Music Production Workshops
Music Production 101 - The Basics (Session 1): Saturday, 10/18
Class Time: 2-4 pm
In this beginner-friendly workshop, we will introduce the basics of music production, with a focus on modern digital workflows. We'll begin with the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)—specifically Ableton Live—exploring its key features and covering essential concepts related to digital audio. If you already have a DAW (Ableton or otherwise), bring a laptop to follow along during the workshop. New producers may want to sign up for Ableton Live's 30-day free trial before the workshop. All participants will receive access to course materials and online resources to continue developing their music production skills after the workshop.
Recording Audio (Session 2): Saturday, 12/6
Class Time: 2-4 pm
This workshop introduces the basics of audio recording with microphones and other sound-capturing devices. We'll approach recording creatively, treating the equipment as tools for capturing both musical performances and unexpected moments. We'll also cover audio editing and comping techniques, helping you refine your recordings into composite tracks that feature the best moments from each take. If you already have a DAW (Ableton or otherwise), bring a laptop to follow along during the workshop. New producers may want to sign up for Ableton Live's 30-day free trial before the workshop. All participants will receive access to course materials and online resources to continue developing their music production skills after the workshop.
Sound Synthesis (Session 3): Saturday, 2/14
Class Time: 2-4 pm
In this hands-on workshop, we will explore the world of sound synthesis. Synthesizers have found a home in nearly every genre of music—from Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and Pop to Rock and Hip-Hop, and beyond. We'll cover the basics of synthesis, including waveforms, filters, and envelopes, before examining specific synthesizer implementations (subtractive, additive, granular, etc.). Participants will get hands-on practice using VCV Rack, a free modular synthesis software, along with several hardware instruments. If you already have a DAW (Ableton or otherwise), bring a laptop to follow along during the workshop. New producers may want to sign up for Ableton Live's 30-day free trial and download VCV Rack before attending. All participants will receive access to course materials and online resources to continue developing their music production skills after the workshop.
Sound Design (Session 4): Saturday, 4/11
Class Time: 2-4 pm
In this workshop, we will explore sound design and field recording using Ableton Live and handheld Zoom recorders. Beyond its traditional use in creating effects for television and film, sound design has become one of the most important elements of modern music production—allowing us to capture sounds from the outside world and repurpose them in musical contexts. This workshop will demonstrate practical and creative approaches to sound design, using both field recordings and software in Ableton Live. If you already have a DAW (Ableton or otherwise), bring a laptop to follow along during the workshop. New producers may want to sign up for Ableton Live's 30-day free trial before the workshop. All participants will receive access to course materials and online resources to continue developing their music production skills after the workshop.
Registration Opening soon! Register for one session or for all.
For questions, please contact Lara Mones, Education and Development Director at Lara@mcmcvt.org. Financial aid is available for classes, please view the information here. If you need to withdraw from a class, please be in touch with Lara@mcmcvt.org as soon as possible. Tuition will be refunded in full up until two weeks prior to the class start date, with a $50 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations once the class starts.
Photo (c) Luke Awtry