
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?
About Music Production Academy
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
COURSE STAGES
STAGE 1: CREATIVE FOUNDATIONS
GROUP LESSONS
PRIVATE LESSONS
EVENTS
SKILLSET
PORTFOLIO
OVERVIEW
In the first ten classical lessons, you will be focusing on the following topics:
- Studio setup and workflow
- Ableton and 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 get familiar with the Ableton Live workflow. Strengthen your songwriting and composition skills, with special attention to harmonic structures and how they support your style.
STUDIO SETUP AND 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?
SONGWRITING, COMPOSITION AND HARMONIES

Even before the start of the classical lessons, you can start with your one-on-one lessons evolving around:
- Introduction to Ableton
- Genre-specific workflow
- Trouble shooting & studio setup
Before the group lessons begin, students receive at least two private sessions to get familiar with Ableton Live, understand how to create in their own style within the DAW, and meet their mentor for the year. There will also be room for advice on studio setup and trouble shooting to help establish the perfect environment to get creative all year.
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
COMMUNITY: Full Course 2025 Kick-Off
Meet your fellow students, teachers and start the Full Course School Year in a fun and unique way.
MASTERCLASS: SONGWRITING BY ALBERT HARVEY
MASTERCLASS: Ableton Quickstart for Beginners
YOUR DEVELOPMENT IN SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AFTER STAGE 1
- 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 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
YOU’VE MASTERED THE BASICS OF SOUND, STRUCTURE AND YOUR DAW. NOW IT’S TIME TO SHAPE YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE.
THE PROGRESS OF YOUR PORTFOLIO AND EXPANSION OF YOUR NETWORK AFTER STAGE 1
- 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
YOU’VE BUILT YOUR FIRST BEATS, GOT HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTED WITH FELLOW CREATORS. READY TO EVOLVE YOUR SOUND AND DIRECTION?
STAGE 2: CREATIVE WORKFLOW AND PRODUCTION POWER
GROUP LESSONS
PRIVATE LESSONS
EVENTS
SKILLSET
PORTFOLIO
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.
Effect Chains 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 learn 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 learning 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 production skills
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.

To get ready to hand in your first big assignment, you’ll spend one on one time with your teacher to focus on:
- Your remix assignment
- Discovering your own sound
- Attention points & troubleshooting
Here you will get all the personal guidance on shaping your signature sound, tackling your first remix and resolving any creative or technical challenges. All while further connecting with your mentor for the year and paving the way to handing in your first big assignment that will set a foundation for your future productions.
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
COMPETITION: BATTLE OF THE BEATS
COMMUNITY: MPA CONNECTS
YOUR DEVELOPMENT IN SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AFTER STAGE 2
- In-depth understanding of how sound behaves across frequencies and the spectrum
- Fluent workflow in Ableton Live 12 (EQ, filters, automation, audio routing)
- Confident with sampling, chopping and drum programming
- Developed your own drum kits and layering techniques
- Clear insight in panning, volume balance and early mixing
- Better creative focus through personalized sound design & feedback
- Able to troubleshoot technical issues and shape your own workflow
YOU’VE DEEPENED YOUR GENRE SKILLS, VOCAL PRODUCTION AND SESSION WORKFLOW. NEXT UP: PUSHING YOUR CREATIVE BOUNDARIES WITH EXPERT INPUT.
THE PROGRESS OF YOUR PORTFOLIO AND EXPANSION OF YOUR NETWORK AFTER STAGE 2
- First demo track created fully in your own style
- Professional remix assignment completed and added to portfolio
- Studio session footage with you working alongside peers
- Battle of the Beats result as a collaborative project
- Collaborations and feedback moments with other students
- Session video content for socials or EPK
- First real mixing experience with support from teachers
YOU’VE DEVELOPED COLLABORATION SKILLS, BUILT YOUR PROJECT LIBRARY AND FOUND YOUR ARTISTIC LANE. TIME TO GROW AND REFINE YOUR ARTISTRY.
