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Beginners Guide to Arrangement w/ Kenny Magee

 

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Beginners Guide to Arrangement w/ Kenny Magee

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Course Lessons

Course Preview

Less than 1 minute

Using a Reference Track

7 minutes

Sample Selection Using Splice

14 minutes

Arranging from a 4-bar loop

25 minutes

Live Q&A Session

Live Q&A

20 minutes

About This Course

Are you struggling to get your tracks finished? It’s easy to produce a great sounding 4 bar loop – what’s hard is taking that loop and turning it into a finished song. In this tutorial, Kenny teaches you how to use a reference track for your arrangement and get your tunes sounding like the professionals in Ableton Live.

You will learn how to:

  • Create a full arrangement using a reference track.
  • Turn a 4-bar loop into a full track.   
  • Select samples using Splice. 
  • Use samples as inspiration for your other elements. 
  • Program Basslines. 
  • Use automation. 
  • Play with reverb during transitions. 
  • Use Simpler to sample vocals. 
  • Create energy with snare fills. 
  • Add percussion to your track. 
  • Stay in key with your samples.

Lessons: 

1: Using a Reference Track

As a beginner, it can be tricky to get your head around how to turn your loops into a full arrangement. Kenny breaks down the arrangement process using a Patrick Topping track, teaching you how to use a reference track as a guideline to help you structure your songs.

2: Sample Selection Using Splice

Kenny shows us how easy selecting samples for your track can be using Splice. If you’re often stuck on the key signatures of your samples and how to fit them into your song, this ones for you. He also demonstrates how you can use samples as inspiration for other elements in your track, as well as put your own spin on it.

3: Arranging from a 4-bar loop

Kenny starts off with a 4-bar loop and begins building his arrangement based on his reference track. He refers back to the locators he added earlier to help identify where to add breakdowns and build-ups to a drop. Additionally, he also shows us how to use automation and percussion elements to build energy and help with transitions.

4: Live Q&A

  • Can you use splice samples on any project and not have to worry about sample clearance?
  • Do baseline and lead have to have the same pattern?
  • How do you create snare rolls?
  • Would you describe layering presets as sound design?
  • What courses are the best when it comes to arrangement?

Meet Your Teacher

Kenny Magee

Kenny is a tech House Dj and Producer from Scotland,  who is a contributing member of Skapade Studio in Dumbarton.

Discussions

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

Discussions

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

About This Class 

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

In this new class, Emma shares the framework that allowed her to overcome self-doubt and carve her own path as an author, broadcaster, and podcast host. The secret to her success? Fed up with feeling afraid—of failure, of not being good enough, even of success—Emma dug into the science behind self-sabotage and learned exactly how to get out of her own way.

Now, Emma is sharing what she’s learned so that you can do the same: unlock your creative potential while feeling energized and empowered! 

Together with Emma, you will:

  • Identify the patterns in your life, and let go of habits that don’t serve you
  • Cut out comparison to figure out what you really want and need
  • Silence your inner critic by talking back to negative beliefs and behaviors
  • Own your success and vulnerability—both go hand-in-hand with creativity

Packed with insights and examples from Emma’s personal journey, this class is designed for every creative who needs a pep-talk or extra push to get started—and includes five exclusive downloadable worksheets to support you along the way.

Whether you’re looking to break through block, remove self-imposed pressure, or simply approach each new project with intention, this 45-minute class will unlock your confidence as a creative. Get started and celebrate taking the first step!

______________________________

All you need to follow along is a pen and paper. Download the worksheets to follow along with Emma’s exercises, or jot your thoughts in a notebook.

Resources

  • Introduction
  • Week one

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