13 Best Ableton Live Courses Free & Paid

Confused by all the features in Ableton Live? Not sure how to actually use all the tools avaialbe in Ableton Live to make music?

We’ve done the research for you. In this article, we are covering a comprehensive list of the best Ableton Live courses free and paid that you can learn from today, perfect for anyone interested in teaching music production or advancing their own skills.

Whether you’ve never opened Ableton Live or you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, there’s a course in this article for you. And the best part? We’ve got both free and paid Ableton Live courses, so you can choose what fits your budget and your learning style.

Let’s get right into these music production courses and level up your productions!

13 Best Ableton Live Courses Free and Paid

With Ableton Live 12 being released recently, it’s worth noting that the Ableton community is buzzing with courses for both this fresh release and its predecessor, Ableton Live 11.

Don’t worry, the jump between versions isn’t as huge as you might think—much of what you’ll learn for version 11 is still super relevant.

Here’s a curated list of top-notch Ableton Live courses available to help you become a better music producer.

Ableton Live for Beginners (Lite) Tutorial by Tomas George [Udemy]

The Ableton Live Beginner Tutorial by Tomas George on Udemy is a comprehensive introduction to the world of music production using Ableton Live. Tomas George, a seasoned composer, producer, and educator, guides students through the basics of the software, providing insights into MIDI writing, drum creation, and the overall workflow within Ableton Live. 

This course is designed for those who are new to the Ableton digital audio workstation or music production in general and offers a solid foundation for aspiring producers.

• Instructor or Institution: Tomas George
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Course Content: Introduction to Ableton Live, creating beats, MIDI writing, and drum creation.
• Duration: Approximately 39 mins
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Free
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Not specified
• Outcome: Basic understanding and ability to create music with Ableton Live
• Updates: Not specified

Free Ableton Live 11 Full Masterclass [Wrap Academy]

The Free Ableton Live 11 Full Masterclass offered by Wrap Academy is a concise yet potent course designed to elevate mixing skills and provide key industry insights. 

Taught by Ian Gallagher, a certified Ableton trainer, this masterclass is divided into three modules covering mixing, mastering, sound design, and music theory. It’s a great resource for those looking to quickly enhance their knowledge and skills in music production.

• Instructor: Ian Gallagher
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Course Content: Mixing, mastering, sound design, music theory
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Free
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: No personalized guidance
• Outcome: Improved mixing skills and music production knowledge
• Updates: Not specified

Learn Ableton Live 11 in 2024 – FULL COURSE (Beginners) [YouTube]

The Learn Ableton Live 11 in 2024 course on YouTube is an extensive tutorial aimed at beginners. Over the span of eight and a half hours, you are taken from the basics to more advanced features of Ableton Live 11. 

The course is comprehensive and provides a deep dive into the software, making it an excellent resource for those who prefer a detailed and paced learning experience.

• Instructor: Bound To Divide
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Course Content: Comprehensive Ableton Live 11 training
• Duration: 8.5 hours
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Free
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Not specified
• Outcome: Proficiency in Ableton Live 11
• Updates: Not specified

Music Theory for Electronic Music COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, & 3 [Udemy]

The Music Theory for Electronic Music COMPLETE course on Udemy is an all-encompassing guide to music theory tailored for electronic music producers in Ableton. This course covers everything from building chords and melodies to understanding minor scales and modes.

 It’s a bestseller on Udemy and is perfect for producers looking to enhance their tracks with a solid foundation in music theory.

• Instructor: Jason Allen
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Course Content: Music theory, chords, melodies, scales, modes
• Duration: 9 hours
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Paid (discounts may be available)
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Questions answered within 24 hours by the instructor
• Outcome: Improved music production through understanding of music theory
• Updates: Regularly updated content.

Ultimate Ableton Live 12, Part 1: Production Principles [Udemy]

The Ableton Live 12 – Music Production course on Udemy is a detailed guide for music production in Ableton Live, suitable for both Mac and PC users. It covers recording, editing, synthesis, songwriting, and music theory, providing a well-rounded education for aspiring music producers.

• Instructor: Udemy
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Course Content: Music production, recording, editing, synthesis, songwriting, music theory
• Duration: Not specified
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Paid (discounts may be available)
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Q&A section on the course page
• Outcome: Ability to produce music using Ableton Live 12
• Updates: Not specified

You can check out part 2 and part 3 of the course as well.

Learning Ableton Live the right way: From the basics to the advanced by J. Anthony Allen [Class Central]

Offered by J. Anthony Allen, an Ableton Certified Trainer, this course on Class Central takes students from the basics to advanced techniques in Ableton Live. It is a comprehensive course that covers navigation and various production skills.

• Instructor: J. Anthony Allen
• Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
• Course Content: Navigation, production techniques, advanced features
• Duration: Not specified
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Free
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Not specified
• Outcome: Proficiency in Ableton Live from basic to advanced techniques
• Updates: Not specified

Ableton Live 1: The First Steps of Digital Music Production [Skillshare]

Skillshare’s Ableton Live 1 course is focused on the initial steps of digital music production. It includes hands-on projects like synchronizing audio clips with warping and configuring preferences for your system.

• Instructor: Brian Jackson
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Course Content: Basics of digital music production, warping audio clips, setting preferences
• Duration: 1 hour 9 minutes
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Free with Skillshare trial, subscription required thereafter
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Community-based support through Skillshare platform
• Outcome: Basic digital music production skills in Ableton Live
• Updates: Not specified

Ableton Push – Workflow and Production by Mitch Lee [Udemy]

Mitch Lee’s course on Udemy focuses on the Ableton Push controller and its integration with Ableton Live for workflow and production. This course is ideal for those who want to master the Push controller to enhance their music production process.

• Instructor: Mitch Lee
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Course Content: Ableton Push controller workflow, production techniques
• Duration: Not specified
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Paid (discounts may be available)
• Prerequisites: Ableton Push controller recommended
• Student Support: Q&A section on the course page
• Outcome: Mastery of Ableton Push for music production
• Updates: Not specified

Free Ableton Live 12 Music Production Class! [YouTube]

This YouTube class offers a quick dive into music production with Ableton Live 12. It’s a short, accessible tutorial that’s perfect for those who want a fast introduction to the software.

• Instructor: Punkademic Courses
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Course Content: Basic music production with Ableton Live 12
• Duration: 4 minutes and 56 seconds
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Free
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Not specified
• Outcome: Basic familiarity with Ableton Live 12
• Updates: Not specified

Introduction to Ableton Live [Coursera]

The Introduction to Ableton Live course on Coursera, developed by Berklee Online, is an Ableton Certified Training Center course that covers MIDI programming, audio recording, warping, looping, editing, mixing, and more. It’s designed as a springboard for those new to Ableton Live or DAWs in general.

• Instructor or Institution: Erin Bara
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Course Content: MIDI programming, audio recording, warping, looping, editing, mixing
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Free with options for a paid certificate
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Peer assessments and a learner forum
• Outcome: Strong knowledge base for using Ableton Live
• Updates: Not specified

Electronic Music Production [Berklee, Coursera]

The Electronic Music Production specialization on Coursera, offered by Berklee, teaches the creation of high-quality, professional-sounding music. It covers sound recording, music synthesis, and the use of Ableton Live.

• Instructor or Institution: Berklee (Coursera), 3 Instructors
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Course Content: Sound recording, music synthesis, use of Ableton Live
• Duration: 29 weeks
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Paid (financial aid available)
• Prerequisites: Basic music production knowledge recommended
• Student Support: Not specified
• Outcome: Ability to create professional electronic music
• Updates: Not specified

Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music [Berklee, Coursera]

This specialization on Coursera by Berklee covers the strategies and practices to develop hit songs. It includes courses on lyrics, music, arrangements, and producing demos using Ableton Live.

• Instructor or Institution: Berklee (Coursera), 5 instructors
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Course Content: Lyrics, music, arrangements, producing demos
• Duration: 17 weeks
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Paid (financial aid available)
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Not specified
• Outcome: Ability to develop and produce songs
• Updates: Not specified

Ultimate Ableton Live – The Interface & Basics [Udemy]

This course is not directly listed in the search results, but based on the title, it likely covers the interface and basic functions of Ableton Live. It would be suitable for beginners who are just starting with the software.

• Instructor or Institution: Jason Allen
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Course Content: Interface and basic functions of Ableton Live
• Duration: Not specified
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Price: Not specified
• Prerequisites: None
• Student Support: Not specified
• Outcome: Understanding of Ableton Live’s interface and basic functions
• Updates: Not specified

Selecting the Right Ableton Live Course for You

Choosing the perfect Ableton Live course isn’t just about signing up for the first one you find. It’s about matching the course to how you learn best, where you currently stand in your music production journey, and what you aim to achieve. For those who vibe with a more structured setup, learning form ableton certified trainers at Ableton Certified Training centers could be the golden ticket.

These come packed with detailed curriculums, the chance to get hands-on, and direct feedback from pros in the industry. If live, interactive sessions are your jam, keep an eye out for courses offering real-time teaching. This setup is ideal for asking questions on the fly and collaborating with fellow music creators.

On the flip side, if you’re the go-getter type or your schedule is all over the place, online platforms like Udemy or Coursera might just be your best bet. They offer a plethora of Ableton Live courses that let you learn at your own pace, plus you often get lifelong access to all the course materials. Likewise, picking a course that results in a tangible project or track can be super motivating and give you that sense of achievement.

Now, let’s talk about your current skills. Absolute beginners should look into courses that lay down the Ableton Live basics to build a strong foundation. If you’re past the basics, dive into intermediate or advanced classes focusing on things like sound design, mixing, mastering, or how to nail a live set. Make sure the course vibes with the kind of music you’re into, be it electronic, DJing, or performing live.

And don’t forget about the tech specs. Ensure you’ve got the right software version and hardware to fully benefit from the course content. When you align the course with how you learn, your present skill level, and your music dreams, you’re setting yourself up for success in mastering Ableton Live and crushing your production goals.

Maximizing Learning from Online Ableton Live Courses

Maximizing your learning in online Ableton Live courses is straightforward if you follow a strategic approach. Here’s how you can keep your learning on track and make substantial progress:

• Set Up a Study Schedule: Lock in specific study times each week, treating them as non-negotiable appointments.
• Tailor Your Learning Approach: Reflect on your learning preferences—opt for either long sessions a few times a week or shorter daily studies.
• Practice Regularly: Integrate practice sessions into your daily routine, using habit stacking to link new habits with existing ones.
• Engage with the Community: Dive into forums, discussion boards, and group projects for insight, feedback, and support.
• Set Realistic Goals: Define clear goals at the start and assess your progress weekly.
• Seek Accountability: Consider partnering up or joining a study group to stay motivated.
• Adjust and Refresh: Be flexible with your plan and incorporate breaks to prevent burnout.

By focusing on these key strategies, you ensure a more effective and rewarding learning experience with your online Ableton Live courses, bringing you closer to your music production ambitions.

FAQ

How long will it take me to learn Ableton?

Learning Ableton can take a few days to weeks to grasp the basics, but achieving proficiency and a deep understanding of the software can take several months to a year or more. The learning curve varies based on individual experience with music production and the time invested in learning.

How hard is Ableton Live to learn?

Ableton Live is generally considered one of the easier Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to learn, especially for those new to music production. Its intuitive interface and straightforward layout contribute to its reputation as user-friendly, making it a popular choice among both beginners and experienced musicians.

While any DAW will have a learning curve, the consensus among users is that Ableton’s learning curve is relatively gentle, especially when compared to other software in the same category.

Is FL or Ableton easier to learn?

FL Studio is often seen as more beginner-friendly with its intuitive interface and pattern-based workflow, while Ableton Live, known for its efficient workflow and powerful live performance features, may have a steeper learning curve. However, the ease of learning either DAW is subjective and depends on the user’s personal preferences and the specific features they need for their music production.

Can I learn Ableton myself?

Yes, you can learn Ableton Live by yourself. Many resources are available to self-learners, including Ableton’s own extensive manual, online tutorials, video courses, and community forums.

The software is designed with an intuitive interface that encourages experimentation, and the vast array of learning materials online caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. With dedication and practice, you can effectively teach yourself how to use Ableton Live for music production and live performance.

Is Ableton or logic better for beginners?

Ableton Live is favored for its intuitive workflow and strong capabilities in electronic music production and live performance, offering a unique, non-linear approach to composing with its Session View.

Logic Pro is known for its comprehensive set of virtual instruments and user-friendly interface, making it a great all-in-one solution for Mac users. The choice between the two for beginners depends on personal preference, the type of music being produced, and whether you are working on a Mac or PC.

Final Thoughts

Learning Ableton Live doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Through this curated list of the best free and paid Ableton Live courses, you can find a course that will help you, whether your goal is to teach music production or become a better music producer.

Remember, the key to mastering Ableton Live lies in selecting a course that aligns with your learning preferences, skill level, and musical aspirations.

Coupled with regular practice, engagement in the music production community, and strategic goal-setting, these courses will help you take the next step in your production journey.

If you’re an electronic music producer looking for more general courses, check out EDMProd.

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