Entertainment
The 10 Best Online Music Production Courses
The best online music production courses are an excellent way to learn music production skills as a beginner from the comfort of your home.
Covering everything from the basics of the most popular DAWs to the tips and tricks you can use to make your music sound professional, you’ll find a variety of courses with prices to suit all budgets and experience levels in this article.
So without further ado, check out our roundup of the top online music production courses on Udemy, Masterclass, and Point Blank Music School.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Online Music Production Courses
This article covers the hardware and software you’ll need for each course and details what to expect from the lessons, so you can choose the best course for your needs.
Here’s our list of the 10 best online music production courses:
In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:
10. Music Production I, II, & III – Learn To Be A Music Producer! – Udemy
Level: Beginner
Duration/Time To complete: 8 hours 30 mins
While some online courses require users to have a full suite of music production equipment already in place to get the most out of them, the Learn To Be A Music Producer! course from Mitch Houston doesn’t require any software to get started.
They will provide you with a DAW if you don’t already have one (albeit a basic one), so you can work through the course and implement the lessons taught as you progress.
Designed for beginners, this course takes you through how to record, mix, and master tracks, set up microphones correctly for recording instruments and make the most of MIDI controllers.
It covers a range of techniques, including equalization, audio editing, compression, and effects processing, to give a thorough overview of the steps required to produce music from scratch.
Once you’ve completed the course you’ll be well on your way to producing high-quality music found in the best DJ record pools, setting yourself up for a potential career in the industry, and putting out professional-sounding tracks.
Pros:
- Comes with a free (basic) DAW
- Perfect for aspiring producers on a budget
- Comes with a Certificate of Completion
- Full lifetime access so you can take the course at your own pace
Cons:
- Maybe too basic for some
- Some topics could be covered more in-depth
Bottom Line
Absolute beginners who have yet to invest in a digital audio workstation, but want to get a feel for music production, will learn everything they need to know from Mitch Houston’s Learn To Be A Music Producer course.
9. Electronic Music Production Level I, II, & III – Noiselab
Level: Beginner
Duration/Time To complete: 7 hours
If you’ve invested in one of the best laptops for DJing and are ready to start tinkering in music production, Noiselab’s Electronic Music Production course allows you to sign up for free to the level 1 curriculum.
With a focus on Ableton Live, these courses will help you develop a strong understanding of the software, working your way through the browser functions and preference settings.
You’ll learn how to use clips to structure music, perform quantization and clip envelopes, and explore the basics of Ableton’s drum rack feature.
There are also modules on basic music theory and composition, as well as EQ, effects, sampling techniques, and various export settings you need to be aware of.
More advanced features of Ableton Live are covered in the level 2 and 3-course components, such as the basics of ASDR envelopes, Analog Global Parameters, and low-frequency oscillations.
The three parts combined deliver a great overview of everything you need to know about producing music with Ableton Live, making this one of the best online courses you can get to become a music producer.
Pros:
- A great introduction to Ableton Live
- Good value for money
- Learn how to deconstruct songs
- Includes Ableton Live “hacks”
Cons:
- Only applicable to Ableton Live
- The course is based on a limited selection of genres
Bottom Line
With a free first module to help you decide if this is the right course for you, Noiselab’s Electronic Music Production course is an excellent introduction to Ableton Live, exploring more advanced features as you progress through each lesson.
8. Complete Electronic Music Composition – Point Blank Music School
Level: Advanced
Duration/Time To complete: 6 months
The Complete Electronic Music Composition course is another fine example of an online music production course that has helped establish Point Blank Music School as one of the best-rated platforms for aspiring and experienced producers alike.
This course is oriented towards producers who already have considerable experience and want to take things to the next level, making polished tracks ready for commercial release.
Spread over two terms, the first covers music composition and features modules on rhythm and beats, chord progressions, extending music theory, and writing vocals in collaboration with other artists.
The course’s second term moves onto advanced composition, deconstructing compositions, looking into genres and fusing musical styles, and exploring non-harmonic sound, noise, and
There are also segments on World Music and high-level production techniques such as generative music and advanced rhythm, making this one of the most detailed production classes you can buy.
As with other courses from Point Blank Music School, this course is run by tutors with decades of experience working in the music industry, so you know you’re in great hands.
You can also speak directly with the tutors to get any extra help should you find yourself struggling with any of the topics covered, which is something many other online music production courses fail to offer.
Pros:
- Impressive range of tutorials
- 1-2-1 live sessions with lecturers
- Virtual Learning Environment community
- Covers advanced techniques
Cons:
- On the high end of the price scale
- Not suitable for beginners
Bottom Line
Experienced music producers who are ready to take their skills to a professional level and produce commercially viable tracks will be impressed with the in-depth lessons offered by Point Blank Music School’s Complete Electronic Music Composition course.
7. Music Production Complete Master Diploma – Point Blank Music School
Level: Beginners
Duration/Time To complete: 1 or 2 years
Point Blank Music School has a strong reputation for delivering in-depth music production courses which cover music theory, sound design, and various other core aspects of the music business.
The Music Production Complete Master Diploma is about as comprehensive a course as you can get, encompassing every aspect of producing music to help you create tracks of the highest possible standard.
If you’ve already tried some of the best free beat-making software and have time and money to dedicate to this course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to master the process.
The course covers both Ableton Live and DAWs, beginning with an introduction to the software and the art of mixing, before moving on to advanced composition, production techniques, and mastering.
There are enhanced 1-2-1 sessions available with tutors to bring a personal touch to the learning process, and a Virtual Learning Environment where you can share production tips with other students on the course.
It’s a flexible lesson plan that takes place over either one or two years, so you can go at your own pace and make sure you understand all the concepts presented before moving on to the next module.
Industry experts including A&R Director Kwame Kwaten are on hand to help, as well as producers who have worked with superstars such as Armin Van Buuren, Pharrell Williams, and Rihanna.
While the price and lengthy duration may be off-putting for the more casual music producers out there, for those with the time and funds available it doesn’t get more in-depth than this.
Pros:
- Incredibly thorough course
- Gives you access to established industry experts
- Includes 1-2-1 support from tutors
- Great community for students to connect
Cons:
- On the high end of the price scale
- The course takes a long time to complete
Bottom Line
With its in-depth overview of all aspects of music production, the Music Production Complete Master Diploma from Point Blank Music School may be expensive, but the access to industry professionals and level of detail on offer makes it a sound investment for serious music producers.
6. Timbaland Teaches Producing And Beatmaking – MasterClass
Level: Beginner
Duration/Time To complete: 3 hours
The Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking MasterClass offers another exclusive insight into the inner workings of professional music production.
Taking you through everything from the difference between a hook and chorus, to making a beatbox beat, Timbaland draws upon his extensive experience working with stars including Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Missy Elliot.
The course uses existing hit tracks such as Dirt Off Your Shoulder to help you break down and analyze song structure, chord progression, and other key elements of music theory and music production.
You’ll also learn how to tweak and layer track elements, create a killer breakdown, and add a topline so your tracks sound punchy and professional.
It’s all conducted in Timbaland’s own professional studio, too, so you can see how a workflow is organized by a music industry veteran.
Timbaland peppers each lesson with personal anecdotes about his experiences working with high-profile artists, which gives the course a personal touch not found in many online courses.
Pros:
- Learn from a Grammy Award-winning producer
- The course production value is first-class
- Great for beginners
- Advice on collaboration with other artists
- Flexible schedule
Cons:
- Too short to cover some aspects in detail
- No verified certificate of participation is available
Bottom Line
One of the best online courses available from one of the most successful music producers working today, the Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking MasterClass is ideal for fans of hip hop and R&B interested in making music of their own.
5. Deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production – MasterClass
Level: Intermediate
Duration/Time To complete: 6 hours
Iconic music production master Deadmau5 is one of the world’s best DJs, and his course through MasterClass offers an exclusive insight into the workings of this first-rate music producer and DJ.
Throughout this MasterClass, Deadmau5 – real name Joel Zimmerman – breaks down his chart-topping tracks, so you can see how he builds a song from scratch and up your own music production game.
Creating melodies, putting together beats, and mixing and mastering are all covered here, and Zimmerman throws in plenty of personal tips to help you create your own unique sounds.
Spread over twenty-one video lessons, the Deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production course is a fantastic exploration of the work process from a true music industry veteran.
It’s more than a basic introduction, with lessons covering synthesized sounds, experimenting with modular synths, and the ins and outs of using effects to their full capabilities.
If you’re a music producer looking for one of the best electronic music production courses available, this course is a must.
Pros:
- Learn from a music industry veteran
- The course production value is first-class
- Doesn’t require expensive equipment
- Free 30-day trial through MasterClass All Access
- Covers a lot of information in a short course
Cons:
- No verified certificate of participation is available
- Limited music genres
Bottom Line
Deadmau5 has earned a solid reputation as a producer of merit, and this MasterClass gives aspiring producers a peek behind the curtain to highlight the processes and techniques you need to master if you want to create music like a true professional.
4. Music Production In Ableton Live 10 – Udemy
Level: Beginner
Duration/Time To complete: 15 hours 30 mins
Ableton Live is one of the most versatile DAWs available, delivering versatility to work for both DJ sets and live sets and offering powerful performance features alongside its core digital audio workstation capabilities.
Digital Music Maker’s Music Production In Ableton Live 10 course is a fantastic primer for beginners interested in using the DAW to create their tracks and integrate them with live sets.
You’ll only require a basic understanding of music theory and a copy of Ableton Live to begin this course, which kicks off with a module to help you set up the software correctly.
The course walks you through all the core functions and tools, from using Warp and Edit audio for
Ableton Live is incredibly versatile, and the Digital Music Maker’s course helps you learn music production for a variety of genres, from EDM to hip hop and techno.
It also covers some of the more advanced techniques such as sidechaining, using an arpeggiator, and compression, to help you master a polished and professional sound.
Pros:
- A solid introduction to the core features of Ableton Live
- The course instructor is highly qualified with decades of experience
- Lessons are easy to understand
- Covers some more advanced features in great detail
Cons:
- Requires Ableton Live software
- Doesn’t cover creating music in depth
Bottom Line
Digital Music Makers have put together one of the best music production courses for Ableton Live to help you produce music to the best possible standards, with a thorough approach to music production skills.
3. FL Studio 20 – Music Production In FL Studio For Mac & PC – Udemy
Level: Beginner
Duration/Time To complete: 14 hours 44 mins
FL Studio might not be as popular as some of the more established music production software available, but it’s an affordable alternative for those just starting as a producer.
Originally released in 1998 as Fruity
It’s an affordable alternative to some of the best music production schools in the world which will help you create professional-sounding tracks and master the fundamentals of FL Studio.
The course shows how to develop a swift workflow when composing music, orienting you through the basics of the software, so you can use it to arrange, mix, and master a song of your own.
It’s possible to go through this course with the free demo version of FL Studio, however, to get the most bang for your buck you’re better off investing in the full package.
If you don’t have the software already, the course even goes through which versions are best for particular circumstances, although it’s well worth investing in FL Studio beforehand, so you can get the most out of the lessons.
Pros:
- Covers a broad range of features in FL Studio
- Suitable for users with little to no experience
- Appropriate for macOS and Windows users
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Some course elements can be confusing for beginners
- Limited coverage of more advanced techniques
Bottom Line
A budget-friendly introduction to affordable software, the Music Production In FL Studio For Mac and PC course will help producers of all skill levels get the most out of FL Studio.
2. Music + Audio Production In Logic Pro X – The Complete Guide – Udemy
Level: Beginner
Duration/Time To complete: 40 hours
Another excellent music production course, created by Make Pro Music and geared toward Apple users, is the Music + Audio Production in Logic Pro X – The Complete Guide.
This detailed overview of Logic Pro X doesn’t require students to have the software installed, although you will need a computer capable of running the software if you want to put these lessons into practice down the line.
The course will help you get started producing your tracks from scratch, learn handy shortcuts, and grasp the essentials of a production workflow.
Stock
As well as basic audio production and sound recording, the course teaches you how to edit music properly, and the lessons can be applied to a variety of other disciplines such as voice-over recording, sound engineering, and mixing.
There’s plenty of supplemental learning material alongside the video tutorials, too, including project files, checklists, and cheat sheets you can use to further your understanding of Logic Pro X.
Pros:
- Great content for beginners and established users
- Covers the basics of Logic Pro X
- Highly rated by thousands of users
- Efficient tutorials which get straight to the point
Cons:
- Not compatible with Windows
- Requires Logic Pro X to participate
Bottom Line
An affordable entry-level course exploring the basics of the most popular DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) in the Apple ecosystem, the Music + Audio Production in Logic Pro X course is ideal for aspiring producers getting started on their production journey.
1. Music Production In Logic Pro X – The Complete Course! – Udemy
Level: Intermediate
Duration/Time To complete: 50.5 hours
Logic Pro X is the go-to music production software for Apple users, widely adopted by industry professionals, and capable of handling the most taxing of music projects.
Digital Music Makers’ comprehensive course, Music Production In Logic Pro X, begins with the basics of setting up the software and progresses through to some of its more advanced features.
Students of the course will get to know their way around the interface in detail, recording and editing MIDI (Musical Interface Digital Interface) information.
With over 50 hours of on-demand video lessons to work through, the course even covers how to mix and master your tracks to give them a professional sound.
All the course information is delivered concisely and to the point, focusing on the skills and tools which matter the most in music production, making sure you have a clear grasp of the workflow when using a DAW (digital audio workstation).
Since Logic Pro X is exclusive to Apple, you’ll have to own an Apple computer, like a MacBook Pro, and as you’d expect the course also requires the software, so be sure to factor this into your decision before signing up.
Pros:
- Comprehensive overview of Logic Pro X
- Excellent value for money
- Full lifetime access (learn at your own pace)
- Highly experienced tutor
- Over 10,000 5 star reviews from students
Cons:
- Only for Apple users
- Requires Logic Pro X software
Bottom Line
If you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem and want to get the most from Logic Pro X, the Digital Music Masters course creators deliver the best online music production course available for the software.
Summary
That wraps up our overview of the best online music production courses.
Whatever your level of experience or preferred choice of software, you’ll find a course here to help you take your production skills to the next level.
You can check out the full course selection on the Udemy, Masterclass, and Point Blank Music School websites.
What’s the best online music production course, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.
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