This 3-month music production course is the foundation for advanced music production courses and sound engineering in India which is structured to build a successful career.
If you're looking for a complete advanced music production course then the Academy recommends the Sound Engineering Course which is a complete music production course in Delhi, India.
Course Curriculum Updated on October 2024 (Academy makes sure each module is updated )
We will start with the detailed overview of music production process and develop a logical terrain of how one should approach his knowledge and skill building systematically from start to finish.
Setting up your music production space by understanding the fundamentals of digital audio concepts such as “Sampling Rate”, “Bit Depth”, “Buffer Size”, Analog to Digital and Digital to analogue Conversion. Understanding how audio interface cater all these needs of music production process and working with digital audio.
Introduction to Digital Audio Workstation and its role in music production process. Understanding its interfaces, setting it up for recording, handling basic tasks like using key commands for easier workflow, what are loops and different types, manipulating and arranging audio and midi apple loops, basics of music arrangement, audio processing, Mixing, balancing and finally exporting your music. Basically getting and idea and starting making music from the first day itself!
Signal Chain : Understanding how audio signal travels in a studio and learning to optimise before capturing it. Learning to recognise and choose the best equipment for your workflow.
Understanding what is mono and stereo signal and learning various microphone techniques to capture the sounds of musical instruments like drums, bass, guitar, violin, saxophone.
Audio Recording: Exploring different ways of recording in DAW such as single track recording, recording in multiple takes mode, punch in and out recordings. Managing the recorded audio files and exploring different recording settings within Logic Pro X & Ableton Live
Audio Editing: Learning to recognise the well recorded audio signal which needs less audio correction/processing and delving into different ways of editing audio in Logic Pro X & Ableton Live. Exploring the different editing tools and learning to edit audio regions with them, learning comp editing, adding fades and cross fades to signal, editing within audio track editor, and Alignment of audio regions.
Understanding what is MIDI, The word MIDI programming, Software Instrument and MIDI Interface. Exploring the power of MIDI and its role in context of producing music. Understanding what are sound patches and how to use them from DAW library, Creating a layered sound patch and mapping a software instrument with external controller.
MIDI Recording: Learning to record midi performances within DAW in different ways. Learning to improvising and recording any musical instrument on the go (MIDI Take Recording). Correcting the timing of a MIDI recording and merging recordings into a single MIDI region. Learning modern methods of making music with advanced software virtual instruments and gradually getting to learn the powerful world of MIDI.
Creating MIDI Regions Manually: Learning to create MIDI notes in piano roll editor. Learning to use external midi information within DAW.
MIDI Editing: Exploring different MIDI Editing tools and learning to edit MIDI data using them. Editing all the different types of MIDI information. Learning to use various midi effects like Arpeggiator, Chord Trigger, Modifier, Note Repeater, Randomizer, Transposer, Velocity Processor and exploring how we can use them creatively during midi programming.
Learning to detect tempo of the recording and set the tempo of the song accordingly, Creating your own apple loops, Tempo changes and curves in a track, Turntable effect on audio, Playing with grooves of the track, Exploring what is varnished, Tuning vocal Recordings, Editing the timing of an audio region.
Learning various tips and tricks to arrange and edit audio and MIDI parts and regions to produce full and fledged track. Learning to copy material to fill in parts, rendering multiple regions, adding and deleting sections, cutting regions to remove silence and noise.
Drum Programming: Learning Various Drum Programming techniques using Logic Pro X drumming technology & Ableton Live. This will allow you to produce organic sounding acoustic and electronic drums and beats.
Learning what is automation and how to record it live, creating and editing it offline, using midi controllers to automate songs and finally exporting a track.
Step Sequencer: Learning how to use Logic’s own pattern based editor. Recording, editing and sequencing steps. Learning Step recording or step editing parameter changes.
Quick Sampler: Using the Logic’s new quick sampler to turn tonal one-shots into instruments. Understanding the three modes, Classic, One-shot and Slice. Learn looping using classic mode. Learning how to chop samples using Slice mode.
