Complete Music Production Course

For beginners who want to get to a pro, release-ready level

March 13th 2021: Saturdays 12pm – 6pm. Duration: 15 months.

Course Introduction

Committing to music production is a big decision. If you’re going to do it, do it properly. This course brings the two halves together: 6 months of the ‘Introduction to Music Production Module’, and 6 months of the ‘Advanced Music Production’ module.

This incredibly practical course has been honed to take you step-by-step from being a total beginner (also great if you’re a self-taught producer), to a completely confident music producer.

You’ll understand Ableton Live, music theory, sound design and mixdown inside out. By the end you’ll be in a position to send tracks out to record labels. Each of the course modules can be tailored to work around your schedule. You can make use of expert tutors, mentoring sessions and unlimited studio access throughout the course.

If you’re serious about making great music, take the jump.

Zero to hero
Ableton Live Suite is the leading music production software, which also opens up a gateway to remixing live. We’ll take you from beginner level, to finishing tracks comfortably with it. You’ll also get this software free with this course, rrp: £539, so you can make music from home as well as in SEM.
Producer? Go Pro!
Raise your sound design and mixdown game to put you into another league. Start competing with the pros.
Music Composition included
This 3 month module will help you arrange and create music confidently, while learning keyboard skills and music theory. No prior musical knowledge required. We include an online version too for further home study.

Included with this course

• 50% off NI Komplete & Ultimate products • 40% off Ableton Live Standard or Suite
• 25% off NI Kontrol Keyboards, Audio Interfaces, Traktor & Maschine

Choose to enrol on any Complete Music Production course and also get one free:

Ableton Live 10 Suite (RRP: £539) or Native Instruments Komplete 13 (RRP: £499)

Or, enrol on SEM’s flagship Master Course and receive both free.

LESSONS

Music Production: 1 x 6hr daytime or 2 evening lectures weekly depending on start date (12 months). Music Composition Mon or Wed 7-10pm (3 months) + online module.

1-2-1 TECH SUPPORT

During your studio time, the tech team can provide additional 1-2-1 support, to help you further develop your production skills. They’re here 7 days a week. Make the most of them!

UNLIMITED ACCESS

Studios are available 10am – 10pm Monday – Friday, and 12 – 9pm on weekends. Use our online booker to plan ahead. SEM offer more practical time than any other UK equivalent.

Course Overview

Music Production
Ableton Live workflow
Working with MIDI and audio
Working with VSTs
Using studio hardware
Further Production
Genre production nuances
Working with hardware synths
Mixing desk signal flow
Remixing techniques

Production skills
Track analysis
Arrangement /automation
Basic synthesis/mixdown
Remixing techniques
Sound Design
Sound design with Komplete
Sampling/layering techniques
Advanced mixdown skills
Mastering processes

Music Composition
Writing chords and melodies
Arranging your music
Creating beats, groove and swing
What makes a great track?
Mixing Down
Compression
EQ and gates
Reverb and delay
Basic mastering

Modules Included

Introduction To Music Production

Duration: 6 months

The Introduction to Music Production module will give you a strong grounding in music production skills using Ableton Live – arguably the most immediately creative DAW on the market. You’ll learn how to work with MIDI and audio, virtual instruments, MIDI controllers and effects: techniques, which will be built on as the module progresses.

You will learn Ableton live inside out, along with basic sound design with our extensive selection of third party instruments, different genres, and mixdown techniques to turn your track from an arrangement into a finished, polished piece.

If you’re serious about becoming a successful music producer, audio engineer, or DJ/producer, then this module will teach you essential skills for success in a competitive market place, and gives a solid platform for those looking to move onto further advanced study. We’ll show you how to get the most from your home studio setup, and how to incorporate hardware instruments into your workflow, if this is a direction you’d like to take.

Whether you’re new to music production or have been already producing your own music for a while, you’ll be learning all the essential skills in a creative environment, from industry active expert tutors with a wealth of releases and remixes under their belts. School of Electronic Music is an Ableton Certified Training Centre and a Native Instruments Training Partner.

Introduction to Ableton Live and the Project Studio

Ableton Live workflow, MIDI sequencing, audio sample import and editing, Native Instruments Komplete overview, music computer setup and specifications, MIDI controllers, audio interfaces.

Music Production Skills

Critical/analytical listening skills, common production techniques, basic synthesis/sound design, remixing skills, how to structure music of different styles/genres.

Studio Skills

Modern audio interface connectivity, functionality and signal flow, correct monitoring practice, using hardware synthesisers and effects, audio routing and recording.

Mixdown Fundamentals

How to effectively approach a mix, balance, panning, EQ, gates, compression, creative modulation effects, reverb and delay, basic mastering techniques.

Electronic Music Composition (Online + Classroom)

Duration: 3 month online module taken at your own pace

Students are also provided with an online version of this module, so training can be repeated online as much as needed. This is also a useful supplement for students who may not be able to attend the evening classroom lessons.

