Learn Music Production and Music Theory in One Class

Piano for Producers is a unique group class dedicated to blending music production skills in Ableton Live with essential music theory concepts using a keyboard. This course is designed for aspiring music producers who want to create their own music but feel hindered by a lack of theoretical knowledge.

So often, we hear the same things from students: “I’d like to write my own music” or “I love music production but don’t know anything about music theory.” We have crafted a class that aims to address these concerns directly. By teaching theory concepts such as note values, scales, chords, and song structure, we seamlessly integrate these skills with production concepts like MIDI, synthesis, and audio recording. Our goal is to provide students the opportunity to learn both simultaneously, allowing them to produce their own work more quickly and effectively.

Class Structure:

  • After School Classes: Our engaging and interactive classes are held once a week, ensuring consistent progress and ample hands-on practice. (Thursdays beginning end of September)

  • Open Production Hours: In addition to regular classes, enrollment in this course grants students access to our production space during open production hours every Thursday and Friday afternoon starting at 3:00 PM. This allows students to use our tools and facilities to polish their projects with guidance from our experienced instructors.

What You Will Learn:

  • Applied Music Theory: Understanding note values, scales, chords, and song structures, and how to apply them in music production.

  • Production Techniques: Mastering the fundamentals of MIDI, synthesis, and audio recording in Ableton Live.

  • Creative Skills: Developing your unique sound and style by experimenting with different musical elements and production techniques.

What Piano for Producers Is Not:

  • A traditional classical music class focusing on pieces like "Fur Elise."

  • A course that emphasizes rote learning with mnemonics like “Every Good Boy Does Fine.”

  • A program limited to passive learning without practical application.

What Piano for Producers Is:

  • A comprehensive approach to learning music production and theory.

  • A hands-on, practical class where you create and refine your own music.

  • An opportunity to collaborate with other budding producers in a supportive environment.

FAQs

  • Currently the class is available to students in 3rd - 5th grade.

  • No prior experience is necessary. Our class is structured to cater to complete beginners as well as those who have some background in music production or keyboard playing.

  • All necessary equipment, including keyboards and computers with Ableton Live, will be provided during class. However, if you have your own laptop with Ableton Live installed, you are welcome to bring it for personalized setup and practice. We do recommend having a computer at home for students to practice on.

  • The course runs for 6 weeks, with classes held twice a week. Each class lasts for one hour. In addition to the scheduled classes, students can access the production space during open production hours every Thursday and Friday afternoon starting at 3:00 PM.

  • The class covers essential music theory topics such as note values, scales, chords, and song structure. It also delves into music production techniques, including MIDI, synthesis, and audio recording using Ableton Live.

  • Missing one or two classes is okay, there’ll be opportunities to fill in some of what was missed, but we would say if you expect to miss more than 2, sit this session out until your schedule would allow for more consistent attendance

  • Access to the production space is limited to the designated open production hours. However, we encourage you to practice on your own time using your own equipment.

  • Our experienced instructors are available during classes and open production hours to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.