and synthesizers. Thanks to technological advancements, that environment can fit inside your laptop.

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and AI-powered music generators have digitally replicated most of the tools found in traditional studios, enabling anyone with a computer to produce music of professional quality in the comfort of their home. Not only has this shift made music production more accessible and affordable, but it has also democratized the practice. Now, artists in genres such as pop, hip-hop, lo-fi, and EDM produce entire tracks on laptops using software tools and plugins without relying on traditional instruments or studios. 

The Benefits of Making Music on a Laptop


Like other forms of digital production, making music on a laptop has several advantages.  Here are some of the most notable benefits: 

Accessibility


You don’t need a recording studio or physical instruments. As long as you have reliable software and hardware, you can produce music from home, on a plane, or in a coffee shop.

Cost Efficiency


Traditional music production setups can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Laptop-based production allows you to access affordable or even free tools, including AI-powered platforms like Musicfy, to create beats, instrumentals, and vocals without purchasing expensive gear. 

Versatility


With a laptop, you can explore any genre of music, from hip-hop and trap to classical orchestration and ambient electronic tracks. Modern DAWs and plugins provide various instruments, sound effects, and synthesizers, allowing creative freedom. 

AI Integration


AI tools have simplified complex tasks like beat-making, melody composition, and vocal generation. For example, Musicfy offers features like: 

  • AI voice cloning for custom vocals.

  • Text-to-music generation allows users to describe a musical style and have the whole song generated within seconds.

  • Voice-to-instrument technology, which converts vocal sounds into real instruments. 

These innovations drastically reduce the time it takes to generate ideas and complete projects.

Essential Components for Making Music on a Laptop


Even though music creation on a laptop is accessible, you'll still need a few essential components to produce high-quality tracks. Here's what you should prioritize: 

1. A Reliable Laptop


Your laptop is the core of your production setup. Ideally, you should have a device with:

  • A fast processor (e.g., Intel Core i7 or M1/M2 chip for Apple users).

  • At least 16 GB of RAM for smooth performance. 

  • Ample storage space (500 GB or more), especially for large audio projects.

  • High-quality audio drivers or an external audio interface compatibility for improved sound quality. 

If your laptop has lower specs, you may still be able to produce music, but you might experience lag or crashes when working with many audio tracks or plugins. 

2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software


A DAW is essential for recording, editing, arranging, and mixing music. Popular options include: 

  • FL Studio: Known for its intuitive interface and focus on electronic and hip-hop production.

  • Ableton Live: Popular among electronic music producers for its loop-based composition and live performance capabilities.

  • GarageBand (Mac users): A beginner-friendly option pre-installed on Apple devices.

  • Logic Pro X: An advanced DAW with professional-grade composing, editing, and mixing tools. 

Many DAWs also integrate AI-powered tools like Musicfy to assist with automated beat-making, instrument generation, and vocal synthesis. 

3. AI Music Tools (Optional but Powerful)


While traditional DAWs allow manual music production, AI tools like Musicfy streamline the process by providing automated composition features. These tools are handy for: 

  • Creating full instrumentals from text prompts.

  • Generating custom vocals without recording. 

  • Turning simple vocal ideas into polished instrument sounds. 

AI platforms can help beginners overcome creative blocks by generating inspiration and speeding up the production workflow. 

4. Plugins and Sound Libraries


You’ll need virtual instruments and effect plugins to expand your sound palette. Common types include: 

  • Synth plugins (e.g., Serum, Massive) for electronic sounds. 

  • Drum kits and loops for beat-making. 

  • Reverb, delay, and EQ plugins to enhance sound quality during mixing. 

Some DAWs include built-in plugins, while others allow integration with third-party tools. 

5. (Optional) Hardware Accessories


Although you can create music entirely with software, hardware accessories can enhance your creative process. These include: 

  • MIDI Controllers: Devices with keys or pads to help you play melodies and drum patterns more intuitively. 

  • Studio Headphones or Monitors: These are used for accurate sound monitoring during mixing. 

  • Audio Interfaces: Improve sound quality and enable external audio recording (e.g., vocals or live instruments). 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them


While laptop-based music production is robust, beginners may encounter technical issues, creative blocks, or poor sound quality. Here’s how to address these issues: 

1. Technical Performance Issues


Running multiple tracks and plugins can cause lag or crashes, especially on lower-end laptops. 