STAGE 3: DEPTH & DETAIL
GROUP LESSONS
PRIVATE LESSONS
EVENTS
SKILLSET
PORTFOLIO
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
Shape your signature sound. 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
Unlock 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
Discover how movement and balance elevate your mix. In this module, you’ll explore 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
Step into the world of 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.

You’ll be connected with a top-tier producer for an Artist Deep Dive: your career coaching session. Designed to:
- Sharpen your unique sound
- Further define your artistic identity
- Expand your understanding of the scene you are part of
Get personal career advice from a top producer in your field: someone who knows the scene, understands your challenges and can offer new perspective on your artistic goals. It’s a chance to ask the right questions, get brutally honest answers, and shape your next steps as an upcoming professional.
OVERVIEW
MASTERCLASS: ARTIST DEVELOPMENT BY BOSS PRIESTER
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.
YOUR DEVELOPMENT IN SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AFTER STAGE 3
- Deep understanding of reverb, delay, distortion, saturation and harmonics
- Able to create custom sounds using synthesis, shaping tones from scratch
- Advanced control of dynamics and automation for movement and clarity
- Structured vocal chains and vocal recording techniques
- Developed vision on personal challenges and artistic growth
- Improved ability to translate emotion and intention into production choices
YOU’VE SHARPENED YOUR TECHNICAL CONTROL AND SHAPED A CLEAR ARTIST VISION. NOW GET READY TO FINALIZE YOUR MUSIC WITH PRECISION.
THE PROGRESS OF YOUR PORTFOLIO AND EXPANSION OF YOUR NETWORK AFTER STAGE 3
- Full artist deep-dive and coaching session with top-tier producer
- Custom synth patches and vocal chains in your own sound library
- Photoshoot assets for press kit and professional presence
- Session content showing your collaboration and communication
- Participation in MPA Connects sessions focused on creative identity
- Professional feedback on your latest work to define release goals
YOU’VE WRITTEN, PERFORMED, AND SHOWCASED YOUR SOUND. NOW IT’S TIME TO PREPARE FOR RELEASE AND BUILD YOUR ARTIST BRAND.
STAGE 4: POLISHING AND POSITIONING
GROUP LESSONS
PRIVATE LESSONS
EVENTS
SKILLSET
PORTFOLIO
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.

To get ready to hand in your final assignment, you’ll once again spend one on one time with your teacher to focus on:
- Your final track, ready for release.
- Fine tuning your own sound.
- Attention points & troubleshooting
Here you’ll receive tailored feedback on your final project, refine the sound that defines you, and resolve the last creative or technical roadblocks. This final deep-dive session helps ensure your mix is ready for release and marks the conclusion of your mentorship journey this year.
OVERVIEW
Masterclass: Advanced Mixing by Marijn Nikerk
MASTERCLASS: ABLETON AND GETTING LIVE SETS
MASTERCLASS: MUSIC BUSINESS AND LAW
Community: MPA Connects
YOUR DEVELOPMENT IN SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AFTER STAGE 4
- Advanced mixing and mastering techniques
- A&R insight: brand positioning and long-term vision
- Strong control over dynamics, automation and vocal production
- Understanding of music business structures and revenue streams
- Ableton workflow for performance and creative flow
- Refined personal vision and release strategy
- Mastery of translating emotional intent into technical decisions
YOU’VE ELEVATED YOUR MIX, SOUND, AND STRATEGY. NOW YOU’RE READY TO STEP INTO THE WORLD WITH A PROFESSIONAL RELEASE.
THE PROGRESS OF YOUR PORTFOLIO AND EXPANSION OF YOUR NETWORK AFTER STAGE 4
- Final deep-dive coaching session with your mentor.
- Fully mixed and mastered final project
- Custom performance and release plan
- Press-ready content: studio photos, bios and final project assets
- Experience from professional MPA Connects workshops
- Masterclass insights from industry leaders in mixing, performance & law
- Tangible feedback and assets to launch your artist journey
YOU’VE CREATED YOUR FINAL PRODUCT, FINE-TUNED YOUR IDENTITY, AND CONNECTED WITH THE INDUSTRY — READY TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER WITH IMPACT.
