BandLab Beginner

This course has everything you need to know to get into music production with BandLab (free online music software), and is suitable for complete beginners.

This course starts with the fundamentals, but also has a quick win. With BandLab loops, you can have lots of fun mixing and matching pre-made music loops. Drag and drop some drums, guitars, synths and vocals, and you have a track in minutes!

The course then takes you into the detail – you can choose what to explore, dip in and out of things, and build your skills. You can keep it simple, or go in-depth – its up to you!

With many hours of video lessons, you can delve into all the musical aspects of writing music, such as creating bass lines, chords and beats (getting creative and developing skills in composition). All the technical details are covered too with videos you can follow step by step, taking you from finding your way around BandLab, to mixing your finished track.

Each lesson will take around 45 minutes, as you pause the video and have a go at putting the learning into practice with your own music. And to get the most out of the course, you are encouraged to spend as much time “mucking around” and exploring as you do on the “learning” part!

About the teacher

Si Gordon is an audio professional and lecturer who teaches in schools, and at FE & HE levels. He has been working in the music industry for over 30 years specialising in music composition, sound recording, sound design, production and engineering for both moving media and the record industry.

His composition and recording work has appeared on  the likes of American Idol, Oprah Winfrey, Sky Sports, Miami Ink, America’s Next Top Model, MTV Europe, Trinny & Susannah Undress, Storm Watches, Horrible Histories and more.

Internet safety

If you’re in a school, or are a MusicEL Premium member, your teacher will give you a log on for the BandLab classroom where you can make music with other students on your course.

If you are a MusicEL Standard member, you won’t have a classroom to log into (as we need to make sure the classrooms are safe and can’t make them open to all). If a parent/carer agrees and monitors your account, they can register an account on the main BandLab site. You’ll be able to learn all the same things on this course – no problems.

But be aware! The main BandLab site has a social media aspect – other BandLab users can message you. So if you’re under 18, we’d recommend you sign up for Premium membership to make sure you’re learning in a safe “walled garden” where you’ll be learning with other MusicEL young people of similar age, under the guidance of our teachers.

Course Instructor

Si Gordon Author