  • Solution: Use lighter plugins or freeze tracks (temporarily converting them to audio to reduce processing load). Ensure your laptop is optimized by closing unnecessary applications. 

2. Creative Blocks


It’s common to feel stuck when trying to compose a song. 

  • Solution: Use AI music tools like Musicfy to generate beats, melodies, or full tracks based on your creative vision. Experiment with random sound combinations or remix AI-generated material to spark new ideas. 

3. Sound Quality Issues


If you’re using low-quality headphones or speakers, poor sound quality during mixing may occur. 

  • Solution: Use studio headphones or monitors designed for accurate sound reproduction. Reference your mix against professionally produced tracks to identify problem areas. 

Related Reading


How to Make Music Online
How to Start Making Music with No Experience
How to Make Music Without Instruments
How Does Music Production Work
• Tips for Mixing Music
• Tips for Successful Online Music Creation
• Benefits of Creating Music Online
• Challenges of Creating Music Online
• Make Music on Your Phone
• Music Production Equipment

Complete Step-by-Step Guide On How To Use Musicfy's AI Voice Generator


Just a reminder, if you can't wait and are eager to use Musicfy's Free Spongebob AI Voice Generator, you can try out our free Spongebob Squarepants AI voice generator, and 100+ more celebrity voices and popular voices on create.musicfy.lol for free right now!

Video Guide


Written Guide

1. Download An Audio File or Find A Youtube Link For A Song That You Want To Use for A Voice Over or An AI Song Cover

2. Go To Create.musicfy.lol

You will land on this page

Musicfy's jschlatt ai voice generator


3. Upload Your Audio File

You can upload the audio file, or you can upload a Youtube link

Upload Audio File:
Musicfy's jschlatt ai voice generator
Upload Youtube Link:
Musicfy's jschlatt ai voice generatorMusicfy's jschlatt ai voice generator


4. Optional: Click 'Advanced Settings' To Customize Your Remix

Musicfy's jschlatt ai voice generatorMusicfy's jschlatt ai voice generator


5. Choose The Artist That You Want To Use For The Cover

Let your imagination run wild - the possibilities are unbounded ⬇️

Musicfy's jschlatt ai voice generatorMusicfy's jschlatt ai voice generator


6. Click the 'Generate' button

Musicfy's jschlatt ai voice generatorMusicfy's jschlatt ai voice generator


7. Click 'Download' and You're Set To Go!

8. Post On Socials and Go Viral 🚀

Let us know if you have any questions. We're always happy to help the next generation of innovators in this space. 

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Essential Tools and Software for Laptop Music Production


man editing video - How to Make Music on a Laptop


1. Digital Audio Workstations: The Hub of Your Music Production


A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is the core software used to compose, arrange, record, edit, and mix music. It provides a graphical interface with multiple audio and MIDI tracks, plugins, and virtual instruments. 

Key Functions of a DAW


  • Recording: Capture vocals or live instruments using your laptop’s audio input or an external microphone. 

  • MIDI Editing: Input and edit digital musical data for software instruments. 

  • Arrangement: Organize your music into sections (e.g., intro, verse, chorus, bridge). 

  • Mixing: Balance levels, add effects (reverb, delay, compression), and enhance sound clarity. 

  • Exporting: Render your project into a final audio file (e.g., MP3, WAV). 

Popular DAWs to Consider


  • FL Studio: Known for its easy-to-use sequencer and focus on electronic, trap, and hip-hop production. Offers a large selection of stock instruments and effects to get started immediately. Ideal for producers who prefer drag-and-drop workflow. 

  • Ableton Live: Excellent for electronic music and live performances. Features a session view, allowing you to build songs using loops and clips. Preferred by DJs and electronic music producers for its real-time manipulation capabilities. 

  • Logic Pro X: A professional-grade DAW exclusive to macOS users. Provides advanced tools for orchestral composition, audio editing, and mixing. Comes with a comprehensive library of sounds, including drums, synths, and sampled instruments. 

  • GarageBand: A beginner-friendly DAW available for macOS users. Simple interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to start producing music. It is ideal for hobbyists and newcomers who want a free option with basic capabilities.

