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Sound Design 1

Learn to create your own original sounds that match the sounds in your imagination.
FORMAT
IN-PERSON COURSE
SELF-GUIDED
included with membership
DURATION
12 weeks
2-3 hrs / week
START DATE
TUES. 7.22.25
START TIME
7pm cst
LIVE INSTRUCTION
$150 / month
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LEARN SOUND DESIGN 1

WHO NEEDS PRESETS?

In this course, you will learn how the original synthesizer designs are still used today to create basses, leads, sound FX, percussion, and more.

The best way to find your own style is to make your own sounds! Take this course to make it happen.
Start building your own unique sound palette and stop relying on presets:

  • Craft bass, lead, and string sounds using analog modeled synthesis
  • Design metallic percussion, drums, and leads using FM Synthesis
  • Build your own complex. multi-instrument patches using Instrument Racks
  • Start making your own songs out of your own sounds!
SOUND DESIGN 1 - live instruction

Upcoming classes

meet your

instructors

Michael pendergast, mikerat

Instructor
MikeRat has been with Slam since 2013, and is now a lead instructor. He's a pillar of the local bass music scene, having played at The Armory, First Ave, and Infrasound. Mike's approach to music production and teaching is to lead with his heart, placing an emphasis on community and camaraderie in the classroom and on the dancefloor. 

james patrick

course author
James Patrick was one of the first Ableton Certified Trainers in the world, helping pilot the trainer program in 2008, and has been a leader among Ableton educators. Since starting Slam Academy in 2012, he has taken on private clients from around the world that range from beginners to some of the most prolific musicians of our time. 

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
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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