Ableton Live Advanced Course

COURSE FEATURES

Product Focused:

This course is focused towards producing one or more quality tracks through the learning process, plus creating a well-developed User Library of sounds, instruments & preset devices that can be used many times over in future.

We will put our already established skills to creative use, while also experiencing the true power of Ableton Live – opening many doorways towards powerful new topics & tools.

Students will work towards a well-developed, refined and completed product – and a huge upgrade of skills & creative processes to walk away with.

Weekly check-ins & creative feedback:

Each student has the option of sending through their work for coaching mid-week, which includes email Q&A to answer any questions and provide direct feedback on works in progress.

3-hour classes:

This longer format facilitates more hands-on, deeper learning, with smaller classes capped at 7 students also facilitating more 1:1 time between teacher and individual students.

COURSE CONTENT AND OUTLINE

This is a comprehensive course that covers production, performance, and sound design techniques in Ableton Live, including:

Workflow upgrades:

• Making use of the User Library to build & re-use your toolkit by storing your best instruments, effects racks and samples
• Creating Default Sets & Template Sets to smooth your creative process
• Setting up Default Tracks with preset Channel Strips
• Re-working + upgrading default Send & Return effects tracks
• Improving & streamlining Workflow through a specific topic compartmentalisation process

Advanced Sampling:

• Using Simpler and Sampler to trigger, layer and loop
• Isolating basslines through granular synthesis in Sampler
• Cutting and chopping in Simpler
• Creating entire beats / tracks via creative manipulation of samples
• Generating confidence in creating your own samples

Advanced Sound Design:

• Creating powerful subs and basses
• Introduction to Ableton Live’s inbuilt Synths
• Complex layering and instrument rack design
• Multi-band instruments
• Deep EQ, effects chains, and automation to create life in new instruments
• Deeper exploration of using ‘space’ in music
• Using Live’s Groove Pool – bring rhythms + grooves to life with swing & syncopation

Instrument Racks:

• Chain Selectors + creative instrument layering
• Design of your own unique instruments
• Macros + complex Macro Mapping
• Macro Variations
• Sample selection devices (e.g., kick/snare selectors)
• Slice to MIDI and creating drum racks from existing samples

Advanced Audio Effects:

• Elaborated use of Sends/Returns
• Further developing your own unique effects chains
• Chain Selectors + custom Effect Racks
• Multi-band compression
• Parallel compression

Advanced clip editing/launching:

• Follow Actions – Automated clip launching in Session View
• Legato mode for interesting Follow Actions setups
• Dummy clips for triggering automated effects envelopes
• Deeper clip envelope editing – creating effects progressions & mixer automation through clips

Advanced Mixing:

• Advanced sidechain techniques
• ‘Space’ in music and exploring spatial effects: A key to bringing music to life
• Exploration of frequency masking and how to clear space for clean mixes
• Creative automation, demonstration of Max For Live devices
• Understanding mastering chains

Performance in Ableton Live:

• Preparing songs for live performance
• Configuring effects racks for live performance use
• Session/Arrangement hybrid performance
• MIDI instrument control and innovation
• How all of this can be very useful for composition and arrangement

Course requirements: Enthusiasm and excitement, your own computer with a working version of Ableton Live 12 Suite installed and running, a computer mouse, and a quality pair of headphones.

I will be providing the group with a robust sample pack for us to create with. Feel free to bring any MIDI controllers that you would like to play with or learn how to use.

NOTE:

THIS COURSE USUALLY REACHES CAPACITY – With limited capacity of 7 students, It is recommended to book early and secure your place, as groups fill up nearly every time.

PAYMENT PLANS are available at checkout via PayPal Pay-in-4, Afterpay, and Klarna. Please get in touch if these options aren’t suitable for you, and we can discuss additional private payment plan options.

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS:

• A $300 early booking discount is available for those who wish to book immediately (two $300 discount spots available).

THIS IS AN ACTION PACKED, INTENSIVE COURSE – Prepare to be challenged, and get ready to learn a complete pathway towards producing your own music. This course is a significant level up from the Beginners Course – yet it is designed to be accessible for those who applied themselves during the Beginners program.

The Advanced Course is an intensive fast-track boot-camp that pushes you towards a high level of skill within Ableton Live.

This course includes necessary homework between each class, which will help you lock in your new skills, ready for the following session. Aim to put aside another 3 hours each week for homework, and you’ll be just fine! A comprehensive follow-up email is provided after each session, featuring class recap and tutorial videos to help you learn in your own time at home.

ARRIVAL TIME – 12:45pm set up for a 1pm sharp start each session. Due to the robust nature of this course, classes must start on time in order for all content to be covered each session.

LOCATION: Classes are held at The Sned Shed, 36 Norfolk Court, Coburg North.

REFERRAL DISCOUNTS – If you have a friend who would like to take part, and successfully registers – you get $50 cash back from your course fees. Get a friend involved! Learning as a team is a whole lot of fun. Please contact me to arrange your referral.

CATCH-UP SESSIONS: If you are unable to make a particular class, discounted 90 minute 1:1 private catch-up sessions are available for current course participants, either online or in-person. Rates: 1st catch-up session for $60 (half price), further sessions $90 each.

Feel free to contact me at any time with any questions about the course – and if you would like an in-person chat before booking, you are most welcome to visit my Coburg North studio for a free 30-minute consultation.

Booking Terms:

• Course fees, deposits, and pre-payments are 100% NON-refundable and non-transferable.
• Course fees cannot be transferred to future 1:1 private sessions.
• Course tickets are only valid for the course dates specified in the course you have booked.
• Tickets are transferable (re-sellable) to another user if the course has sold out, subject to a $20 AUD administrative fee.
• Classes may be postponed by up to 14 days from the originally advertised date. In such cases, rescheduled classes will be offered at no additional cost.
• This event requires a minimum number of participants to proceed. In the unlikely case of cancellation due to low numbers, your fees will be refunded.
• Location for group venues may be subject to late notice change. Classes will always be held at various venues on rotation within the inner-north suburbs, so please be sure that you are able to reach the following areas: Fitzroy/Northcote/Preston/Brunswick/Coburg/Thornbury.

Terms of Service