Drum Machine Designer: Using the new Drum Machine Designer to create and save drum kits. Learning how to use samples with this plugin. Creating unique sets of fx for individual drum machine elements. Understanding the Drum Machine Designer and Quick Sampler integration.
Learning some extra features and tools of Logic like the Remix Fx performer and Logic Remote. Basic idea about spatial audio and how it is used or edited in Logic Pro.
Introduction To Mixing: Optimising various windows of Logic Pro X & Ableton Live to mix with ease, Learning to use various plugins on audio regions and tracks, Learning to mix various audio tracks with same sonics, learning to level and pan audio tracks in stereo field, learning to use various dynamic processors and time based plugins like EQ, Delay, Reverb, Compressors etc on audio material.
INTRODUCTION
The first class of this course is designed to give the student a customary idea of the DAW. We go over the bare basics of how to get Live up and running and also configure it to work with audio. Students are given in-depth knowledge of using Live’s Browser to accomplish certain functions like importing samples, loops etc. Then the focus shifts to the other panels of Live that will become absolutely imperative in the endeavour of music making. We take a look at a lot of aspects of Live’s Arrangement View where the students will do the most amount of work. Basic Navigation-based information and understanding of the various tools on display are also provided along with getting the students familiar with keyboard shortcuts for working for a much quicker workflow.
RECORDING AUDIO
The second class of the course starts of with the working of imported and recorded audio in Ableton Live. Important concepts integral to the music making process that are on a more technical level is discussed and explained to the students. In terms of recorded audio, we stress on the understanding of analog to digital conversion and vice-versa of sound pressure waves emitted from an arbitrary source. We go over practical examples of recording both in mono and stereo formats and also the use of multitrack recording in Ableton. This class also deals with saving projects in Ableton and Ableton’s intricate project filing system along with a myriad of variables one needs to be aware of while exporting the recorded audio from Ableton 10.
EDITING PROJECTS
This lecture is dedicated towards the understanding of Ableton’s audio editing abilities. We go in-depth on Ableton’s grids, breakpoint envelopes and markers and how to use them efficiently to move around a project and edit various parts of it efficiently. Students are give important tips on project and arrangement organization which is one of the most overlooked aspects for a beginner but extremely important as a professional. Students are given various practical examples often using projects that have been used professionally. Further we learn to unleash more of Ableton’s hidden powers that can be used to correct and manipulate audio into creative sound design elements. Examples are also shown as to how these same tools are used to design the sounds we might be hearing in contemporary music.
RECORDING PRACTICAL
Students are given practical examples from the perspective of having a single-room studio and using their equipment effectively to achieve good quality audio production. We go over practical examples of using gain staging as a method of diagnosing problems in the signal chain and how it essentially affects our signal both externally from the system and internally within the DAW. We also take a look at Signal Flow, Routing, Multi-track Recording, Basic Acoustics of a decent recording room, Mono/Stereo Mic techniques with mono and stereo mics and using them in a professional studio environment.
PROGRAMMING MIDI
This class introduces the students of the academy to MIDI which is central to the production of any contemporary music genres. Students are given key concepts on what MIDI is and how we can use it to our advantage. They are taught the setting up and configuration of their Midi controllers with Ableton Live. They are also taught how to assign custom controls and parameters to their MIDI controllers and input information into the DAW. We also go over the use of Virtual Instruments, popularly known as VST’s, in this class as well, both native and third-party. We learn about the various formats Live 10 supports and also take an in-depth look at Ableton’s Piano Roll. Students are provided with information on programming MIDI effectively so that they can get their musical ideas across along with conserving the CPU of their system which does create an issue for a lot of beginners.
RECORDING MIDI
Class 5 focusses on how the students can use their MIDI controllers to record MIDI notes into the DAW and then manipulating them or correcting them as required. Students are taught how they can overdub using Live and also capture audio that was improvised by them while Live was sitting Idle, making sure they don’t lose any good ideas. We learn how we can use MIDI controllers to morph or modulate various parameters of a sound using its various controls. We also learn to group and layer instruments together to create those of our own. Then the students are taught how we can save and recall their custom saved Presets and use them in multiple projects of their own. Everything is explained with demonstrations consisting of real-world examples, requirements and previously used projects by the teacher.
