Introduction to Ableton Live from Coursera

In the past, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) were programs used only by audio engineers with a highly specific knowledge base, on machines inaccessible to most people. But over the past 10-15 years, DAWs and the act of recording music have evolved from being a luxury of the few to being available to the masses. Ableton Live is one such application. Used by an extremely broad range of music creators, Ableton Live not only facilitates the work of engineers, producers, and writers in professional, home, and mobile studio settings, but it is also a powerful platform for musicians on stage, in the DJ booth, and elsewhere.

In this Ableton Certified Training Center course developed by Berklee Online, you will explore some of Live’s most powerful and useful functionality: MIDI programming, audio recording, warping and processing, looping editing, mixing, performing, file management, and troubleshooting. Meant to be a springboard for those who are new to Ableton Live and/or DAWs in general, this three-week course will provide you with a strong knowledge base for using Live to take your musical ideas from conception to final recording. The course breaks down the many barriers of entry into music technology and encourages all those who wish, to create fearlessly.

Note: If you do not own Ableton Live 10, you can download the free, fully featured Ableton Live Trial. The trial version will allow you to save and export your work for 30 days. If you use the trial version, do not download it until the course is scheduled to begin.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Introduction to Ableton Live

Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

Getting Our Hands Dirty

In this lesson, I'm going to demonstrate how to get set up in Live, whether you have an audio interface or just your computer. We'll also look at saving and submitting your sessions, devices, MIDI drums, and MIDI synths.

Polishing the Sound

In this lesson, we'll be moving from MIDI to audio and implementing effects, which will give your sessions even more personality and depth. We'll also be diving into Audio Warping, which is one of Ableton's most powerful functionalities and is the cornerstone of remixing.

The Endless Possibilities

In this final lesson, we're going to dive into some more advanced production techniques, the very basics of mixing, and I'll get into some valuable information regarding file management and troubleshooting. Hopefully with this new information you'll be able to tie together a lot of what we've learned in the past two weeks and bring your music to the next level.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops proficiency and fluency with Ableton Live, which is standard in the music industry and the industry standard for electronic music production and live performance

Meant to be a springboard for those who are new to Ableton Live and/or DAWs in general, this three-week course will provide you with a strong knowledge base for using Live to take your musical ideas from conception to final recording

Covers MIDI programming, audio recording, warping and processing, looping editing, mixing, performing, file management, and troubleshooting

Taught by Erin Barra, instructors who are Berklee faculty, who are recognized for their work in music production and education

Offered through Berklee Online, which is recognized for its work in music education

Reviews summary

Well-received ableton live introduction

Learners say this Ableton Live beginner course is excellently structured, with clear, well-taught videos and useful short quizzes. Students mention the course's depth, with step-by-step lessons covering essential topics, including track handling, mixing, and exporting. The instructor, Erin Barra, is knowledgeable and engaging, encouraging experimentation. Students appreciate the practical assignments and peer feedback. However, some reviewers noted that the assignments could have a shorter turnaround time for grading. Overall, the course is highly recommended for beginners or those seeking a review of Ableton Live fundamentals.

The course has a logical, effective structure, with well-organized videos that build upon each other.

"This course really helped me get started, it’s up to us to play and experiment with the software, practice and grow our skills."

"The instructional video modules were so well organized and executed."

"This is a magnificent course for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of music production and composition with Ableton Live."

Instructor Erin Barra is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and supportive.

"Professor Erin Barra is a wonderful teacher and her course is fantastic."

"Erin ma'am really is great at conveying the the basics efficiently as well as encouraging us to keep experimenting and playing around in order for us to discover our own unique sound and build an originality."

"Erin was a great instructor."

"Erin is an amazing teacher."

The course includes practical assignments and real-world examples, allowing students to apply their skills.

"The course is taught well."

"It Really helped me to get better at few aspects, A freshman should start from this Course."

"The course helped me to use the Ableton in a really useful and practical way to realize my music."

The course is accessible and suitable for beginners, providing a solid foundation in Ableton Live.

"I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning Ableton Live at a beginner's level."

"This is a course for total beginners in Ableton (or for the ones that want to review its fundamentals)."

"Great course for beginners. This course gives a good start with Ableton Live and provides you with knowledge to get starting and making music."

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 Introduction to Ableton Live with these activities:

Tune Your Ears with Ear Training Exercises

Show steps

Establish a solid foundation in ear training to enhance your ability to recognize and manipulate musical elements.

Browse courses on Ear Training

Show steps

Identify intervals and chords by ear
Practice identifying scales and their characteristic intervals
Transcribe simple melodies or chord progressions by ear

Sharpen Your Beatmaking Skills with Rhythm Exercises

Show steps

Develop your rhythmic proficiency by engaging in targeted practice drills, improving your ability to create captivating beats.

Browse courses on Rhythm

Show steps

Practice creating basic drum patterns using a drum machine or sequencer
Experiment with different time signatures and subdivisions
Analyze and recreate drum patterns from your favorite songs

Collaborate and Learn with Fellow Students in Ableton Discussion Forums

Show steps

Engage with the Ableton community by participating in discussions, sharing knowledge, and seeking feedback from peers.

Browse courses on Collaboration

Show steps

Join Ableton Live discussion forums or online communities
Participate in discussions related to Ableton Live and music production
Share your own experiences and insights to contribute to the community

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Master MIDI Production Techniques with Ableton Certified Tutorials

Show steps

Delve deeper into MIDI programming, a core aspect of music production, through guided tutorials from Ableton experts.

