Music Production with Pro Tools
Faculty: Audio
Duration: 8 Weeks
Delivery: Online
Level: Beginner & Intermediate
Start Date: 18th May 2022
Course Director: Michael O’Brien
Fees: €400 per level
Certification: Pulse College Certificate
COURSE CONTENT
This exciting course is aimed at musicians, DJs and budding producers who want to develop their musical knowledge. Making a great track isn’t just about knowing the tech, it’s about making great music. You will learn about music in a practical, easy to understand way from people who make music professionally. Using simple examples on a professional DAW, learn how to analyse hit songs and construct dynamic compositions with focus and skill.
TOPICS COVERED
Level 1
Duration: 8 weeks
Level: Beginner
Cost: €400
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 1
Introduction/Course Overview
- Digital Audio
- Introduction to Pro Tools
Week 2
Audio in Pro Tools
- Setting Timebase & Rulers
- Recording Audio
- Organising Audio Files and Clips
- Editing Audio
- Extracting drum hits from audio file
- Introduction to Falcon
Week 3
Midi in Pro Tools
- Introduction to Midi
- Types of Midi tracks in Pro Tools
- Timescale and Rulers for Midi
- Recording/Viewing/Editing Midi
- Introducing Virtual Instruments
- Audio to Midi conversion
Week 4
Music Theory
- Bars and Beats
- Identifying Notes, Scales & Keys
- Using Pro Tools Midi Editor to find chords
- Using Chord patterns to identify bass line and melody
- Song Structure & Arrangement
Week 5
Using Virtual Instruments
- Overview of Sound Theory
- Overview of Synth controls
- Overview of Boom, Structure, Xpand
- Overview of Falcon
- Quantizing Midi
Week 6
Introduction to Microphones
- Microphone Design
- Directional Response
- Microphone Characteristics
- Microphone Techniques
- Stereo Microphone Techniques
Week 7
Audio Processes – EQ, Dynamics, & Reverb
- Equalisation
- Dynamic Processing
- Reverberation
Week 8
Signal Routing, Groups, Levels & Mixing
- Signal routing in Pro Tools
- Creating Mix & Edit Groups
- Levels
- An introduction to mixing
Level 2
Duration: 8 weeks
Level: Intermediate
Cost: €400
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 1
Advanced Samplers
- Keygroups and Root Note
- Drum loops and Slice engine
- Overview of Stretch & Scrub Engines
- Advanced modulation
- Introduction to Midi Effects
Week 2
Advanced Synthesis – Falcon/Hybrid/Loom
- FM Synthesis
- Additive Synthesis
- Wavetable Synthesis
- Granular Synthesis
Week 3
Editing Pitch and Time
- Elastic audio Basics
- Elastic Audio Views
- Warping Audio
- Applying Tempo changes to Elastic audio
- Quantising Warped Audio
- Applying Pitch changes to Elastic audio
Week 4
Effective Use of Processors
- Compressors & EQ
- Dynamics & Sidechaining
- Reverb & Delay
- Modulation & Harmonics
- Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid-Side
Week 5
Automation
- Understanding Automation
- Automation Playlists
- Working with automation
- Graphical Editing
- Removing Automation
Week 6
Advanced Mixing Workflows
- Mixing introduction
- Preparation & Organisation
- Mixing workflows
- Filters, EQ, Dynamics,
- Masking, Levels, Depth, Width
- Exporting & Stems
Week 7
Introduction to Video Workflows
- Importing video into a session
- Synchronisation setup
- Overview of the tools and instruments used in film scoring/trailers
- Import film trailer, work on designing and replacing sound FX
- Saving and exporting
Week 8
Guest Speaker / Ending Discussion
- Presentation from Industry Professional
- Recording & Post Production Workflows
- In-depth look into professional sessions
- Q&A session
Got a question?
TUTOR
Michael O’Brien is an audio engineer with more than 15 years of experience. He studied sound engineering and music technology, and then subsequently worked as an engineer and lecturer both in Ireland at Poppyhill Studios, and at the Instituto ENE Audio, in Bogotá, Colombia, where he lived for over a decade.
Michael is knowledgeable in sound design, music and post production, and he has an avid enthusiasm for all things music technology related with a particular interest in synthesis and audio programming.
HOW TO APPLY
Admissions
All applicants are expected to demonstrate the following:
- A proven interest in the field of audio and sound
- Knowledge of the basic use of computers at approximately ECDL level
- A positive attitude and enthusiasm for the programme
- Commitment to learning, both directed and independent
- Self-organisation skills.
This programme will be delivered in a blended format. As such, there are technical requirements for the online learning component (computer or tablet, broadband). If you have any questions about any of the technical requirements for Pulse online courses, please contact the admissions team who will put you in touch with the IT support team.
Educational Requirements
The programme is designed for all ages and skill levels, whether you are new to the industry, looking to up-skill, or wanting to learn new skills and enhance your career options within the Audio industry. No industry experience is required and applicants may be accepted without formal academic qualifications.
Further Progression
Learners who complete both Levels 1 & 2 are awarded a Certificate of Merit from Pulse College.
Upon completion of this programme learners may continue their studies in our major award programmes, the BA (Hons) in Music Production or the BA (Hons) in Audio and Music Technologies, which are existing validated awards on the NFQ.
The Certificate will bring candidates up to the level of music theory required for acceptance (pending other criteria) onto our BA (Hons) in Music Production programme.
FEES
Irish / EU (Residing in Ireland)
Level 1: €400
Level 2: €400
*Full Payment Required to Confirm Place
On completion, you will be awarded a Pulse College Certificate.
*Please note: Fees are non-refundable