Introduction to Beatmaking
Learn to create a fully arranged and mixed modern instrumental track that showcases your unique style and meets professional production standards.
In this four-week course, you’ll start by learning how to select and organize the essential elements of beatmaking—drums, synths, samples, and sound libraries—using a professional-level DAW. You'll learn how to find inspiration, make smart sound choices, and build a strong foundation for your track.
Next, you’ll dive into the heart of beatmaking: drums. You’ll learn how to build rhythmically compelling beats using kick, snare, hi-hats, and percussion, and understand how groove and "pocketing" give your track energy and professional polish. You’ll then add layers of programmed and live instrumentation, building out verses and choruses to shape your song into a dynamic and expressive structure ready for a topline, or the melody and lyrics of a song.
The last portion of the course focuses on elevating your track by adding transitions, subtle rhythmic and textural enhancements, and essential mixing techniques. You’ll fine-tune levels, panning, effects, and automation to ensure your track feels polished and ready for presentation.
Whether your goal is to produce for vocalists, pitch to clients, or simply sharpen your skills, this course gives you the tools and process needed to bring a professional instrumental to life.
What you will learn:
| ✔ | Identify and organize the essential components of a professional modern beat |
| ✔ | Build and layer drum and instrumental tracks that groove together "in the pocket" |
| ✔ | Arrange a full song structure with clearly defined and contrasting sections |
| ✔ | Apply professional mixing and finishing techniques to elevate your track's sound |
Prerequisite skills:
- Familiarity with the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) you plan to use in the course, including basic recording skills
Tuition
$299
Rates increases Jan. 1
Ages
Teens: Grades 6-12
Adult Learners: 18+
 | Expert guidance Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist. |
 | Learn on your own schedule Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week, over four weeks. |
 | Collaborate Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes. |
 | Real growth Develop artistic skills and projects that are important to you in 30 days. |
- Computer or mobile device with Internet and camera. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
- Optional: Audio interface
- Recommendation: Focusrite Scarlett Series
- Optional: Wired headphones for the audio interface
- Optional: Recording microphone
- Optional: Two studio monitor speakers
- Recommendations: Yamaha HS5, Behringer Truth B2031A
No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).
Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.
What are students saying?
Students who enrolled in music production courses rated their experience 4.7 out of 5.
Interlochen Online's Learning Experience
World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.
Questions? Speak with an Advisor.
Email: online@interlochen.org
Phone: 231.276.5990
You can also schedule an appointment.
Mix Your Next Track with Confidence
Get access to Beyond Levels: Four Steps to a Great Mix, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.
