Music Production: Ableton Live

Program Overview

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Music Production: Ableton Live

Key Info

Duration

• 1 Term
• More duration options:

Start Date

• 2025: July, October
• 2026: January, April, July, October
• 2027: January, April, July, October

Timetable

• Monday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Terms are typically 9 to 10 weeks long.

Fees

• £1,995 payment in full
• £95 saving over monthly instalments
• £50 reg fee + balance of £1,945
• £95 saving over monthly instalments
• £50 reg fee + £680 per month

Accommodation

• Moving to London is a big step, and we’re here to help make it easier. While we don’t offer on-campus housing, we work with trusted providers to help you find safe, comfortable student accommodation that fits your needs and budget. From private studios to shared flats and homestays, there are plenty of options - many fully furnished and equipped with high-speed internet and secure access.

Course Overview

pointblank Music School is an Ableton Certified Training Centre, and we've been teaching Ableton Live for over 15 years. Throughout this course you will get a thorough understanding of how to use the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) while working in fully kitted-out studios. Our workstations feature the latest hardware and software including Push Controllers, Native Instruments Komplete, Roland Cloud and more. This course is developed and delivered by our Ableton certified lecturers, ensuring our students receive the best cutting edge training. Our lecturers have worked with the likes of King Krule, Armin Van Buuren, Bjork, Depeche Mode and many more.

You will learn how to produce your own tracks - whatever style of music you are into, meet an eco-system of musical talent and have the opportunity to take part in a variety of masterclasses and events. All students enrolled on this course are entitled to receive 50% off Ableton Live Suite.

This module aims to develop your fundamental understanding of contemporary music production. You will learn technical production skills within Ableton Live that are central to the realisation of musical ideas: recording and editing MIDI and audio, pre-production considerations, drum programming, mixing, audio effects processing, automation and arrangement techniques. You will have the opportunity to conceive and execute a production project, applying creative, technical, project management and reflective skills to aid your development as a producer and for professional life beyond.

pointblank classes are small to ensure you receive ample 1-2-1 time with your lecturers.

Our studios are located in Shoreditch—a global hub of London music venues and bars—and include industry-standard, state-of-the-art technology, including a 48-channel SSL Duality Delta and an Audient 8024 mixing console.

You can also study this course in Logic Pro.

Modules

Music Production (Ableton)

This module aims to develop your fundamental understanding of contemporary music production. You will learn technical production skills within a DAW that are central to the realisation of musical ideas: recording and editing MIDI and audio, pre-production considerations, drum programming, mixing, audio effects processing, automation and arrangement techniques. You will have the opportunity to conceive and execute a production project, applying creative, technical, project management and reflective skills to aid your development as a producer and for professional life beyond.

• The Production Process
• Ableton Live Overview
• Rhythm, Melody, and Harmony Production
• Drum Programming
• Pre-Production and File Management Techniques
• MIDI and Audio Processing Techniques
• Warping
• Introduction to Synthesis and Sampling
• Track Arrangement & Automation
• Mixing & Exporting
• MIDI Controllers and MIDI Mapping

Student Spotlight

Sound Engineer, Producer & Musician

Luke Black

Luke has catapulted to new heights and taken the Eurovision stage by storm, representing Serbia with his electrifying performance of his track ‘Samo Mi Se Spava’ in the First Semi-Final of Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool, the United Kingdom.

Expert Lecturers

• Anna Lakatos
• Simon Mitchell
• Ben Chetwood

Discounts

Enjoy a range of exclusive discounts including but not limited to:

• 50% off NI Komplete, Ableton Live Suite & Roland Cloud
• 30% off NI Kontrol & Maschine
• 25% off Adam Audio & Focusrite

Career Opportunities

Studying music production offers a blend of artistic expression and technical expertise, providing multiple opportunities in a thriving industry. With digital platforms driving demand for quality audio content, producers have diverse career paths. The ability to work across genres and the potential for independence make it an appealing and rewarding career choice.

• Music Producer
• Artist/Performer
• Remixer
• A&R Label Manager
• Sound Designer
• Recording Engineer
• Mix Engineer
• Game Composer
• Studio Manager
• Music Arranger
• Songwriter

FAQ

• I am an International Student. How do I apply?

For courses longer than 6 months: you will be required to apply for a Student Visa. pointblank is able to sponsor you on a Student Visa for degree programmes. Please refer to our International Student Guidance section for more information on the application process.

For courses of 6 months or less: you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. All courses completed in less than 6 months can be possible without applying for a Student Visa. Please refer to our International Student Guidance section for more information on the application process.

• Do I need to buy software & equipment to take the course?

Depending on your programme, certain hardware and software will be essential throughout your studies. To help with your independent learning and assessment work, you will need to have access to this equipment outside of the campus. However, if you are able to attend classes on campus, this equipment will be available to use either in class or by booking practice time. Note that you have access to our facilities 7 days a week during term time for the length of your course (excluding scheduled breaks). Please visit our software and hardware requirements for short courses page which lists the hardware and software you are required to own for each subject. Where you may choose to study online (distance learning), this equipment will be essential to your studies and assignment work. If you wish to buy equipment or software, pointblank students qualify for discounts from Apple Education, Ableton, Native Instruments, Serato, Pioneer DJ and other leading industry partners.

• What is my weekly study schedule?

Each module requires your attendance at one class which will be 3 or 4 hours long depending on the module. You will also have two 30-minute tutorials with your lecturer per module per term for additional support. Your timetable will be confirmed a week before the start of each term. In addition to your classes, you are expected to schedule sufficient independent study and practice time each week. The school facilities are open 7 days a week during term time, allowing you to work on assignments and reinforce the knowledge and skills learned throughout the term.

• Help! My question is not answered here

If you have further questions, don't be shy, please contact a course advisor who will be happy to help.