Lecture 1: Introductions and Ableton Live Basics

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

During the first part of today's lecture, we'll briefly go over general course information and review some of the topics covered in the previous two main lectures. Then, for the remainder of the class period, we'll introduce ourselves to each other and discuss guidelines for completing Homework 1 on Ableton Live basics, including suggested steps for creating drum patterns, MIDI data, and audio samples.

Lecture 1 Slides

Lecture 2: Fourier Theory and Ableton Live Basics

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

In today's lecture, we'll first discuss the essentials of Fourier theory in order to build a foundation for using the spectrum analyzer in Ableton. Then, we'll continue our discussion of Homework 1 on Ableton Live basics. Specifically, we'll go over guidelines for creating a favorites bar and programming volume automation. There will be time at the very end to ask any questions you have about the homework.

Lecture 2 Slides

Lecture 3: Music Intervals and Ableton Live Basics

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The first half of this lecture will cover the concept of music intervals. Within this broad category, we will focus our attention on the concept of consonance vs. dissonance (i.e. stable vs. unstable intervals). Below I've included a link to a list of audio samples of common music intervals. For the second half of the lecture, we'll go over how to submit the homework assignment on Canvas and answer any remaining questions you have about the homework.

Lecture 3 Slides
Audio Samples

Lecture 4: Audio Filters and Automation

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

In today's lecture, we'll discuss techniques for using audio filters and automation in your music. To provide motivation and context for the material, we'll listen to examples of the techniques found in popular electronic music, and then we'll analyze a piece of music that uses audio filters and automation (see audio clip below). This discussion will largely be a review of concepts covered in the main lectures. For those who are interested, I've also included a link below to some simulation code I wrote that emulates the Moog VCF, a resonant low-pass filter commonly used in electronic music. You can compile the code to get a VST plugin that you can use in Ableton.

Lecture 4 Slides
Moog VCF Emulation Code

Lecture 5: Effects, Scales, and Return Tracks

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Today, we'll discuss techniques for using audio effects, musical scales, and return tracks. As part of this discussion, we'll listen to excerpts of popular songs that use reverb and delay. Afterwards, we'll open up Ableton Live and review how to implement the techniques. There will be opportunities throughout the lecture to ask questions about the homework assignment.

Lecture 5 Slides

Lecture 6: Arpeggiators and Synthesizers

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

In today's lecture, we'll review arpeggiators and synthesizers. As part of this review, we'll use the Argpeggiator and Analog plugins in Ableton Live to recreate the theme song from Stranger Things. By the end of lecture, you should be able to make the audio clip provided below. In addition to this composition exercise, we'll listen to some examples of physics-based sound synthesis in computer animations.

Lecture 6 Slides

Lecture 7: Drum Racks and Compression

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

In this meeting, we'll discuss ways of using drum racks and compression. In addition to standard compression, we'll go over sidechain compression. As part of our discussion, we'll cover One More Time by Daft Punk. I've attached my cover of the song below. After this exercise, we'll review all of the items for Homework 3 and address any questions you may have.

Lecture 7 Slides

Lecture 8: Wavetable and Audio Effect Rack

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Today, we'll discuss techniques for using Wavetable and Audio Effect Rack in Ableton. As part of this discussion, we'll modify the cover of Stranger Things from Lecture 6. The modified cover is included below. There will be opportunities throughout the lecture to ask questions about Homework 4.

Lecture 8 Slides

Lecture 9: EQ, Grooves, and Vocoder

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

For our final lecture, we'll discuss EQ, Grooves, and Vocoder. First, we'll use EQ and Grooves to modify the cover of One More Time from Lecture 7. The modified cover is included below. If time permits, we'll also modify the composition from Lecture 4. Then, we'll demonstrate how to implement a vocoder. After these exercises, we'll review all of the items for Homework 4 and address any questions you may have.

Lecture 9 Slides
Recommended Courses