Course Description
This 6 week online course treats Ableton Live as a creative instrument, not just software. Whether you’re new to production or coming back after a break, you’ll build confidence from the ground up.
Instead of diving into music theory, we focus on fluency in Ableton itself: launching clips, building loops, layering sounds, shaping ideas, and structuring your own track. Through live demos, guided practice, and weekly exercises, you’ll learn to actually make music in Ableton even if it’s your first time opening the program.
The course concludes with a short original track, created entirely in Ableton using your own loops, edits, and effects—a tangible milestone showing how far you’ve come.
Dates and Times
Live sessions for this course will meet online via Zoom every Sunday, 1:00PM to 2:30pm EST. Starting March 1st to April 5th, 2026.
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.
On Demand
Registered students will have access to this course throughout its six week duration and for an additional six weeks following completion.
Learning Outcomes
Navigate Ableton Live confidently using both Session and Arrangement Views.
Create original loops using MIDI instruments, Drum Rack, and Simpler.
Edit clips and apply basic effects to shape and personalize their sound.
Arrange a full 1–3 minute track using duplication, automation, and transitions.
Export their finished track using the correct audio settings and file formats.
Use Ableton independently to build and explore musical ideas from scratch.
Course Level
Beginner / Intermediate
On Demand
Registered students will have access to this course throughout its six week duration and for an additional six weeks following completion.
Software Requirements
Ableton Live 12 Standard or later (required).
Ableton Live 11 Standard is acceptable, but students should be aware that some features may differ slightly from Live 12.
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:
Computer (Mac or PC) capable of running Ableton Live 12 Standard or later.
Headphones: Any closed-back headphones for detailed listening (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770, or similar).
Audio Interface (Optional): Recommended for those who want to record external sounds (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Universal Audio Volt 2).
Other Recommendations
External Storage (USB Drive or Cloud Storage) – To back up projects.
Stable internet connection. Required for live Zoom sessions and Ableton updates.
Your Instructor
Kamau Baaqi
Kamau Baaqi is a Detroit-based producer, educator, and digital creator known for blending rhythmic innovation with experimental sound design. With over a decade of performance experience and as a longtime instructor at Underground Music Academy, he teaches Ableton Live through a hands on, loop based approach that builds technical skill and creative confidence. His work has appeared on Submerge Sessions Volume 1, solidifying his place in Detroit’s forward-thinking electronic music scene.
