Introduction to Music Production using Ableton Live

Topics

• Provide a strong conceptual foundation and technical skill set when using Ableton Live and comfort using common Digital Audio Workstation interfaces, with emphasis on producing original music using a variety of setups, troubleshooting, and listening to/discussing other students’ tracks using musical vocabulary.
• Create at least 4 dynamic and thoughtful tracks in Ableton from start to finish using any combination of recorded audio and MIDI clips. These tracks will demonstrate progressively advanced production techniques within the style(s) of music that students are interested in. Demonstrate an increased awareness and use of musical terminology when discussing their own and other students’ tracks, based on an overview of relevant music theory concepts (writing chord progressions, rhythm and syncopation exercises). Set up and check from start to finish an Ableton Live session using their personal setup (could include analog/MIDI devices, microphones, acoustic instruments) or if none of the above, a setup with built in microphone and laptop MIDI keyboard. This includes recording and editing MIDI and Audio clips in both Session and Arrangement view while understanding the differences between them. Select a microphone (from a given list) to use in various recording contexts (which are based on the student setups in the class). If no fellow student setups allow, common recording studio contexts (i.e. 5 piece band, acoustic duo). Understand and apply basic mixing and mastering techniques and plugins available in Ableton, including but not limited to: compression, EQ, delay, and reverb and the use of return tracks.

Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes