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Chrissy Tignor

Producing music is an incredibly creative process, and knowing the tools of the trade is essential in order to transmit the musical ideas in your head into the DAW in a creative and uninhibited way. Whether you have used a computer to create music before, or you have been curious about production for years, this 4-week course will give you an introductory look into the world of Avid Pro Tools and Pro Tools First.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Pro Tools Basics!
Welcome to your Berklee massive online course! Before you begin the course, we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.
Read more
Diving In
In this first lesson, we will roll up our sleeves and dive into the Pro Tools interface. We'll learn how to set up a session and how to add instrument and audio tracks. We'll also learn how to save and bounce our work while keeping everything organized.
Exploring MIDI and Software Instruments
In this lesson, we'll focus on MIDI and software instruments. We'll start by learning about the different kinds of sound waves. Next, we'll learn the difference between samplers and synthesizers and how to use them in music production. We'll also learn how to manipulate and automate MIDI.
Recording and Manipulating Audio
This week we'll dive into the world of audio. We'll learn how to properly import and manage audio in Pro Tools. We'll learn how to record into Pro Tools, and we'll also learn how to use AudioSuite to manipulate audio regions.
Mixing and Mastering
In this final lesson we will be discussing mixing and mastering. You'll learn how to make a radio-quality production by adding reverb, EQ, compression, and limiters.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces Pro Tools and Pro Tools First, which are used industry wide for audio production
Taught by Chrissy Tignor, an industry veteran and highly respected music producer
Course is associated with Berklee, that is a top music school
Develops skills in recording and manipulating audio, which are core skills for music producers
Covers mixing and mastering, which are essential techniques for creating professional-quality music productions

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Reviews summary

Engaging pro tools basics

Learners say that "Pro Tools Basics" is a largely positive course for those who want to learn the fundamentals of Pro Tools. The course, taught by Chrissy Tignor, covers a wide range of topics including recording, mixing, and mastering. Students appreciate Tignor's clear and engaging teaching style and the practical assignments that allow them to apply their new skills. However, some learners note that they encountered technical difficulties when installing and using Pro Tools, and others wish that the course was compatible with other DAWs or provided more advanced content.
The assignments allow learners to apply their skills.
"Great starting course for editing in pro tools"
"Fantastic course .Neatly and clearly explained"
"Very useful techniques here, very well explained at a basic level"
Chrissy Tignor is an excellent teacher.
"Chrissy is awesome! This course was so fun and I learned so much! Thank you!"
"Crissy is a total rockstar. Full stop. Great course and I was always fully engaged in her vides and instruction."
"Chrissy Tignor was a great teacher! Have a lot of impact, vibe, and the best of the course was mixing and mastering part so well explained in a short time. Awesome!"
The course covers all the essentials of Pro Tools.
"This course gives you the opportunity to get informed guided instruction on the basic functionality"
"This courser is really good if you want to learn about music and tools ,and totally beginner friendly"
"This course covers everything you need to know to understand how to navigate the interface and start making digital music!"
Some learners experienced technical difficulties with Pro Tools.
"I'm rating this course a 2 star not because of the teacher, which seems very knowledgable and teaches at a great pace, but rather because of Pro Tools. It took way too much time just to get it installed (I'm on a Mac, and the Free version isn't compatible)."
"The course was informative, but I encountered many issues trying to install Pro Tools. The free version was not compatible with Windows 10 Home edition. I kept receiving a 1309 error code because of an old Windows 8 program embedded in the free version."
"For someone like me wanting to learn ProTools but knowing little about it, this was a perfect place to start. The course delivers what it promises--the essentials; the basics--and now I know enough to use ProTools for basic recording in my home studio setup. I understood ProTools' potential; when my band recorded an album a year ago, I watched our producer use it. But I don't think I could have figured out the basics on my own, at least not without investing an enormous amount of time. Chrissy's instruction--and she's an excellent communicator--was excellent and to the point. I do recommend having a two-screen setup for this course."
The course is only compatible with Pro Tools.
"I liked Chrissy's teaching style a lot. I would want to work with a producer like her. I was also able to learn a lot of about electronic music production. Some of the basic tips that were covered would be very useful for musicians from any genre. The only complaint that I have is that I had to struggle to get used to Pro Tools. I am a Cubase guy, and I would have loved if this was titled "DAW Basics" and the learners could choose their DAWs instead."
"While this course teaches a lot about the basic uses and tweaks of a DAW, the softwares instruments, audio mixing and mastering, for those who don't own the full version of Pro Tools or the other required things like a MIDI Controller/Keyboard, an audio interface or a usb microphone etc things can get challenging."
"Fantastic course for a beginner that covers a lot of valuable information. I've been using ProTools for years and although a lot of the information was remedial there were a few tips I learned by completing this course.The only downside was that the peer reviews are pretty useless and a ton of people just upload dummy files to blow through the course vs doing the work so you're not going to get a lot of useful feedback. Also, taking the course without using ProTools (?) is kind of pointless because a lot of the information is PT centric (obviously). If you don't have/want to learn PT take the Technology of Music Production class as you'll get more out of it."

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 Pro Tools Basics with these activities:
Pro Tools Resources Compilation
Organize and expand your knowledge base by compiling resources related to Pro Tools.
Show steps
  • Gather online tutorials, articles, and documentation on Pro Tools.
  • Create a structured folder or notebook to organize the resources.
  • Review and update the compilation regularly to ensure it stays relevant.
MIDI Basics Refresher
Review the fundamentals of MIDI to strengthen your understanding of how MIDI works in Pro Tools.
Browse courses on MIDI
Show steps
  • Review the basics of MIDI data and its components.
  • Explore different MIDI controllers and their uses.
  • Practice creating and editing MIDI sequences.
Review of Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio
Enhance your mixing and mastering knowledge by reading and applying principles from an industry-renowned book.
Show steps
  • Read specific chapters related to the course topics.
  • Apply the techniques discussed in the book to your own music productions.
  • Discuss the book's concepts with other students or a mentor.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Audio Editing Drills
Develop your audio editing skills through a series of guided and unguided exercises.
Show steps
  • Practice selecting, cutting, and pasting audio regions.
  • Use fade in and out effects to create smooth transitions.
  • Manipulate audio levels and panning to enhance the sound.
  • Remove unwanted noises and artifacts using noise reduction and editing techniques.
Collaborative Music Production Session
Collaborate with fellow students to create a music project, combining your skills and perspectives.
Show steps
  • Form a small group and discuss musical ideas and concepts.
  • Divide responsibilities for recording, editing, and mixing.
  • Work together to create a cohesive and polished music track.
  • Provide feedback and suggestions to each other to improve the final product.
Create a Basic Audio Mixdown
Apply the principles of mixing and mastering to create a balanced and cohesive audio mixdown.
Show steps
  • Import multiple audio tracks into Pro Tools and arrange them in a logical order.
  • Use EQ and compression to enhance the clarity and impact of each track.
  • Add reverb and delay effects to create depth and space.
  • Balance the levels of the individual tracks to achieve a cohesive mix.
  • Export the final mixdown as a high-quality audio file.
Advanced Pro Tools Techniques Tutorial
Expand your Pro Tools knowledge and explore advanced techniques to refine your music production skills.
Show steps
  • Follow a structured tutorial on advanced MIDI editing and automation.
  • Learn techniques for creating complex rhythms and drum patterns.
  • Explore advanced mixing and mastering techniques to enhance the sound of your productions.

