Embarking on the journey of music production can be both thrilling and overwhelming for beginners, especially when faced with the costs associated with learning the craft. Fortunately, the digital age has ushered in a plethora of free online music production courses that provide a solid foundation for aspiring producers. This article presents the top 10 free online music production courses for complete beginners, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to kickstart your musical creativity and technical skills from the comfort of your home.
Key Takeaways
- A variety of free online courses are available, catering to different aspects of music production for beginners.
- These courses offer flexibility and convenience, allowing learners to progress at their own pace and on their own schedule.
- The courses listed have been selected based on their comprehensive content, ease of access, and positive track record.
- Free courses provide an excellent opportunity to gauge interest and aptitude in music production before investing in more advanced training.
- Leveraging free resources like these courses can significantly enhance one's skills and understanding of music production without financial burden.
1. Point Blank Online
Point Blank Music School, an Ableton Certified Training Center, offers a comprehensive introduction to music production with their free online course. The 'Online Introduction to Music Production (Ableton)' is designed to provide beginners with the foundational skills necessary to start their journey in music creation.
Point Blank's courses are more than just an introduction; they're a gateway to professional music production.
Established in 1994, Point Blank has grown into a global network of schools with a reputation for excellence in music production, sound engineering, DJing, and the music business. Their online platform allows for flexible learning, with the added benefit of real contact time with expert tutors through one-to-one sessions and group masterclasses.
- Music Production Certificate or Diploma
- Electronic Music Production In Depth
- Sound Design In Depth
- Music Composition In Depth
Upon completion, many courses offer a certificate or diploma, adding value to your educational investment. With Point Blank, you can level up your production completely for free.
2. Bound To Divide's Full Ableton Course
Dive into the world of music production with Bound to Divide's Full Ableton Course, an 8-hour journey tailored for beginners. Start with the essentials of Ableton Live, covering everything from MIDI basics to crafting your own audio and beats. Progress through the course to learn about melodies, music theory, synthesis, sound design, and drum programming.
Bound to Divide, a seasoned producer in melodic house music, brings his expertise from working with labels like Monstercat Silk and Colorize to this comprehensive course. His experience ensures that students not only learn the technical skills but also gain insights into the industry.
This course is a perfect starting point for those looking to understand and create within the melodic house and techno genres.
The course includes several key modules:
- Ableton Live II: MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
- Ableton Live III: Shape Your Own Audio & Beats
- Ableton Live IV: Finishing a Track
For those seeking to further refine their sound, the recommended Skillshare course 'Music Fundamentals: Explore & Create Your Unique Sound' by Jacob Collier is an excellent follow-up.
3. Make Your Transition
Make Your Transition is not just a course; it's a journey into the heart of music production. Guided by industry expert Paul Nolan, this platform offers a unique philosophy that parallels fitness training. Embrace the daily dedication required for creative growth and technical mastery, all while enjoying a wealth of resources from masterclasses to production templates.
Make Your Transition redefines music production learning, blending commitment to craft with the joy of creative exploration.
The platform is completely free and provides a holistic approach to shaping your music future. Whether you're looking to polish your production skills or start from scratch, Make Your Transition is an excellent starting point.
- Experience holistic learning
- Access a trove of resources
- Learn from industry expert Paul Nolan
Remember, learning music production is like a fitness routine for your creativity. Start your journey today and level up your production completely for free.
4. Production Music Live
Production Music Live (PML) stands out as a beacon for those diving into the world of electronic music production. Focused on Ableton Live, PML also caters to FL Studio and Logic Pro enthusiasts. Founded by Francois, a classically trained musician, PML is synonymous with high-quality underground electronic music education.
With a plethora of free tutorials, sound packs, and professional tips, PML is the perfect place to start your music production journey. Their offerings are not just limited to education; they also provide an array of sound packs and presets to enhance your music.
The platform is celebrated for its ability to keep pace with the ever-evolving dance music trends, ensuring that your skills remain on the cutting edge. While not every course may be perfect, the majority are led by industry professionals, providing a solid foundation for aspiring producers.
For those looking to specialize, PML's Melodic Techno Academy Vol.2 is a notable mention. It's a comprehensive 7-step online course program that includes professional sample packs and Serum presets, designed to elevate your production skills.
5. Hyperbits Masterclass Groundwork
The Hyperbits Masterclass Groundwork is a treasure trove for aspiring producers. With courses tailored for both Ableton and Logic, it's a free resource that offers a structured approach to music production. Unlike the scattered tutorials on YouTube, Hyperbits provides a clear and detailed pathway to mastering your DAW of choice.
The courses are meticulously designed to take you from the basics to the advanced intricacies of music production, ensuring that your learning journey is both efficient and comprehensive.
Here's what you can expect from the Hyperbits Groundwork:
- Comprehensive step-by-step training
- A focus on the essential details of music production
- A streamlined learning experience without the clutter of random online resources
While the masterclass itself is a premium offering, the groundwork courses serve as an invaluable foundation for those looking to elevate their production skills without any financial investment. Enrollment may be closed at times, but joining the waitlist can secure your spot for the next available session.
6. Berklee College of Music
The Berklee College of Music offers a unique opportunity for beginners to dive into the world of music production through its partnership with edX. This free vocal recording technology course is designed to be completed in approximately 6 weeks with a commitment of 5 to 6 hours per week.
The course culminates in a capstone project where participants produce a fully finalized song, showcasing the skills they've acquired.
