Creative Sound Design for Music in Ableton Live - Two Day Course

This course will explore creative sound design for Music using Ableton Live

Within this course you will explore various tools which will allow you to work with both recorded and synthesised sounds.

This short course is designed and written for musicians / artists / music producers who are interested in developing new skills in sound design and composition.

The aim of the course is to create a community space for creatives to come together to make and share while providing the space and structure for them to develop some new ideas and techniques

This course is suitable for beginners.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

DAY ONE:

Introduction to Ableton Live

• Why use Ableton Live
• Audio Setup
• Interface: Clip view vs Arrangement view
• Working with Recorded Sound

Creating a Live Setup

• Clips and sound editing
• Warping
• Live setup and Midi Control
• MIDI Instruments
• Using Effects

Shaping and Sculpting Sound

• Automation
• Working with Volume Envelopes
• Sculpting sound with EQ

Sound Design

• Sound Design using Ableton Plugins
• Filters
• Delays
• Granulator
• Pitch Loop

DAY TWO:

Sound Synthesis

• Sound Synthesis in Ableton

Form and Structure

• Creating tension and release
• Sound shapes

Mixing and Arranging

• Arrangement; Balancing the mix
• Giving space to your sounds (Panning)

WHO WILL BE MY TUTORS?

You will be taught by composers and musicians at the SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre who are experts in spatial audio composition.

COST

£240 for one two-day course

COURSE DATES

2 Days In-Person (10- 5 each day, 12 hours)

Available Dates:

• 6-7 January 2026
• 23-24 April 2026

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• Ableton Live 12 (30 day free trial avialable)

• Your own Laptop

• Headphones

If you have some of your own recorded sounds that you would like to work with then please bring them. Otherwise, we will provide you with a sound library.

CONTACT US

If you have any question about the course please contact us by email: ICE@gre.ac.uk.

For more information on the work and activities of the Centre for Sound and Image visit the following:

Sound and Image Research Blog

Sound and Image Instagram