UNDERGROUND MUSIC
ACADEMY
DETROIT BASED MUSIC ACADEMY
REGISTER NOW FOR UMA'S ONLINE SPRING SEMESTER 2025
March 24 - May 16, 2025
The moment you've been waiting for is here: we're thrilled to announce our Spring online courses launching in March 2025!
Each class is 1.5 hrs, once a week, for 8 weeks total. This allows high impact, so that you can fully focus during class time and have time to practice and build your skillset throughout the week.
REGISTRATION STARTS NOW
On a first come first serve basis for our online courses. Don't miss your chance to amplify your sound and elevate your craft with us!
Ableton 101
Sundays at 1PM EST USA
ONLINE SPRING COURSES 2025
Modular Synthesis 101
Saturdays at 12PM EST USA
The Details Matter
Wednesdays at 1PM EST USA
Wednesdays at 6:30PM EST USA
Alchemy of the DJ
INSTRUCTOR:
FESS GRANDIOSE
In an industry that prizes pigeonholes, Fess Grandiose brings something new to the industry: versatility. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he began as a MC at 17. Now Fess is a triple threat: an MC, DJ, and producer. From the lyrics, to production, down to the scratching, Fess holds complete control of his music. He prides himself on passionately staying true to hip-hop while soulfully adding his own personal inspirations--classic rock, funk, electronica. DJing his own set while performing along side live drums and keys are just part of the repertoire that sets him apart.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Eurorack Modular 101 is an introductory course designed for electronic music producers and DJs eager to explore the fascinating world of modular synthesis.
This course provides foundational knowledge of modular synthesizers, covering essential building blocks such as audio sources, modifiers, and control voltage (CV) sources. Students will also gain insights into the history of synthesis, including East Coast and West Coast approaches, and the contributions of Black synthesists.
Utilizing VCV Rack, a powerful and accessible software, participants will design and simulate modular systems in a virtual environment. They'll learn to develop creative patches and sequences using advanced synthesis techniques and complete a final project showcasing a full modular system paired with a melodic sequence.
With the Eurorack industry growing rapidly and becoming a pivotal part of music technology, this course bridges the gap for underrepresented yet passionate audiences in the space. By equipping students with the skills and knowledge to engage with modular synthesis, this course inspires creativity while fostering inclusion in this exciting sector of music production.
MODULAR SYNTHESIS 101
HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:
In this course students are required to have VCV Rack 2 or higher installed on their personal computer of choice.
Rack 2 System Requirements
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Windows 7+, macOS 10.9+, or Linux (such as Ubuntu 16.04+)
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CPU: Intel/AMD 64-bit processor (x64) supporting SSE4.2 (2011 or later), or Apple M1 (ARM64) or higher
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Graphics: Dedicated Nvidia/AMD graphics card from 2013 or later with recent driver update
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Integrated (non-dedicated) graphics such as Intel HD are not recommended and may cause significantly increased CPU usage.
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Memory: 1 GB
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Disk space: 1 GB
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DAW plugin features and requirements (Rack Pro only)
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Plugin compatibility: VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, and CLAP
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Up to 16 audio input/output channels, MIDI input/output, parameter automation
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Supported DAWs: Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, Reaper, Mixbus, Studio One, Cakewalk, Logic Pro, and GarageBand
Other DAWs may run Rack but are unsupported by VCV.
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*VCV Rack Pro is included in the course fee
DATES & TIMES:
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Saturday, 12PM EST USA
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Schedules are subject to change. Changes to the schedule will be communicated to students in a timely manner by the instructor or one of UMA’s team members.
COURSE TYPE: Specialized Skill: Instructed by individuals or organizations, that can offer skill-building in specialized techniques or equipment. ​
COURSE LEVEL:
Beginner - Intermediate
PRICE: $549 USD with Software Included*
LEARNING OUTCOME: Upon completing this course, students will demonstrate an expanded understanding of electronic music history and its relationship to their practice, while learning strategies to support their creative process and development.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:
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Computer
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Near Field Monitors and/or Headphones
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This 8-week hands-on course introduces the fundamentals of electronic music production using Ableton Live, with a focus on creativity, community, and accessibility. Designed for aspiring producers of all levels, students will explore drum programming, melody composition, arrangement, automation, and mixing—all using just a computer keyboard and Ableton Live.
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Through guided exercises, peer collaboration, and personalized feedback, students will develop their own unique sound and complete a fully arranged track by the end of the course. Drawing inspiration from Detroit’s rich legacy in electronic music, this class fosters both technical skills and artistic expression in a supportive learning environment.
INSTRUCTOR: KAMAU BAAQI
ABLETON 101
Kamau Baaqi is a Detroit-born electronic music producer with over a decade of experience. He has performed on Boiler Room, MixMag, and global stages, crafting a distinct style that blends deep sonic exploration with the evolving landscapes of electronic music.
