Reason Course - Beginners

No matter what style of music you want to make, you'll find the tools for the job right here. Featuring in-depth guides to drum programming, synthesis, EQ, effects and mixing, Reason is easy to learn but difficult to master. Expert producers are on hand throughout the Reason course to guide you and give weekly feedback on your tracks.

Course materials include:

One-to-one video feedback on your music

Weekly online masterclass with a pro producer

Over 20 video tutorials on Reason

Extensive course notes

Reason projects to download

Exclusive samples & audio resources

24/7 access to student / tutor discussion forums

Reason Course Contents

Week 1: What is MIDI Sequencing?

• Music structure: beats, bars, tempo & time signature
• Instruments and devices in Reason
• Your first MIDI recording

Week 2: Drum Programming - Step sequencing

• Drum machines and step sequencing
• How to make a beat in Reason
• Syncopation and accents

Week 3: Drum programming: Live feel & Groove

• MIDI editing: using note length and velocity
• Record 'live' MIDI drums and use quantize functions
• How to add groove to your beats in Reason

Week 4: Percussion & using REX Files

• Percussion instruments and their roles
• The Dr. REX player in Reason. Using REX files
• Create a basic arrangement for your rhythm track

Week 5: Basic Music Theory - Chords

• Basic Theory: notes, octaves, tone & semi tone
• Scale and chord construction and inversion
• Using the NN19 & NN-XT instruments in Reason

Week 6: The Bassline

• The role of the bassline & groove in modern music
• Which notes to play & why
• Recording & editing techniques in Subtractor

Week 7: Basic Analog Synthesis (part 1)

• Using synthesizers in Reason: Subtractor
• Shape sounds using the oscillator, filter & envelope
• Tips for creating 'classic' synth sounds

Week 8: Basic Analog Synthesis (part 2)

• Using modulation to give expression to a sound
• Modulate the filter using envelope & velocity
• How to use LFO & portamento / glide

Week 9: The Matrix

• Creating riffs and sequences
• Using The Matrix: analogue style step sequencing
• Pattern switching and synth parameter control

Week 10: Structure & Arrangement

• Arrangement & instrumentation
• Tips on structuring a club track
• Add breaks, cuts and fills to add interest

Week 11: Basic Mixing

• How to use the mixer in Reason
• Levels & panning controls
• How to use EQ, reverb & delay

Week 12: Final project

• Mix your finished track for audio CD and MP3
• Final Test
• Submit your final project

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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