Class 1: Pro Tools Basics

This is an introduction to Pro Tools, its history, design and operating philosophy. This class will set the foundation for the rest of the 8 week course..

1. What is Pro Tools

2. The Edit Window

3. The Mix Window

4. Navigation in Pro Tools

5. The Pro Tools Menus and Preferences

Class 2: Recording in Pro Tools 

This class provides the essential information for recording into Pro Tools. You will learn valuable tips and tricks for recording and organizing your performances.

1. Working With Tracks

2. Managing Hardware, Inputs and Outputs

3. Using the Record Modes

4. Recording Audio and MIDI

5. Managing Takes and Playlists

Class 3: Editing in Pro Tools Part 1 

This is the first of 3 editing classes and primarily focusses on the Edit Modes and Edit Tools. All other editing in Pro Tools is based on these fundamental settings.

1. Non Destructive Editing

2. The Edit Modes

3. The Edit Tools

4. Cross-Fades, Fade-Ins and Fade-Outs

5. Working With Edit Groups

Class 4: Editing in Pro Tools Part 2

This class covers the enormous number of editing features built into Pro Tools that are either hidden in menus or work best by shortcuts.

1. The Edit Menu

2. The Clip (Region) Menu

3. The Clip (Region) List

4. Editing Shortcuts

5. Preserving Edits

Class 5: Editing Pro Tools Part 3 

This class covers the power of Elastic Audio and how to completely transform the way you work with performances. It will also cover the powerful tools of Beat Detective and Sound Replacer.

1. Elastic Audio Plugins

2. Editing With Elastic Audio

3. Tempo Mapping

4. Beat Detective

5. Sound Replacer

Class 6: Mixing in Pro Tools Part 1 

Mixing is one of the great strengths of Pro Tools. This class covers the foundational principles of the Pro Tools mix system.

1. Mixing in Pro Tools

2. Levels, Pan and Routing

3. Using Inserts and Plugins

4. Using Sends and Effects

5. Mix Groups and Master Faders

Class 7: Mixing in Pro Tools Part 2 

This class dives into all forms of automation in Pro Tools including the automation of plugins, sends, groups, and the master fader.

1. Pro Tools Automation Basics

2. Automation Modes

3. Writing Automation

4. Automating Plugins and Effects

5. Editing Automation Data

Class 8: Mixing Pro Tools Part 3 

The last of the 3 automation classes deals with all of the technical issues of managing automation, playback of audio files and plugin buffers. This is essential information for getting the most juice out of your computer. In the end you will learn how to print your mix.

1. Managing Buffers for Audio and Plugins

2. Automation Preferences

3. Managing Plugin Latency

4. Bounce to Disk…

5. Final Thoughts…

CLASS 1: Home Studio Basics

These lessons get you started by helping you to understand how the gear you work with functions in the studio.

1. Equipment Basics – Hard Drives

2. Equipment Basics – Audio Interfaces

3. Equipment Basics – Microphones

4. Equipment Basics – Speakers and Headphones

CLASS 2: Home Studio Design

This class will teach you how to set up and tune your studio for recording and mixing.

1. Building A Recording Studio

2. Studio Setup and Configuration

3. Monitoring – Speakers and Headphones

4. Understanding Your Hardware and Software

CLASS 3: Basic Recording Techniques 

Now that your studio is set up and tuned in, it is time to learn some recording techniques.

1. Basic Acoustics for Recording

2. Microphone Techniques

3. Using External Gear

4. Recording Signal Flow

5. Recording Session Preparation

CLASS 4: Recording Software 

This class focusses on recording software and how it works. The lessons taught here apply to any recording software application.

1. Managing Recording Sessions and Songs

2. Recording Software Signal Flow

3. Recording and Organizing Performances

4. Using Click Tracks and Managing Latency

5. Using Samples and Software Instruments

CLASS 5: Editing and Plugins

The lessons in this class focus on non-destructive editing and processing with plugins.

1. Audio Files and Regions

2. Basics of Editing Audio

3. Editing Midi and Software Instruments

4. Pitch Correction and Plugin Processing

5. Preserving Your Edits

CLASS 6: Mixing in the Home Studio

Once your song is recorded and edited to your satisfaction, it is time to mix. This class will focus on simple, practical mixing techniques and how to apply them.

