Lecture: 2 hours/week
Lab: 2 hours/week
In this course, students will participate in lectures and demonstrations, working alongside the instructor, in the large studio or Technology Lab. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These can be done in the lab, the studio or at home.
Getting Started with Ableton Live
- An overview of Ableton Live
- Ableton Live's user interface
- Introduction to the arrangement view
- The aesthetics of music production
- Music production analysis
Exploring the Session View
- An introduction to the session view
- Launching individual clips in the session view
- Launching clips from tracks and rows
- Key and MIDI map mode
Song Production, Part 1: Introduction and A Section
- Developing a song production (first steps)
- Adding clips (creating an intro scene)
- Audio clip properties
- Adding and modifying clips (creating a second scene)
- Clip launch programming
Song Production, Part 2: B Section, Variation and End
- New song sections
- Creating the breakdown section
- Variation of A Section
- The ending
- Clip envelopes
- Creative clip envelope editing
Song Production, Part 3: Adding Effects
- Effect processing in Ableton Live
- Setting up effects
- Determining where effects are needed
- Effects as inserts
- Effects on return tracks
- Creative possibilities using built-in effects
Song Production, Part 4: The Arrangement View
- Session view recording to the arrangement view
- Using locators
- Editing in the arrangement view
Song Production, Part 5: Creating a Vocal Track and Mixdown
- Adding a vocal sample
- Mix automation
- Rendering a mix
- MP3 file format
Creating an Original Ableton Live Production, Part 1: Establishing Style
- The production process
- Designing parts
- Working with MIDI
- Using Ableton Live's software instruments
- Making beats
- Importing and editing samples to create customized drum libraries
- Slicing
Creating an Original Ableton Live Production, Part 2: Developing the Groove
- Instrument racks
- Creating a groove
- Developing a song section
- Using the session view to develop a song section
- Building a scratch vocal
- Higher fidelity audio
Creating an Original Ableton Live Production, Part 3: Expanding the Sound Palette/Perfecting Musical Parts
- Expanding the sound palette
- Designing sounds
- Sound sources
- Submixes
- Finalizing musical elements
Creating an Original Ableton Live Production, Part 4: Advanced Techniques
- Advanced drum programming techniques (audio and MIDI)
- Sample manipulation in Ableton Live: chopping, editing, warping / timestretching, pitch shifting, and rearranging samples in Ableton Live to create a new musical piece
- Utilizing KONTAKT for sampling and sound design: slicing drums and sampling, micro sampling, granular synthesis, ADSR (attack, decay, sustain, release), using effects in KONTAKT, etc.
- Recording and creating a customized sample patch in KONTAKT: utilizing the Map Editor, the Group Editor and effects in order to create a customized sample patch instrument in KONTAKT
- Advanced synthesis and sound design: creating advanced instruments using synthesis; kick drum, percussive instruments, bass guitar, organ, lead, etc.
Creating An Original Ableton Live Production, Part 5: Song Arrangement and Mix
- Song form
- Developing the arrangement
- Refining the arrangement
- The aesthetics of mixing
- Mixing the production
Other Uses for Ableton Live
- Remix production
- Video production
- Stage performance
- The Akai APC40
- MAX for Ableton Live
The Basics and History of DJing and Turntablism (Scratching, Beat Juggling and Mixing)
- Serato DJ Pro and how to use the software to DJ a set
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Navigate and operate Ableton Live independently, including setting up projects and managing basic configurations;
- Create and manipulate clips for live performance and composition;
- Produce a complete song within a specified structure;
- Create an original Ableton Live production, establishing a musical style, developing rhythmic and harmonic grooves, expanding the sound palette, refining musical parts and incorporating vocals;
- Arrange the song and complete a professional mix;
- Use Ableton Live for live performance setups, sound design and creative experimentation;
- Follow ethical practices that align with UNDRIP Article 63 when working with Indigenous content and peoples;
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of AI-based music-making tools.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
The following is an example evaluation scheme:
| Tests or assignments (minimum of 2) | 30% |
| Midterm Project | 25% |
| Final Project | 35% |
| Professionalism | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work.
Instructors may use a student's record of attendance and/or level of active participation as part of the student's graded performance. Expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.
This is a letter-graded course.
No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.
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