Reason Introduction Course

This beginner’s guide to Reason features detailed guides to drum programming, synthesis, EQ, effects and mixing, suitable across all genres of music. You will learn under the guidance of an experienced professional producer who will give you personalised weekly video feedback on your music production projects.

Course Materials:

Weekly online masterclass with a pro producer

Over 50 Quicktime video tutorials

300 pages of notes

Song files and audio samples

24/7 access to student / tutor discussion forums

Course Breakdown:

MIDI Sequencing

• What is MIDI?
• Introduction to instruments and devices in Reason
• Basic structure: beats, bars, tempo & time signature
• How to record MIDI

Drum Programming: The Step Sequencer

• Differentiating the sounds (snare, kick, hats etc.)
• Programming drum machines
• Making your first beat in Reason
• What is syncopation?

Drum programming: Creating Groove and Live Feel

• Editing MIDI: velocity and note length
• Using Reason to record 'live' MIDI drums
• Reason’s quantize functions
• Adding groove to your beats

Percussion and using REX Files

• The role of percussion instruments
• Using the Dr. REX player in Reason.
• Creating a basic arrangement for your percussion
• Differentiating drum styles and tempos from Hip Hop to House

Introduction to Music Theory: Chords

• Notes, octaves, tones and semi tones
• What is a scale? Constructing Scales
• Chord construction and inversion
• Using Reason’s NN19 & NN-XT instruments

Making the Bassline

• Understanding the role of the bassline
• Key basslines tecniques to bear in mind
• Recording & editing techniques in Subtractor
• Golden rules about basslines & sounds

Introduction to Analog Synthesis

• How do synthesizers work?
• Using Reason synthesizers: Subtractor
• Getting to grips with the oscillator: envelopes, filter and volume
• A guide to classic synths and how to create original synth sounds

Analog Synthesis - 2

• Modulation: giving expression to a sound
• What is LFO and how does it work?
• Glide with bass and synth sounds / Portamento
• How to modulate the filter using various parameters

The Matrix

• How to create sequences and riffs
• Using analogue style step sequencing in the Matrix:
• Pattern switching
• Controlling synth parameters with the Matrix

Structure & Arrangement

• Introduction to instrumentation and arrangement
• How to create a basic structure for your tracks
• Add interest: Understanding breaks, cuts and fills
• How to structure a killer club track

Basics of Mixing

• The mixer in Reason: the basic concept of mixing
• Levels and panning
• Basic EQ
• Adding delay and reverb

Final Project

• How to mixdown your audio for CD & Mp3
• Final project submission
• Final exam

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Tutor profile

JC Concato
JC's previous projects include production, engineering and remix work for the likes of Bjork, Portishead, The Cure, Erasure, Allister Whitehead, Galliano, Pressure Drop, Raggatwins and Renegade Soundwave.

Created on this course