From zero to full tracks — in just one year
Learn to produce, arrange, mix and master your own music — even if you’ve never touched a DAW.
Stage 1: Creative Foundations
Classical Lessons
- Studio setup and workflow
- Ableton Live 12 and plugins
- How sound works
- Songwriting, composition & harmonies
Private Lessons
2 sessions before the group course begins: introduction to Ableton, troubleshooting setup, creative goals.
Masterclasses
- Live 12 workflow with Che
- Songwriting with Harvey
- Pioneer DJ Day + Gig Panel
Sessions
- Battle of the Beats
- Track feedback session
- Full Course kickoff jam session
MPA Connects #1
- From Beat to Song
- Vocal arrangement & harmonies
- AI tools for production
- Track feedback sessions
After Stage 1
Skills: Basic workflow, harmony, signal flow, creative direction
Portfolio: Early sketches, first jam, MPA Connect 1 contacts
Stage 2: Creative Workflow & Production Power
Classical Lessons
- Effect chains & audio processing
- Drum programming & groove building
- Workflow & production tools
Private Lesson
Prepare for remix assignment, discover your sound, solve technical blocks.
Masterclasses
- Music Marketing (Axel)
- Ableton Advanced Workflow
- Make & Mix in 2 Hours
Sessions
- BOTB in teams
- Studio session collab
- Studio film shoot for EPK
MPA Connects #2
- AI tools for mixing
- Boost your socials
- Creative workflow & finishing songs
- Track feedback
After Stage 2
Skills: Drum kits, mixing basics, effect chains, automation, workflow
Portfolio: Remix track, demo project, BOTB result, studio collabs, video content
Stage 3: Depth & Detail
Classical Lessons
- Sound design & synthesis
- Mixing dynamics & automation
- Recording & vocal chains
Private Lesson
Artist Deep Dive: top-tier mentor session on career, identity and goals.
Masterclasses
- Artist Development (Boss Priester)
- Insane Vocal Chains (Dutch Flower)
- Synthesis in Serum (Vypes)
Sessions
- BOTB with own samples
- Professional photoshoot
- Track feedback session
MPA Connects #3
- AI tools for promotion
- Signature sound creation
- Release Ready
- Track feedback
After Stage 3
Skills: Synthesis, vocal chains, advanced mixing, emotional expression
Portfolio: Artist coaching session, sound pack, photos, pre-mastered track
Stage 4: Polishing & Positioning
Classical Lessons
- Advanced mixing & mastering
- Artist brand and A&R feedback
- Final project & release plan
Private Lesson
Final track polish, troubleshooting, feedback on sound, vision & release.
Masterclasses
- Advanced Mixing (Marijn Nikerk)
- Ableton Live Sets (Susan Right)
- Music Business & Law (Urban Bout)
Sessions
- Writing session (EPK/bio)
- Final studio day
- Track showcase & feedback
MPA Connects #4
- AI Mastering
- Spotify Playlist Pitching
- Revenue Models for Artists
- Final feedback session
After Stage 4
Skills: Mastering, brand positioning, business models, live performance prep
Portfolio: Final track + release plan, press assets, coaching recap, MPA network access
Ready to produce your first full track?
FROM PASSION TO PRODUCTION
Welcome to your first step into music production. The Full Course Beginners program is your gateway into the world of creating music on Ableton, even if you’ve never touched a DAW before. You’ll get Ableton Live for free and start learning the foundations of music production and audio engineering from day one, supported by private lessons and a dedicated mentor. Within a year, you’ll be able to produce, arrange, mix and master full tracks independently. Join a close-knit class of fellow creatives, receive personal feedback in small group sessions, and discover the tools to keep making music for life. Are you ready to turn your curiosity into your craft?
MONDAYS
15:00 – 18:00
STARTING SEPTEMBER
TUESDAYS
19:00 – 22:00
STARTING SEPTEMBER
SATURDAYS
12:00 – 15:00
STARTING SEPTEMBER
START YOUR CAREER, NOW.