ROUTING AND ADVANCED SIGNAL FLOW
Probably one of the most overlooked and elusive concept for beginners of Music Production is tackled in this class. This is the concept of Signal Flow. We take an in-depth and behind the scenes look into Live’s signal flow patterns. Practical examples are shown to students as to what happens if our signal flow in flawed and also how to keep their signals neat and clean from input to output. Further the students are demonstrated hoe the signal chains can be carefully routed to manipulate the audio signal to create various effects or just increasing the flexibility of the access to the audio signal. We also take a look at how Ableton Live deals with external signal flow and routing as well. Concepts like parallel processing that are staples to the modern commercial music are explained and demonstrated. Last but not the least, we look at the use of Macros in Ableton Live and how we can assign various parameters to modulate any sound harmonically, as an introduction to MIDI routing as well which is then gradually developed into full understanding of MIDI routing via tracks and instruments in Ableton and how it can help in conversion of a MIDI signal to an audio signal and vie-versa.
AUTOMATION AND FOUNDATIONS OF MIXING
In this class we take a look at the options Live provides for the use of various envelopes to create modulation in various parameters of a sound, Chief among them automation and envelope boxes. Students are given in-depth knowledge on both the programming of and recording of automations into Ableton and how we can edit them efficiently. Following the use of Automation, we take a look at a few very important tools in Ableton Live that cannot be overlooked in anyway if someone wants to be an effective producer which includes a few instruments and especially audio effects and midi effects in Ableton that create a major difference in a producer’s work if used diligently.
Quick Summary : Curriculum of Ableton Live Course
INTRODUCTION
Understanding the DAW layout
How to get Live up and running and also configure it to work with audio.
Using Live’s Browser and exploring functions like importing samples, loops, using colour tags, saving templates, etc
Understanding the Clip/Device View section, the mixer section, the in-out section and the delay compensation section
Understanding various aspects of Live’s Arrangement View
Learning Live’s toolbar and its functions which include looping, setting the BPM, global tempo, follow tempo, Ableton LINK, metronome controls, tap tempo, etc
How navigate in the Arrangement View, zooming hotspot, bar/time rulers
Getting familiar with keyboard shortcuts for working at a much quicker pace.
RECORDING AUDIO
How to set up an audio interface to record signal into the DAW
How set up inputs and outputs on the audio interface and also in the DAW till we can record a signal using a microphone
Understanding the signal flow and analog to digital conversion and vice-versa.
Understanding important concepts like sample rate, bit depth, latency, buffer size, arming tracks, multitrack recording, etc
Learning processes like mono recording, stereo recording, comping, punching in-out etc
Exploring Live’s metronome and input monitoring along with direct monitoring from an audio interface.
EDITING - I
How Ableton deals with selection based editing controls like Cut, Copy, Duplicate, Delete and time based controls like Cut Time, Duplicate Time, Delete Time and Insert Silence.
Learning Ableton’s Grid controls and shortcuts along with topics like fixed grid, adaptive grid, nudging, linking tracks, adding fades, etc
How to set Locators and their application
Exploring various types of samples like one-shots, loops and pre-recorded audio because Ableton has controls that can be customised to handle each of them differently
What is destructive and non-destructive editing and consolidating
How to use Ableton’s envelope section
EDITING - II
How to use Ableton’s warp modes and warp controls
How to use the warp controls for various sound design applications
Learning topics like Time stretching, correcting wrong takes and syncing loops to tempo, pitching samples, gain staging audio, setting clip loop controls, etc
How to use Ableton’s Saving System and Project Organisation system
How to use the file manager for replacing samples, deleting unused files, creating .alp files, etc
using .asd files and .alc files and why they are important
Learning Ableton’s Import/Export controls
How to use Ableton’s Groove Pool and the application of grooves in music production.
MIDI - I
Learning what is MIDI
How setup Ableton to send and receive MIDI information
Setting up a MIDI controller
Understanding note on/off and cc MIDI messages and what they do
Recording MIDI into Ableton
Learning how to comp MIDI takes, how to overdub, how to use capture recording, how to record knob movements on the controller etc.
