Electronic Music Production Level II

Composition techniques and basic music theory

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This is the second of 3 courses (Level II) in our beginner Music Production series in Ableton Live. The purpose of this course is to continue exploring the basics of music production by focusing on composition techniques. You’ll learn about programming drums, quantization, and basic music theory such as writing melody, chord progressions, adding a lead part, arpeggiators and many other topics.

You'll learn essential drum programming concepts and common techniques in creating different kinds of beats, including the important parts of any drum beat (kick, snare, and hi-hat) as well as filling in the spaces with various percussive rhythms. The drum programming lessons are divided into the different types of beats - from straight beats and broken beats to half-time beats - to encourage you to learn more about the different tempos and rhythms, and to inspire the creation of your own unique beat patterns. You'll also learn about humanizing programmed drums with different quantization and track delay settings.

After showing you the ins and outs of programming drums, we'll move on to creating melodies. We'll cover the basics of synthesis including ASDR envelopes, LFOs and the Analog Global Parameters. You'll also learn some music theory such as chord progressions, the difference between major and minor chords, and how to add lead lines, chord progressions, and pads that complement not only each other, but the drums and bass tracks.

This is the second level in a 3-part series. Level I got you familiar with the Live interface and working with MIDI instruments and audio material, and Level III will focus on EQ, effects, creative sampling techniques and export settings. After completing these 3 courses you’ll be able to combine all of these elements into making a song.


Your Instructor


Thavius Beck
Thavius Beck

Thavius Beck is an electronic musician, producer and performer that's worked with countless musicians including Nine Inch Nails, Skylar Grey, Saul Williams, The Mars Volta and many more. Thavius is an Ableton Live Certified Trainer and has instructed hundreds of Live students through teaching courses at several music institutes, giving one-on-one lessons and holding dozens of Ableton Live workshops throughout the country.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
If you purchase the course individually, you have lifetime access to the content. If you sign up for a membership, you'll have unlimited access to this course for as long as you keep your membership active.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.