Glossary

Composing

The composition of a new song summarises all musical and creative steps in one term. Usually you start with a melody or certain chord sequences, sometimes also with a sample, a bassline or a drum loop. There is no correct sequence, which is why every producer proceeds differently. In any case, a sound knowledge of keys, harmonies and song structures helps to compose exciting tracks. Unlike instrumentalists, however, it is not absolutely necessary to know how to play an instrument, because mistakes can be corrected with a few mouse clicks.

DJing

The main task in DJing is to seamlessly connect selected songs. To do this, DJs match the speed of the songs with pitch controls and use various functions of the mixer to mix from one song to the next. These include the "volume controls" (line or crossfader), equalisers and various effects.

Producing Equipment

The basic equipment of a producer includes a computer, a pair of monitor boxes (loudspeakers), headphones, a midi controller or a midi keyboard and an audio interface to connect the monitor boxes. You also need professional producing software (also called a digital audio workstation or DAW). Each programme has its strengths - but the possibilities are very similar in most programmes. Much more important than the software itself is the way you work with it.

Our producers teach with the followig software programmes:

  • Ableton Live
  • FL Studio
  • Logic Pro
  • Reason
  • Cubase
  • Wavelab Pro
  • Pro Tools
  • Samplitude
  • Renoise
  • Reaper

DJ Equipment

As a rule, DJs today use software programmes in conjunction with turntables, CD players or DJ controllers. On the one hand, this has practical reasons, because record crates no longer have to be carried into the club. On the other hand, DJ software offers a variety of new possibilities to make mixes even more individual.

Depending on the style of music, interest and budget, a different set-up is recommended. For DJing, 3 different options are possible:

Option 1: mixer, 2 turntables, laptop, headphones, monitor boxes (loudspeakers) und DJ software (Serato or Traktor)

Option 2: mixer, 2 CD players, headphones, monitor boxes, USB sticks und DJ software (Rekordbox)

Option 3: DJ Controller, headphones, monitor boxes, laptop and DJ software (Serato, Traktor or Rekordbox)

Mastering

Mastering is the last step in music production. In contrast to mixing, the processing of the song only takes place on one track (master track). This combines all the tracks of the song into one group. The aim here is to fine-tune the song, to correct small mistakes and to get the maximum out of the song with special techniques. By specialising in the final production step, the mastering courses are aimed at producers who already have advanced knowledge.

Mixing

Mixing is a central part of music production and has a decisive influence on how a song sounds later. Each track (e.g. drum kick, snare, hi-hat, bass, synth etc.) is processed with various tools to influence its character, sound and presence. Volume controls, equalisers, compressors, panorama controls, delays, reverbs, etc. are used for this purpose.

Sound Design

Sound design is a collective term in music production. It is about experimenting with sounds, creating moods and developing one's own sound. Analogue and virtual synthesizers or modular systems are often used for this purpose. Sound design is also an important component for film, television or games. The producers develop suitable sounds for the most diverse scenes and decisively shape the dramaturgy with their sound world.