Ableton Live: Foundations of Creative Electronic Music with Kamau Baaqi
EARLY100
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.
Duration: 6 Weeks
Dates and Times:
Live sessions for this course will meet online via Zoom every Sunday, 1:00PM to 2:45PM 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
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.
Instructor:
Kamau Baaqi
Instructor Bio:
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.
Course Description Short:
Lyrical Landscaping connects lyric writing to the body, helping you write from a more present, embodied place where language, rhythm, and emotion work together.
Instead of treating writing as purely technical or abstract, you learn to develop lyrics through felt experience, consistent practice, and creative awareness, so ideas can take shape more naturally and intentionally.
By the end of the course, you have a clearer voice and a more grounded way of turning embodied ideas into complete lyrical work.
Course Description One Line:
Connect lyric writing to the body and shape what you feel into language, expression, and song.
Duration:
6 Weeks
Dates and Times:
Live sessions for this course will meet online via Zoom every Saturday 3:00pm to 5:00pm ET from June 6th to July 11th, 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:
Write original lyrics in your own voice conveying a story or theme
Better identify what draws you to certain lyrics and song
Use foundational songwriting structures including hooks, verses and bridges to amplify songs
Strengthen your connection between your mind and body to express yourself through word
Develop & refine lyrics through intentional listening, thoughtful comparison, critique and writing practices
Course Level:
All levels; Beginner friendly
Experience Requirements:
No experience needed but an open mind is required. Lyricists come in many forms but one thing they all have in common is an interest in expressing themselves through word. Musicians and producers who are interested in songwriting or working with vocalists are encouraged to attend to strengthen their connection between instrumentals and lyrics.
Software and Equipment Needed:
Document-drafting software (Google Docs, Notes, Microsoft Word)
Pen and paper
Instructor:
SassyBlack
UMA Cancellation & Refund Policy
Enrollment & Payment
Enrollment is confirmed once payment is received. By registering for a course, workshop, or program, students agree to this cancellation and refund policy.
Course Refund Policy (Live Online Classes)
1. Partial Refund (A): A partial refund of 70% is available if the refund request is offered to those who submit a request 5 days before the course's designated start date.
2. Partial Refund (B): A partial refund of 40% is available if the refund request is initiated within 5 days after the course start date.
3. Refunds: No refunds will be issued after 5 days from the designated start date of the course.
4. Course Cancellation: If the course is canceled by the school, a pro- rated refund will be issued for classes that have not transpired.