OVERVIEW
In the first ten classical lessons, you will be focusing on the following topics:
- Studio setup and workflow
- External plugins
- How does sound work?
- Songwriting, composition & harmonies
Establish the perfect environment to create in. Refocus on your personal artistic goals and set short-term objectives with your mentor. Explore the theory behind sound, learn to analyze music through critical listening and increase your awareness on which plugins suit your workflow and music genre best. Strengthen your songwriting and composition skills, with special attention to harmonic structures and how they support your style.
STUDIO SET-UP & WORKFLOW
Learn how to organize your home studio for maximum creativity and productivity. We’ll cover signal routing, gear setup, session templates, and essential workflow tips that help you stay in flow and avoid distractions.
Ableton and Plugins
Dive into Ableton Live 12 and explore the full potential of your DAW. You’ll get hands-on with session and arrangement views, signal flow, and plugin management — including both stock and third-party tools for shaping your sound.
HOW DOES SOUND WORK?
Build on your foundational understanding of how audio behaves. You’ll explore the science of sound, waveforms, frequencies, and digital audio to better grasp what you’re hearing — and how to control it creatively.
SONGWRITING, COMPOSITION AND HARMONIES
Strengthen your ability to turn ideas into music. Learn further how melodies, chord progressions, harmonic layering, and lyrics work together to express your message. You'll gain tools to write more impactful songs that match your style.
OVERVIEW
Start strong with masterclasses that go beyond the basics. Learn directly from top-tier artists and professionals on topics like:
· Ableton Live 12 workflow
· Songwriting and collaborations
· How to get DJ gigs
Work hands-on with your DAW, explore songwriting and AI tools with an international top producer, and join DJ-focused panels in collaboration with Pioneer DJ. After each session, share your work in track feedback circles.
COMMUNITY: MPA CONNECTS
At the beginning of Stage 1, you’ll take part in your first edition of MPA Connects, our biggest in-house community event. Meet fellow students, teachers and industry professionals during workshops and network sessions. Gain valuable insights from real-world experiences on songwriting, gigs and collaboration. This first edition kicks off your journey by showing you what it means to be part of a music community.
COMMUNITY: MPA CONNECTS
At the beginning of Stage 1, you’ll take part in your first edition of MPA Connects, our biggest in-house community event. Meet fellow students, teachers and industry professionals during workshops and network sessions. Gain valuable insights from real-world experiences on songwriting, gigs and collaboration. This first edition kicks off your journey by showing you what it means to be part of a music community.
COMMUNITY: FULL COURSE 2025 KICK-OFF
Starting the Full Course this year? Come meet your classmates, connect with the MPA crew and kick things off with a night of music, drinks and a jam session. This is your first step toward turning your passion into a profession.
MASTERCLASS: SONGWRITING BY ALBERT HARVEY
Want to write stronger, catchier songs? Join Albert Harvey for a masterclass packed with creative tricks, workflow tips and writing exercises that will help you bring your musical ideas to life. All levels welcome, just bring your passion.
MASTERCLASS: ABLETON QUICKSTART FOR BEGINNERS
Want to make music faster and easier with Ableton Live? This workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to improve their workflow. No experience needed, just bring your creativity and get ready to start producing.
OVERVIEW
In the second ten lessons, you’ll expand your knowledge and skills by diving deeper in:
- Effect chains & audio processing
- Drum programming & groove building
- Workflow & Advanced production tools
Turn your ideas into fully developed tracks. In this stage, we explore how to structure your workflow using effect chains, advanced audio processing and modern production tools.
You'll develop groove through drum programming and discover how to make your sessions more fluid, focused and effective.
Effects and audio processing
Discover how audio flows through your DAW and how you can shape your sound using insert effects, buses, and processing chains. You’ll perfect your skills on when and how to apply tools like EQ, compression, reverb, and delay to sculpt your sonic identity with intention and clarity.
DRUM PROGRAMMING AND GROOVE BUILDING
Explore the foundations of rhythm by deepening your knowledge on how to program realistic and creative drum patterns. This module focuses on groove, swing, layering, and genre-specific drum design, enabling you to make your beats punch, bounce, or hypnotize — depending on your style.
Workflow and advanced producer tools
Master the tools that help you finish music faster and with more precision. Learn advanced features like automation, signal routing, grouping, and creative use of production devices such as samplers, audio FX racks, and MIDI tools to level up your creative flow.
