Overview

Explore both sides of the mix this summer in NYC with Sound Collective’s Music Production + DJ Bootcamp — a two-week, immersive experience where you’ll learn to create your own tracks in Week 1, then learn to perform live as a DJ in Week 2. Start by producing a track using Ableton Live and industry-standard hardware, then transition to the decks with hands-on training on Pioneer CDJs and Rekordbox.

Perfect for aspiring producers and DJs, this combined bootcamp gives you a full-spectrum foundation in electronic music creation and performance, from the studio to the stage.

No experience required — just bring your passion for music, and leave with a track, a recorded DJ set, and the confidence to take your next creative step.

Week 1 – Core Production Techniques

Students get introduced to the Ableton Live environment, exploring how to navigate its interface, edit MIDI and audio clips, and understand how samples are warped and arranged. By the afternoon, the focus shifts to MIDI programming and sequencing drum patterns using Simpler and Drum Rack. Expect hands-on beat building from the jump.

  • Learn Ableton Live’s interface and workflow
  • Master warping, editing, and browser navigation
  • Dive into MIDI programming with hands-on practice
  • Build and customize drum kits using Drum Rack and Simpler

This day dives into how audio and MIDI signals travel through Ableton, including how to use MIDI effects creatively. Students also get comfortable using Session View to launch clips and begin composing in a live setting. In the second half, it’s all about synthesis—learning the basics of sound design through subtractive synthesis using both software and hardware synths.

  • Understand audio and MIDI signal flow for clean routing
  • Explore Ableton’s Session View for live composition
  • Use MIDI FX to unlock creative sequencing
  • Start building leads, pads, and basses with subtractive synthesis

Students learn essential mixing skills, from EQ to compression, as well as how to shape space with reverb and delay. Then they explore more advanced effects, like multiband compression and saturation, along with sidechaining and limiters—setting the foundation for polished production.

  • Shape your sound with EQ and compression basics
  • Add space using reverb and delay
  • Apply advanced effects like multiband compression and saturation
  • Use sidechaining and limiting for movement and loudness control

Thursday kicks off with a deep dive into sampling using Ableton’s Sampler, including importing and creatively manipulating custom samples. The day ends by learning how to build and optimize instrument and effect racks, a major workflow hack that helps students work smarter, not harder. (Sculpt your sonic palette)

  • Get hands-on with Ableton’s Sampler for sound manipulation
  • Import custom samples and explore third-party VST plugins
  • Build and save custom racks to streamline your workflow
  • Use macros for live performance and creative control

Students are introduced to Max for Live devices and generative tools for pushing creative boundaries. Then, they focus on building a full 16-bar drum loop, complete with fills, groove, and swing—setting the stage for next week’s full track arrangement. (Dive into the limitless rhythmic possibilities)

  • Explore Max for Live tools for generative and experimental sounds
  • Push creative boundaries with sequencers and effects
  • Program a tight, groove-heavy 16-bar drum loop
  • Add fills, transitions, and swing for rhythmic impact

Week 2 – Foundations of DJing

Students learn how to organize their music libraries, prepare playlists, and get USBs performance-ready in Rekordbox. By the afternoon, they’re hands-on with track importing, cue points, loops, and beatgrids — laying the digital groundwork for creative mixing.

  • Organize your music library for efficient DJing

  • Source tracks from digital platforms and prepare USBs

  • Use Rekordbox to import, analyze, and prep tracks for performance

Students get comfortable using Pioneer CDJ 2000s and the DJM-900NXS2 mixer. From cue points and loops to EQs and filters, this day builds core technical skills that make smooth transitions possible.

  • Navigate the CDJ 2000s: cues, hot cues, pitch control, looping

  • Master the 900NXS2 mixer: EQ, gain structure, headphone cueing

  • Practice core functions like volume balancing and crossfading

This session breaks down song structure and phrasing, helping students recognize when to mix tracks for maximum energy. Then it’s on to beatmatching — syncing tracks by ear without relying on sync buttons.

  • Understand intros, verses, breakdowns, and drops

  • Learn musical phrasing for smooth transitions

  • Practice beatmatching and tempo syncing by ear

Students develop advanced transition techniques using loops, filters, EQ, and timing to enhance their set. With a focus on genre-switching and building flow, they’ll gain tools for creating dynamic mixes.

  • Practice transitions using EQ, filters, and timing

  • Use loops and effects for seamless blends

  • Experiment with creative transitions between genres

Students learn how to use FX like reverb and delay to shape energy in their set, then perform a 15-minute DJ set live in front of their peers and instructor. Sets are filmed and recorded for review and feedback.

  • Use FX (reverb, delay, echo) to build tension and energy

  • Perform a 15-minute live set using CDJs and a mixer

  • Receive detailed feedback from instructors and peers

Unlock Your Creative Playground in NYC

Get full access to our NYC facility and join a thriving creative community. Whether you’re working on your next project, prepping for a gig, or exploring new tech; Sound Collective is designed to fuel your artistic journey.

Access our Studio Rooms, Practice Rooms, Production Gear, DJ Setups, Instruments, and more today.

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