STUDENT STORIES
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
MPA alumni Job de Jong now grosses over 115.8K monthly listeners and tours international.
MPA alumni Jelle van Snek (LILS) now runs his own label imprint and has songs with over 1M plays.
MPA alumni Megan Leber now plays at major techno events like Perron and Stone Techno with 7K Instagram followers.
COURSE TEACHERS
RICHARD
MARIJN
CHÉ
ADDITIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION
STUDENT EXTRA’S
FULL COURSE PRIVATE OR ONLINE
As a Full Course student, you’ll receive access to 38 weekly group classes and between 5 to 7 private lessons, tailored to your personal goals. You also benefit from free studio time throughout the year, free access to all events — including exclusive masterclasses, guest workshops, and feedback sessions — and discounts on software and hardware.
You can also follow the Full Course as a private program with 1-on-1 coaching throughout the entire year. This option includes all student extras and can be scheduled around your availability.
Different rates apply for private coaching. Please contact us for more information or visit our Private Lessons page.
DAYS AND TIMES OF CLASSES
Classes are held on weekdays from 15:00–18:00 and 19:00–22:00, and on weekends from 11:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00.
If you have specific scheduling needs due to work or study commitments, let us know. We’ll do our best to match you with a class time that fits your weekly rhythm.
STUDY LOAD
We recommend dedicating 8 to 12 hours per week to your growth — this includes both creative production and working on course assignments. We understand it can be challenging to balance this with other responsibilities, which is why we provide Time Management Workshops during MPA Connect to help you stay on track and build consistent creative habits.
TEACHER APPOINTMENTS
Want help designing your ideal course trajectory? You can book a personal appointment with one of our teachers at any time throughout the year.
During this 1-on-1 meeting, we’ll discuss your ambitions, evaluate your level, and map out your path — including your customized set of private lessons.
Book your appointment and experience our personalized approach to music education.
START DATES
The Full Course starts twice per year. Registration must be completed at least two weeks prior to the official start date.
Late registrations may still be accepted in exceptional cases, but we cannot guarantee availability due to the popularity of each class. Secure your spot on time and avoid disappointment — group sizes are limited to ensure quality and personal attention.
FORMAL INFORMATION
MPA is an officially Ableton Certified and Steinberg Certified training institute, and is also CRKBO-accredited. This means we meet quality and ethical standards for education and are exempt from VAT for private individuals in the Netherlands.
You can find more information about our general terms and registration conditions here.
MISSED CLASSES
We understand that life happens. If you notify us in advance, you can always join the same class with a different group, as we run multiple classes in parallel.
Additionally, every student is entitled to one free catch-up lesson per year, which will be scheduled as a private session with your teacher.
STUDIO ACCESS
Full Course students receive free studio access 7 days a week throughout the academic year.
We’re open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 to 22:00, and during the day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (closed on weekend evenings).
Tip: Book your session in the morning, afternoon, or on weekends to secure your preferred slot. You can request studio time via WhatsApp, and if your requested slot is not available, we’ll always offer you alternatives.
FUNDING OPTIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Are you self-employed or starting your own business? You may be eligible for training subsidies through NRTO-recognized programs.
Visit NRTO.nl to find out how the Full Course may be (partially) funded for entrepreneurs.
HOLIDAYS AND BREAKS
We organize holiday breaks in collaboration with your teacher and classmates. As a general guideline, there is always a summer break and a winter break around Christmas.
All other breaks are discussed and agreed upon as a group — one of the benefits of working within a fixed class with consistent energy and shared planning.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Once a year, we host an official graduation ceremony for all Full Course students — and it’s a celebration to remember.
You’ll share your final project (live or as a DJ set), receive your diploma, and look back together on all the memories and progress made. Photos, music, and connection — this is where it all comes together.
FULL COURSE YEAR 2
After completing Full Course Year 1, you can immediately continue or take a break before joining Full Course Year 2.
This is a separate, follow-up program designed to help you turn creativity into income and build your presence in the music industry.
Want to know more? Join one of our info evenings or book a personal appointment to explore your options.
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.