How to assign MIDI controls to the controller to manipulate various Ableton’s functions also known as MIDI mapping.
Using the Piano Roll
Quantising a performance to correct mistake and also using record quantization to avoid any mistakes in the first place
How to convert Audio to MIdi
MIDI - II
Using Ableton to program MIDI
How to use pointer tool and pencil tool
How to edit Velocity
Exploring Ableton’s chance/probability controls
Learning the MIDI Clip and Tool panels
How to edit a programmed/recorded MIDI performance using cut, copy, paste, duplicate, time handles, double tempo/half tempo controls, reverse and inverse controls, transposition control, velocity randomise control, etc
How to program CC messages in the Envelope section of the clip view. Drawing Pitch Bends, Modulation Wheel changes, expression pedal changes directly into the DAW
How to use MPE or MIDI Polyphonic Expression. Assigning controls to Slide and Pressure
Learning how to program/record MPE
Learning Ableton’s MIDI Fx to alter/enhance performances, correct mistakes, create generative music and draw inspiration
How to slice audio using MIDI to create unique vocal chops or drum breaks
Using MIDI Fx like Arpeggiator, Chord, Scale, Velocity, Note Length among others
Freezing MIDI tracks and its uses
Understanding how Ableton deals with third party plugins
How to install and open a third party plugin in Ableton
Supported plugin formats and plugin location organisation
Ableton Live Essentials
Learning about Ableton’s Racks
Understanding the Instrument Rack and grouping of MIDI instruments for layering purposes
Using Key Zones, Velocity Zones and the Chain Selector
Mapping Macros and creating useful hands-on control over sound
Learning Audio Effect Racks
Creating snapshots to recall settings and using macro randomisation for unique results
Using chain selector to create Dry/Wet chains, Stereo Width Controller and other utilitarian presets for later use
Using MIDI Fx Racks
Creating generative ambiences and soundscapes via MIDI Fx racks
Learning about Ableton’s Drum Racks
Creating custom Drum Racks with samples and plugins
How to use Ableton’s Simpler
Playing tuned samples on the MIDI keyboard
Looping within the Simpler
Using One-shot mode on the simpler
Using the slice mode on the simpler for chopping audio
Routing and Advanced Signal Flow
Understanding Ableton’s internal signal flow for Audio and MIDI tracks
How to set gain-stages for proper signal flow and avoid clipping
Using Ableton’s I/O section like a patchbay
Using Ableton to create summing tracks
Creating parallel processing tracks
How to use Post Mixer, Post Fx and Pre Fx Modes
Grouping tracks for bussing
How to use Return Tracks
How to route signal into return tracks using sends
Running returns in Post vs Pre modes
Automation and Modulation
How to automate parameters in Ableton
Creating automation with the pointer and pencil tools
Editing and trimming Automation using stretch and skew controls
Copying and Duplicating automation to other parameters
Understanding and using features like automation lanes, locking envelopes, re-enable automation, using preset automation curves, etc
Learning how to record automation using stock and third party plugins
Differences between Automation and Modulation
How to work with clip based modulation
Learning how to use region linked and region unlinked modulation
Creating a Basic Mix with Stock Plugins
Understanding the philosophy of mixing
How to prepare projects for mixing
Understanding the three main concepts to use before applying plugins I.e. balancing, editing and panning
Listening for problems and using a reference
Optimising CPU usage for smoother mixing process
Learning how to use EQ8 and it’s functions in different scenarios
Learning plugins that control dynamics, colouration, space and movement of a signal
How to use important plugins like Channel EQ, Auto Filter, Auto Pan, Compressor, Glue Compressor, Hybrid Reverb, Reverb, Delay, Echo, Shifter, Overdrive, Amp and Saturator among many others
How use side-chaining within a mix
How to add ear candy using creative fx like vocoder, resonator, filter delay, grain delay, etc
How to decide when a mix is complete
How to check for clipping and overs
Role of automations in a final Mix
Exporting the final Mixdown properly
SUMMARY OF THE WHOLE COURSE AND REVISION OF PREVIOUS CLASSES.