38 classical lessons
4 Private Lessons
10 music production masterclasses
6 music business masterclasses
Monthly track feedback sessions
Ableton Live Suite 12 License
Free weekly studio time
Full Course - Beginners
STAGE 1: CREATIVE FOUNDATIONS
Group Lessons
Private Lessons
Masterclasses & Events
Progress as Producer
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COURSE STAGES
The Full Course is a comprehensive and all-encompassing music production course in Rotterdam (or online) that is designed to elevate your music production skills. It provides an in-depth understanding of all the key aspects necessary to create original music and develop your distinctive style.
The course is structured into four main modules for you to follow, which cover Introduction and Basics, Music Theory and Production Techniques, Sound Processing and Synthesis, and Recording and Mixing. Upon completing the course, you will be awarded a certificate by the Music Production Academy as a testament to your accomplishment and music production expertise. This certification will attest to your proficiency in music production and open up new avenues for you to pursue your passion.
Furthermore, the program features community events that enable you to expand your network and learn from other artists. These events offer a platform for collaborating with others and inspiring each other to grow as music producers. Additionally, the course is designed to eliminate any technical barriers in music production, allowing you to unleash your creative potential fully. The Full Course can be done without any prior experience, however, we also have a Full Course Advanced for producers that already create tracks/loops, so that students start out with the same level of experience.
If you are already producing and finishing tracks, you can check out the Full Course Year 2.
STAGE 1: CREATIVE FOUNDATIONS
Masterclasses
Learn beyond the essentials by established top-tier artists in these masterclasses. Dive into:
- Ableton Live 12 workflow
- Songwriting & collaborations
- How to get DJ gigs
Take the next essential steps in working with your DAW with the Live 12 masterclass hosted by our Ableton Certified Trainer. Learn the essentials of songwriting and usage of AI in your creative process by an international top producer who worked with grammy winning artists and join the MPA DJ Day featuring Pioneer DJ and a panel on how to get gigs playing behind the decks.
EVENT PIC EVENT PIC EVENT PIC
LIVE 12 BY CHE SONGWRNG HARVEY Pioneer DJ Day
(new artwork) (new artwork) (last year artwork)
Sessions (or: Hands-on Sessions / Creative Events)
Get the practical experience among other producers to create, learn and network at:
- Battle of the Beats
- Track feedback sessions
- Open Jam session
Participate on your first beat battle, learn to flip samples the right way in a limited amount of time and win an award for best beginning producer. Join the track feedback sessions hosted after each masterclass and get to know your classmates and MPA Community musicians during the Full Course kickoff night at the jamsession.
EVENT PIC EVENT PIC EVENT PIC
BOTB Top producer masterclass sept fb session FC KICK OFF
(new artwork) (secret cinema, fix Thursday) (new artwork)
MPA Connects
At the beginning of Stage 1, you’ll take part in your first edition of MPA Connect, our biggest in-house community event.
- From Beat to Song masterclass
- Vocal arrangement & harmonies BIG EVENT BANNER MPA CONNECTS INCL LINK
- AI tools for production
- Track feedback sessions
EVENT PIC EVENT PIC EVENT PIC EVENT PIC
From Beat To Song Vocals & Harmonies AI tools for Production Track feedback sessions
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.
Your development after Stage 1:
Skills & knowledge:
- Confident understanding of how sound works and how to translate ideas into audio
- Basic Ableton Live 12 workflow: navigation, plugins, signal flow
- Theoretical foundation in music harmony, song structure and genre
- Early experience with vocal recording, gain staging and session setup
- Understanding of musical goals and strengths, with a short-term focus plan
- Insight into how collaboration works between producers & vocalists
- Real-world inspiration from professionals about how to get gigs and grow your network
Portfolio & network: (this one on the right next to skills & knowledge)
- First melodies and arrangements in your own style
- Quick sketch project created inside Ableton Live 12
- Feedback and guidance from your main mentor
- Jam session with fellow students or first collaborative attempt
- Participation in NPA Connect #1 with quote/photo for socials or EPK
- Contact moments with artists and guest teachers from the event
- Reflections on your musical identity and initial direction as an artist
STAGE 2: CREATIVE WORKFLOW & PRODUCTION POWER
- Audio processing & effects
- Rhythm & beat creation
- Essential production techniques
Dive into the world of audio processing and build your own effect chains. Learn the art of groove by programming complex rhythms and understanding beat architecture. Discover essential production tools and techniques that streamline your creative workflow.