1. Setting Up a Mix

2. Levels, Panning and Subtractive EQ

3. Compression and Additive EQ

4. Effects Processing Techniques

5. Automation and Printing the Final Mix

CLASS 1: Basics of Sound and Recording Studios

1. Basic Acoustics

2. Recording Studio Design

3. Recording Studio Setup and Configuration

4. Monitoring – Speakers and Headphones

5. Recording Studio Equipment

CLASS 2: Microphones and Miking Techniques

1. What is a Microphone

2. Types of Mics

3. Polar Patterns and Settings

4. Selecting the Right Microphone

5. Miking Techniques (Mono and Stereo)

CLASS 3: Audio Hardware and Signal Flow

1. Patchbays, Cabling and Connectors

2. Mic Preamps

3. Recording Consoles

4. Compressors and Equalizers

5. Routing Audio (Signal-Flow)

6. Recording Devices and Audio Interfaces

CLASS 4: Basic Recording Techniques

1. Recording Drums and Percussion

2. Recording Bass, Guitars and Keyboards

3. Recording Acoustic Instruments

4. Recording Vocals

5. Working With Click Tracks

CLASS 5: Recording Software

1. Recording Software Basics

2. Creating and Managing Songs

3. Recording Audio

4. Recording MIDI

5. Managing Latency

CLASS 6: Recording and Layering Performances

1. Organizing a Recording Session

2. Headphone Mixes and Communications

3. Managing Performances

4. Layering Performances (Overdubbing)

5. Using Loops and Software Instruments

CLASS 7: Editing Audio and MIDI

1. Audio Files and Regions

2. Basic Editing Tools

3. Editing Drums and Instruments

4. Editing Vocals and Pitch Correction

5. Editing MIDI

CLASS 8: Mixing Audio

1. Preparing a Song for Mixing

2. Levels, Panning and Subtractive EQ

3. Compression and Additive EQ

4. Effects Processing

5. Automation and Printing the Final Mix

CLASS 9: Mastering Audio

1. The Mastering Process

2. Mastering Software

3. Mastering for CD

4. Processing Techniques for Mastering

5. Exporting the Final Master

CLASS 10: How to Make a Living Producing Music

• Understanding the Modern Music Industry
• Defining Your Passion and Setting Goals
• Honing Your Music Production Skills
• Making Connections and Promoting Yourself
• Making the Most of Opportunities
• Making Money Producing Music

Class 1: The Music Production Process

Becoming a successful music producer is a 2 step process of understanding what a modern music producer is and what they are responsible for. Then you will need to do an honest evaluation of your skills and weaknesses so that you can build a compatible team of people to work with.

• Defining the Music Producer

• The Many Roles of a Music Producer

• Evaluating Your Skills

• Collaborating With Others

• BIZ of MP: Getting Started as a Music Producer

Class 2: Creating a Music Production

This class discusses the varied approaches used in the modern music production process. Every style of music offers unique challenges, but all of them follow a similar process in creating the final production.

• The Music Production Process: Step by Step

• Lyric First Productions

• Music First Productions

• Remixing Productions

• BIZ of MP: Who Owns the “Song”

Class 3: Evaluating the Song and Artist

Until there is a song, there is nothing to produce! Hence, this is the best place to start in the music production process because it is the foundation of all the decisions you will make as the producer. These lessons are about the producer’s perspective in evaluating songs and and the artists that will be performing them.

• Evaluating an Artist

• Evaluating the Song

• Melody and Song Structure

• Designing the Right Music Production

• BIZ of MP: Spec Deals vs. Work for Hire

 Class 4: Building the Production

Regardless of the style, a song must be carefully built so that each part and performance has a clearly defined role and purpose in the production. This is critical to prevent over-producing a song or losing the direction and meaning of the song.

• Production Mapping

• Defining a Musical Style

• Selecting Sounds & Defining Roles

• Every Part and Performance Matters!

• BIZ of MP: Music Production Contracts

Class 5: Preventing Common Music Production Problems

Every music production will run into obstacles and problems that need to be solved. Some of these issues are creative, some technical, some practical and some legal. This section discusses the most common issues and how to solve or prevent them.

