Although the market for digital audio workstations is flooded with great products, Ableton is widely regarded as emerging head and shoulders above the rest. Now in its ninth version, the software features one of the largest libraries of drum sounds and presets, audio clips, one-shots, synths, and a whole host of changeable inserts. Trouble is, it’s notoriously difficult to master.

This Sunday marks the first of three consecutive courses created to introduce Vancouverites to Ableton Live. A piece of software designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for composing, recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering, Live provide a number of controls for beatmatching, crossfading, and other vital DJing effects. Perfect for first-timers interested in exploring a range of music production and turntabling techniques, the trio of three-hour courses is slated to offer an in-depth introduction to the software’s capabilities.

The course will be led by Alexandre Klinke, a Brazilian music composer with a background in sound design for TV and film. As well as working as a composer in a number of styles, including orchestral, electronic, jazz, and rock, Klinke is also an instructor at the Digital Music Production Program at Langara College.

No prior experience is necessary for the classes, and students can expect to learn the fundamentals or recording, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and sound synthesis. By the end of the three sessions, participants will know how to write experimental sound pieces, and create their own synth patches.

All you need to bring is some headphones.

The intro to music production and Ableton Live is at VIVO Media Arts Centre (2625 Kaslo Street) on Sunday (April 23), April 30, and May 7. Signups can be found here.

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