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Certificate Program - 78 Hours of Hands on Instruction This program includes all 4 Levels of Off Centre's DJ curriculum, the entire Full Producer Program, as well as dedicated training sessions for seamlessly combining the two disciplines. As digital technology continues to distort the lines between DJ and Producer you'll begin to bridge these two forms of expression with a balanced education between hardware and software. Here you'll begin to create and translate studio expressions into your live performances by experimenting with real-time remixing, sampling, electronic improvisation, and preparing your own loops, samples, and songs for performance. You'll also become as well versed in mixing tracks as you are in creating your own by developing skills using the latest technology. We'll also dive into composition and orchestration as you learn hands on how to make beats and develop sketches into an original repertoire using Ableton. You will walk away from the Full DJ/Producer program with a completed original track, a polished remix, a recorded mix tape, and the DJ skills to become a unique and well-rounded artist. |
* Students registered for the Full Programs are eligible for Ableton's Educational Discount which knocks 40% OFF software purchases
* Students are required to bring their own laptop with an installed trial or full version of Ableton Live 9 or 10 |
LEVEL 1: INTRO TO DJING
A 9 hour comprehensive introduction course covering all the basics of mixing, scratching, and use of equipment. Designed for the beginner with little to no experience on the turntables. The main focus of "Intro to DJing" is to develop hand skills, basic music theory, and experiment with different ways of playing with sound on the turntables.
LEVEL 2 DJ: SET BUILDING
Built on the basics of mixing & scratching learned in the Intro course, but places them within the context of set development. Creative transitions, blends, and designing unique intros will take centre stage as you start crafting an idea of your musical style and character. You'll begin to explore mixing with different genres and selecting a musical style that suits you. The 9 hour course leads towards creating a 10 - 15 minute set which each of you will perform on the final class.
LEVEL 3 DJ: RECORDING A DEMO
In this class you will be take your set programming skills to the next level. Level 3 is not only about perfecting mixing and scratching skills, but also about building confidence behind the decks through creative control and personal style. Things to look forward to include exploring detailed mixing transitions, scratching combination methods, and creating a professional "demo tape". We'll also introduce you to the industry leading Traktor Pro software and begin to incorporate digital mixing techniques using loops, cue points, and FX. As you prepare for recording your first mix, you'll learn electronic music production basics as they relate to DJing.
LEVEL 4 DJ: LIVE PERFORMANCE
- This course is designed for live performance. Learning how to engage an audience is the key to being a successful live DJ! In this class we focus on psychological aspects of preparing for the show including displaying confidence and connecting with the crowd. We'll also focus on the difference between the opener and the featured act. In level 4 we explore what it takes to become the headliner as you prepare your first 30 - 45min which will be performed for the class and captured on video.
ABLETON LIVE 01: INTRO TO PRODUCING
Release your studio and performance potential with our Ableton Live Foundation Course. Start making your own tracks by learning the basics of the software that has revolutionized electronic music creation and performance. Get comfortable navigating Live's unique interface, learn to trigger multiple tracks on the fly, and build your own song from scratch. At the end of this 6 week section you'll be on your way to making your 1st of many production pieces.
ABLETON LIVE 2: COMPOSITION & PRODUCTION ESSENTIALS
Polish your beats & instrumentation by narrowing in on two crucial aspects of your sonic identity: Choice of sounds and song structure. With a focus on sampling, midi instruments, effects, and leveling we'll focus on refining your sound to give it clear definition. Through a series of sketches and experimentation we'll hone in on structural aspects of a variety of genres and breakdown the techniques used to seamlessly transition from one section of your song to the next. You'll be exposed to a variety of approaches to arrangement and composition, storytelling techniques, ways of creating tension and drama in your music. Whether hiphop, dubstep, house, ambient or anything in between here you'll expand your sonic ideas into full length songs.
ABLETON LIVE 3: REMIX SUITE
With our Ableton Remix Workshop we take your foundation & composition knowledge to the next level by specifically focusing the software’s innovative interface towards the intricacies of warping and details of arrangement within the context of the remix. Here you'll learn to pair your favourite vocal tracks with instrumentals and build your own arrangement from scratch.
ABLETON LIVE 4: MIXING
Mixing is a precise and technical craft that plays an incredibly important role in bringing the most out of your compositions by intricately balancing out all of its elements. In this module we'll start polishing your rough mixes by examining the essentials of Volume, Panning, EQing, Compressions, and important FX such as Reverb, Auto Pan, Delays and several micro details that will enhance your creative vision and prepare you for Mastering.
MASTERING ESSENTIALS
Bring the most out of your tracks with an introduction to the fundamentals of arguably the most important finishing touch. The artistry in your tracks has been captured, your sounds are nicely mixed, but now you need that extra bump and final polish. In this introductory workshop you'll discover all the essential mastering basics. We'll explore the difference between correcting mixing mistakes and enhancing specific frequencies for target environments. Whether you're prepping for the club, an intimate theatre show, or releasing a mixtape you'll learn tricks and powerful techniques to bring warmth and character to your tracks by intelligently matching your mix to reference tracks.
INTRO TO ABLETON PUSH
The Push is an invaluable controller for producers and performers. It's ability to seamlessly control Ableton with the touch of a pad or twist of a knob is unmatched by any other controller. You can trigger samples on the fly, play notes, and even sequence live drum patterns, the Push can make you studio experience come to life. Much like the MPC we can bang out ideas on touch sensitive pads, but the software component far exceeds the display and processing limitations of conventional hardware. Push inspires movement and interaction both of which are key components in successful electronic music performance and creation.
This component of the Full Producer Program offers a quick glance at some of the potential uses of Push as a standalone device and more importantly as a powerful controller that can be used to get the most out of Ableton.
This component of the Full Producer Program offers a quick glance at some of the potential uses of Push as a standalone device and more importantly as a powerful controller that can be used to get the most out of Ableton.
Please note that these are NOT certificates issued by the manufacturers of the software, hardware, or governing body. The certificates are issued by Off Centre acknowledging the successful completion of your personal enrichment course.
