Course Overview

This course is designed to take students from the fundamentals of music production to an advanced, professional level using two of the industry’s most powerful digital audio workstations (DAWs): Ableton Live 12 and FL Studio. Each module focuses on developing hands-on skills, creative techniques, and technical knowledge needed to produce professional-grade music in any genre. 

Module 1: Introduction to Music Production & DAWs

Week 1
What is Music Production? Overview of Workflow
Setting Up a Home Studio (Hardware & Software)
Ableton Live 12 vs FL Studio: Understanding the Interfaces
Audio Drivers, Sample Rates, and Buffer Sizes
Creating Your First 4-Bar Loop
Saving Projects and Organizing Files

Module 2: Beat Programming and Rhythmic Foundations

Week 2
Drum Programming Fundamentals
Using the Step Sequencer (FL Studio) and Drum Rack (Ableton)
Understanding Kicks, Snares, Hi-Hats, Percussion
Quantization, Groove, and Swing Techniques
Layering and Humanizing Drums
Drum Bus Processing and Creative FX on Percussion 

Module 3: Music Theory for Producers

Week 3
Scales, Chords, and Melody Construction
MIDI Tools: Chord Generator, Arpeggiator, Scale Modes
Basslines, Harmonies, and Counter-Melodies
Song Keys and Transposing Elements
Building Emotion Through Chord Progressions

Module 4: Sound Design and Synthesis

Weeks 4 and 5
Fundamentals of Synthesis: Subtractive, FM, Wavetable
Working with Analog, Operator (Ableton), Harmor, Sytrus (FL Studio)
Using 3rd-Party Synths: Serum, Vital, etc.
Using Samplers: Simpler, Sampler (Ableton), DirectWave, Fruity Slicer
Designing Leads, Pads, Bass, Plucks, and FX Sounds
Sound Design for Specific Genres (Trap, EDM, Lo-fi, etc.)

Module 5: Effects Processing and Creative Sound Manipulation

Week 6
Equalization (EQ) Fundamentals and Techniques
Compression, Parallel Compression, and Multiband Compression
Reverb and Delay: Creative and Practical Use
Modulation Effects: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser
Sidechain Compression and Pumping Effects
Audio Routing, Sends, Returns, and Groups

Module 6: Arrangement and Composition Structure

Week 7
Song Structures in Different Genres (Trap, Pop, House, Lo-fi, etc.)
Building Intros, Verses, Drops, Bridges, and Outros
Scene View vs Arrangement View (Ableton) / Playlist Mode (FL Studio)
Creating Transitions: Risers, Sweeps, Fills
Automation Techniques for FX, Filters, Volume, and Panning
Developing Energy Flow in a Track

Module 7: Mixing and Engineering Techniques

Weeks 8 and 9
Introduction to Mixing Workflow
Gain Staging, Headroom, and Level Balancing
Frequency Slotting and Spectral Management
Bus Mixing, Group Processing, and Sub mixes
Stereo Imaging and Panning Techniques
Mixing Vocals, Instruments, and Drums
Using Reference Tracks and Metering Tools

Module 8: Mastering Fundamentals

Week 10
Understanding the Mastering Process
Equalization, Compression, Limiting, and Clipping
LUFS, RMS, and Peak Loudness Standards
Mastering Chains and Signal Flow
Export Settings for Streaming Platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music)
Introduction to Mastering Plugins (Ozone, FabFilter, etc.)

Module 9: Genre-Based Production Projects

Week 11
Full Track Breakdown by Genre (EDM, Trap, Lo-fi, House, etc.)
Sound Selection and Arrangement Techniques for Each Style
Workflow Demonstration from Blank Project to Finished Track
Creating Remixes and Mashups
Building Your Own Unique Production Style

Module 10: Final Projects and Industry Readiness

Week 12
Completing a Full Track (From Idea to Mastered Export)
Organizing Project Files and Creating Templates
Building a Track Portfolio and Sample Pack
Collaboration Techniques and File Sharing
Preparing Tracks for Upload, Distribution, and Release
Final Feedback, Revisions, and Presentation

Bonus Content (Optional Lessons and Downloads)

Overview of Top VST Plugins for Modern Production
Downloadable Sample Packs and Synth Presets
DAW Templates for Different Genres (FL & Ableton Versions)
Introduction to Music Business: Copyright, Royalties, Distribution
Social Media and Branding for Music Producers

Certification and Community Access

Certificate of Completion: Certified Music Producer (FL Studio / Ableton Live 12
Specialist)
Final Project Submission Required
Access to Private Online Community and Peer Feedback Forum
Continued Support and Resources Post-Course