Introduction to Ableton: Music Production Basics

This 12-week introductory course is designed for educators looking to gain hands-on experience with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and integrate music technology into their classrooms. Through project-based learning, students will explore the fundamentals of music creation and audio production using Ableton Live, with flexibility to use any DAW of their choice for assignments.

Each week features a real-world project that builds essential skills, like composing with MIDI individually and in groups, recording and processing vocals for songs and podcasts, and mixing tracks using pre-recorded stems.

Live classes will be held once a week on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 pm online via Zoom and recorded for students who wish to review material or cannot attend in real time.

Topics:

Programming MIDI

• Realism – Using Velocity and the Grid
• Choosing and Swapping Instruments
• Basic Arranging

Exporting Audio + MIDI for Various Purposes

• Working with Others on a Single Project
• Creating Lead Sheets
• AI Production Tools

Vocal Production

• Using Plugins (EQ, Compression, De-Essing, Reverb, etc.)
• Singing + Podcast Vocal
• Microphone Basics
• Loop Recording, Comping, and Editing

Mixing Using Stems

• Using References
• Panning + Setting Levels

Creating Full Track from Start to Finish