His work reflects a strong connection to the genre’s history, pushing boundaries through rhythmic innovation and experimental sound design.
DATES & TIMES:
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Weekly on Sunday from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (EST USA)
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Schedules are subject to change. Changes to the schedule will be communicated to students in a timely manner by the instructor or one of UMA’s team members.
​LEARNING OUTCOME: Upon completing this course, students will demonstrate an expanded understanding of electronic music history and its relationship to their practice, while learning strategies to support their creative process and development.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
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Navigate Ableton Live – Understand Session and Arrangement Views, tracks, and key functions.
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Program Drum Patterns – Create dynamic beats using Drum Rack, quantization, swing, and velocity.
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Compose Melodies & Harmonies – Use MIDI instruments, scales, and arpeggiators to craft musical ideas.
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Arrange a Track – Structure loops into full compositions with intros, breakdowns, and transitions.
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Use Automation & Effects – Apply volume fades, filter sweeps, and effects for movement and depth.
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Shape a Unique Sound – Experiment with layering, MIDI effects, and creative sound manipulation.
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Mix for Clarity – Balance levels, EQ elements, and apply reverb/delay for a polished sound.
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Showcase a Final Track – Present a completed project and articulate creative choices.​
COURSE TYPE: Specialized Skill
Instructed by individuals or organizations, that can offer skill-building in specialized techniques or equipment.
COURSE LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:
​​The course is designed to be fully accessible using only a laptop keyboard, but students who want a more hands-on experience can use additional equipment:
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Computer (Mac or PC) capable of running Ableton Live 12 Standard or later.
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Headphones: Any closed-back headphones for detailed listening (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770, or similar).
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Audio Interface (Optional): Recommended for those who want to record external sounds (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Universal Audio Volt 2).
PRICE: $499 USD
HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:
- Ableton Live 12 Standard or later (required).
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Ableton Live 11 Standard is acceptable, but students should be aware that some features may differ slightly from Live 12.
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OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
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External Storage (USB Drive or Cloud Storage) – To back up projects.
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Stable Internet Connection – Required for live remote sessions and Ableton updates.
ALCHEMY OF THE DJ
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This intensive eight-week course exists to introduce students to the art and alchemy of DJ performance. It will illustrate how a working knowledge of music history, technical DJ skill, psychology, and intuition can all translate to creating unification of community through the power of music.
Students will leave with a working development of their inner voice as a DJ and a general comprehension of their personal style and intention when performing, as well as a comprehension of "reading the crowd" responsibilities, and capabilities of the disc jockey profession as a conduit for social change.
INSTRUCTOR: RIMARKABLE
Detroit native, Rimarkable, is a DJ, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. She lit up the stage with world stars such as George Clinton, Madonna, and Erykah Badu, as well as legendary DJ colleagues Louie Vega, Honey Dijon, Todd Edwards, Francois K, Pete Tong, and Roger Sanchez.
Rimarkable is known for her unwavering knowledge of where electronic music comes from and where it is going. Alongside her multi-hyphenate musicianship, Rimarkable is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU-Tisch in the Clive Davis Institute where she teaches the younger minds about ’The Alchemy Of DJing’.
Quite literally a party starter, she’s produced several successful, long-running events in New York, Detroit, and the Bay Area over the past 20+ years. In early 2021, Rimarkable signed with UK house music institution Defected, including the Defected Music publishing arm, and stepped up as a presenter for the weekly Defected Radio show. Rimarkable currently spends her time between Detroit and NYC.
DATES & TIMES:
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Class Meeting Time: Wednesday, 6:30pm - 8:00pm EST USA
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Schedules are subject to change. Changes to the schedule will be communicated to students in a timely manner by the instructor or one of UMA’s team members.
LEARNING OUTCOME: Upon completion of this course, students will have reliably demonstrated an understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications of these concepts as related to their creative process or practice.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this course, students will:
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Have gained knowledge of the history of the DJ.
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Have an increased awareness of the interconnectedness of several genres of music, current and past.
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Have a working knowledge of the current trends and standard in DJ equipment, with the ability to utilize and troubleshoot any DJ equipment in most environments.
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Gain hands-on familiarity with various DJ techniques, specifically: performing under pressure, programming, beat matching, beat counting, blending, phrasing, and an introduction to harmonic mixing.
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Have a developed awareness of their inner voice as a DJ. The student will have a general idea of their personal style and intention when performing.