OVERVIEW
Build on your foundation with a focus on creative output and collaboration. This stage features masterclasses like:
· Music marketing
· Ableton Advanced
· Make and mix in two hours
Learn how to promote your music through branding and release strategy, discover advanced Ableton techniques and produce a full track within a single masterclass. Sessions include team-based beat battles, collaborative studio sessions and a film shoot where you’ll create portfolio-worthy content while learning to co-produce under pressure.
We close the stage with a creative event focused on speeding up your workflow and growing your brand, featuring workshops on AI mixing tools, social media strategy and track finishing techniques.
MASTERCLASS: MIXING BY MARIJN NIKERK
Want to make your tracks sound more polished and professional? Join Marijn Nikerk for a hands-on session where you’ll learn essential mixing techniques you can use right away. Perfect for producers who want their music to stand out.
MASTERCLASS: MUSIC MARKETING BY AXEL LINGER
Want to get your music heard by the right audience? Learn how to promote your tracks and grow your brand with smart marketing strategies. Axel Linger will guide you through real-world tools and campaigns that actually work. Perfect for artists ready to level up.
COMPETITION: BATTLE OF THE BEATS
Battle of the Beats is MPA’s iconic competition that calls for producers to craft their most electrifying tracks in a limited time. We give you a sample pack, and you get two hours to create a winner track. Following a listening session and jury voting, winners receive various prizes!
COMMUNITY: MPA CONNECTS
At the beginning of Stage 1, you’ll take part in your first edition of MPA Connects, our biggest in-house community event. Meet fellow students, teachers and industry professionals during workshops and network sessions. Gain valuable insights from real-world experiences on songwriting, gigs and collaboration. This first edition kicks off your journey by showing you what it means to be part of a music community.
OVERVIEW
In the third stage, you’ll expand your knowledge and skills by diving deeper in:
- Sound design & synthesis
- Mixing dynamics & automation
- Recording & vocal chains
Your mixes are becoming clearer. Now it’s time to push into sound design, synthesis and vocal production.
You'll learn how to create custom sounds from scratch, structure vocal chains, and use mixing dynamics and automation to add movement, clarity and emotion to your productions.
Sound design and synthesis
Deepen the ability to shape your own sounds from scratch. Learn how different synthesis types — subtractive, wavetable and FM — can be used to create instruments, pads, basses and effects that reflect your unique sonic identity. You’ll gain full control over oscillators, filters, envelopes and LFOs in your synths.
Mixing dynamics and automation
Explore how movement and balance elevate your mix. In this module, you’ll exercise with dynamic mixing tools like compression and gating, while also learning how to automate parameters in creative ways. Build mixes that evolve, breathe, and deliver impact at every moment.
Recording and vocal chains
Perfect your vocal production. You’ll record vocals in class and build a complete vocal chain from gain staging to pitch correction, EQ, compression and reverb. Learn how to polish vocal takes and create presence, space and energy with professional FX processing.
OVERVIEW
Refine your artist identity and boost your professional presence. In this final round, you’ll join advanced masterclasses covering:
· Artist development
· Vocal chains
· Synths and sound design
Get coached on your brand and mindset, elevate your vocal sound with pro setups and design synth patches from scratch. Sessions include creative beat battles using your own samples, professional photoshoots and detailed feedback sessions to strengthen your music and image.
Stage 3 kicks off with an immersive event on signature sound, AI tools for promotion and releasing your music with confidence. You’ll leave with new techniques, expert insights and content for your press kit, ready to move forward as a complete artist.
MASTERCLASS: ARTIST DEVELOPMENT BY BOSS PRIESTER
Uncover the secrets behind a hit track, immerse in an exclusive Ableton Live track breakdown, and later, submit your track to Boss for personal feedback in our track feedback session. Elevate your skills, gain insights, and join the community of music enthusiasts at MPA.
MASTERCLASS: INSANE VOCAL CHAIN BY DUTCH FLOWER
Learn the ins and outs of creating incredible vocal chains with Dutch Flower! Dutch Flower has collaborated with artists such as Lionel Richie, Total Touch (known for hits like ‘Touch Me There,’ ‘Somebody Else’s Lover,’ & ‘Total Touch’), Ten Sharp, Postmen, and is currently highly engaged in the hip-hop/urban scene. He also worked on tracks for the Voice of Holland.
