Learn the Fundamentals of Synthesis and Sound Design

This 6 week course is designed to teach students how to utilize various methods of synthesis to create their own unique sounds from scratch.  We will explore many of the instruments that come with Ableton Live Suite and examine the different types of synthesis used by each, the common components found in the signal paths of these instruments, and how we can manipulate and modulate these elements to produce a nearly infinite range of results.  The primary objective is to provide a solid foundation in synthesis that will give students the confidence to design their own sounds for use in their musical compositions.

This is the second course in our 3-course Music Production Bootcamp. You can enroll in this course only, or save 20% by enrolling in all 3 courses of our Music Production Bootcamp. View additional information about pricing and enrollment options.

Live, Interactive Training

This program is conducted in an online group class setting, at the same high quality you've come to expect from our video courses, which have been enjoyed by over 30,000 students!

Participate in weekly lectures, submit assignments and collaborate with other students. Classes meet twice per week. Each class is 2 hours long and alternate between a lecture day and a lab day, with a homework assignment in between. You can also optionally drop in to regularly scheduled office hours for extra help from the instructor.

Since this program is entirely online, you can participate from the comfort of your own home. Students may join from anywhere in the world since classes are hosted in a virtual classroom (via Zoom), which includes seamless audio/video/screen streaming for each student.

Week 1: Subtractive Synthesis with Analog

Week 2: Wavetable Synthesis and Modulation

Week 3: FM Synthesis with Operator

Lecture Day

• Learn about the powerful form of synthesis called frequency modulation (FM), developed by John Chowning.

• Learn why FM synthesis is a favorite for producers in creating bells, bass, growls, noises, drums and more by studying its versatile scope of capabilities.

• Learn the fundamentals and build patches from scratch.

WEEK 4: Synthesis with Samples Part I

Lecture Day

• Study Ableton Live’s built-in Simpler instrument, which is similar to Analog, but uses an audio sample to generate sounds, instead of an oscillator - as it is a software sampler.

• Explore the possibilities of using “found sounds” to produce new, unique musical results by manipulating and mangling samples.

• Learn the instrument details found on many samplers.

WEEK 5: Synthesis with Samples Part II

Lecture Day

• Learn about Ableton Live’s more robust sampler device called Sampler, in comparison to Simpler.

• Learn about multi-samples, layers, key ranges, and much more - features found on more feature-rich samplers.

• Use Sampler’s more exotic features such as FM/AM (modulation).

WEEK 6: Making Instrument Racks

Lecture Day

• Learn about a powerful feature in Ableotn Live: Instrument Racks.

• Dig into interesting workflows using effects, parallel chains, assigning plugin parameters to macro knobs, etc.

• Effectively build custom instruments and synths using Instrument Racks.

Ready to Enroll?

Reserve your spot by clicking the “Purchase” button below and completing the checkout process. Payment is required in full to reserve your spot.

Learn about the other courses in our Music Production Bootcamp →

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the digital classroom work?

Students may login from anywhere in the world using Zoom classroom software. Zoom requires virtually no setup, includes high quality audio/video/screen streaming, breakout chat rooms, and much more so that the classroom experience feels immersive and highly interactive.

What is the class schedule? When does it start?

The course will begin on October 20, 2020. Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-8pm EST. Students will be required to complete homework and project assignments between classes. Additionally, students will have access to their instructor via weekly office hours, for additional help and student-teacher interaction.

What if I miss a class? Will the lectures be accessible after the class?

Yes, all classes will be recorded and made available for viewing. If you miss a lecture, you can watch the recording later when you have time.

What skill level is required to attend the course?

Beginners as well as intermediate-level musicians and producers are welcome to attend this bootcamp. Once you enroll in this course, you’ll automatically get a 1-year membership to our course library. The only prerequisite is to complete our free Electronic Music Production: Level 1 course as well as our Synthesis course.

Can I get a discount on a Noiselab membership, to access all your video courses?

All enrolled students will receive a FREE 1-year membership to the complete Noiselab course library ($120 value). Students enrolled in all 3 courses of the Music Production Bootcamp will get a FREE lifetime membership to the complete Noiselab course library ($300 value).

Will there be homework or out-of-class work?

Yes, each week there will be assignments to further your learning and apply the concepts taught in class.

Can I get a discount for Ableton?

Yes, all students will receive a discount code to purchase Ableton Live and Push at a 30% discount.

How do I sign up?

Click the “Purchase” button above to proceed with the enrollment process. Your seat will be secured by paying the $800 fee. The course will be limited to 20 students, so enrollments will be closed once all seats are filled. If you have any questions, please contact us at contact@noiselab.io.

What’s your refund policy?

No refunds. Since we limit the number of spots in each course, we can’t provide any partial or full refunds.