Production Techniques

Bring Your Musical Visions to Life!

Welcome to the exciting world of music production! In this course, you will embark on a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts and advanced techniques involved in creating, shaping, and polishing music across various genres, Including: Hip Hop, House, Techno, Pop & Rock. The class progressively introduces students to the role of a music producer, arrangement techniques, various genres’ origins, and production methods associated with those genres.

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Emphasis is placed on working with different genres of music. In each genre, you will look at the culture, technology, instruments, and origin story of the genre and then listen to tracks from the early days to the current hits. After a deep dive into those concepts, you will ultimately produce your tracks in those styles.

Production Techniques

Course Overview

There will be work due on specific days of the course. The majority of projects will be done through in-class participation. In-class assignments must be completed to pass this class. Students are expected to participate in all class activities.

What is a Producer?

Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a music producer.
Understanding the producer’s role in the music creation process.
Exploring the various hats a producer wears: creative, technical, managerial.
Case studies of renowned producers and their impact on music.

What is Arrangement? What is a Genre?

Understanding the importance of arrangement in music production.
Exploring how arrangement influences the emotional impact of a song.
Defining musical genres and their characteristics.
Analyzing examples of songs from different genres and their arrangements.

Origins: House & Techno

Exploring the history and origins of house and techno music.
Studying the key elements of house and techno production: rhythm, basslines, synths, vocals.
Analyzing classic tracks from these genres.
Discussing the evolution and subgenres within house and techno.

Finish Production in Class / Playback Track

Students work on a production project incorporating concepts from previous weeks.
Guidance on refining arrangements, sound selection, and mixing techniques.
In-class production session with instructor feedback.
Playback and analysis of student tracks, discussing strengths and areas for improvement.

Samplers in Music

Introduction to samplers and their role in music production.
Understanding sample-based production and its impact on various genres.
Exploring creative sampling techniques and copyright considerations.
Hands-on session with samplers and sample manipulation.

Origins: Hip Hop and R&B

Tracing the origins and evolution of hip hop and R&B music.
Analyzing the production techniques used in these genres: beats, sampling, vocal processing.
Discussing the cultural and social significance of hip hop and R&B.
Listening to iconic tracks and deconstructing their production elements.

Finish Production in Class / Playback Track

Continuation of the production project, focusing on sampling, beats, and vocal processing.
Instructor-guided session to address challenges and enhance production skills.
Playback and peer review of student tracks.

Synthesizer in Music

Introduction to synthesizers and their role in sound design.
Understanding synthesis techniques: subtractive, additive, FM, wavetable, etc.
Exploring synthesizer parameters and modulation options.
Practical session on creating custom sounds using synthesizers.

Origins: Rock

Tracing the origins and evolution of rock music.
Analyzing the production techniques used in rock: guitar recording, drum production, dynamics.
Discussing the influence of rock on modern music.
Listening to iconic rock tracks and dissecting their production aspects.

Origins: Pop

Exploring the history and evolution of pop music.
Analyzing pop music production: vocal arrangements, hooks, electronic elements.
Discussing the crossover between pop and other genres.
Listening to significant pop songs and breaking down their production elements.

Final Project Playback

Students work on their final production project, drawing from all the techniques and genres covered.
Emphasis on creativity, innovation, and personal style.
Final project presentations with playback and class discussion.
Reflection on the course journey, growth, and future steps as producers.

1-on-1 coaching

24/7 access to our extensive learning management system

group accountability

"Many of the instructors are extremely talented and/or well respected in the industry, Steve who teaches many of the classes that focus on post production or audio engineering is one of the most talented studio engineers I’ve ever met and is an absolute wizard with pro tools, that man made a deal with the devil or something to be able to use pro tools like an extension of himself and differentiate the most subtle differences in tone and timbre. really nice guy too. absolutely lucky to have had him as a teacher and loved my time at pyramind! "

"I’m so lucky to have found Pyramind. The courses are put together so well that I actually feel like I can learn how to produce without being too overwhelmed, which is something that stopped me before. The teachers are very nice and knowledgeable and really go above and beyond to help you learn because I feel like they actually enjoy what they do. Thank you so much to everyone at Pyramind! I can’t wait to take more classes like the sound design class and the mastering courses. I highly recommend"

"Took a few classes at Pyramind for music production; I had a great time and learned a lot. Wonderful instructors."

"And amazing place for production, education, performances and awesome good vibes. The true San Francisco treat. 🎼🥁🎧👍🏽"

"If you had a sign above every studio door saying, 'This Studio is a Musical Instrument,' it would make such a different approach to recording." –

Brian Eno Tweet

Production Techniques

Bring Your Musical Visions to Life!

Production Techniques

Course Overview

1-on-1 coaching

24/7 access to our extensive learning management system

group accountability

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