Learners benefit from a high-quality, user-friendly experience, gaining knowledge about professional music production tools. The peer-review system ensures valuable feedback from classmates and instructors. While the college is known for its high tuition fees and notable alumni like Steve Vai and Quincy Jones, this online offering provides access to Berklee's prestigious education at no cost.
The course is part of a larger Music Production Specialization on Coursera, which includes four courses and takes about 5 months to complete. This allows students to connect with one of the most prestigious music schools and level up their production skills for free.
7. YouTube University
YouTube University offers an abundance of music production tutorials for free, making it an invaluable resource for beginners. However, the quality of these tutorials can vary significantly. To ensure you're learning from credible sources, it's essential to be selective and look for well-trusted channels.
While YouTube may not be the first platform that comes to mind for structured courses, it's a treasure trove for those willing to search. With the ability to save videos and create playlists, learners can curate their own music production curriculum. Channels like Envato Tuts encourage creative thinking and provide high-quality instruction.
Remember, the key to using YouTube effectively is to avoid the pitfalls of clickbait and focus on finding content that offers genuine value and skill development.
Here are five recommended music production channels on YouTube:
- MusicTechHelpGuy
- MusicTech
- Point Blank Music School
- ADSR Music Production Tutorials
- Fact TV
These channels are known for their reliable and professional tutorials, covering a wide range of topics from Logic Pro X to Cubase. By following these, you can step into music production with confidence.
8. Coursera Music Production Specialization
The Coursera Music Production Specialization is a comprehensive program designed for those eager to dive into the world of music production. Offered by the prestigious Berklee College of Music, this specialization includes a series of four courses covering the essentials of music production, the technology behind it, Pro Tools basics, and culminates in a capstone project.
The specialization is tailored for electronic music enthusiasts, focusing on creating music entirely through a computer. It's structured to accommodate learners who may not have the time to complete the sequence immediately, allowing for flexibility in learning.
Here's a quick overview of what to expect:
- Platform: Coursera
- Duration: 22 weeks, 3 hours per week
- Format: On-Demand
- Cost: $39 per month (first month free); financial aid available
- Course Structure: Online videos and assignments
- Requirements: A computer capable of running Pro Tools Intro or higher; microphones recommended
No prior experience is necessary to start, and with the option of financial aid, this specialization makes music production accessible to a wider audience. Whether you're looking to understand the art of music production or aiming to master electronic music creation, this program provides a solid foundation to build upon.
9. Sean Fitzjohn's Free Music Production Guide
Sean Fitzjohn's comprehensive guide is a treasure trove for those looking to dive into music production without spending a dime. His guide is part of a broader list of 10 free courses that cater to aspiring producers of all levels.
Fitzjohn emphasizes the importance of utilizing open licensed educational materials and embracing digital tools to master comprehensive musicianship. His guide is not just about the technical aspects of production but also about understanding music theory and the world of royalty-free music.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect from his guide:
- Insight into the best free online music production courses
- Tips on using online textbooks and hands-on practice
- Guidance on navigating essential digital design tools
Remember, the journey to becoming a fully accomplished music producer is not just about the tools you use, but also about the knowledge you acquire and how creatively you apply it.
10. Daren Banarsë's Top Online Music Production Picks
Daren Banars's curated list is a treasure trove for those venturing into the world of music production. His selection is tailored to guide complete beginners through the intricate landscape of electronic music production, offering insights into everything from choosing the right DAW to mastering the art of sound design.
The list includes a variety of courses that cater to different aspects of music production:
- Coursera's Music Production Specialization stands out as the top pick, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
- For those looking for affordability, Skillshare's Blueprint to Beatmaking is a notable mention.
- Beginners may find Skillshare's Ableton Live I: The First Steps of Digital Music Production particularly helpful.
- Aspiring hip-hop producers can benefit from MasterClass's Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking.
- Electronic music enthusiasts might prefer MasterClass's deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production.
Banars's guide is not just about the courses; it's a full-fledged electronic music production guide covering tutorials, community forums, essential gear, DAW selection, synthesizers, and sound design for aspiring producers. It's a resource that encourages exploration and continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of music production.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of music production can be both exciting and daunting for beginners. Fortunately, the digital age has democratized learning, providing a plethora of free online courses that cater to aspiring producers. This curated list of the top 10 free online music production courses is a testament to the accessibility and quality of education available at no cost. From the comprehensive curriculums of renowned institutions like Berklee College of Music to the practical tutorials offered by platforms such as Coursera and YouTube University, there is something for everyone. These courses not only offer flexibility and convenience but also present an opportunity to explore and understand the intricacies of music production without financial constraints. Whether you're looking to dip your toes into the world of music creation or aiming to sharpen your skills, these free resources are a valuable starting point. Remember, the key to mastering music production lies in practice and perseverance, and these courses are the perfect companions on your creative journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the music production courses listed completely free?
Yes, all the courses mentioned in the 'Top 10 Free Online Music Production Courses for Complete Beginners' article are completely free.
Do I need any prior experience in music production to enroll in these courses?
No, these courses are designed for complete beginners, so no prior experience is necessary.
Can I access these courses from anywhere in the world?
Yes, as these are online courses, you can access them from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of any of these courses?
Some courses may offer a certificate upon completion, but you will need to check the specific course details for that information.
Are these courses a good starting point before investing in paid programs?
Absolutely, these free courses are a great way to gain foundational knowledge before deciding to invest in more advanced paid programs.
Do the courses provide practical exercises to apply what I learn?
Most of these courses include practical components where you can apply the concepts and techniques you learn to real music production projects.