MASTERCLASS: SERUM SPEEDRUN BY VYPES
Guided by one of our expert Full Course teachers Neil aka Vypes, this event is perfect for producers who want to dig into sound synthesis using Serum. Whether you’re interested in creating custom presets, perfecting sound layering, or tweaking effects to build your own signature sound, this session will give you everything you need to elevate your productions.
COMMUNITY: MPA CONNECTS
At the beginning of Stage 1, you’ll take part in your first edition of MPA Connects, our biggest in-house community event. Meet fellow students, teachers and industry professionals during workshops and network sessions. Gain valuable insights from real-world experiences on songwriting, gigs and collaboration. This first edition kicks off your journey by showing you what it means to be part of a music community.
OVERVIEW
The last ten lessons evolve around all the tools and knowledge needed to finish your final project and get ready for your release.
- Advanced mixing & mastering
- A&R coaching & artist positioning
- Final assignment: your release plan
Get ready to share your music with the world. This final phase prepares you to mix and master like a pro. You’ll also work closely with A&R coaches on your artist positioning and long-term growth. The course wraps up with your final assignment: a fully developed release plan that reflects who you are and where you're going.
Advanced mixing and mastering
Take your mix to a professional level. In this module, you’ll learn the complete mastering workflow — from gain staging and EQ to stereo imaging, compression, and final limiting. You’ll develop both the technical precision and creative polish to make your tracks sound competitive across streaming platforms.
A&R COACHING AND ARTIST POSITIONING
Shape your artistic identity and market presence. With guidance from A&R coaches, you’ll define your visual language, tone of voice, and unique artist story. Learn how to position yourself in today’s music industry, build audience connection, and pitch your work with purpose and authenticity.
FINAL ASSIGNMENT: YOUR RELEASE PLAN
Turn your vision into action. In this final lesson series, you’ll craft a personal release roadmap, covering timelines, platforms, artwork, and promotional strategy. The result: a detailed, realistic plan to launch your music — aligned with your creative goals and long-term trajectory.
OVERVIEW
In the final stage, you’ll focus on turning your artistic growth into a sustainable, professional future. These masterclasses are designed to help you step into the industry with confidence and direction.
· Advanced mixing
· Ableton and live sets
· Music business and law
Work closely with experts in live performance, artist branding and music rights. Learn to prepare and perform live sets in Ableton, sharpen your sound with advanced mixing techniques, and gain valuable knowledge on contracts, royalties and the music industry’s inner workings.
Creative sessions will help you build your final portfolio. Join a professional writing session to shape your artist bio and brand story, work in the studio to finalize your project, and receive in-depth feedback to polish your sound for release.
Stage 4 closes with the final MPA Connects event of the year. Get hands-on with AI tools for mastering, learn how to grow on streaming platforms like Spotify, and explore the many revenue streams available to artists today. This is where everything comes together—your skills, your sound and your next steps into the music industry.
MASTERCLASS: ADVANCED MIXING BY MARIJN NIKERK
Ready to elevate your skills and take on the most challenging concepts from Full Course Year 1? This advanced masterclass will dive deep into complex mixing topics you’ve encountered, setting you up with refined techniques to bring your sound to the next level. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive preview of Full Course Year 2’s advanced mixing lessons, equipping you with fresh insights and approaches.
MASTERCLASS: ADVANCED MIXING BY MARIJN NIKERK
Ready to elevate your skills and take on the most challenging concepts from Full Course Year 1? This advanced masterclass will dive deep into complex mixing topics you’ve encountered, setting you up with refined techniques to bring your sound to the next level. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive preview of Full Course Year 2’s advanced mixing lessons, equipping you with fresh insights and approaches.
MASTERCLASS: ABLETON AND GETTING LIVE SETS
Want to land more gigs and grow your artist brand? Learn how to network, get booked and promote yourself effectively in this masterclass with Susan Right. Perfect for artists who want to take their career seriously.
MASTERCLASS: MUSIC BUSINESS AND LAW
Gain essential knowledge on how to protect your music and navigate the industry with confidence. In this masterclass, you’ll learn the basics of music rights, contracts, royalties and the legal side of releasing, performing and collaborating as an artist. Perfect for producers ready to take the next step professionally.
COMMUNITY: MPA CONNECTS
At the beginning of Stage 1, you’ll take part in your first edition of MPA Connects, our biggest in-house community event. Meet fellow students, teachers and industry professionals during workshops and network sessions. Gain valuable insights from real-world experiences on songwriting, gigs and collaboration. This first edition kicks off your journey by showing you what it means to be part of a music community.