Chris Presnell

I support several popular recording platforms including Pro Tools, Reaper, Cubase, Studio Pro (formerly Studio One), LUNA, Cakewalk/Sonar and GarageBand. We'll cover the basics of using a DAW (digital audio workstation) to record and playback audio. This includes signal chain and gain staging. Next is the world of plugins and hardware inserts. Basics include EQ, compression and FX. Then we'll cover mic techniques for vocals and instruments. Then we'll be ready to learn editing audio. Next is how to properly blend and balance a mix. For intermediate users, we'll learn MIDI and how to edit MIDI data. On to the world of automation for putting the finishing touches on a mix. Producers can learn how to do critical listening as well as picking what can be cut from parts of a song as well as what they still need. We'll avoid a boring mix by adding emotion through various mixing moves. Last, we'll learn how to master a single as well as an album to bring the finished product to release specs for distribution.

For beginners, we'll start with the names of the parts of a guitar. Then how to strum and fret notes along with note names. Then we'll progress to the basic open chords. Songs will start as soon as a couple of chords are learned. We'll start with some basic songs but can also include parts of songs the student likes. For intermediate players, we'll review the basic chord shapes and practice using those shapes as barre chords. We'll then cover the 5 minor pentatonic lead patterns and how they interconnect. Techniques like finger tapping, hammer-ons, pull-offs and more will be taught. For advanced players, we'll review the basic lead patterns, then delve into playing patterns using modes, sweep picking and much more. We'll examine how to use these riffs during improvisation and songwriting.

For beginners, we'll start with the names of the parts of a bass. Then how to strum and fret notes along with note names. We'll practice keeping a steady and stable rhythm with single notes by playing along to a few basic songs. Then we'll cover some basic note progressions and basic melodies and riffs. For Intermediate players, we'll cover several chord shapes and additional techniques like hammer ons and pull offs, harmonics and slap funk.