Electronic Music Performance Techniques

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/edi-performance-techniques

Introduction

# Course Review: Electronic Music Performance Techniques on Coursera If you're an aspiring electronic musician or looking to enhance your skills in live performance using Electronic Digital Instruments (EDIs), the course **Electronic Music Performance Techniques**, taught by Berklee College of Music associate professor **Rishabh Rajan**, is an excellent choice. This course encapsulates a rich history of electronic music, while also providing practical, hands-on skills relevant for today's music creators. ## Overview From the pioneering Moog synthesizers of the 1960s to the modern-day utilization of computers and performance controllers, EDIs empower artists to explore a vast range of sonic possibilities. This course is not just theoretical; it dives deep into the practical aspects of performing with these instruments. Rishabh Rajan, a skilled EDI musician, guides you through essential skills needed to effectively perform and express creatively in an electronic music setting. ## Course Structure The syllabus of **Electronic Music Performance Techniques** is thoughtfully curated to ensure progressive learning. Below are the key lessons you will explore: **1. Welcome to Electronic Music Performance Techniques** Kickstart your journey by understanding the course nuances and setting expectations. This introductory module preps you to maximize your learning experience. **2. Drum Patterns** The first practical skill you will acquire involves crafting basic drum patterns. You’ll learn to create complex drum tracks and how to program songs into your EDI. Furthermore, the live looping of drum patterns using **Ableton Live** serves as a great practical technique to enhance your performance. **3. Harmonic Accompaniment** Building on the rhythmic foundation, this lesson delves into playing harmonic accompaniment. You’ll practice essential chord progressions and learn to incorporate extended chords (7ths and 9ths). Recording and looping harmonic components will also be covered, allowing you to enrich the texture of your compositions. **4. Melody and Bass Line** With rhythm and harmony established, this module shifts focus to melody and bass lines. You will discover techniques to form engaging bass lines and improvise melodies based on the Minor Blues Scale. This lesson is pivotal as it culminates in the creation of original compositions. **5. Performing an Arrangement** Finally, everything you’ve learned comes together in this practical lesson. Here, you'll create your own arrangement and practice performing it. You will gain insights into sound creation using **Ableton** and learn to construct engaging arrangements tailored for live performance. ## Why You Should Enroll 1. **Expert Instruction**: Rishabh Rajan is well-versed in electronic music, making complex concepts accessible and engaging through his teaching style. 2. **Practical Application**: The course is highly focused on actionable skills, ensuring that students can apply what they learn directly to their music-making and performances. 3. **Broad Skill Set**: Covering everything from rhythm to melodies and live arrangements, the course equips you with an extensive toolkit to navigate electronic music performance. 4. **Community and Feedback**: Joining this course means becoming part of a vibrant community of music enthusiasts, allowing for networking, sharing ideas, and obtaining feedback on your creations. 5. **Flexible Learning**: Being an online course on Coursera, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace while fitting it into your schedule. ## Conclusion **Electronic Music Performance Techniques** is an invaluable resource for anyone eager to dive into the world of electronic music. Whether you are a beginner looking to get started or an experienced musician aiming to broaden your performance skills, this course offers a comprehensive framework that caters to various levels of expertise. I highly recommend enrolling in this course if you wish to enhance your musicality and master the art of performing with Electronic Digital Instruments. With Rishabh Rajan's expert guidance, you are sure to embark on a rewarding journey into the dynamic realm of electronic music performance.

Syllabus

Welcome to Electronic Music Performance Techniques

Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

In this first lesson, we will practice several basic drum patterns as well as look at how to create more complex drum tracks for your original songs. We will also discuss how you can program a song into your EDI to discover new ideas. Finally, we will learn how to live loop drum patterns using Ableton Live.

In this second lesson, we will look at how to play harmonic accompaniment on the EDI. We will play through several basic chord progressions and learn to play extended chords such as 7th's and 9th's. Finally, we will practice recording and looping harmonic parts.

Now that we have learned some basics on the EDI, it is time to start building a composition. In this lesson we will discuss how to develop an interesting bass line as well as how to improvise melodies using the Minor Blues Scale. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to create your own bass line for your original composition and practice improvising melodies on top of it.

In this lesson we will put together everything we have learned so far to create an arrangement to perform in front of an audience. We will discuss how to create our own sounds on Ableton and we will practice creating arrangements that build and entertain our audience. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to perform your own arrangement.