EMC²

This course is compatible with both Logic Pro and Ableton Live

Electronic Music Composition 2 (EMC²), is the natural progression from EMC, taking you further along your creative pathway. We continue to demonstrate how classic and cutting edge tunes are put together and sometimes break the 'rules'. EMC² explains the tricks of the trade, building on what you learnt from EMC and getting more in depth: extending your knowledge of musical theory; deconstructing BIG tunes to see what makes them work; how to get vocals into your work and examining the different approaches to writing that will help keep you inspired and prolific. EMC² is developed by virtuoso keyboardist Ski Oakenfull. It contains presentation techniques that enable you to see exactly what's being played on the keys and what's happening in the software/DAW. To enrol on this course you need to have taken EMC. If you want to take both you should consider enrolling on the EMC Professional Course Program and save some cash. See you in class!

Includes a minimum of 240 mins video / frequent DVR™ (1-2-1 video feedback)/ 4 hours live masterclasses /1 year access / over 80 pages of course notes / 24/7 access to forum / exclusive audio resources to download.Optional: sign your track to Point Blank Music distributed by iTunes, beatport, Juno Download and Amazon.

Content

Extending Musical Theory

  • General EMC1 Recap
  • Mixing Major & Minor Chords, Slash Chords & Right hand Inversions
  • Breaking the rules with clashes and notes not in the scale
  • Working with Intervals and Chord Riffs
  • Extended Scale Theory - Modes & Alternative Minors
  • More about Chord Progressions - Dominant 7ths
  • Modulating
  • Extracting Feel - Making it Funky

Track Analysis : Massive Tunes

  • Analyzing big tracks
  • Including Avicii / Skrillex / Deadmau5 / X-Press2 / Julio Bashmore
  • Breakdown of Analysis Process
  • Arrangement techniques
  • The musical elements: how do they work?
  • Creating a structure template of each track to apply to your own compositions
  • Download projects containing bassline; chords; melodies; riffs; structure
  • How to take a track, get it in time and define the sections
  • Analyse a track of your choice in your DAW
  • Interpolating parts and focusing on arrangement

Approaches to Writing, Instrumentation & Finishing

  • Starting with samples; playing/singing over other tracks to create new parts
  • Setting boundaries & following formulas
  • Recreating other tracks (interpolation); working with musical samples
  • Working loops & samples (includes free downloadable sample pack)
  • Using keyboard/guitar to write chord sequence; writing with someone else
  • Remix approach: writing different music underneath an acapella
  • Using instrumentation to build up your track; strings; brass
  • Further arrangement techniques: creative drum programming
  • Analysing tracks' arrangements; applying these templates to your own tracks

Vocals & Collaborating

  • A look at how vocals are used in Electronic music
  • Getting a vocal onto your track; different choices and methods
  • Sing it themselves; use a Vocoder; work with a singer; chop up an acapella
  • We provide acapellas to work with; getting an acapella in tune & time
  • Using a vocal sample or phrase as a starting point
  • Writing your own vocal top line (just hook - not full song)
  • Approaching a vocalist; developing your idea with someone else
  • Producer/composer skills when working with vocalists
  • Full vocal dance tracks
  • Vocal recording process; other vocal techniques: harmonies; ad libbing
  • Collaborating with other artists/producers/friends