Career center

Learners who complete Pro Tools Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineers focus on the sonic quality and performance of audio systems or equipment. They manage live or recorded sound for a variety of purposes including film, tv, radio, concerts, and podcasts. Pro Tools Basics will introduce you to key functions helpful for working as an Audio Engineer. These include organizing sessions, recording audio, manipulating audio with audio suite, mixing, and mastering.
Music Producer
Music Producers are involved in the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. They use advanced computer programs and sound equipment to edit audio and arrange music for distribution. Pro Tools Basics will be of great use should you pursue this career path. This course covers functions such as using MIDI and software instruments, adding reverb and EQ, and compressing and limiting.
Sound Editor
Sound Editors manipulate recordings and create sound effects. They work on films, tv, radio, video games, or podcasts. Pro Tools Basics can give you an incredible starting point in this field. The course covers importing, managing, and manipulating audio, which are the foundational tasks of any Sound Editor.
Musician
Musicians play musical instruments and explore various genres of music. They often collaborate with others to create music for live performance, recording, or film. As a core tool for modern music production, Pro Tools has become essential for musicians exploring software and electronic instruments. Pro Tools Basics will help you expand your capabilities as a musician.
Composer
Composers create original music, often for film, television, concerts, and video games. Pro Tools Basics may be helpful as you begin composing. This course can help you understand the interface and functions of modern digital audio workstations, which will power your composing endeavors.
Singer
Singers use their voices to create music. They perform in various styles and genres, from classical to pop. Singers who use digital audio workstations to record and enhance their voice will benefit from taking Pro Tools Basics. This course will help you understand the interface and functions of modern digital audio workstations.
Producer (film and video)
Producers (film and video) oversee various aspects of film or television production. Pro Tools Basics may be useful to give you an introduction to editing audio in these mediums.
Music Programmer
Music Programmers use computers and software to create, arrange, and edit music. Pro Tools Basics can help you build a solid foundation for a career as a Music Programmer. The course will help you master many of the entry-level functions needed to excel in this role, such as setting up sessions, adding tracks, mixing, and mastering.
Sound Mixer
Sound Mixers manipulate recordings and create sound effects. They work on films, tv, radio, video games, or podcasts. The course Pro Tools Basics will teach you the basics of this field. Functions taught include importing, managing, and manipulating audio, and adding effects like reverb, EQ, and compression.
Sound Designer
Sound Designers create sounds for film, tv, radio, video games, or podcasts. Pro Tools Basics will give you an introduction to this field. Essential functions are covered by the course, such as importing, managing, and manipulating audio, and adding effects such as reverb, EQ, and compression.
Radio Producer
Radio Producers plan, organize, and direct the production of radio programs. Pro Tools Basics may be helpful as you being working towards this role. The course will cover functions such adding effects, automating audio, and mixing and mastering, which are essential to radio production.
Audio Restoration Engineer
Audio Restoration Engineers restore and enhance recorded audio. They work on a variety of projects such as film, tv, and music. Pro Tools Basic will help you take your first steps towards a career in this field. The course includes instruction for importing, managing, and manipulating audio, as well as removing static, hum, and other noises.
Music Teacher
Music Teachers instruct students in various aspects of music theory and performance. Pro Tools Basics will help you develop some of the skills you will need to teach students. The course will teach you how to use Pro Tools, introduce students to the use of MIDI, and help you learn how to manipulate audio. An understanding of music theory is required to be successful as a Music Teacher.
AV Technician
AV Technicians set up and operate audio and video systems for events such as concerts, conferences, and presentations. The course Pro Tools Basics will provide you with foundational knowledge in this field. The course covers functions such as setting up sessions, adding tracks, mixing, and mastering, which will all be useful for working with the audio for an event.
Studio Engineer
Studio Engineers manage the technical aspects of recording studios. They set up and maintain equipment, and assist producers and engineers with recording and mixing sessions. Pro Tools Basics will introduce you to many of the functions you will need to fulfill this role. The course covers functions such as setting up sessions, adding tracks, mixing, and mastering, which are essential to working in a studio.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Pro Tools Basics.
Comprehensive guide to Pro Tools, and it's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use the software to its full potential.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Pro Tools, and it's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use the software to its full potential.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Pro Tools, and it's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use the software to its full potential.
Great starting point for those who are new to Pro Tools. It covers the basics of the software, and it includes plenty of step-by-step instructions.
Great starting point for those who are new to Pro Tools. It covers the basics of the software, and it includes plenty of step-by-step instructions.

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