Course Structure

c o u r s e – s t r u c t u r e (comprehensive)
WEEK 1-2Equipment and Music Structure.
The wiring process and hooking it all up.
P.A Systems, Basic sound acoustics.
Learn how to handle the equipment.
Basic knowledge on how the dj equipment works.
Controllers Vs CDJs Vs Turntables
Working in live environment and troubleshooting.
Basic music structure.
Counting bars and predicting breaks.
B.P.M. (Beats per minute.)
WEEK 3-4The Beat Mix.
Ear Training Exercise.
Using the headphones.
Executing the mix.
Pitch control, Keeping the mix going.
Programming.
WEEK 5-6The Beat Mix (cont.)
Mixing In key
Smooth mixing / cut mix.
Mixing techniques and transitions.
Breaking down the mix.
Song selection.
Applications in new technology.
WEEK 7-8Advance Mixing and Effects.
Basics in scratching.
Sample selection.
Looping/ Beat Juggling.
Mash Ups, Acapellas.
Cross genre mixing.
Advance Programming Exercise.
WEEK 9-10Digital DJ, Production, Remixing.
Digital mixers and midi equipment.
Serato Vs Rekordbox.
Using the sampler in between the mix.
Loops and effects.
Softwares (Ableton, Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools)
Basic studio concepts.
Tour to a major studio.(optional)
Tour to a radio station.(optional)
WEEK 11-12Marketing & Promotion.
Self Promotion, Getting work.
Promoting Clubs/ Parties.
Understanding how the music industry works.
Business Basics, Copyrights.
Putting it all together.
Final Test Preparation.
c o u r s e – s t r u c t u r e (advanced)
WEEK 1.Perfecting the Mix.
Pitch control (Fine Tuning).
Extending the mix.
Smooth transition Techniques.
Chopping the mix and advance cut mix.
Mapping out the mix (Pre-Programming).
Energy Levels (short set vs long sets)
Mixing with different genres & double time.
WEEK 2.Scratching Part 1.
Equipment requirements.
Scratch Drills #1 (Stabs, Transform, Crabs)
Scratch Notations.
Sample selection.
Home Work #1
WEEK 3.Scratching Part 2.
Extensive training in advance scratching.
Scratch Drills #2 (Chirps, Flare, 2-3 Click Flare, Orbits, Tears, Combos)
Combining digital effects with the scratch.
Home Work #2
WEEK 4.Turntablism.
Beat Juggling.
Visualising and notating
Stage presentation.
Making melodies combining scratch with juggle.
other battling and showcasing techniques.
Home Work #3
WEEK 5.Interactive DJing.
Pairing students up.
Back to back team playing.
using multiple turntables/decks.
Tips on Showcasing with other DJ’s.
Preparing a Team battle/showcase set.
Home Work #1 due and tested.
WEEK 6.Live Sampling and Remixing.
Using digital midi controllers.
samples and acapellas in between the mix.
Loops and creative overlaying.
Live remixing.
Live Production (Ableton/serato/bridge).
Video mixing DVJ with Serato.
Tour to a major studio (optional)
Home Work #2 due and tested.
WEEK 7.Self Promotion and Event Management
Creating a unique style.
Networking, Social media.
Identifying and programming to diverse crowds.
Being selective with promoters.
Sourcing music.
Marketing yourself and contracts.
Promoting you own night
Budgeting and Advertising
Sponsorships
Home Work #3 due and tested.
WEEK 8.Revision and Final Test.
Arranging and composing a short trick set for a battle
Originality and developing your strengths
Students are required to complete a demo CD
A promo pack and personal web site will be created for each student.
4 week break then Final test at a Night Club (10 Minute set).
course – structure (music production)
WEEK 1.Intro to MIDI and how it can be applied to a basic home studio.
Common home studio set up (eg. wiring, patching, hardware, software)
Recommended hardware and software for your personal needs.
Sound properties explained for recording and insulation.
WEEK 2.Basic understanding of multi tracking.
sequencers explained.
Setting up the midi sequencer and patching instruments.
intro to interface of commonly used software.
The fundamental features of all sequencing software.
Plug Ins vs real instruments.
WEEK 3.Sampling concepts and methods explained.
sampling methods explained.
Manipulating the sampled sound.
Identifying the key and harmonics.
loops and time stretching.
WEEK 4.Composition
notations and harmonies.
Quantisation
Live sound vs Quantised sound.
External and internal Effects explained.
WEEK 5.Arrangement of the compositions and samples.
Layering sounds and overdubs.
common arrangements of different genres.
Different arrangements for different Audiences.
working 1 on 1 with each student for their final arrangement.
WEEK 6.Mastering.
Mixing down your arranged piece.
Levels, eq’s, effects and compression.
WEEK 7.Copyright laws.
Legalities concerning sampling.
Protecting your Interlectual property.
APRA and it’s role in the industry.
WEEK 8.Pros and Cons of Major record companies
Tips before approaching Record Companies.
maintaining your style and direction of your music
and balancing with the record company’s marketing strategies.
Commonly used contracts and deals by the Majors.
WEEK 9.Setting up your own Record label.
Business fundamentals.
Business laws and contracts.
Vinyl pressing and CD Manufacturing.
Distribution deals.
Marketing your product and networking essentials.
The money flow chart from the artist to the consumer.
WEEK 10.Final written test.
Demonstration of all student’s pieces, Marked by a panel of established producers.