Ableton Live 11 – Music Production in Ableton Live Course Syllabus

An all-in-one Ableton Live 11 masterclass that takes you from first musical ideas to polished tracks and dynamic live performances with confidence. This course is structured into six comprehensive modules covering setup, MIDI and audio production, arrangement, sound design, mixing, automation, and live performance techniques. With approximately 6 hours of on-demand video content, learners will gain hands-on experience building songs from the ground up and preparing them for release or live sets.

Module 1: Introduction & Setup

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Installing Ableton Live 11
• Configuring audio and MIDI settings
• Navigating the Browser
• Understanding Session View vs. Arrangement View
• Workflow fundamentals

Module 2: Clip Creation & MIDI Programming

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Recording and editing MIDI clips
• Using the Piano Roll for note editing
• Programming drum patterns with Drum Racks
• Working with the Step Sequencer

Module 3: Audio Recording & Sampling

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Recording live audio into clips
• Warping audio for tempo alignment
• Using Simpler and Sampler instruments
• Slicing and manipulating samples creatively

Module 4: Arrangement Techniques

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Building song structure using Scenes and Markers
• Transitioning from Session View to Arrangement View
• Comping multiple takes
• Consolidating clips and fine-tuning timing

Module 5: Sound Design & Effects

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Designing pads, basses, and leads with Wavetable
• Creating sounds using Operator
• Applying audio effects: EQ Eight, Compressor, Saturator
• Using Native Effects and building Device Chains
• Incorporating reverb, delay, and side-chain processing

Module 6: Mixing, Automation & Live Performance

Estimated time: 1.75 hours

• Balancing levels and panning tracks
• Routing with Sends and Returns
• Drawing automation envelopes for dynamic control
• Setting up Follow Actions and Launch Modes for live sets
• Using Macros and exporting stems and full mixes

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of digital audio workstations (DAWs)
• Familiarity with fundamental music concepts (helpful but not required)
• Ableton Live 11 installed (Intro, Standard, or Suite)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Navigate Ableton Live 11’s interface confidently
• Record, edit, and arrange both MIDI and audio clips
• Create original beats, melodies, and full tracks using built-in instruments
• Apply professional mixing techniques and automation
• Prepare and perform dynamic live sets using Session View tools