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Music Theory

Dive deep into learning music theory - the science behind why music sounds good.
FORMAT
ONLINE COURSE
SELF-GUIDED
coming soon!
DURATION
12 weeks
2-3 hrs / week
START DATE
WED. 01.28.26
START TIME
7pm cst
LIVE INSTRUCTION
$150 / month

Early Enrollment Bonuses

Enroll in the course before 12/2 and get the following for FREE!
  • Slam headphone & electronics case*
  • Slam sticker pack
  • 30-minute private lesson
  • Winter ‘26 sample pack
*While supplies last | Limit one per member
3 payments of $150/month | Pay Once: $450

Bonuses Cut on 12/2

Enroll in the course after 12/1 and get the following for FREE!
  • Slam headphone & electronics case
  • Slam sticker pack
  • 30-minute private lesson
  • Winter ‘26 sample pack
3 payments of $150/month | Pay Once: $450

Early Enrollment Bonuses

Enroll in the course before 1/13 and get the following for FREE!
  • Slam headphone & electronics case
  • Slam sticker pack
  • 30-minute private lesson
  • Winter ‘26 sample pack
3 payments of $150/month | Pay Once: $450

Bonuses Cut on 1/13/26

Enroll in the course after 1/12, if seats are still available
  • Slam headphone & electronics case
  • Slam sticker pack
  • 30-minute private lesson
  • Winter ‘26 sample pack
3 payments of $150/month | Pay Once: $450
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LEARN MUSIC THEORY

THE THEORY BEHIND THE NOTES.

In this course, we cover the wide-ranging and in-depth topic of music theory.  We'll be discussing rhythm, from simple yet foundational kick and snare patterns to complex polyrhythms and time signatures.  We'll talk about scales and chords, and how we can use them to influence our harmonies and melodies to make catchy and infectious leads and powerful and moving chord progressions.  We'll even talk about songwriting, and how to implement all of this into our projects to write music that "makes sense" - i.e. we'll be writing good music that both understands the rules of music theory - and breaks it!
Create powerful pieces of music by understanding the rules of music, including:

  • Rhythm, tempo, time signature, polyrhythms, metering
  • Scales, chords, harmonies, melodies, chord progression, and performance techniques
  • Songwriting, song structure, hooks, verses, choruses
Music Theory - live instruction

Upcoming classes

meet your

instructor

michael pendergast

course author & instructor
Michael Pendergast aka MikeRat has been with Slam Academy since 2013, and is now the lead in-person instructor; teaching classes from our flagship Ableton program all the way to Sound Design and Mixing and Mastering. He's also a pillar of the local bass music scene, having played at The Armory, First Ave, and is a resident performer at Infrasound Music Festival. He's an expert in weird, glitched-out, wompy bass, and has been heard on labels like Wormhole and Street Ritual. Mike's approach to both music production and teaching is to lead with his heart, and he places an emphasis on community and camaraderie in the classroom and on the dancefloor. 

Course reviews

"LearnWorlds is the best learning platform I found so far. I was pleasantly surprised with the possibilities."
Walter White
Senior product manager
"LearnWorlds is the best learning platform I found so far. I was pleasantly surprised with the possibilities."
Walter White
Senior product manager

choose your path to mastery

Start with the Slam Academy membership to access the self guided version of this course.
If you would like to take the Live Instruction version of this course, become a member to enroll!

membership

  $100 per month

Perfect for self-paced learners who want to access expert resources, direct support, and community.

  • Full Video Course Library - Learn at your own pace with Self-Guided courses on Ableton Live, Sound Design, Mixing & Mastering, and more

  • Weekly Group Lessons - open format discussions and personalized feedback with our instructors online

  • 24/7 Community Access - Join our private Discord to collaborate, get feedback, and stay inspired

  • Exclusive Discounts - Save on software and hardware, including 40% or more off of the Ableton Live Suite

  • Studio Access (Minneapolis) - Work with pro-level gear in our fully equipped studios

live instruction

 + $150 per month per course
in addition to membership

Ideal for those who want structured learning with hands-on guidance from Ableton Certified Trainers.

  • 12 Week Live Courses - Attend 2-3 hour weekly sessions with expert instructors in small group settings, either online or in-person in Minneapolis
  • Hands-On Learning - Work on real projects with exercises, assignments & live feedback from expert instructors and industry professionals
  • Interactive Classroom Environment - Navigate the curriculum with guidance, ask questions, get real-time feedback, and grow alongside other students
  • Everything Included in Membership - Membership is required for enrollment access to Live Instruction courses
Memberships auto-renew monthly using the payment method on file until canceled by the customer.
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dive in deeper with

Live Instruction courseS

live instruction

 + $150 per month per course
in addition to membership

Ideal for those who want structured learning with hands-on guidance from Ableton Certified Trainers.

  • 12 Week Live Courses - Attend 2-3 hour weekly sessions with expert instructors in small group settings, either online or in-person in Minneapolis
  • Hands-On Learning - Work on real projects with exercises, assignments & live feedback from expert instructors and industry professionals
  • Interactive Classroom Environment - Navigate the curriculum with guidance, ask questions, get real-time feedback, and grow alongside other students
  • Everything Included in Membership - Membership is required for enrollment access to Live Instruction courses