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Jason Allen

This course is "5-Star Certified" by the International Association of Online Music Educators and Institutions (IAOMEI). This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.

100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

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This course is "5-Star Certified" by the International Association of Online Music Educators and Institutions (IAOMEI). This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.

100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

For years I've been teaching Ableton Live in the college classroom. As a University Professor, my classes are sought after, and, frankly, expensive. I believe Ableton Live can be learned by anyone, and cost shouldn't be a barrier. This class uses the same outline and syllabus I've used in my college classes for years, at a fraction of the cost.

This version of the class contains all parts 4, 5, and 6. 

This is a really deep class - tons of content, tricks, and tips. I'm giving you tons of complete sessions to play around with. One of them (the first one in part 3) is even a finished, published complete track of mine. We are going to be covering how to produce using Ableton Live, starting from working with clips and going all the way up to some advanced production techniques. Topics include:

  • Synthesis Basics

  • Types of Synthesis

  • Physical Modeling Synthesis

  • Elements of Synthesis

  • Live's Analog Instrument

  • Live's Collision Instrument

  • Live's Electric Instrument

  • Live's Impulse Instrument

  • Live's Tension Instrument

  • Live's Operator Instrument

  • Live's Simpler Instrument

  • Live's Sampler Instrument

  • Multisamples and Zones

  • Sampler Orchestras

  • Racks.

  • Instrument Racks

  • Chain Selector

  • Macros in Racks

  • Drum Racks

  • Choke Settings

  • The External Instrument

  • MIDI Effects

  • Arpeggiator

  • Chord MIDI Effect

  • MIDI Effect Racks

  • Note Length MIDI Effect

  • Pitch MIDI Effect

  • Random MIDI Effect

  • Scale MIDI Effect

  • Velocity MIDI Effect

  • Audio Effects

  • The three types of Audio Effects

  • ALL Ableton Audio Effects (and how to use them. )

    • Simple Delay

    • Ping Pong Delay

    • Filter Delay

    • Grain Delay

    • Chorus

    • Flanger

    • Reverb

    • Beat Repeat

    • Looper

    • EQ Three

    • EQ Eight

    • Auto Filter

    • Amp

    • Cabinet

    • Corpus

    • Dynamic Tube

    • Erosion

    • Frequency Shifter

    • Overdrive

    • Phaser

    • Redux

    • Resonator

    • Saturator

    • Vocoder

    • Compressor

    • Glue Compressor

    • Limiter

    • Multiband Dynamics

    • Gate

    • Auto Pan

    • External Audio Effect

    • Vinyl Distortion

    • Spectrum

    • Tuner

    • Utility

  • Audio Effect Racks

  • Using Effect Rack Presets

  • Building our own Effect Racks

  • Parallel Processing

  • Fade To Grey

  • Performance Racks

  • Controllers and Controllerism

  • MIDI Mapping

  • The Ableton Push Interface

  • The APC40 Interface

  • Follow Actions

  • Legato Mode

  • Launch Modes

  • Launching Clips in Performance

  • Effects Setup for Performance

  • The Crossfader

  • Mapping Controllers for Performance

  • ... And much more.

Dr. Jason Allen is an Ableton Certified Trainer and a Ph.D. in Music Composition and master of Electronic Sounds. His music has been heard internationally in film, radio, video games, and industrial sound, as well as the concert hall and theater. His 2015 album, Aniscorcia, reaching the CMJ Top200 Charts and radio broadcasts nationwide. In 2014 he was named a semi-finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award.

He currently is an adjunct professor of composition at the University of St. Thomas, and the CEO of Slam Academy in Minneapolis.

Praise for classes by Dr. Jason Allen:

"Without a doubt the best explanation and east of use that one can get. It leaves you enough room to go explore. The classes go by quickly, so you can be on your way at being proficient. What are you waiting for. "

"Amazing - Seriously Loved It. I took all his courses and have to say I'm so happy. Learned loads. Jason is an awesome teacher. "

"I have never had any formal training in music at all. Trying to learn all the notes and how everything translated was a serious challenge. After going through this class, Dr. J has totally brought down the barriers. The content was very useful and was easy to grasp for me."

