Learn About Our Beginner & Advanced Music Production Summer Courses

Everything you need to know about our 4-week beginner and advanced Summer School courses in electronic music production, studio recording, and sound design.

Summer is calling – louder than ever. Our collective fight against the coronavirus has many of us in lockdown. But, while we can’t go outside, our minds have been in overdrive. Now is the perfect time to introspect, to ruminate on creative ideas and contemplate new trajectories. When it’s all over, we’ll emerge, along with Berlin’s warm sunshine and lush green trees, in an exciting new season of soul. 

For aspiring or advanced music producers, our Summer School could be the first stop on the journey to your career dreams. And never fear: to cover all coronavirus eventualities, we’re offering a full money-back guarantee. Check out our COVID-19 FAQ page here.

In our Ignition beginner courses, you can go from zero experience to a fledgling music producer or sound engineer. Meanwhile, our Momentum advanced course is designed for producers, engineers or other music professionals seeking to hone their skills in sound design.

Whichever of our hands-on, four-week courses you choose, you’ll receive the expert guidance of our industry-renowned tutors. You’ll also have access to 25 dedicated music studios, production spaces and more within our sprawling Funkhaus complex – part of the musical DNA of the city. What’s more, you’ll connect and collaborate with like-minded creatives from all over the world.

So, swap the deck chair for a DAW; the swimming pool for the studio. Why kick back this summer when you can kick-start?! Find out more about the brand-new courses below.

Beginner studio recording

Do you daydream about the Abbey Road recording studios every time you meet a zebra crossing? Does your ear for acoustics rival the most discerning bats and dolphins? Does your heart skip a beat every time you eye a mixing desk?

Our four-week Ignition studio recording course is designed for budding sound engineers like you, who are eager to learn the fundamentals of recording and producing musicians in a professional studio environment. As well as nerding out on instruments and a myriad of industry-standard studio equipment and software, you’ll get to grips with everything from sound manipulation to the principles of mixing and mastering.

Find out more and apply here.

Beginner electronic music production

How many times have you hummed a catchy tune and thought, ‘if only I could turn this into a track’? Have you downloaded Ableton but have no idea where to start? Is music production knowhow all that stands between you and your dream career as an electronic artist?

Our four-week Ignition electronic music production course is exactly what you need to explore the basics, refine your process and learn to express your creative voice. You’ll cover everything from software and hardware fundamentals to composition and production approaches and tricks.

“Students will have an opportunity to experience music creation and production in the real world,” says tutor Brian Ledwidge Flynn. “This equates to guided hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Plus, established and timeless processes outside of the laptop. Another clear advantage is the real-life feedback and guidance on your work by music production professionals, all tailored to your vision. Last, but certainly not least, is the exciting potential of collaboration and network building between participants. Anyone who has worked in the music industry knows, you can’t do it alone!”

Find out more and apply here.

Primer workshops

Do you wish to join one of our Higher Education Certificate or Bachelor programmes, but lack either the practical music making experience or formal education required to apply through standard entry? Our primer workshops run alongside the Ignition course, covering the practical learning skills and methodology you’ll need to access our academic programmes. Find out more here.

Advanced sound design

Already know your way around a DAW but are yet to discover your signature style? Do you want to set your sound ablaze with an up-gunned arsenal of tools and techniques? Are you eager to broaden your conceptual thinking and explore new frontiers in music making? 

Our four-week Momentum sound design programme is packed with the content and expert guidance you need to refine your sonic identity and take your productions to the next level.

Find out more and apply here.

Course places are available on a first come, first serve basis. We will accept Summer School applications up to 14 days before the course start date, providing spaces are still available. If you have any questions, reach out to us at admissions@catalyst-berlin.com or call us at +49 30 2900 9052.