• Production Lacks Excitement

• Production is Taking Too Long

• Creative Conflicts

• Lost My Objectivity

• BIZ of MP: Renegotiating Contracts

Class 6: Producing Recordings and Editing

Working on your own is one thing, producing other people is completely another. Learning how to manage personalities and get great results is one of the most powerful and important skills of a music producer.

• Producing With Programmers

• Producing Musicians

• Producing Vocals

• Editing and Pitch Correction

• BIZ of MP: Negotiating Rates and Royalties

Class 7: Producing the Mix and Mastering

These lessons cover the Producer’s role in the mixing and mastering process. This is, by far, the most stressful and difficult part of the production process because it involves the most skill for all involved. Because Mixing and Mastering are the final stages of the music production process, the decisions are final. Making sure you get the results you are looking for is the subject of these lessons.

• Are You Ready to Mix?

• Mixing Production Techniques

• Mastering Production Techniques

• Moving on…

• BIZ of MP: Building Business Relationships

Class 8: Selling Your Music Production Work

What good is all of this work unless someone hears it! This section discusses how to get your music out to the world for public consumption. Ultimately, no matter how talented, a producer’s success and reputation revolves around the success of their production work. In the BIZ of MP sales talk and BS walks…

• Marketing Strategies

• Distribution Outlets

• Publishing Companies

• Record Companies

• BIZ of MP: Building a Reputation

Class 1: Music Business Basics 

In this section, you will learn the basics of the music industry and how it has developed over the decades. This provides the perspective necessary to take advantage of current industry trends.

1. Brief History of Music Biz
2. The Modern Music Industry
3. Music Business Basics
4. Where Does the Money Come From?
5. Where Do You Fit In?

Class 2: Becoming an Entrepreneur 

Freeing yourself of the “JOB” mindset is critical to building a successful career. In this class you will learn how to apply your creative energy into building a business. To be successful you must learn how to be the leader of your own career.

1. Becoming an Entrepreneur
2. Erasing the ‘JOB’ Mindset 
3. Regaining Your Independence
4. Establishing a Business Plan
5. Investing In Yourself

Class 3: Getting Started – The Career Building Plan

All the skills in the world are meaningless unless people know who you are and what you are capable of. This class focusses on establishing the Career Building Plan you will use get your career started and established quickly.

1. The Career Building Plan
2. Building a Foundation
3. Being Consistent and Persistent
4. Developing Your Skills
5. Opportunities Are Everywhere!

Class 4: Finding Clients

No matter where you live, if you were capable of finding this website, you are capable of finding clients throughout the world. Living in a small town or a very competitive local industry is no longer an excuse for not establishing a career.

1. Techniques for Finding Clients
2. Establishing a Web Presence
3. Establishing A Local Presence
4. The Psychology of Sales
5. Following up on Leads

Class 5: Developing a Client Base

This class focusses on developing the skills and strategies necessary to attract and establish clients. You will learn communication skills, networking skills, and how to sell your services.

1. Networking 101
2. Maintaining Clients
3. Establishing a Personal Connection
4. Getting Recommendations
5. NEVER Beg for Work

Class 6: Building a Reputation

This is where the quality of your work will shine. The only business card you will ever need is the work you perform for others. Make sure people know who you are, what you are capable of, and how to find you.

1. Developing Your Skills
2. Delivering Quality Work
3. Self Promotion
4. Online Promotion
5. Achieving Balance

Class 7: Money, Money, Money

What you charge for your services is based on the demand for your services. In this class you will learn how to always set rates from a position of power. Establishing demand is the key to raising your rates. You will also learn money management skills and how to invest in yourself.

1. Understanding the Money Cycle
2. Establishing & Negotiating Rates
3. DBA versus Incorporation
4. Lawyers, Guns and Money
5. Managing Your Money

Class 8: Adapting To Industry Trends

Sustained success in the music industry is all about your ability to adapt to the sometimes rapid changes that occur. The industry has always run in cycles. In this class you will learn how to look for the meaningful industry trends and adapt to them quickly.

1. The Music Industry Cycle
2. Following Music Industry Trends
3. Following Technology Trends
4. The Consumer Leads the Industry
5. Think Big Be Big