Production Instruction

DO I NEED ANY FORMAL TRAINING IN PRODUCTION OR ANOTHER INSTRUMENT?

You do not need any formal training in production, music theory, or another instrument. However, having some understanding of instruments is highly recommended. These lessons are created with beginners in mind. I will always be upfront with you if I think my services are no longer necessary for your growth. There may come a day when you surpass me, and in that case, I encourage you to move past my lessons and grow on your own or with others!

 

ARE THE LESSONS A SAFE SPACE TO BE CREATIVE? 

I do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status. Like I said earlier, music is a very personal experience, and I am not here to judge or hinder your creative outlet. This is a safe space to express yourself as long as it does not condone hate speech or hurt others. 

 

ARE THE LESSONS PERSONALIZED? 

I want you to get the most out of your sessions with me. If you already have a good grasp on the topic, we are discussing, or if you need more time with it before moving on, please do not hesitate to let me know! I am here for YOU and your journey as an Artist/Musician. My goal is to personalize the lessons for your situation to get the most out of it. I will not assume anything, but there must be open communication between us. Creating and producing music is a personal experience, so we have to trust each other. Mistakes happen, but we shouldn’t shy away from them because they shed light on improvement areas. It may seem scary to share your progress at first, but we can’t grow if we are unwilling to “fail” and learn from it!  

        

HOW DO LESSONS TYPICALLY WORK? 

This heavily depends on your current production experience, but here’s a general overview of normal lessons. Each week I teach you a new element about production and an assignment prompt. You will take that prompt and create a song or song idea from the new techniques learned. We will also produce covers to enhance your ear and recreate songs. Alongside that, we’ll focus on areas that need sharpening and slowly introduce new exercises that will bring us one step closer to making you a well-rounded artist! (If we need more time on a specific topic, we will do so; I want you to understand the material before moving any further.) After learning some basics, I will ask you for new material that utilizes the tools and techniques we have learned thus far.

 

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• Production Basics

• Ableton Live Fundamentals

• Instrument Racks

• Automation

• Computer Hygiene

• Effects 

• Gain Staging

• MIDI

• Interfacing

• Mixing

• Recording Audio

• Performing

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IS THERE REQUIRED READING? DO I HAVE TO BUY ANYTHING? 

• There is no required reading for this course.

• You must have access to at least Ableton Standard to participate in lessons. Ableton Suite is preferred. 

• If you are interested in another production DAW (Garage Band, Logic, etc.) please inquire for more information. 

• You must have access to a microphone, appropriate cables, and an interface.

• Not Required, But Recommended: access to a MIDI controller or launchpad

• If a score needs to be acquired, it is your responsibility to purchase it.