"I like these courses because you can get up and running quickly without having to spend hours of time wading through TMI (too much information. ). Jason hits the high points but shows you what you need to know. Thanks. "

"I've watched many other videos on scales and chords before, however, this one has been the best. I now understand minor scales and chords and even how to analyze songs. It really gave me the confidence to start producing music because I feel like I have some structure and guidelines to follow. AWESOME. "

"Clear and Informative - Jason has a clear uncluttered style (with the important dashes of humor) of presentation that is focused on the important key aspects of this course. Recommended for those starting out. "

"Dr. Allen does it again with his music theory series. This course really opened up everything I learned from the 1st section, and now I understand more about the composition side of things for music. I highly highly recommend thiscourse to anyone. Really opened my eyes to many things I wasn't aware of."

"The Best Teacher Ever, who makes you understand the ins & outs of Music Theory by all means without giving what you don't want to know."

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Produce music using ableton live
  • Use drum samples to edit, arrange, and create unique drum beats of your own.
  • Work inside ableton live for completing full tracks
  • Kickstart your productions with my tracks - full sessions included in this class!

Syllabus

Here we go!
Introduction
Asking Questions
In this section we will learn what "Instruments" are, their difference from PlugIns, do a quick refresher on how MIDI works and MIDI clips work, and look at a few important key commands.
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The Live Instruments
A Quick MIDI Refresher
MIDI Clips
Important Key Commands
In this section we will explore the key concepts of synthesis, which we will soon use to learn the Ableton Instruments. Knowing the fundamentals will make the Instruments much easier to understand.
Synthesis Basics
Synthesis Types
Synthesis Elements
We will start by exploring Live's Analog Instrument - a mostly-typical analog-style synthesizer.
Live's Analog Synth
The Basic Outline of Analog
Programming Analog
LFO and Other Parameters
DOWNLOAD: The Analog Patch I Built In This Section
Here we go: All of them! We will be working with all of the Live Instruments in this section.
All the Ableton Live Instruments
Live's Collision Instrument
Programming Collision
DOWNLOAD: Collision Patch from the Previous Lesson
Live's Electric Instrument
Electric Basic Outline
Electric Preset Study
Live's Impulse Instrument
Building Grooves with Impulse
Live's Tension Instrument
Tension Preset Study
Live's Operator Instrument
Programming Live's Operator
Now that we know all the synthesizer instruments, lets look at the two Sampling instruments in Ableton Live.
The Simpler and The Sampler
Using Simpler
Using Sampler
MultiSamples and Zones
An Orchestra Library Example
Live 9.5 came with a newly updated Simpler. Here are a few of the new features of the New Simpler.
What's new?
Live 9.5 Simpler - Classic Mode
Live 9.5 Simpler - 1-Shot Mode
Live 9.5 Simpler - Slice Mode
The moment you've been waiting for - Welcome to Racks.
Instrument Racks
Chains and the Chain Selector
Macros
Some Rack Presets
Drum Racks (A Little Review)
The Choke Setting
Sends & Returns in Drum Racks
The last in our list of Instruments - this little instruments looks simple, and it is! But it has a great reason to be there.
The External Instrument
Thats it for Ultimate Ableton 4! Let me leave you with a few thoughts and things to look for!
Parting Thoughts on Part 4!
First a brief bit about what we will be covering in this class and how we will be covering it.
Introduction to Part 5
In this first section we will go over all of the MIDI Effects in Live, looking at the best uses for each one.
MIDI Effects Overview
The Difference Between MIDI and Audio Effects
Arpeggiator
Chord
MIDI Effect Rack
Note Length
Pitch
Random
Scale
Velocity
Before we dive into Audio Effects, lets talk about how to categorize all the effects.
The 3 Types of Audio Effects
Our first group of audio effects are the Time-Based effects. They are relatively easy to understand, so I like to start with them.
Overview of Time-Based Effects
Simple Delay
Ping Pong Delay
Filter Delay
Grain Delay
Chorus
Flanger
Reverb
Beat Repeat
Looper
Next up we have our frequency-based effects.
Frequency-based Effects Overview
EQ Three
EQ Eight
Auto Filter
Amp
Cabinet
Corpus
Dynamic Tube
Erosion
Frequency Shifter
Overdrive
Phaser
Redux
Resonator
Saturator
Vocoder
Next up we have our Dynamic-based effects.
What are Dynamic Effects?

