Electronic Dance Music Composition
for Year 10 to 12
TeachEDM is a leading educational platform specializing in teaching electronic dance music production. They provide comprehensive courses that cover every aspect of music creation, from writing chord progressions and melodies to advanced mixing and mastering techniques.Â
TeachEDM is dedicated to helping aspiring producers develop their skills with practical, step-by-step lessons that are accessible to beginners and valuable to more experienced musicians. Their focus is on delivering high-quality education that empowers students to create professional-sounding tracks.
EDM Composition Course
Teach EDM has made this Electronic Dance Music (EDM) composition course available free to Music EDnet Member Schools through our Member Portal. The course is based in Ableton Live and is suitable for teachers to use directly with your students in class, or as professional learning about Ableton Live and EDM composition.
The course includes 10 Lessons, with some broken down into sub-topics, and 33 videos, all with clear visual instructions and the guiding voice of Ryan Gerlach, taking you through each step.
Lesson 1:
Writing a Chord Progression
Learn how to create compelling chord progressions that serve as the backbone of your composition.
Lesson 2a:
Melody Writing Using Chord Notes
Discover techniques for crafting melodies by using notes from your chord progression.
Lesson 2b:
Melody Writing Using Syncopation
Add rhythmic interest to your melodies by incorporating syncopation.
Lesson 2c:
Melody Writing Using Seventh Chord Notes
Enhance your melodic lines with the rich tones of seventh chord notes.
Lesson 2d:
Melody Writing Using Passing Notes and Auxiliary Notes
Smoothly connect your chord tones using passing and auxiliary notes in your melodies.
Lesson 2e:
Choosing a Synth Sound and Melody Layering
Explore how to choose the perfect synth sound and effectively layer melodies for a fuller sound.
Lesson 3:
Writing a simple bassline for your composition
Learn how to create a bassline that complements and grounds your chord progression.
Lesson 4a:
Creating a snare/clap build up
Build tension and excitement in your track with snare or clap build-ups.
Lesson 4b:
Writing the main drum pattern
Develop a strong and consistent drum pattern to drive the rhythm of your composition.
Lesson 4c:
Writing a simple bassline for your composition
Learn how to create a bassline that complements and grounds your chord progression.
Lesson 5a:
Using a pad sound
Add depth and atmosphere to your track by incorporating pad sounds
Lesson 5b:
Creating an arpeggiator
Utilise arpeggiators to add movement and complexity to your music.
Lesson 6a:
Creating and using pitch uplifters (risers)
Build anticipation in your tracks with effective pitch risers.
Lesson 6b:
White Noise Risers (Uplifters)
Learn how to use white noise risers to enhance your track’s transitions.
Lesson 7a:
The breakdown
Craft a powerful breakdown to add contrast and dynamics to your composition.
Lesson 7b:
The next build up
Create a second build-up that effectively drives your track toward its peak.
Lesson 7c:
The final drop
Master the art of delivering a hard-hitting final drop that leaves an impact.
Lesson 8a:
How to layer tracks
Learn the importance of layering different elements to create a rich, full sound in your track.
Lesson 8b:
Applying side chain compression
Explore how to use sidechain compression to give your mix more space and punch.
Lesson 8c:
Using drop noise
Enhance your drops with noise effects that add energy and excitement.
Lesson 8d:
Using a HPF to create bigger drops
Use a high-pass filter to make your drops more impactful and dramatic.
Lesson 9a:
Grouping tracks for mixing
Organize your mix by grouping tracks, making the mixing process more efficient.
Lesson 9b:
Conducting a rough mix
Learn how to perform a rough mix to start balancing the elements of your track.
Lesson 9c:
Applying compression
Learn the basics of using EQ to filter frequencies and shape the tonal balance of your track.
Lesson 9d:
Filtering with an EQ
Learn the basics of using EQ to filter frequencies and shape the tonal balance of your track.
Lesson 9e:
Shaping tone with EQ
Dive deeper into EQ techniques to fine-tune the tonal characteristics of your mix.
Lesson 9f:
Applying Reverb and Delay Using Sends
Discover how to use reverb and delay sends to create depth and space in your mix.
Lesson 10b:
Automating the master fader for bigger drops
Learn how to automate the master fader to enhance the impact of your track’s drops.
Lesson 10c:
Applying EQ to the master track
Apply EQ to your master track to achieve overall tonal balance.
Lesson 10d:
Applying compression to the master
Explore the use of compression on the master track to glue your mix together.
Lesson 10e:
Applying a limiter to the master
Master the use of a limiter to ensure your track is loud and clear without distortion.
Lesson 10f:
Exporting your track
Learn the final steps to export your completed track in the best quality possible.
About Ryan Gerlach - creator of Teach EDM
With a decade of experience in music education at one of Australia’s leading music schools, I have established myself as a leader in the field of music technologies. I have had the privilege of presenting my innovative pedagogies and methods to educators across Australia, with my resources being utilized by schools nationwide and internationally.
In addition to my work in education, I am the founder of The Keeper League podcast, which has grown into a successful online business. We create AFL Fantasy resources that cater to fantasy players, attracting sponsorship from prominent brands and generating significant revenue through our membership program.
Moreover, I have ventured into web development, where I created FootyNumbers.com, a viral game that has been featured on TV and radio and used by AFL stars in their content creation. My work across these fields reflects a commitment to innovation, education, and community engagement.