Download the final project and audio files.

All audio samples in this course are located in /project files/audio files

In this lecture I discuss the fundamentals of all dance music, the drums. I'll show you how to:

1. Build a drum kit in the Ultrabeat
2. Program an groovy pattern
3. Export the pattern for more editing
4. Getting a rough mix for the drums

In lecture 2, I'll show you how to add percussion loops to add vibe and character to your drums. I'll demonstrate:

1. How to import audio files in to our project
2. EQ'ing and compressing drum sounds
3. Creating sub mix groups for your sounds

After working with the drums, it's best to start working on musical elements and the melodies in to our arrangement. I'll explain:

1. How to create a simple melody from a sample
2. Using Logic's sample EXS24 to pitch and manipulate the sample
3. Programming a simple melody in the Piano Roll
4. Using the delay, reverb and exciter to add character to the melody

In this quick video, I'll show you how to create a simple bass patch using analog synthesis

1. Using ES1 to create a deep bass sound
2. Programming a simple bassline

Using ES1's big brother, the ES2, we'll create simple arpeggiated synth line

1. Creating an arpeggiator in Logics environment
2. Configuring the ES2 
3. Adding width to the synth line
4. How to push the sound back using reverb

After preparing our sounds, I'll show you how to gradually structure your arrangement by moving regions around. Starting with 8 - 16 bar intervals.

1. Creating a Intro for the drums
2. Introducing bass lines and other elements
3. Adding more percussion to add excitement to the song

Adding vocals gives your tracks feeling and purpose. Even if they are small vocal bits. In this video I'll show you how to use a boring vocal sample and transform it to an exciting riff.

1. Adding vocal samples to EXS24
2. Recording a simple vocal riff
3. Group the vocal samples in to a sub mix and add processing

Where would house music be with out those lush analog strings? Strings gives a chorus section life and emphasis. I'll demonstrate how to:

1. Select a strings preset from EXS24 library
2. Recording automation to create movement in the strings
3. Arranging the piano melody to create a chorus section

House music is all about creative arrangement. In this lecture I'll explain how to create verses and choruses. 

Programming build ups and drops is all about automation. In this video i'll show you how to:

1. Add FX sounds and noise washes
2. Automate reverb and delays for build downs
3. How to edit drum patterns to decrease energy

The buildup of any dance track has to be RIGHT! Here i'll discuss automating more parameters and removing elements to create space.

In this video, I'll demonstrate a trick that's always used in house music. A filter sweep which thins out the track towards the drop.

1. Adding the master output to the arrange window
2. Adding and automating the filter
3. Automating the melody hits and effects for more drama

After automating all these parameters, lets take a break! 

Now let's finish completing the tracks and add a few more bars for the outro.

Here's the fun part - Mixing. I'll discuss how to:

1. Level balance
2. EQ
3. Apply compression
4. Side chaining
5. Add stereo width 

Preparing your track for the clubs takes final touches. I suggest taking your track to a professional mastering house. If you don't know anyone, this lecture will explain how to "soft" master your track

The final step in the production process is The Bounce. We'll export our master track to an MP3 file.