COURSE LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate
PRICE: $499 USD
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.
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.
DATES & TIMES:
Weekly on Sunday from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (EST USA)
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.
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).
COURSE TYPE: Specialized Skill
Instructed by individuals or organizations, that can offer skill-building in specialized techniques or equipment.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Navigate Ableton Live – Understand Session and Arrangement Views, tracks, and key functions.
Program Drum Patterns – Create dynamic beats using Drum Rack, quantization, swing, and velocity.
Compose Melodies & Harmonies – Use MIDI instruments, scales, and arpeggiators to craft musical ideas.
Arrange a Track – Structure loops into full compositions with intros, breakdowns, and transitions.
Use Automation & Effects – Apply volume fades, filter sweeps, and effects for movement and depth.
Shape a Unique Sound – Experiment with layering, MIDI effects, and creative sound manipulation.
Mix for Clarity – Balance levels, EQ elements, and apply reverb/delay for a polished sound.
Showcase a Final Track – Present a completed project and articulate creative choices.
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.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
External Storage (USB Drive or Cloud Storage) – To back up projects.
Stable Internet Connection – Required for live remote sessions and Ableton updates.