Unless students have a background in musical theory or have played an instrument, they commonly ask:
How do I start and finish a track? How do I make a groove & arrange beats? How can I create a track, with a sample as a starting point? What is a chord structure? How do I know if this vocal is in key? How do I make a better breakdown? How do I write a hook? How do I finish my arrangement? How can I get creative when I open Ableton Live?

This online module will answer and teach you all these techniques, and more.

It will guarantee to give you the edge and help you to be a successful, creative music producer or audio engineer. It will give you a solid grounding in musical theory: a key area of your musical skill set which will allow you to create ideas quickly with confidence, and improve your musical ear. It will help you put your ideas in to an arrangement ready for mixdown.

You may be able to produce music to a high level but it won’t be enough if it doesn’t sound musical. Once you are on your way as a producer, remixer or sound engineer, having an understanding of music composition will be indispensable as you will be able to effectively communicate with vocalists, artists and musicians around you in a language they understand.

If you feel that you already have a good grounding in Electronic Music Composition and this module’s valuable content, you are welcome to discuss the options with a course advisor who may suggest that you opt out of this module after registration.

They may require that you supply examples of your understanding of the subject.

Some examples of content:

The keyboard, bars & beats, tempo, analysing music, music theory, keys & scales, basic chords, extended chords, inversions, acapellas, automation, structure, creating hooks, song sections, arrangement, song templates, audio sampling, working out key.

Advanced Music Production

Duration: 6 months

Please Note: This module uses 3rd party plugins extensively. These plugins are provided in SEM, however please read here for information on what you may want to consider purchasing for home use, to make the most of your time and skills.

The Advanced Music Production module is an ideal progression for those who have completed the Introduction to Music Production module.

The Advanced Music Production module is for those who already have a good working knowledge of music production using a DAW. This module is not DAW specific, but focusses instead on transferrable music production techniques relevant for any platform. With this said, lessons are delivered on Ableton Live to show examples.

If you are already producing music, but often feel that something is lacking from your music, then this is the module for you. Over 6 months you’ll study different types of synthesis (subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation, granular, additive) and sampling techniques allowing you to confidently recreate the sound you’re looking for from your favourite tracks. And learn to create something unique to you: no more presets! We’ll break down a range of different tracks to see why they work allowing you to incorporate these proven techniques into your own productions.

Finally, you’ll learn in-depth mixdown and mastering techniques using a range of high-end processors and effects from manufacturers like Slate Digital, FabFilter, SoundToys, Valhalla and Eoisis. These will help give your music clarity, punch and depth, and make it stand out from the rest. You’ll be learning in a creative environment, from industry active-producers who have a string of releases and remixes to their names. School of Electronic Music is an Ableton Certified Training Centre and a Native Instruments Education Partner.

Sound Design

Sound theory, advanced synthesis, Operator, introduction to Reaktor/blocks, advanced sampling and granular synthesis, effective layering of sounds, creative audio editing, recording, editing and processing vocals.

Music Production Skills

Further critical/analytical listening skills, advanced production techniques, advanced synthesis/sound design, case studies: how to structure music of different styles/genres.

Advanced Mixdown

Gain structure, effective metering (dBFS, dBVU), balance, panning, EQ (vintage analogue and digital), noise gates, compression types (VCA, FET, Opto, Vari MU), creative modulation effects, reverb and delay families, case studies: mixing different types of music and instrumentation, quick and and effective mastering techniques.

Is this course for me?

Course Dates / Fees / Enrol

‘I haven’t got any music qualifications’, ‘I don’t play an instrument or have any equipment’. Not a problem.

Whether you’re a singer wanting to make beats to sing to, or desperate to create anything on the spectrum – from hiphop to techno – this course will cover production from the ground up, and get you to a stage where you can send it out to record labels.

You’ll also be mixing with like-minded students, with all the opportunities that brings. Are you ready to commit?

Entry Requirements
None. Suitable for beginners or self-taught producers, no prior qualifications needed. Students can use SEM’s studios so no home-setup required, but if you do have one, see our suggested kit list here.
Course Outcome
You will finish with a strong command of Ableton Live, music theory and composition, sound design and mixdown. Add the Audio Engineering module to expand your creative portfolio.

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Change the payment option from the dropdown menu below to view further information.

Start dates and course fees

Start Dates

February (Weekend Term)
6 months music production : Saturdays 12pm – 6pm

April
6 months music production : Mondays 12pm – 6pm

June (Evening Term)
6 months music production: Tues & Thurs 7pm – 10pm

September
6 months music production : Wednesdays 12pm – 6pm

November
6 months music production : Thursdays 12pm – 6pm

Music Composition can be studied before, during or after your Music Production modules.

Book in for a call with a course advisor to discuss your full timetable, with regards to Music Composition and Music Production modules.

+44 (0)161 833 4722

Course fees

Instant Decision Monthly Finance (credit check required)
Options One – Four

Minimum 5% downpayment of £260
Payable upon successful application.

