Beat Production and Rhythm Programming
Weak drums kill otherwise good productions. This course teaches you to build drum tracks that hit hard and maintain energy without becoming repetitive or cluttered.
We cover sample selection in depth because choosing the right kick or snare matters more than any processing chain. You'll learn to evaluate samples quickly, layer them for impact without phase issues, and process them to fit different genre contexts.
Programming That Breathes
Rhythm programming goes beyond placing hits on a grid. We explore swing and shuffle, polyrhythmic patterns, and the subtle velocity and timing variations that make programmed drums feel human. You'll study groove templates from classic drum machines and learn when to quantize versus when to leave things loose.
The course includes genre-specific modules covering trap hi-hat programming, techno kick drum design, breakbeat editing, and the percussion layers that fill out arrangements. We also cover using MIDI effects, probability, and generative techniques for creating variation without repetition.
Program Structure
What the curriculum covers and how it's organized
Program Breakdown
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Foundation: Sample Selection and Processing
- Critical listening for sample evaluation
- Identifying frequency content and transient character
- Layering techniques and phase alignment
- Building composite drum sounds
- EQ, compression, and saturation for drums
- Processing chains for different elements
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Rhythm and Groove Programming
- Grid-based and off-grid placement
- Creating swing and feel
- Velocity programming and humanization
- Dynamic variation across patterns
- Polyrhythms and odd time signatures
- Complex rhythmic structures that still groove
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Genre Applications and Advanced Concepts
- Trap: hi-hat rolls and 808 programming
- Characteristic patterns and techniques
- Techno: kick design and percussion layers
- Four-to-the-floor variations and building energy
- Hip-hop: swing, boom-bap, and modern styles
- From classic breaks to contemporary trap
- Breakbeat: editing and rearranging loops
- Creating new patterns from existing breaks
Includes 500+ curated samples and 50 MIDI groove templates for analysis and modification
Ready to Start?
Get in touch to discuss how this program fits your goals. We'll answer your questions and help you understand what to expect from the learning process.
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