Overview

Kickstart your music production journey this summer in NYC with the Sound Collective Summer Bootcamp — a 2-week, beginner-friendly course that teaches you how to create, arrange, mix, and master your own track using Ableton Live. Learn in a professional studio with hands-on access to industry-standard gear like Push 2, MIDI keyboards, and hardware synths. No experience needed — leave with a release-ready track.

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 – Composition, Arrangement & Finalizing a Track

Now that the basics are covered, students explore more creative sound design techniques—layering synths and crafting textures unique to their musical vision. They also learn how to manipulate vocal samples to create hooks, atmospheres, or chopped vocal textures using pitch and formant tools.

  • Design unique textures, layered synths, and signature sounds
  • Transform vocal samples into hooks, atmospheres, and FX
  • Experiment with pitch, formant, and modulation tools

Theory made practical. Students learn essential music theory concepts like scales, key signatures, and rhythm. Then they apply that knowledge to create chord progressions in Ableton, adding harmonic depth and exploring how to layer instruments effectively.

  • Learn scales, keys, and harmonic structure tailored to producers
  • Write compelling chord progressions with real-world application
  • Layer instruments for rich harmonies with voicings and inversions

Option 1: Time to lock in that groove. Students write basslines that sit in the pocket with the drums and add sub-bass for power. Then they move into structuring their full track—transforming the 16-bar loop into a full arrangement with an intro, verses, chorus, and more.

  • Write basslines that lock into your groove and chord progressions
  • Layer sub-bass for impact and warmth
  • Expand your 16-bar loop into a full song arrangement with intros, drops, and bridges

Students learn how to use transitions like risers, sweeps, and impacts to add drama and flow. Then it’s time to refine the mix—balancing levels, applying final EQs and compression, and getting everything sitting right before mastering.

  • Create risers, sweeps, and impacts for tension and release
  • Automate effects for dynamic transitions and moments
  • Mix your full track: balance levels, sculpt frequencies, add space and clarity

The bootcamp wraps up with a crash course in mastering—learning how to finalize a track for different platforms using limiters and export settings. The afternoon is dedicated to a showcase of student tracks, complete with feedback from instructors and peers, and advice on the next steps in the music production journey.

  • Learn the basics of mastering for volume and polish
  • Prepare stems and exports for streaming, DJ sets, or uploads
  • Present your finished track to the class
  • Get live feedback from instructors and peers
  • Wrap-up: next steps in your music production journey

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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