Browse courses on MIDI

Show steps

Understand the fundamentals of MIDI and its application in music production
Explore various MIDI editors and their features
Learn advanced MIDI programming techniques for creating complex sequences

Explore the Depths of Music Production with 'Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio'

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of audio engineering and mixing techniques by delving into the insights of industry expert Mike Senior.

View Recording Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound... on Amazon

Show steps

Read and understand the concepts of mixing and mastering
Apply the techniques described in the book to improve your own mixes
Experiment with different mixing approaches based on your understanding

Enhance Your Abilities by Contributing to the Ableton Community

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of Ableton Live and contribute to its ecosystem by engaging in open-source projects or creating your own resources.

Browse courses on Open Source

Show steps

Explore open-source Ableton Live projects and resources
Contribute to bug reports, feature requests, or documentation for Ableton Live
Develop and share your own Ableton Live-related tools or projects

Compose and Record an Original Track Using Live's Features

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of Ableton Live's capabilities by embarking on a hands-on project of composing and recording an original track.

Browse courses on Music Composition

Show steps

Experiment with different instruments and sounds to create a melody and chord progression
Program drums and percussion to complement your musical ideas
Apply effects and mix your track to enhance its sonic quality
Refine and finalize your track for sharing or further development

Design and Present a Live Performance Set for Showcase

Show steps

Integrate your skills in Ableton Live by designing and presenting a unique live performance set, pushing your creativity and technical abilities.

Browse courses on Live Performance

Show steps

Plan and structure your live performance set, including song selection and transitions
Rehearse and refine your set to ensure a smooth and engaging performance
Showcase your live performance set before an audience or record it for later sharing

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Ableton Live will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Producer

Music producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. Those in this role may work independently or for record labels. Producers are typically responsible for guiding artists throughout the recording process, ensuring their visions are realized. This course provides a strong foundation for those interested in becoming a music producer. It introduces learners to essential skills such as MIDI programming, audio warping, and file management, all of which are necessary for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Audio Engineer

Audio engineers oversee the technical aspects of audio production. They are responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering audio for a variety of purposes, including music, film, and television. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Ableton Live, a popular digital audio workstation used by audio engineers worldwide. Learners will gain hands-on experience with MIDI programming, audio recording, and mixing, preparing them for entry-level roles in audio engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Sound Designer

Sound designers create and manipulate sounds for a variety of purposes, including film, television, video games, and music. They use a variety of techniques to create sound effects, ambiences, and other soundscapes. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring sound designers. It introduces learners to the basics of audio recording, editing, and processing, as well as the use of MIDI controllers and synthesizers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Musician

Musicians perform, compose, and record music. They may work independently or as part of a band or orchestra. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Ableton Live, a powerful digital audio workstation used by musicians of all levels. Learners will gain hands-on experience with MIDI programming, audio recording, and mixing, preparing them for a variety of roles in the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Music Teacher

Music teachers instruct students in the fundamentals of music, including music theory, history, and performance. They may work in schools, private studios, or community centers. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring music teachers. It introduces learners to the basics of music theory, MIDI programming, and audio recording, preparing them to effectively teach music to students of all ages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Composer

Composers create original music for a variety of purposes, including film, television, video games, and theater. They may work independently or as part of a team. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Ableton Live, a popular digital audio workstation used by composers worldwide. Learners will gain hands-on experience with MIDI programming, audio recording, and mixing, preparing them for a variety of roles in the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

DJs select and play music for audiences at clubs, parties, and other events. They may also create their own mixes and produce music. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring DJs. It introduces learners to the basics of DJing, including beatmatching, mixing, and scratching. Learners will also gain hands-on experience with Ableton Live, a popular software used by DJs worldwide.

See salaries and explore the career path for DJ

Music Therapist

Music therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. They may work in hospitals, schools, or private practice. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring music therapists. It introduces learners to the basics of music therapy, including the use of music to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote healing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Sound Engineer

Sound engineers design, install, and maintain sound systems for a variety of purposes, including concerts, sporting events, and corporate events. They may also work in recording studios or film production companies. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring sound engineers. It introduces learners to the basics of acoustics, sound reinforcement, and audio recording.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Engineer

Radio Producer

Radio producers plan, create, and produce radio programs. They may work for commercial radio stations, public radio stations, or podcasts. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring radio producers. It introduces learners to the basics of radio production, including scriptwriting, interviewing, and audio editing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Producer

Video Editor

Video editors assemble and edit footage to create videos for a variety of purposes, including film, television, and the web. They may also add music, sound effects, and other elements to their videos. This course may be helpful for aspiring video editors. It introduces learners to the basics of video editing, including how to use Ableton Live to create and edit soundtracks for videos.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Photographer

Photographers take pictures for a variety of purposes, including art, journalism, and commercial photography. They may work independently or for a company or organization. This course may be helpful for aspiring photographers. It introduces learners to the basics of photography, including how to use Ableton Live to create and edit soundtracks for videos or slideshows.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Web Developer

Web developers design and develop websites. They may work independently or for a company or organization. This course may be helpful for aspiring web developers. It introduces learners to the basics of web development, including how to use Ableton Live to create and edit soundtracks for websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Graphic designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Writer

Writers develop, write, and edit written content, such as news articles, scripts, and books. They may work independently or for a company or organization. This course may be helpful for aspiring writers. It introduces learners to the basics of writing, including how to use Ableton Live to create and edit soundtracks for videos or podcasts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer