Music Production I

Music Production I introduces students to the essential tools, concepts, and workflows used in modern digital music creation. Beginning with computer setup, audio interfaces, and the fundamentals of working in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), the course centers on hands-on learning in Ableton Live, guiding students through its core features, including Session and Arrangement views, project creation, and basic navigation. Students explore the differences between MIDI and audio, build tracks using loops, and gain practical experience recording and editing both MIDI performances and audio files. As the course progresses, learners delve into mixing basics: EQ, compression, volume, panning, and signal routing, while developing complete short projects that demonstrate these skills. Additional topics include exploring virtual instruments, drum tools, and customizable key commands, as well as understanding system preferences and third-party device integration. The quarter culminates in a final creative project in which students produce a multi-instrument track and present their workflow, showcasing their growing technical proficiency and creative decision-making in music production.