2. AI Music Tools: Creative Automation for Beginners


AI-powered platforms like Musicfy can dramatically speed production by automating beat-making, vocal generation, and instrument synthesis tasks. These tools are handy for beginners, solo artists, or anyone experiencing creative blocks. 

Key Features of AI Music Tools


  • Text-to-Music Generation: Describe the type of music you want (e.g., "a cinematic orchestral piece with dramatic violins and soft piano"), and AI will create the whole track, including instrumentals and arrangement. This saves hours of manual composition and helps users quickly prototype ideas. 

  • AI Voice Generator: Clone or generate custom AI vocals, eliminating the need to record your vocals. Great for users who don’t have access to professional singers or recording equipment. 

  • Voice-to-Instrument Technology: Hum, sing or beatbox a melody, and the AI will convert it into a real instrument (e.g., guitar, piano, strings). Perfect for those who aren’t skilled instrumentalists but have musical ideas they want to express. 

Example Workflow with Musicfy


Use text-to-music AI to create a beat and melody. Generate a custom vocal using the AI voice generator. Convert a hummed melody into a realistic guitar sound with voice-to-instrument technology. 

3. Plugins and Virtual Instruments: Expanding Your Sound Palette


While DAWs come with built-in instruments and effects, plugins allow you to expand your sonic possibilities. Plugins can be virtual instruments or audio effects in various formats (VST, AU, AAX). 

Types of Plugins


  • Virtual Instruments: Simulate real instruments (e.g., pianos, guitars, drums) or create synthetic sounds. Standard plugins include Serum (synthesizer), Kontakt (sample library), and Addictive Drums (drum kit). 

  • Effects Plugins: Enhance or modify the sound with effects like reverb, delay, chorus, distortion, and EQ. Examples include FabFilter Pro-Q (EQ) and Valhalla Room (reverb). 

  • MIDI Plugins: Help generate musical patterns such as arpeggios, chord progressions, and melodies. Useful for inspiration when creating complex compositions. 

4. Sound Libraries and Sample Packs: Pre-recorded Audio Assets


Sound libraries and sample packs provide pre-recorded audio files (loops, one-shots, stems) that can be imported into your DAW. These are especially valuable for drum loops, vocal chops, and ambient textures. 

Benefits of Using Sound Libraries


  • Quick Inspiration: Drag-and-drop loops to jumpstart your creative process. 

  • Professional Quality: Industry professionals record Many sample packs, ensuring high-quality sound. 

  • Genre-Specific Resources: Find packs tailored to specific genres like EDM, hip-hop, or lo-fi. 

Popular sources for sound libraries include:


  • Splice: A subscription service offering a massive collection of royalty-free samples. 

  • Loopmasters: Provides genre-specific packs for electronic and urban music. 

  • Cymatics: Known for producing premium sound design packs and presets.

5. Hardware Accessories: Optional but Helpful


Although a laptop can handle all music production tasks digitally, adding hardware accessories can improve your workflow and creative control. 

Recommended Hardware


  • MIDI Controller: A device with keys, pads, or knobs that allows you to control your DAW in real-time. It helps you play melodies, create drum patterns, and adjust parameters more intuitively. 

  • Studio Headphones or Monitors: Provides accurate sound reproduction, crucial for mixing and mastering. Avoid using regular consumer headphones, which often color the sound. 

  • Audio Interface: Improves audio quality by providing high-fidelity input and output. It helps record external instruments or vocals with low latency. 

Musicfy: Your Personal AI Music Generator


Musicfy is an AI music generator. The tool enables you to create your voice clone; you can make AI music with AI voices so that your song is free from being copyrighted—with zero royalties.  Musicfy uses a custom AI model that combines two different voices to create a unique voice that no other human has. This protects Musicfy users from copyright laws. The most prominent feature is text-to-music.

It enables you to describe a style of music and instrumentals and use AI to create the entire song in seconds—from voice to beat to everything that makes up a song! Musicfy also has a flagship feature that allows you to create the sound of an instrument with your voice. This voice-to-instrument tool lets you create the sound of a guitar and get the exact guitar sound created for you in seconds

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Music on a Laptop


man making professional music - How to Make Music on a Laptop


Step 1: Get Your Song Together


Before you start working on your DAW, get your song together. This means brainstorming your genre, mood, and structure. What’s the story or emotion you want to convey? For example, a melancholic ballad might have a slow tempo and soft piano, while a high-energy EDM track will require a faster beat and punchy synths. It also helps to plan the different sections of your song. Reference tracks similar to what you want to create can also inspire your arrangement and sound design.