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COURSE LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate
COURSE TYPE: Special Topic / Instructed by individuals who can offer a dynamic exchange of skill-building and experimental theory/pedagogy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:
• (1) 8GB+ USB Flash Drive
• Laptop capable of running Serato and Rekordbox
• At minimum, DJ Controller with jog wheel (Brand not important, but practice is! Also
must be compatible with Serato)
PRICE: $499 USD
Please note that this course is not a basic "How to be a DJ" class and will not provide extensive technical training. While it introduces essential operating skills and fun aspects of DJing, the focus is on exploring the psycho-intuitive relationship between the DJ and the dance floor, rather than in-depth technical instruction. Students seeking additional support with technical skills are welcome to attend scheduled office hours.​
HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
THE DETAILS MATTER
INSTRUCTOR: COFLO
COURSE LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate​
PRICE: $499 USD
Coflo brings a true dancer's touch to house music. A lifelong student of American house dance and the Afro-Brazilian martial art Capoeira, he brings decades of movement experience into his musical creations. Their musical expression aims to create full-body sonic experiences, inspiring and instigating creative movement and elevating the dancer's response as its own true artform.
Coflo's original productions and remixes can be found on many staple house music imprints, such as Osunlade's Yoruba Records, Ocha Records, Joe Claussell and Ron Trent's Sacred Medicine, Local Talk, and many more. Coflo has had numerous #1singles including a remix on Nervous Records for the maestro Louie Vega's "How He Works."
His passion and energy for the arts is relentless as he remains forever a student, learning and growing with each passing year.
Post Production Methodology, Finalizing Your Song For The Club
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:
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Computer
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Near Field Monitors and/or Headphones
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is taught by Coflo, an esteemed producer and dancer, and explores the fundamental principles of post-production, aiming to give students a proper methodology for finalizing the details of their music. Students will explore key concepts as they pertain specifically to post-production use cases, such as frequency masking, subtractive EQing, multi-band compression, side-chain compression, stereo image control, gain staging, parallel processing, gluing, limiting, saturation and coloring. Through a combination of existing project studies, group discussions, hands-on exercises and project feedback, students will find new approaches to sculpting their sound so that their songs and ideas will translate more accurately and with better results on large PA systems found in nightclubs and festival stages. This course will not only explore technical concepts but also creative problem-solving, so that the student’s creative choices in their songs are never compromised for what is “technically correct”.
DATES & TIMES:
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Class Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 1PM EST USA
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Schedules are subject to change. Changes to the schedule will be communicated to students in a timely manner by the instructor or one of UMA’s team members.
LEARNING OUTCOME: Upon completion of this course, students will have reliably demonstrated the ability to utilize specialized techniques, equipment, and software.
SOFTWARE/PLUGIN REQUIREMENTS:
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DAW (i.e. Logic, Ableton etc..)
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Multi-band EQ with Spectrum Analyzer (all modern DAWs come with this)
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Multiband Compressor with sidechain capabilities (This one is free , not a compressor but dynamic EQ and give similar behaviors - https://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-nova/)
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Glue Compressor (wide-single band compressor) (most DAWs have this built in, but many free available)
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Saturator/Excitor (most DAWs have them included, but also MANY free plugins available)
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Correlation Meter (phase correlation, most DAWs have one included)(this one is free: https://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone-imager.html)
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Image/Stereo Widener/Stereo Width Controller (most DAW’s have one of these included).
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Utility tool with Mono/Stereo switch (most DAWs have one included)
COURSE TYPE: Specialized Skill
Instructed by individuals or organizations, that can offer skill-building in specialized techniques or equipment.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Creating Balance and Space​
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Students will learn to apply frequency masking and subtractive EQ techniques to create clarity and separation between different elements in their mix.
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Students will demonstrate the ability to control the stereo image and use gain staging to balance the levels of different tracks.
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Students will engage in hands-on exercises to practice parallel processing and understand its impact on creating space in a mix.
Creating Consistency​
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Students will explore the use of multi-band compression and side-chain compression to achieve consistent dynamics across their productions.
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Students will participate in group discussions to identify and address common consistency issues in existing project studies.
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Students will develop skills in gluing techniques to ensure a cohesive and unified sound throughout their tracks.
Creating Power and Feeling​
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Students will experiment with limiting, saturation, and coloring to enhance the energy and emotional impact of their productions.
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Students will receive project feedback to refine their approach to creating powerful and emotive soundscapes.
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Students will understand how to use creative problem-solving to maintain the emotional integrity of their music without sacrificing technical precision.
Listening and Finalizing​
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Students will practice critical listening skills to identify areas for improvement in their mixes.
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Students will learn finalization techniques to ensure their productions translate well on large PA systems, such as those found in nightclubs and festival stages.
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Students will complete hands-on exercises to apply final adjustments and polish their tracks for professional release.
HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Don’t miss out on the chance to join us on this educational journey.
Secure your spot today and take the first step towards securing your spot in these UMA courses today!
If you have more questions about our Online Spring Semester, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on our About Page.
For further inquiries, please email us at info@undergroundmusicacademy.com
