Logic Pro Beginner Module (2 Hours Per Lesson)
If Student has software at home, they should create a new track at home to practice each session
Lesson 1 (Introduction, Audio Files and Samples)
Listen to an example track and discuss their musical direction
Brief Introduction to Logic Pro X (When opening Logic make sure Advanced Settings are on)
Load a reference track to the Mixer
Show how to set the BPM and how to find out the tracks BPM using the BPM Plugin
Show how to set markers and break down the track into sections i.e. Intro, Breaks
Explain about the structure of a track and the phrases (i.e new instrument every 8 bars)
Explain about Bars and Beats
Show how to Create, Mute and Solo tracks. Explain the difference between Audio and MIDI
How to load samples from an external source (one shots and loops)
Show how to Loop, Slice and Copy/Paste an Audio File. Use the scissor tool for cutting.
Using the Fade Tool show how to prevent clicks and pops of a sample
Show how to pack audio files into a Folder
On a Loop show how to Warp to the BPM and Grid
Aim to recreate the drum beat of the reference track
Create drum fills on the end of the 8th bar
How to rename and colour a track
Explain Gain theory to prevent tracks from clipping and staying within the green. Rule of thumb -6dB
If we have time, drag bass and lead loops
Mixdown the session to -6dB and Bounce and Save the track
Explain about saving as a Project and a Folder
As working through, get them to write down the keyboard shortcuts
Lesson 2 (Audio Samples, EXS24 Sampler, MIDI)
Start a new project using a new reference track
Recap from the last lesson
Set BPM and Markers from the reference track
Introduce the EXS24 Sampler instrument
Drag and drop samples into the mixer. Show how to assign a key to the sample and selecting one shots
Introduce the Editor drawing in beats and playing them in via a keyboard
Explain about the Velocity, Swing and Quantise in the Editor
Show how to convert an Audio One Shot in a track to a MIDI File
Introduce the Ultrabeat and create a rhythm
Aim to recreate the drum rhythm of the reference track, using the above and Lesson 1
Show how to use Apple Loops and select instruments and genres
Show the Flex Time setting on the Editor and show the different settings and what they do
If we have time drag bass and lead loops
Mixdown the session, save the track and bounce
Lesson 3 (Track Structures)
Start a new project using a new reference track
Recap from the last lesson
Set BPM and Markers
Recreate the reference tracks drums and structure using the above techniques
Show how to use reverse and forward cymbals to add velocity to their track and to create breakdowns
Show how to reverse an audio file using the Audio Editor
Show how to Bounce In Place a MIDI Track or Audio File
Introduce different Synthesisers and explain what they are
Create a bassline and lead using the keyboard
Structure the track making transitions smoother
Drag and drop FX’s and White Noise audio files to create bigger build ups
Show how to make a drum roll in Audio and MIDI
Add an acapella from Apple Loops, slice and create vocal stabs (Audio and MIDI)
Mixdown, Save & Bounce
Lesson 4 (Synthesizers, MIDI FX’s)
Recap from the last lesson
Continue using the project from the last lesson
Continue structuring the track, adding in audio FX’s, Drum Fills, smoother transitions
Explain why the song needs to be in Key and how to use the Tuner Plugin
Show how Flex Time can Quantise MIDI to the Key
Create beefier Basslines and Melodies creating duplicate tracks
Show how to create a Summing Track to group tracks together
Explain the differences between a Summing Track and Track Folder
Explain octaves and the octave shortcut on MIDI
Show them the MIDI FX Chord Trigger and how play a chord in Key
Show how the Arpeggiator works and create a soft Pad sound
Show how to save an instrument Patch on a synthesiser
At the end of this session a track should be completed with all default elements
Mixdown, Save and Bounce