STAGE 3: DEPTH & DETAIL
- Sound design & synthesis
- Dynamics & mixing
- Recording & vocal production
Get hands-on with sound design and learn how to program and sculpt your own synth patches. Study dynamics and mixing techniques while working on the structure of your tracks. You’ll also get to record vocals and process them using standard studio workflows.
STAGE 4: POLISHING & POSITIONING
- Mixing & mastering
- Personal guidance
- Exam & final assignment
Bring your mix to a professional level through advanced mixing and mastering sessions. Receive A&R coaching to sharpen your artistic positioning.
Your final assignment? Present your own release plan – backed by the knowledge, tools, and feedback you gained throughout the year.
TESTIMONIALS
MPA has made a change in my musical career.
“I have better self-esteem now because I kind of know what I am doing with music, which is not something I had before starting my course here.”
Luc Poppink, Full Course Beginners graduate
Jelle van Snek
FULL COURSE GRADUATE
“Absolutely, it kick-started my career. Before MPA I was not very productive. During MPA, I only worked on a handful of songs, but it laid the foundation for me”
Jeroen de Jaegher
FULL COURSE GRADUATE AND TEACHER
“So you don’t only get to know music production to do it yourself, but you actually meet people who think the same way and who want the same thing.”
David Kravak
FULL COURSE GRADUATE
“MPA has been immensely beneficial to me, especially considering I started from scratch. It’s a unique experience compared to other universities or schools.”
COURSE TEACHERS
RICHARD
MARIJN
CHÉ
ADDITIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION
STUDENT EXTRA’S
FULL COURSE PRIVATE OR ONLINE
Besides the 40 classes, you will receive several extra’s as a Full Course student. Including free studio time throughout the school year, free access to all of our events including guest workshops & masterclasses as well as discounts on software and hardware.
It is also possible to follow the Full Course through private lessons. You can use the same student extras as regular students of the Full Course. Furthermore, you can also do the music production course online. Whether it is the distance or the pandemic, we will still offer high-quality lessons. You may contact us for further information regarding the online lessons and more, via contact form below.
DAYS AND TIMES OF CLASSES
The classes are most often in the evening from 19:00 – 22:00, so that those of you attending school and those who are occupied with work responsibilities during the day could join this course. However, we also have other time-slots. This course is also available during weekday mornings or afternoons or even during the weekend; please inform us with the day and time that best fits your schedule and we will do our best to adjust accordingly.
STUDY LOAD
Before the start of each Full Course, we offer everyone the opportunity to visit MPA and meet the teachers during our Open House in Rotterdam. Also, a personal and non-binding intake with the teacher of your choice is possible throughout the year. Finally, there is the option of registering for a free trial lesson. Feel free to contact us and make an appointment.
FORMAL INFORMATION
As an official Ableton certified and Steinberg certified training institute, we not only meet specific requirements but also strive to disseminate them as well as possible on a daily basis. The general terms and conditions that apply when registering for a course can be found at the bottom of this page. You can find here how we handle complaints.
OPEN HOUSE, INTAKES & TRIAL LESSONS
Before the start of each Full Course, we offer everyone the opportunity to visit MPA and meet the teacher team during our Open House. Also, a personal and non-binding intake with your teacher of your choice is possible throughout the year. Finally, there is the option of doing a trial lesson with a discount. Please contact us to make an appointment here.
STARTING SEPTEMBER 2025
VISIT US
You can visit MPA six days a week during opening hours and of course during our events. Our studios can also be booked in the evenings. To start your educational journey at MPA, we recommend to schedule an appointment with a teacher or visit one of our events. Contact us and we will make it happen.