Expansive Music Academy

Part 1: Introduction

In this week, we explain how our system works. We do various exercises to understand how to identify critical elements in the records you love. We go over what plugins to use in the course, demystify room acoustics, and how to set up a good listening environment. We do an exercise on how to pick reference tracks in relation to what you're trying to accomplish (labels you're trying to get on, artists you're trying to sound like) and the genre of music you're looking to produce.

Part 2: Foundations & Creating Drums

I throw you in the deep end and show you my tried and tested techniques that will easily fast track your music production abilities by a couple of years. We show you how to build the drum section right with various layering techniques, the right way to use loops, and most importantly, our 5 foundational elements to nailing a track from the get-go. We teach you how to choose appropriate samples that cut through your mix without opening any EQs. These techniques are foolproof.

Part 3: Perfecting The Low End

This is where we start building the all-important low end you'll be using in future records. You will have an array of exercises demonstrating how to reverse engineer the most common basses used in house music. You'll use our tried and tested techniques to find unique bass tones with samples, synthesizers, sub-basses, bass layers. Additionally, You will learn how to get the relationship right between your low-end and the 5 foundational elements from the previous week.

Part 4: Nailing The Main Section

This week is where you'll learn how to nail the main section of your track. This week will ensure your main section has enough parts and has all the correct elements while refining your drum programming details. We will start processing your drums and bass to get closer to the final product.

Part 5: Enhancing The Main Section

How and where to find usable vocal samples, addressing timing, hooks, and phrases. We will also be using pianos, and you will be learning how to perfect your synth hits and stabs and ensuring you have all the elements needed, so you don't get stuck on the arrangement.

Part 6: Break Down Techniques PT 1

Getting the break down right is one of the most essential parts of your track. At this point, you will know if you have a good idea or not, and we show you every trick in the book to work a breakdown, from creating tension, drum filtering techniques, delay builds, reverb swells, and loads more so that the next time you approach a breakdown, you won't get stuck.

Part 7: Break Down Techniques PT 2

Here we utilize all the techniques we learned from the previous week and implement them into our breakdowns. Overcoming common pitfalls when it comes to breakdowns and showing you tried and tested methods that have worked worldwide. We will also be learning different styles of breakdowns for further arrangements.

Part 8: Mixdown Fundamentals PT 1

Getting the mix down right is an area that most students have trouble with, and in the lesson, we cover techniques to help you get the perfect mix. With our main section and break locked in, we now focus on getting the relationship tighter between our elements covering compression, eq, panning, balancing, distortion, limiting, reverb & delays.

Part 9: Mixdown Fundamentals PT 2

This week we take your initial concept and demonstrate how to add the suitable FX and automation to get your track to flow into a playable club track covering everything from the intro to the outro. Once we have the club mix in lock, we talk about getting the perfect radio edit.

Part 10: Finalizing & Intro to Mastering

In this lesson, we build you up with a basic understanding of mastering so you can turn your track into a playable club track or demo. We cover the fundamentals of mastering and teaching you techniques to understand this tricky subject and feel confident when working on your stereo bus.

Part 11: How To Remix

This week, you will gain a valuable skillset essential for your career as a house music producer. I will take you through approaching a remix from choosing parts, playing in key, choosing chords, and everything you need to know to stand out against other producers. 

Part 12: Industry Etiquette

Here we focus on the common pitfalls of being in the music industry. From sending demos, booking agents, managers, record deals, publishing deals PRS, PPL, advances remix fees, social media, distribution, and self-releasing, we cover everything you need to know about the music industry fill in gaps for you.