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops a foundation of knowledge in Ableton's versions 10 through 11, which is the industry standard in music editing and producing
Taught by Dr. Jason Allen, an Ableton Certified Trainer and Ph.D. in Music Composition
Examines the concepts of synthesis as they relate to using the Ableton instruments
Provides hands-on practice through the use of included live sessions
Guided lessons and detailed resources ensure a clear understanding of topics
Requires access to Abletron Live, which may pose a cost barrier for some learners

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Reviews summary

Very positive feedback

According to students, they really enjoyed the course, found the content enjoyable, and think it is worth the time.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ultimate Ableton Live 9 Complete: Parts 4, 5, & 6 with these activities:
Organize Course Materials for Review
Ensure effective knowledge retention by organizing your course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams for easy review and reference.
Browse courses on Organization
Show steps
  • Create a comprehensive file structure for your course materials.
  • Categorize and label your files for easy access.
Follow Tutorials on MIDI Effects
Expand your knowledge of MIDI manipulation by following online tutorials that demonstrate the use of various MIDI effects.
Browse courses on MIDI Effects
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on Arpeggiator, Chord, and Note Length effects.
  • Follow the tutorials to understand the functionality and applications of these effects.
Practice Using Ableton's Instruments
Familiarize yourself with the sounds and capabilities of Ableton's Instruments by experimenting with different presets and parameters.
Browse courses on Music Production
Show steps
  • Explore the Analog Instrument's parameters and presets.
  • Experiment with the Collision Instrument's unique sound design capabilities.
  • Create rhythmic patterns using the Impulse Instrument's drum synthesis engine.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Create a Drum Beat Using Ableton's Drum Rack
Apply your understanding of drum synthesis and sequencing by creating a custom drum beat using Ableton's Drum Rack.
Show steps
  • Load drum samples into the Drum Rack and adjust their parameters.
  • Create a MIDI clip and program drum patterns.
  • Experiment with the choke settings and sends/returns to enhance the sound.
Participate in a Peer Review Session
Collaborate with classmates to review and critique each other's Ableton projects, providing constructive feedback to enhance the learning experience.
Browse courses on Peer Review
Show steps
  • Find a group of peers to participate in the review session.
  • Share your Ableton project files with the group.
  • Provide feedback on the projects, focusing on both strengths and areas for improvement.
Watch tutorials on advanced Ableton techniques
Following these tutorials will help you expand your knowledge and skills beyond what is covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on specific Ableton techniques you want to learn
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step
  • Experiment with the techniques you learned in your own Ableton projects
Create a Tutorial on a Specific Audio Effect
Deepen your understanding of audio effects by creating a comprehensive tutorial that explains the functionality and applications of a specific effect.
Browse courses on Audio Effects
Show steps
  • Choose an audio effect that you want to focus on.
  • Research and gather information about the effect's parameters and usage.
  • Create a video or written tutorial that demonstrates the effect in practice.
Produce a full track in Ableton using your own samples
This hands-on project will help you apply the skills you've learned in the course to create your own unique music.
Show steps
  • Gather and organize your samples
  • Create a new Ableton project and import your samples
  • Experiment with different drum patterns and melodies
  • Add effects and automation to your track
  • Final mix and master your track
Write a blog post or article about your experience with Ableton
Reflecting on what you've learned and writing about it will help you retain information and improve your understanding.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to Ableton that you're passionate about
  • Research your topic and gather information
  • Write a detailed outline for your article
  • Draft your article and proofread it carefully
  • Publish your article on a blog or website