Step 2: Create a Beat


An intense beat is the foundation of many genres, especially hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. You can create beats manually or use AI tools like Musicfy to generate them automatically. Here’s how to make a beat manually: Open your DAW and create a new drum track. Use a drum sequencer to add kick, snare, and hi-hat patterns.

To create a dynamic rhythm, experiment with layering percussion, such as claps, shakers, or cymbals. Adjust the tempo to match your song’s energy (e.g., 120 BPM for house music, 80 BPM for lo-fi). With Musicfy, you can describe the type of beat you want, and the AI will create it for you. 

Step 3: Add Instrumental Elements


Next, build your song’s melody, harmony, and bassline using virtual instruments or AI-generated sounds. With Musicfy, you can generate full instrumental tracks based on a description. 

Example prompt


“Create a dreamy ambient track with a soft piano melody and string accompaniment.”

The AI will generate multiple instrument layers, which you can mix and arrange. If you’re uncomfortable playing instruments, you can sing or hum a melody, and Musicfy’s AI will convert it into an instrument. 

Step 4: Add Vocals (Optional)


If your song requires vocals, you can record them or use AI-generated vocals. With Musicfy’s AI voice generator, you create custom vocals without recording. Choose a voice model or create a voice clone. Type the lyrics and specify the vocal style (e.g., soft, energetic, emotional). AI generates the vocal track, which you can adjust for tone, pitch, and timing. 

Step 5: Arrange and Structure the Song


Once you have your beat, instrumentals, and vocals, it’s time to arrange the song in your DAW. Start with the intro to set the mood. Build the chorus by adding more elements (e.g., drums, synths). Add breakdowns or bridges to create contrast and variation. Use automation to control volume, panning, and effects throughout the track.

Step 6: Mix and Master the Track


Mixing ensures that all elements sound balanced while mastering prepares the final track for distribution. 

Mixing techniques


Use EQ to adjust frequencies and prevent clashing sounds. Apply compression to control dynamic range and make the track more cohesive. Add reverb and delay to create depth and atmosphere. 

Mastering steps


Use a limiter to increase the overall loudness without distortion. Apply final EQ adjustments to enhance clarity and brightness. 

Step 7: Export and Share Your Music


Once the song is complete, export it and share it with your audience. You can upload to Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. You can share clips on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. You can join platforms like Bandcamp or Reddit music forums to get feedback. 

Musicfy: The AI Tool That Lets You Create Your Unique Music from Scratch, Free From Copyright Issues 


Musicfy is an AI music generator. The tool enables you to create your voice clone; you can make AI music with AI voices so that your song is free from being copyrighted—with zero royalties.  Musicfy uses a custom AI model that combines two different voices to create a unique voice that no other human has. This protects Musicfy users from copyright laws. The most prominent feature is text-to-music.

It enables you to describe a style of music and instrumentals and use AI to create the entire song in seconds—from voice to beat to everything that makes up a song! Musicfy also has a flagship feature that allows you to create the sound of an instrument with your voice. This voice-to-instrument tool lets you create the sound of a guitar and get the exact guitar sound created for you in seconds

Create Viral Music In Seconds For Free with Musicfy's AI Music Generator


Musicfy is a powerful AI music generator that enables you to create music from scratch easily. The tool allows you to make your voice clone. You can create AI music with AI voices so that your song is free from copyright and has zero royalties. Musicfy uses a custom AI model that combines two different voices to create a unique voice that no other human has. This protects Musicfy users from copyright laws.

The platform’s biggest feature? Text-to-music. This groundbreaking tool enables you to describe a style of music and instrumentals and use AI to create the entire song in seconds - from voice to beat to everything that makes up a song! Musicfy also has a flagship feature that allows you to create the sound of an instrument with your voice (instrument voice - create the sound of a guitar and get the exact guitar sound created for you in seconds)!

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Arib Khan
Arib Khan

Author

Arib Khan, Founder of Musicfy

Arib Khan has been featured on Business Insider, VICE, and more. His passion and drive to help musicians is unbounded. He is on a mission to help anyone, from all walks of life, to create music with ease using AI.

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