FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC PRODUCTION
FALL SEMESTER COURSES START OCTOBER 14, 2024
This course will equip you with a solid foundation in music theory, composition, and music production. Over 12 weeks, you will explore the fundamental concepts of music, develop your ear, and learn practical skills to bring your musical ideas to life. Each week, you can expect a mix of interactive lessons, ear training, and home exercises that will deepen your understanding and enhance your abilities. Whether you're a beginner with no musical background or a bedroom producer looking to fortify your skills, this course will provide you with the tools, confidence, and core concepts to start making music and excel in our more advanced classes, ensuring your creative process is informed and inspired.
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COURSE TOPICS
Unit 1: Music Theory
- Rhythm
- Simple and complex rhythms
- Creating rhythmic patterns and grooves
- Pitch
- Understanding notes, scales, and intervals
- The major and minor scales
- Harmony
- Introduction to chords and chord progressions
- Voice leading and chord inversions
Unit 2: Composition
- Lead & Harmony
- Crafting lead melodies, motifs, themes
- Call and response, variation, counterpoint
- Song Structure
- Common song structures and song arc
- Developing sections and transitions for dynamic contrast
- Arrangement
- Arranging for different instruments
- Layering sounds and building dynamics
Unit 3: Production
- Production Skills
- Roles, responsibilities, project management, creative vision
- Understanding genre, style, and musical voicings
- Studio Tools
- Drum racks, synthesizers, samplers, traditional instruments
- Audio effects, four dimensions of sound
- Engineering Basics
- Session organization using locators, groups, and labels
- MIDI/Audio, recording, resampling, mixing
FULL CALENDAR - COURSES MEET WEEKLY
ONLY VISIBLE ON LARGE SCREENS - TABLET, LAPTOP, OR DESKTOP
Fall Semester
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Online
Minneapolis
October 15, 2024 - January 14, 2025
October 16, 2024 - January 15, 2025
7-10pm Central
5-8pm Pacific | 1-4am UK
Fridays
Online
October 18, 2024 - January 24, 2025
11am-2pm CT | 5-8pm UK
Winter Semester
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Online
Minneapolis
January 28, 2025 - April 15, 2025
January 29, 2025 - April 16, 2025
7-10pm Central
5-8pm Pacific | 1-4am UK
Spring Semester
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Online
Minneapolis
April 22, 2025 - July 8, 2025
April 23, 2025 - July 9, 2025
7-10pm Central
5-8pm Pacific | 1-4am UK
Summer Semester
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Online
Minneapolis
July 22, 2025 - October 7, 2025
July 23, 2025 - October 8, 2025
7-10pm Central
5-8pm Pacific | 1-4am UK
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
ZACH ZUBE
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Instant access to course materials online
- Exclusive Ableton Certified Training
- 3 hours weekly class time online or in-person
- 12 weeks of in-depth curriculum
- 1-on-1 help guidance from instructors
- Extra lab time available online
- Personalized feedback on your tracks
- Invitation to our private online community
- Check out all the additional member benefits!
What Our Students Have To Say
Joshua Tolund (Motiz)
Motiz was already an experienced producer but wanted to get deeper into effects and sound design.
Mike Rieckenberg (Specks)
After one year, Specks is putting out finished, professional albums. “Slam is like hanging out with your best friend.”
Julie Thoreen
Julie talks about her creative process that she found in the Sound Design Program, and learning to find her sound.
Ben Gardner (Bolo)
Listen to Bolo talk about the resources he had access to as a student at Slam. Ben got from the classroom to the stage in no time.
Maggie Schultesis (Magnetik)
Getting that immediate feedback from instructors and classmates was a highlight for Magnetik during her time in class!
Rex
Rex was looking for a way to build connections while he learned, and a place he could make his own.
Ali Coyle (DJ Ali D)
DJ Ali D had always wanted to learn to DJ, ever since she was a kid. She found Slam and was able to turn that into a reality.
Mike Johnson (Michaelton)
Michaelton came to us after completing a traditional college music education. Hear what he has to say about the differences.
Jacob Butler
Check out student Jacob Butler talking about his experience in the Ableton Program, and his “Break-through A-Ha” moment.
Patrick Caye (Verum)
Check out Verum talking about his musical journey, finding confidence in his skills and a home at Slam Academy.
Renne Knott (Xeela)
After taking our program and learning some workflows and filling in those gaps, Xeela is finishing tunes and growing at a quicker pace!
Jason Soderlund
Jason is a guitar player who came to Sound Design to explore ways to extend his guitar techniques.
Alex (Moonshine)
Moonshine found a sense of community waiting for him on campus when he stepped through the door.
Michael Evalds
Walking in, Michael couldn’t even find the kick and the downbeat. Now he is making amazing tracks in Ableton Live.
Katie (K80)
K80 talks about her experience not even knowing how to open the program all the way to making her first tracks.
PRODUCE
Navigate modern music-making tools with confidence to create your own sound and express your musical ideas.
PERFORM
Share your music with the world. In stage or streaming online, our programs include techniques for live performance.
INDUSTRY
Learn music industry standards, get expert feedback on your tacks, and build connections.
