Cape Audio College - Electronic music programmers course

Electronic Music Programmers course

The purpose of the "EMP" Course at Cape Audio College is for the student to acquire the skills to utilize the latest professional software programs available, to create and program music of any genre in such a way that it has a cutting edge, is original and has an impact on the target market.

The student will be guided through the vital steps in digital music creation, including: Sequencing, Synthesis, sampling, and sound manipulation.

Learn to make and play music using Ableton Live, Reason and Pro Tools. The EMP course takes you from the absolute basics all the way through to finishing an EP, mastering, remixing and performing live.

The "EMP" Course gives you the availability of loads of practical experience with the most up to date, state of the art, computer based recording and music programming tools. Turn the idiosyncrasies of digital technology into a medium on which to paint sound pictures that leave a lasting impression.

New Rudimentals material

Our resident experts here at the Cape Audio College are currently recording new material for one of SA's leading Ska bands the Rudimentals. You can see the Gallery here. Read More

Studio Gallery

Our 13 state of the art studios will ensure your development in the technical field of sound engineering. This truly is the most well equiped training facility in the country. Have a look for yourself.

Guest Speakers

During the EMP course we invite top industry professionals to share their experiences in workshops focusing on the practical application of theory to the real world industry.

Topics covered by the EMP course include:

Week 1: History of electronic music / Home studios / Introduction to Ableton Live.

Week 2: Working with MIDI.

Week 3: Working with audio.

Week 4: Samplers and drum machines.

Week 5: Synthesizers and MIDI effects.

Week 6: Audio effects.

Week 7: More audio effects / AU and VST effects /Effect Automation.

Week 8: Song structure and sequencing.

Week 9: External hardware / Routing / Rewire / Reason.

Week 10: Vocal and Instrument recording / Grooves / Production tricks and techniques

Week 11: The Mixdown.

Week 12: Class review.

Week 13: Playing live with Ableton – basics

Week 14: Playing live with Ableton – advanced techniques.

Week 15: Mastering / Dj’ing with Traktor.

Week 16: How to make money out of music.

The EMP course includes a mix of theory taught in class, practical application on the Macs in class, and weekly assignments and links to strengthen the theory taught in class. Specialist guest lecturers give extra insight into specialist techniques. The final assignment is a Digital EP (3 original tunes and a remix)

The course is of use to beginners looking to gain a solid understanding of electronic music production techniques and live performance, as well as intermediate producers wishing to learn Ableton Live from the ground up, find inspiration and freshen up their skills.

Course Duration
16 weeks – Starting
Course 1: 23 February – 22 June 2011
Course 2: 27 July – 23 November 2011

Lecture Times:
Lectures will be held Wednesday evenings 18:00 – 21:30