1: 12 months: £412/month. Total finance: £4940

2: 24 months: £227/month. Total finance: £5443

3: 36 months: £159/month. Total finance: £5695

4: 48 months: £125/month. Total finance: £5955

Fund your own training (no credit check required)
Options Five – Six

5: Reg fee (£300) to secure your place + £4900. Total £5200. If your course starts within 1 calendar month, the remaining balance of £4900 is payable.

6: Reg fee (£300) + 4 x 10-week instalments of £1320. Total £5580. If your course starts within 1 calendar month, the first install is payable.

See monthly finance options

When should I enrol?

In short: enrol as soon as you are ready. All live course dates are available for you to enrol on.

Unlike most training centres SEM has a limit on lecturer to student ratio and keeps its class sizes small. We therefore have limited availability and courses fill up in advance. We would recommend enrolling as soon as you are ready, to avoid disappointment.

Options 1 – 4: If you are funding with Monthly Finance with Omni Capital

Apply online now via the course page, this will take you to Omni Capital’s page for the finance side of the application.
Your finance decision should be immediate.
Monthly repayments to Omnifinance do not begin until 1 month after your finance application has been accepted.
The initial downpayment is paid to SEM, which is required once your finance application has been accepted.

Options 5 – 6: If you are funding yourself (no credit check)

Enrol online, this will prompt you for your registration fee, and may prompt you for the first instalment if you course starts within 1 month.
A course advisor will then be in touch to finalise your remaining payments.

If you have any questions please contact a course advisor on +44 (0)161 833 4722. They will be happy to help!

Can I get funding for the course?

If you have any questions, we would always recommend contacting a course advisor or calling us on +44 (0)161 833 4722.

Options 1 – 4: Get instant monthly finance with Omni Capital (the finance applicant will need to be in employment)

Prospective students are able to get an instant online decision to fund training though our partner Omni Capital.

Please note, the person applying for Omni Capital finance does not have to be the student, for example a parent could apply for finance on behalf of a student. In a case like this, the student should enter their student details on the SEM enrolment page, but when the application then goes across to Omni Capital’s website, the finance applicant should enter their details at this point. Speak with a course advisor if you would like assistance in going through the application.

Benefits of the monthly finance are that the baseline course price is based on our ‘advanced’ cheaper price – although payment durations longer than 12 months will have interest of 9.9% applied (this is already factored into the monthly pricing you see on the course page). Please note Omni Capital will undertake a credit check when you apply for finance.

To apply, you must be 18 or over, earning over £5000 annually and have been living in the UK for at least 3 years before your course starts. Omni Capital will also take into consideration additional factors such as your credit score. If you are uncertain about whether applying for the finance is right for you, please contact a course advisor first.

Apply by selecting the course start date, and the monthly payment duration that best suits your situation
Click ‘Enrol on Course’
On the second page, fill out your student details. At the bottom of the page select ‘Monthly Payments Omni Capital’.
This will reveal a dropdown. Select the monthly payment duration again.
Then select ‘Apply Now’
This will take you through to Omni Capital’s site to complete the finance application – a decision on the finance is normally instant.
Assuming your finance is accepted, you will need to pay:
- The downpayment to SEM immediately
- The monthly payments to Omni Capital do not begin for 28 days. We always advise ringing them on 0333 240 8318 to confirm the date of your direct debit.

You will need to pay a minimum 5% downpayment on the course fees to SEM at the point of successful finance application, although you have the option to make anything up to a 50% downpayment on course fees (a larger downpayment will make your monthly instalments cheaper). Should you wish to make a larger downpayment, contact SEM instead of applying online, as we will need to setup a bespoke application.

Options 5 – 6: Fund the course yourself

There are no credit checks involved with these options. SEM at their discretion may require proof of income, and confirmation of a guarantor – but not always.

If you have not lived in the UK for the past three years, or have low or no credit score, then these options may be relevant for you as you may not qualify for Omni Capital finance. At SEM’s discretion, we may be able to discuss a direct monthly payment plan between yourself and SEM, as an additional alternative. Please contact us promptly to discuss this.

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Complete Music Production

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Course FAQS

Monthly Finance Calculator

You can use the finance calculator to try the potential options that suit your budget.

There is a minimum of 5% non-refundable deposit (downpayment for the course fees) required from the student at the point of successful application. The calculator will tell you minimum deposit required on the right hand side. To pay a bigger deposit please contact the school.

EG: Complete Music Production Course. Fees: £5200

£5200 over 36 months : Deposit £260 : Monthly instalments of £158.19. Total finance: £5694.86

What is my timetable for the course?

Your timetable can be tailored to suit your needs. Modules can studied one after the other, or at the same time.

We would strongly advise speaking to a course advisor on +44 (0)161 833 4722 to plan your specific timetable to fit around other commitments you may have. See below for examples:

February start dates

Intro to MP – 6 months – Saturdays 12pm – 6pm

Advanced MP – 6 months – Saturdays 12pm – 6pm