StudioRCC Ableton Live 12: 10-week beginner course

The Music STUDIO/ Redfern Community Centre present: Ableton Live 12. What you will learn: Week 1 – Getting comfortable Learn Session vs Arrangement View BPM/metronome Saving projects Browser MIDI vs audio Create groups, using colours Practice:   Import drum loops into session view Play and mute tracks on session view Changing BPM Week 2 – drums Learn MIDI editor Quantization Velocity Kick/snare/hat placement Adding drum fills, claps, percussion Using MIDI controller Practice:   Create a Drum Rack  Program a simple kick/snare/hi-hat pattern. Build a 4-bar beat and create two variations. Week 3 – bass, chords & melody Learn MIDI basics MIDI recording and editing Basic Music Theory: Major/minor Simple basslines Chords Arps Practice: Create using MIDI: d rums + bass + chords + melody Week 4 – audio and samples Learn Import audio in session vs arrangement view Cut and move clips Fades Warping and warp modes Changing pitch Looping Optional: Simpler/Sampler Overview Practice: Take one sample and manipulate it  Week 5 – arrangement Using loops to construct a song. Learn: Intro Main section Breakdown Build Outro Removing/adding instruments Basic transitions Challenge: create your first 60 second arrangement. Week 6 – effects Learn the basics of: EQ Eight Auto Filter Compressor Reverb Delay Saturator Exercise: Put each effect on different sounds and listen carefully to what changes. Week 7 — adding vocals Learn the basics of: Recording vocals Adding vocals to session Vocal effects Making vocal chops Exercise: Add vocals to your session Week 8 — mixing Learn: Ableton Mixer Overview Volume balance Panning EQ Compression Sends/returns Automation Challenge: Mix your track Week 9 — finish the track This week is about finishing rather than learning new features. Work on: Arrangement Song structure Automation Transitions, Builds, Drops Challenge: Finish a complete 2–3 minute track. Week 10 — Final mix & export Learn Final level balancing Master channel Limiter WAV vs MP3 Export settings Listen on: Headphones Speakers Phone/laptop Final challenge: Export your first finished Ableton track.