Career center

Learners who complete Ultimate Ableton Live 9 Complete: Parts 4, 5, & 6 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Producer
As a Music Producer, you will be responsible for overseeing the recording, mixing, and production of musical tracks. Your work will include collaborating with artists, musicians, and engineers to create high-quality music that meets the needs of your clients. This course may help you build a foundation in music production, teaching you the basics of synthesis, sampling, and effects processing. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music production.
Music Engineer
As a Music Engineer, you will be responsible for the technical aspects of music production, including recording, mixing, and mastering. You will work with artists, producers, and other engineers to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of quality. This course may help you build a solid foundation in audio engineering, teaching you the basics of acoustics, signal processing, and studio techniques. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music engineering.
Sound Designer
As a Sound Designer, you will be responsible for creating and editing sound effects and music for a variety of media, including film, television, and video games. You will work with directors, producers, and other creatives to ensure that the sound design complements the visual elements and enhances the overall experience for the audience. This course may help you build a foundation in sound design, teaching you the basics of sound synthesis, sampling, and effects processing. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of sound design.
Audio Engineer
As an Audio Engineer, you will be responsible for the technical aspects of audio production, including recording, mixing, and mastering. You will work with artists, producers, and other engineers to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of quality. This course may help you build a solid foundation in audio engineering, teaching you the basics of acoustics, signal processing, and studio techniques. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of audio engineering.
Music Teacher
As a Music Teacher, you will be responsible for teaching students of all ages about music theory, history, and performance. You will work with students to develop their musical skills and knowledge, and help them to reach their full potential as musicians. This course may help you build a foundation in music education, teaching you the basics of music theory, pedagogy, and curriculum development. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music teaching.
Sound Editor
As a Sound Editor, you will be responsible for editing and mixing sound effects and music for a variety of media, including film, television, and video games. You will work with directors, producers, and other creatives to ensure that the sound design complements the visual elements and enhances the overall experience for the audience. This course may help you build a foundation in sound editing, teaching you the basics of audio editing, mixing, and effects processing. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of sound editing.
Music Librarian
As a Music Librarian, you will be responsible for organizing and cataloging music collections, and providing reference and research services to patrons. You will work with musicians, researchers, and other patrons to ensure that they have access to the resources they need. This course may help you build a foundation in music librarianship, teaching you the basics of music cataloging, reference, and research. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music librarianship.
Music Therapist
As a Music Therapist, you will be responsible for using music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. You will work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, using music to help them achieve their therapeutic goals. This course may help you build a foundation in music therapy, teaching you the basics of music theory, music therapy techniques, and clinical practice. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music therapy.
Composer
As a Composer, you will be responsible for creating original music for a variety of media, including film, television, and video games. You will work with directors, producers, and other creatives to ensure that the music complements the visual elements and enhances the overall experience for the audience. This course may help you build a foundation in composition, teaching you the basics of music theory, harmony, and orchestration. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of composition.
Music Arranger
As a Music Arranger, you will be responsible for taking existing music and adapting it for a different ensemble or instrumentation. You will work with musicians, composers, and other arrangers to create arrangements that are faithful to the original while also being appropriate for the new context. This course may help you build a foundation in music arranging, teaching you the basics of music theory, harmony, and orchestration. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music arranging.
Music Supervisor
As a Music Supervisor, you will be responsible for overseeing the music budget, issuing licenses for music use, and coordinating music for film, television, and other media. You will work with directors, producers, and other creatives to ensure that the music complements the visual elements and enhances the overall experience for the audience. This course may help you build a foundation in music supervision, teaching you the basics of music theory, copyright law, and production techniques. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music supervision.
Music Director
As a Music Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the musical aspects of a production, including the selection of music, the hiring of musicians, and the direction of rehearsals and performances. You will work with directors, producers, and other creatives to ensure that the music complements the visual elements and enhances the overall experience for the audience. This course may help you build a foundation in music direction, teaching you the basics of music theory, conducting, and rehearsal techniques. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music direction.
Music Promoter
As a Music Promoter, you will be responsible for promoting and marketing musicians and their music. You will work with artists, managers, and other promoters to organize concerts, tours, and other events. This course may help you build a foundation in music promotion, teaching you the basics of marketing, public relations, and event planning. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music promotion.
Music Executive
As a Music Executive, you will be responsible for overseeing the business aspects of a music company, including artist development, marketing, and sales. You will work with artists, managers, and other executives to develop and execute strategies for success. This course may help you build a foundation in music business, teaching you the basics of marketing, finance, and contract law. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music executive.
Music Journalist
As a Music Journalist, you will be responsible for writing about music for a variety of publications, including newspapers, magazines, and online outlets. You will attend concerts, interview musicians, and review albums and performances. This course may help you build a foundation in music journalism, teaching you the basics of music theory, music history, and writing. With the skills you gain from this course, you'll be well-prepared to enter the field of music journalism.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ultimate Ableton Live 9 Complete: Parts 4, 5, & 6.
This practical guide focuses on music production techniques in Ableton Live. It covers topics such as recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to create their own music.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of MIDI, covering its basics, advanced concepts, and practical applications. It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of MIDI.
Provides a collection of practical tips, techniques, and inspiration for electronic music production. It covers topics such as sound design, arrangement, mixing, and mastering, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to create their own electronic music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of music theory, tailored towards electronic music producers. It covers topics such as scales, chords, harmony, and rhythm, providing a solid foundation for understanding the musical concepts used in Ableton Live.
This detailed guide provides a deep dive into the MIDI protocol. It covers MIDI messages, controllers, and implementation, giving you a solid understanding of the underlying technology behind Ableton Live.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer music concepts and techniques. It covers topics such as digital audio, synthesis, sampling, and sound processing, providing a solid foundation for understanding Ableton Live.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of audio production techniques and concepts. It covers topics such as acoustics, psychoacoustics, recording, mixing, and mastering, providing a valuable background for understanding the audio processing capabilities of Ableton Live.

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